In the beginning

Nehemiah 9, 10
Acts 2

SOAP - In the beginning

Scripture
Acts 2:37-47 When the people heard this they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Bothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. The devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with gad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Observation
This is a nice description of some of the first groups of people being baptized after the cruxifiction. Peoples hearts were changed. They lovingly gave to those in need and enjoyed fellowship together.

Application
I just really like this description of everyone fellowshipping and learning together, all these new believers and the apostles. It makes it sound like they were just on fire for God. I guess we all feel that way sometimes, but not all the time. Of course I'd love to feel that way all the time. And I'm tempted to think that it's always supposed to feel that way and that God won't bless my efforts if I'm not feeling "on fire" for him at the time. But I think he will bless our efforts, even when we are overwhelmed, knowing we don't have time to do all the things we want to do. But we have to rely on his strength and give it our best shot. We can't just sit back and be overwhelmed, which I have a bad habit of doing. There are a lot of exciting things in front of me right now, and in front of a lot of us. And a lot of it is kind of overwhelming. And it's all really important, so it's scary to think of trying to do it and not "succeeding". I just know that if we include God and rely on him, he'll make sure that what needs to get done, is done.

Prayer
Dear Lord, for everyone out there who's got a lot going on in their life, and is having trouble figuring out where to start, how to make it all work, how to prioritize, how to keep from letting others down, how to keep from letting themselves down, how to make time for you and for their loved ones and for all kinds of great things that could potentially be a blessing to so many people... Lord please watch over all of us. Give us strength and help us have a clear mind to see the path you have for us. Help us remember to always include you, not just for the big stuff, but for the small stuff too. And Lord, for those who don't have a relationship with you, but who you give them strength anyway, I pray that they could see where their strength is coming from, come to know you, love you, and follow you. Thank you Lord, thank you so very much. Amen.