Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

In a world that moves at lightning speed, the concept of slowing down seems almost impossible. Every day, we are bombarded with messages urging us to pursue our ambitions, chase after our dreams, and attain our end goals. This fast-paced culture often causes us to overlook the essential beauty of living in the moment and taking life one day at a time.
Reflecting personally, several years ago, I aspired to run a marathon — a daunting 26.2-mile race that, at the time, felt like both an exhilarating challenge and an overwhelming goal. I was a short distance runner, managing long runs of about 6 miles, and I was filled with excitement about the journey that lay ahead. However, in my eagerness to achieve this big dream, I lost sight of the practical day-to-day preparations necessary for success.
Running a marathon wasn’t just about the thrill of crossing the finish line; it required months of intense training, which included long runs of 3 to 4 hours, stretching, resting, and lifting weights. I had charted out my grand vision, but little did I realize the commitment demanded daily. As race day arrived, I completed the marathon, and that euphoric moment was exactly what I had dreamed of. Yet soon after, people began asking about my next race, and I found myself saying, “Never.” The price of day-to-day training felt too steep. While the exhilaration of the race was incredible, the daily preparation was daunting, even exhausting.
This experience mirrors often what we encounter in our spiritual journeys. When someone hears the gospel and prays for eternal life, the excitement is palpable. However, few stop to consider the lived experience of this new life — a life that requires daily commitment and self-denial. Jesus invites us into a transformative relationship, one that demands we count the cost; He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him… daily (Luke 9:23).

The Daily Walk of Faith

Contrary to what many might believe, Christianity is not merely a one-time decision to follow Christ; it is a life lived day by day, intertwining our ordinary moments with the profound. The early church, as recorded in Acts 2:46-47, provides a beautiful illustration of this daily devotion. The apostles embraced a lifestyle that was rooted in unity and steadfast dedication to the mission of Christ:

“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.”
This passage profoundly reflects the essence of the Christian life. The early believers were united not just in their hearts but also through their time and resources. Their lives were not about building individual kingdoms, but rather about nurturing and expanding the collective Kingdom of God.

Unity in Purpose

Their collective identity was molded through unity. They engaged in activities that fortified their fellowship, nurtured their faith, and encouraged one another’s relationship with Christ. They broke bread together, reflecting the piece of community that gives strength in numbers. In a world where individualism reigns, it’s remarkable to note that the early church’s focus was on building the church rather than their personal reputations or glory.
Their selflessness and communal approach set a vital example of living out the values of faith. Each member laid down personal desires for the overarching mission of God’s kingdom and did so out of a heart genuinely filled with gladness, gratitude, and sincerity. They were not checking off boxes — praying, attending services, giving to the community — to feel righteous or gain favor from God. Instead, they actively participated with authentic hearts.

Heart Posture Matters

Reflecting on my childhood, I am reminded of the times I would put my fifty cents in the offering envelope, diligently checking off every box on the front: Sunday School attended, church attended, giving check, pray daily check, read Bible check. I wore that checklist like a badge of honor. Every time I could complete the list, I took pride in my ability to follow the rules and be seen as a good Christian. Yet, with reflection, I can see how misguided my heart was. It was rooted in my desire for safety and assurance of salvation, rather than being genuine acts of love and faithfulness.
God, in His grace, revealed to me that a list of accomplishments without the right heart is empty. The transformation required was not merely behavioral; it necessitated a heart posture shift — one from obligation to joy. My motivation had to change, growing from dependency on my works to an understanding of salvation grounded in love and grace.

The Cost of Following Christ

When we accept Christ into our lives, we often envision a glorious journey devoid of struggles. We paint pictures of triumph and abundance, only to find ourselves grappling with the realities of everyday faith. Embracing the cost of discipleship means recognizing that faith is about the daily acts of love, mercy, and obedience. It is where faith intersects with our ordinary routines — amidst the mundane — and it is a daily decision to follow Christ, even when it is hard.
In Acts, these early disciples exemplified this daily commitment beautifully. Their unity in community, devotion to fellowship, and willingness to share their resources reflect Christ’s teaching of love and sacrifice. Not only were they devoted to personal spiritual growth, but they actively participated in mutual encouragement and collective worship, thereby fostering a vibrant church life.

The Small Steps Count

The marathon analogy can be therapeutic for many of us. As with running, it is the small, incremental steps that ultimately lead to the larger goal. It means honoring each day, regardless of how mundane it may seem. The early church understood well that significant changes come from faithfully living out day-to-day responsibilities — from their time spent in prayer to the meals shared with one another.
Each moment dedicated to God is invaluable. Jesus emphasizes in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant… you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” The daily faithfulness is an essential part of the journey God has called us to undertake. Our lives are an ongoing marathon, stretching from one mile to the next, where the holy mundane matters.
In our journey of faith, may we find grace and motivation to embrace a day-by-day existence. The race of life is not merely about the end; it is about the fulfillment and transformation that happens in our hearts along the way. As we strive for the finish line, let’s not forget to cherish and live out the small steps that guide us there — gently walking together with God and our community.

The Apostles’ Daily Steps

Now, as we reflect on the commitment of the early apostles, we see how they shared the good news of Jesus as they lived it out day by day. Their simple daily devotion was powered by the fire of the Holy Spirit igniting their hearts, giving them a spirit-filled stamina and grit to persevere regardless of the price they would face. They didn’t just check off boxes in their faith journey; they rejoiced in doing everything unto God. This wasn’t empty religious motion; it was a full-bodied, all-in lifestyle characterized by day-by-day surrender, devotion, and obedience to God’s purpose.
God is inviting us into that same level of all-in devotion. He is calling us to embrace our daily roles in His kingdom, to rejoice and serve fervently, empowered by His Spirit. Are you ready to give Him your yes today?

Conclusion

In a fast-paced world that often glorifies the finish line, we must remember to slow down and appreciate each moment we have. It may be intimidating to think about taking on a marathon of faith, but as we learn from the early church, we are not meant to journey alone. Uniting together in purpose and dependence on God, we can enjoy the rhythms of daily devotion, reflecting a posture of gratitude and sincere fellowship.
So, let’s embrace this spiritual marathon together — day by day, one moment at a time. As we gather, share, and devote ourselves to one another, we truly embody the love of Christ and become a part of something grander — God’s eternal Kingdom on earth. Let’s run this race, cherishing each step along the way, and count the costs together. The journey matters, and the simple, profound truth remains: it’s all about living day by day.