Extra Ordinary

Well, the presence have been exchanged, the meals have been eaten, the twinkly lights are coming down, the ornaments are being neatly packed away and the tree is going back into storage. Things are a little quieter around the house as visiting family has made their way back home. The new year has begun and many of us are returning to work and settling back into regular rhythms and tackling new resolutions. We’ve reached the end of the year and some may be asking, “Now what?” Let me remind you that the call is simple. The Lord calls us to the ordinary and through that He accomplishes the extraordinary. 

In the book of Acts we read, “…they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)

It ends, worded differently, but in a similar way. Here’s what Luke records, “Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” (Acts 28:28, 30-31)

I propose to you today that, as you make plans to accomplish great things for the Lord this new year, know that a simple commitment to carrying out your witness in your work place, in your community, in your homes, and wherever God has you is doing just that. I want to encourage you to double down on your commitment to your local church. Moms, Dads, Husbands, and wives double down on discipling your children and intentionally serving your spouse. Children, make a commitment to following your parent’s lead. What might happen if we all went out of our way to intentionally love our neighbors?

Between these two passages so many wonderful things happened and the is exactly how it happened! A handful of faithful saints devoted themselves to the Bible, their church, each other, prayer, hospitality, and the ordinances and God accomplished incredible things! Two-thousand years later we are living as glad recipients of the expansive growth of the Gospel through these ordinary means. 

Let’s double down on being extra ordinary and watch God do the extraordinary!

-Pastor Ricky