My Pop-up Life: Church
By Rachel Hillestad
The Pop-up: I gotta admit. I’m victim to it. I think we all are. While it’s not horrible to love a good pop-up (fireworks, Christmas trees, Halloween Express), I couldn’t help but think how awesome and non-trendy I was when I stopped in a Royals pop-up shop after game five and the only other person there was my three year old. After game six and a 10 - 0 win, however, you had to wait in a 90-foot long line to buy a vinyl decal.
I was definitely a pop-up Royals fan. During the first World Series game I asked all of Facebook why the Royals didn’t have a point after Billy Butler (aka Country Breakfast) hit the ball and got to first base. My husband groaned. New follower. Bandwagon jumper. Right here. When I sheepishly admitted to diehard Royals fans that I had just become a fan, they surprised me with, “That’s great! They’re an amazing team this year!” I wasn’t chastised for not being a fan last year. I was gladly and warmly welcomed into the fold.
Type in “gaining followers” on Google and you’ll find so many results your head will spin. One of those most exciting parts about Christianity is the ability and power God gives us through the Holy Spirit, if we choose to accept it, to help others become followers as well. Hopefully this following means more than a “like” on Facebook or a “follow” on Instagram. After all, the “unlike” and “unfollow” buttons can be hit just as easily in the end, can’t they?
(You are encouraged to use the Read, Think, Pray, Live method for a guide. Click here to read more about developing your devotional life. If you don’t own a Bible, pick up "The Story of God" Bible available for free at the Welcome Center in our atrium.)
monday 1.5
Read: Acts 2:42-47, Acts 2:5-13
Think: All of these unbelievers from many different places are hearing the current Christ followers speaking their language. They are amazed. How did this “pop up” miracle lead to new believers?
Pray:
Live:
tuesday 1.6
Read: Acts 2:14-21
Think: Peter chastises those mocking Jesus’ followers. What does he mean when he says, “...and everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved?”
Pray:
Live:
wednesday 1.7
Remember to join us tonight for First Wednesday worship and communion in The Dock at 7PM
Read: Acts 2:22-24
Think: How were those who were not fans of the Pop-Up used in God’s ultimate plan?
Pray:
Live:
thursday 1.8
Read: Acts 2:40-41
Think: Thousands of Jesus Followers were added in one day. No one had a computer or a Twitter account. What did these new followers see in Jesus’ followers that inspired them to follow, too?
Pray:
Live:
friday-sunday 1.9-1.11
Read: Acts 2:30, Psalm 89:35-37
Think: How does God’s promise to David extend well beyond the Pop-Up concept?
Pray:
Live:
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Heartland Community Church, On-Line Journey Devotional Page 2 of 4