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Monday, June 21, 2010

WHAT IS “A DAILY DEVOTION?”

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common.” (Acts 2:42-44)

When you think of the phrase “daily devotion,” what comes to mind? A “quiet time,” sitting alone privately with God early in the morning and/or late at night? Is it one of those spiritual disciplines that we know we should be doing, yet most of us don’t? Indeed regular private encounters with God are vital for spiritual nourishment, but should we consider “daily devotion” as merely an individualistic experience with God?

Based on Acts 2:42-44, a community’s “daily devotion” can be observed by the following four key elements: 1) hearing the Word of God, 2) having fellowship with other Christians, 3) sharing meals in remembrance of Jesus (that is, the sacrament of “Communion”), and 4) praying together with other believers. Our private “daily devotion” cannot rise above the level of our corporate “daily devotion”—and the opposite is true as well. Daily devotions are both an individual and a group endeavor.

What happens among a community where “daily devotion” is happening? The Bible tells us that everyone feels a “sense of awe” (v43), “many wonders and signs take place” (v43), and the members have “all things in common” (v44). Signs and wonders cannot be legislated into existence any more than sharing material possessions can be forced. These Spirit-produced miracles occur as the result of “daily devotion” to the Word of God, fellowship with the body of Christ, communion, and prayer.

What does Regent University need in order for “daily devotion” to occur among our beloved community? Have you devoted yourself both individually and corporately today?

Submitted by Darren Shearer, M.A. Candidate, School of Divinity

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