They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship and to 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: and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people.  And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.    Acts 2:42-47 NASB

Our scripture passage today paints a beautiful picture of a society that put God first. This was during the time of Pentecost that occurred after Jesus ascended to heaven after his resurrection.  People were in love with the Lord, they were devoted to the Lord.  They were showing Christ’s love to each other.  Everybody was on the same page.  Instead of one bad apple spoiling the whole bunch, this movement of Christianity was spreading like wildfire.

Those that had not yet been saved were looking at these people and saying, “Hey, I want whatever it is that they have”.

Could you imagine if we could get something like this going here today.  People run around talking about making our nation great again, well let me tell you this is the way to do it.  This is how our country was founded and this is where we must return in order to see positive changes in our country.

No single politician can save this great country, only God can.  Now you are probably reading this, saying, “I’m just me, I can’t change the nation”. And you’re right, you can’t. But, you can be a starting point. You can begin by making yourself better than you have been. Turn to God and let Him do that for you. Call on Him and trust in Him. This will turn your whole life around. Show God’s love to others, even your enemies.  Your enemies may not change, but others will certainly see something different in you, perhaps something that they want, like that peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

It’s easy to sit there and say that this world is too far gone and nothing you could do could possibly matter.  That’s a cop out, my friend. That’s taking the easy way or the lazy way out. It also shows no faith whatsoever in the power of our almighty God.

I know what God has done for me and in my life over the last ten years.  I thank Him everyday for His mercy and grace that I do not deserve. I have learned the hard way that keeping my focus on Him saves me a lot of grief.  Oh, I will admit that there are times when I get frustrated and angry just like anyone else, but these are times when I have to pull myself together and remember that God’s got this.  He is in control and He protects me.  I know this because He has proven it time and time again.

When you read our scripture passage it depicts this community where everyone gets along and everyone is happy to be meeting together serving the Lord.  They are all focused on God and they are all determined to treat each other with a godly, or Agape, kind of love. It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But my former pastor used to tell us this. You can change you and maybe in changing you, you will make some positive changes in your family and friends.  Your neighbors may see the positive changes in your family and you may be able to bring about positive changes in your neighborhood.  This may bring about positive changes in your community which may bring about positive changes in  your town.  This could bring about positive changes in your parish or county, for those outside of Louisiana.  This could bring about positive changes in your state.  Positive changes in your state could bring about positive changes nationwide.

All that we do has a ripple effect.  I challenge you today to begin your journey in putting God first and not allowing the devil to get in your way.  You can’t go wrong with that plan.

Have a great day!