"Summer of One" Devotional

“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23 There are people who don’t know Jesus who have a heart to help others. They feed the hungry, drill wells for those who need water, care for the ill, clothe the naked, and respond to tragedies. It is admirable. So, what makes what we do “Christian” and “godly” and their actions just “good works”? Good question. Look at what it says in this passage. Jesus was engaging people where they were. As He went, He taught the already convinced or seeking. But along with caring for their sick, He proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom. That is the difference. If we care for the needs of people but never proclaim the Good News, it will help them for this world but leave them stuck in their lostness. It is vital that we also tell them about Jesus and His Kingdom. As we say, our desire is that every man, woman and child...

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 12:1-3 There is always more going on than simply what is going on. And in every situation, we know God is always doing more. In this picture, a party in Jesus’ honor was being held. Let’s take some snapshots. Martha, the task-oriented one, the planner and doer, was busy serving the meal. She was concerned that she had no help. Lazarus was enjoying company with Jesus. Mary, the one who feels deeply, anoints Jesus’ feet and wipes it with her hair. Judas, the treasurer, criticizes. And others who heard about the party and also how Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead...

“And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:33-37 I had the opportunity recently to offer something of value to some friends. It was passes to a golf tournament. I only had two, so I started checking with them one at a time. The first several were not able to take advantage of them, but something struck me. In declining, each of them expressed appreciation. Generosity had touched them. Joseph from Cyprus was a generous person. It was shown in two ways. He was generous with his possessions. He sold some property he owned to provide for needy people. And he was so gen...

“Let the word of Christ dwell in your richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 I don’t know about you, but for me it is easier to be negative then it is to be positive. The coach and critical thinker in me just seems to rise to the surface more often. We live in a negative world, a highly critical world where the demand for perfection and change is almost required. We, in the church, need to reflect early and often on the words that Paul gave to the church in Colossi. He reminded them to let the words of Christ richly impact them so that they could live a thankful lifestyle. It’s so much harder to be negative and critical when you’re singing praises to God with a thankful heart. When the Word is dwelling in us richly, then we can teach and admonish with wisdom … and not before. I should not be teaching or admonishing anyone with my own strength and wisdom, ...

“Levi made him a great feast, and there was a large number of tax collectors and others reclining at the table with him.” Luke 5:29 Trips can be long, especially the long ones!! You know those kind, right? The trip to Florida, the beach, to grandma’s house where any delay or traffic jam can take you over the edge. It’s during these trips that the monotony and duration can lead to fights and aggravation, random arguments that start over the simplest of things. One way to stop these petty disagreements is to celebrate mile markers. Look for places on the map that break the trip up and throw parties when you get there. Celebrate mile markers!! This is a practice that we can apply more in all areas of our lives. Put more parties on our schedule, unplanned, planned, spontaneous, and everything in between. When Jesus invited Matthew to come and follow Him, Matthew’s response was to throw a party and invite all his friends. Sometimes the best way for people to see Jesus is through a par...

“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17 I can still remember that day my wife, Danielle, and I started putting together furniture for our newborn, Phoebe. She was our first so we were already nervous about this new life as it was. So, the warnings on all of baby furniture that seemed to promise, “If you do this wrong, your baby will die,” were pretty scary. It was through this time I learned to take great comfort in the reality that God is in control, that He knows my circumstance and knows my need. As we reach out to our friends and family around us it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about Jesus, or in what specific area of their life God is calling us to minister to. Some people say to provide for their earthly needs, others say to just give them Bible passages to struggle through, still others say to point out areas of their lives that lack fulfillment....

“As Scripture says, ‘Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.’ For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:11-15 God is good, all the time! Just two verses are already good enough for Him to sketch His gospel to us! The messenger is sent to preach to the seeker. The seeker hears and believes and calls on the name of the Lord! Is it simple? YES! Is it easy? NO. Thank You God, You only hold us accountable to do our best in Your strength and in Your will, then leave the results for You! Also, thank You God, You pave...

“Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’” Acts 26:28 I remember the first time I met someone who was a very important person. I was very nervous and tongue-tied. I did not want to do or say anything embarrassing. I felt privileged to have the opportunity. Paul is standing in front of King Agrippa. Both know a little of each other’s history. We can get awed by being in the presence of someone we deem important. And then we can remember that we are in the presence of royalty every moment of every day. And our King is also our Father. He has purpose in every encounter He gives us. At times, it may be for the intention of sharing the Gospel. Other times it may just be for representing His character. But in every case, we don’t have to fear men, or be overwhelmed by them. We are representatives of the King of Kings. And that gives us confidence and humility. Prayer Focus : Father, thank You for all the opportunities ...