Devoted

21 Days of Prayer

Our prayer for 2025 is that we will be a people who live by faith, grow in grace, and pray first. Join us for 21 Days of Prayer beginning on Monday, January 6th. 

https://www.venturechurch.org/21Days

 

Acts 2:21 NIV

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

 

Acts 2:38 NIV

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.

 

Acts 2:41 NIV

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

 

Acts 2:42-47 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

 

I. They were devoted to God's Word.

 

Acts 2:42 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 

Psalms 119:103 NIV

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

 

Psalms 119:105 NIV

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

 

Psalms 119:11 NIV

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

 

Biggest obstacle to being devoted to God's Word: Intimidation

 

The obstacle for me, in the past, has been intimidation. I was very intimidated by the Bible. Learning how to read the Bible has been life-changing. I became a student of God's Word after I learned how to study and absorb it.

 

I. They were devoted to God's Word.

II. They were devoted to prayer.

 

Acts 2:42 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 

Acts 1:14 NIV

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Prayer is a portal.

  

• Prayer is a lifeline of joy and rest in this crazy time that we live in.
• Prayer is experiencing a new place of peace and rest.
• Prayer is opening our hearts and minds to another level.
• Prayer is communicating with God, listening to God, and getting alignment with God.

 

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Biggest obstacle in becoming a person of prayer: Feeling of Guilt

 

Overcoming was the mindset instilled in me from a very young age that being devoted to prayer and God’s Word looks like getting up before everyone else in my house each day and sitting in a quiet place to have a structured quiet time — which leads to a feeling of failure and shame.

 

I. They were devoted to God's Word.

II. They were devoted to prayer.

III. They were devoted to fellowship.

 

Acts 2:42 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 

You need people who will stop you from you! 

 

• people who will challenge you
• people who will encourage you
• people who will stand with you
• married - marriages that are beyond you
• parents - parents that will push you

 

Phrase that will help us become more loving: "Tell me more."

 

John 13:35 NIV

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 

Biggest obstacle: Selfishness

 

I don’t want the messiness that goes with engaging others. I’ve got my family, my friends, my issues...I don’t need any others. Selfishness is probably the better term for this. I just didn’t want to say it.

 

Bible Reading Plan

Dig deeper with the Bible Reading Plan and Daily Devos in 2025!

https://www.venturechurch.org/biblereadingplan