Good Sunday morning! I am intrigued by purple martin homes like the ones in this picture captured by Ray White. When I was a child and my family lived in Lancaster, SC, our neighbor had several poles of purple martin houses. When I think of these unique houses I am reminded of living in community with my church family. First, let me share some purple martin facts.

Purple martins migrate to South America in the winter. They eat flying insects so people sometimes believe they are good to have around to control mosquitoes. However, purple martins fly higher in the sky so mosquito control is a misconception. Purple martins live in communities and each year return to the same home if it has been cleaned out.

Just as I am intrigued by purple martins, I am also intrigued by the lifestyle of the early Christian church.

“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.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:42-47‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Can you imagine living in such a community? The early Christians devoted their lives to growing their faith, encouraging one another, and spreading the Good News! It is vital for us to be a part of a Christian community so we can grow, encourage one another, and spread the Good News together.

Are you a member of a church? Do you have a church family? This Spiritual Sunday I encourage you to be intentional about the time you are at church today. Use your time with your church family to be intentional about growing and encouraging one another. Eagerly partner with other Christians to spread the Good News and grow the Kingdom. Go to your places of worship today reflecting on the early church and ways we can mirror their enthusiasm and unity.