DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
READ: Acts 2 (Focus vs. 42-47)
MEMORY VERSE
Every day they continued to meet together. Acts 2:46
BACKGROUND
When I was a child, I gladly accompanied my family to church every Sunday morning and evening. Our pastor exuded joy and always included the children in the service—and even encouraged my writing.
My Sunday school teachers and pastor instilled in me a love for Scripture. And Sunday nights often meant a guest speaker or missionary who stirred my heart toward missions.
Our church truly earned the slogan our pastor created: “The warmhearted church on Coldwater Road.” It wasn’t perfect, but we were a family. Since that day, I’ve continued attending church (even when it was hard to find the right one), and I’ve been encouraged and have grown in my faith as a result.
Just as we do today, believers in Jesus in the early church needed support and encouragement, and they understood the importance of meeting together with fellow believers (Acts 2:46). They were a family. Together they built each other up when doing life and serving God became difficult.
They gathered to pray, study Scripture, praise God, enjoy fellowship, and eat meals together (v. 42). As a result, God caused their numbers to grow (v. 47).
Finding a like-minded church may take time, but it’s vital. Life is difficult to face on our own, and that’s why God gave us families and communities. A church is a great place to build community.
Alyson Kieda
INSIGHT
The early church in Acts recognized the need for community (Acts 2:46).
The author of Ecclesiastes also confirmed this truth: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (4:9-10).
Strength in numbers is one reason community is so important. Families and churches that are grounded in God’s truth can support us and help us to survive and thrive. Jesus reminded us that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
In such a Christ-centered community, we’re enabled to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), “pray for each other” (James 5:16), and “be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12).
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
Why do you think it’s important to have a church community? How might participating in church activities encourage you?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Finding a like-minded church may take time, but it’s vital. Life is difficult to face on our own, and that’s why God gave us families and communities. A church is a great place to build community.”
PR’s TAKE
We did not choose our natural/biological family, but we do choose our church family. Pray God leads you to a Church tailor-perfect for you. Pr.
The Church is not a place we go to or an event we show up at. It’s a family we belong to. Anonymous – Adapted
Only a matter of time a blazing hot coal starts fizzling out without other hot coals so without the company of a church family, a believer eventually fizzles out. Pr
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for giving me Your church, where I can learn more about You and be encouraged.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“FAMILY OF GOD” Bill & Gloria Gaither.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
You will notice we say “brother and sister” ’round here,
It’s because we’re a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this road,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here, but PRAISE GOD! I belong!
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God,
I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
The Family of God
