Day 3 – Devoted Daily Devotional

One of the coolest parts about Devoted Conference to me isn’t the production or the atmosphere or even really one hundred percent about what I am able to get out of conference – it’s the COMMUNITY of it all.

One of my most impactful moments was looking around and seeing so many people living out what they were truly called by God to be doing with their lives – from worship, to serving, to simply engaging in meaningful prayer and conversation. Being able to watch friends step into their “God mantle” is special. Seeing women traveling together in pursuit of getting closer in their relationship to Jesus is special. Witnessing new people experience salvation is special. What an honor that we get to be a part of it!

In today’s climate, a full understanding of what community in and from the Church is supposed to be can quite literally change lives – change cities – change the world. This year’s conference theme is “This Is Living.” It is our prayer that as we look around at the women in our world that the importance of community and sisterhood would be a rallying point for loving others around us – that we would truly live this out in our everyday lives. John 13:34-35 in The Message Translation shares, “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.” I am so excited to see what our team prepares and to hear of the stories of our visiting women – I encourage you to be the biggest champion for others around you. Let’s be recognizable as Christ followers due to the kindness, grace, and compassion we show toward other people.

In the weeks leading up to Devoted, I urge you to prayerfully consider who in YOUR community you could extend an invitation to. Let us be mindful, bold, and sensitive to the moments in which the Holy Spirit opens up a door to someone!

We believe that we are created to exist together and live in relationship. It is here in this God-centered community that we can really see life change happen and new relationships grow. I believe we have a very unusual and exceptional touch from heaven at our Devoted Conference. Let’s remember and thank God for an amazing time together and ask for our eyes to be opened to just how extraordinary our time together in God’s presence can be! No matter what season of life you find yourself, there is community for you and we welcome you with arms wide open to this year’s Devoted 2020 Conference!

Here are a few more of my favorite verses that I think of when remembering the importance of community and the power of Devoted Conference!

Psalm 133:1-3 NIV – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! … For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”

Matthew 18:20 NLT – “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

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.”