Day 5: Devoted Hearts
SENT: 21-Days of prayer and fasting
Devoted Hearts
Written By: Joshua Etienne
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 2:42 to 47 has always stood out to me because of one simple phrase: “They devoted themselves.” The believers on the Day of Pentecost did not just have a powerful spiritual encounter. They repented. They were baptised. They experienced the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. But the true evidence of their transformation was seen in their devotion.
To be devoted means to be dedicated, committed, and set apart for a purpose. Devotion reveals the heart. It shows what we value, what we prioritise, and what we truly desire. Growing up in church, I saw many sincere moments of repentance and powerful encounters with God. Yet I also learned that there is a difference between experiencing God and continuing in that experience daily.
When encounters with God do not lead to devotion, our Christian life becomes inconsistent. Faith looks alive on Sunday but fades during the week. The believers in Acts 2 refused to live like that. They allowed what God had done in their hearts to shape their everyday lives through teaching, fellowship, generosity, prayer, and shared community.
I remember praying once about wanting to be more consistent in my walk with God. Life felt busy, and I wanted to give Him more of my heart. As I prayed, the Lord spoke something that stayed with me: “You are consistent. Everyone is consistent. You consistently work. You consistently follow your routines. But am I in your routines? That is where you will find your true devotion.”
In Acts 2, we see awe, miracles, unity, generosity, and a growing community. God responded to their devotion by adding to their number daily.
To be devoted means to be dedicated, committed, and set apart for a purpose. Devotion reveals the heart. It shows what we value, what we prioritise, and what we truly desire. Growing up in church, I saw many sincere moments of repentance and powerful encounters with God. Yet I also learned that there is a difference between experiencing God and continuing in that experience daily.
When encounters with God do not lead to devotion, our Christian life becomes inconsistent. Faith looks alive on Sunday but fades during the week. The believers in Acts 2 refused to live like that. They allowed what God had done in their hearts to shape their everyday lives through teaching, fellowship, generosity, prayer, and shared community.
I remember praying once about wanting to be more consistent in my walk with God. Life felt busy, and I wanted to give Him more of my heart. As I prayed, the Lord spoke something that stayed with me: “You are consistent. Everyone is consistent. You consistently work. You consistently follow your routines. But am I in your routines? That is where you will find your true devotion.”
In Acts 2, we see awe, miracles, unity, generosity, and a growing community. God responded to their devotion by adding to their number daily.
Reflect
Devotion is revealed in our rhythms, our priorities, and our daily choices. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your devotion so that your faith becomes lived, not just felt.
Prayer
Lord, help us follow the example of the believers in Acts 2. Shape our hearts to be truly devoted to You. Amen.
Posted in SENT: 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting