Tag: Evangelism

May 25, 2023

May 25th, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – 1 Corinthians 9-10

Highlight Verse:

“Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I like Paul’s attitude in this chapter. He’s all in. He doesn’t want money or pride to come in the way of making the Gospel known.

What if everyone who was called to preach and teach approached it with this fervor?

The world would be a different place!

Paul was a true missionary, going to lands that had never heard the Gospel while raising his own support.

To him, it could be no other way.

Which are you more interested in pursuing – A life of comfort or a life where the highest priority is making the Gospel known?
May 20, 2023

May 20th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Acts 8:26-39

Highlight Verse:

“As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.””
‭‭Acts of the Apostles‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Phillip is among those who had recently been kicked out of Jerusalem for following Jesus. This drove Phillip first to Samaria where he saw many Samaritan’s find faith in Jesus.

Then came this odd command from the Lord. “Go down the desert road.”

I don’t know about you but a walk in the desert would not be my first choice, especially if I was eager to share the Gospel.

But that’s exactly where God wanted Philip.

In the midst of the heat and dust, God put Philip in the exact spot where he could speak to an important Ethiopian.

History records that the church in Ethiopia likely traces its roots back to this very meeting. In fact, Ethiopia is the only country in that region that remained primarily Christian when Islam swept through that area. Today two-thirds of the population identifies as Christian.

All because Philip obeyed a rather odd request from God.

God may have you on a desert road.

Your life may not have gone according to your plans. That doesn’t mean that you’re not smack dab in the middle of God’s plans for you.

If you are open to being used by God in whatever way he chooses, the results may blow you away.

How have you seen God use you along the “desert road” of your life?
Are you open to sacrificing comfort to do God’s will?

Bonus:

Here’s Casting Crowns new song “Desert Road” – the idea of which came from this passage.
April 7, 2023

April 7th, 2023

Friday – Prophets

Reading – Isaiah 40-42

Highlight Verse:

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It was the pleading tone at the start of this verse that caught my attention.

I’ve heard that tone.

I’ve used that tone.

When trying to get someone I love to understand the beauty of the Gospel, and the words fall short. My heart breaks at the twisted logic that keeps people from understanding the truth of God’s existence and His grace.

I was reminded today of the words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Always preach the Gospel. If you have to, use words.”

It was the words backed by actions of the people at camp that brought me understanding of the Gospel at age 13.

May my actions and my words shed light on the Gospel!

What was it for you that helped you understand the Gospel?
Do your actions support your words?
March 22, 2023

March 22nd, 2023

Wednesday – History

Reading – Judges 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“Therefore, tell the people, ‘Whoever is timid or afraid may leave this mountain and go home.’” So 22,000 of them went home, leaving only 10,000 who were willing to fight.”
‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

Way over half.

I know, God wanted a smaller army. Even smaller than the ten thousand remaining.

But – over half?

This might be why the Israelites were so oppressed. There seemed to be quite a lack of courage.

But, do we have any more courage?

I’m not talking about our military. I don’t doubt their courage.

Do we have the courage to defend our faith?

Do we back down when attacked by those who would suppress us?

I am struggling not to sound political here. Politics could use a little faith and courage. But I’m talking about not being shy about our faith.

It’s worth noting that Gideon’s brave warriors who went into the battle did so be specifically following God’s peculiar instructions.

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

What does it mean to be courageous in the context of your faith?
What are ways that you have been loving and bold about your faith?
What is your next step in living your faith out loud?
March 18, 2023

March 18th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading –

““Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Okay everyone, who loves snakes, raise your hand.

Not too many hands going up, are there?

I’m going to go against most commentaries here. They say we have something to learn from the evil wisdom of snakes.

I don’t know about that, but I do know what a snake’s best defense is.

Invisibility.

Snakes blend into their environments. If you don’t believe me, go to the reptile house at any zoo and see how long it takes you to find all the snakes.

This verse is part of Jesus’ pep-talk to his disciples when He sent them out to spread the gospel.

Is He telling them to hide?

In context, we find out that the disciples are told to bring the Gospel to the families who will listen, and to not waste time sharing with people who reject the message.

In other words, don’t be obnoxious when you share the Gospel.

If people don’t want to hear about it, respect them and their wishes. That will go a lot farther toward bringing people to God than speaking an unwanted message.

Do you listen to people with whom you share the Gospel?
Do you show them respect by not trying to force Jesus on them?
Have you found other ways to spread the Word about salvation?
March 4th, 2023

March 4, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Matthew 5:14

““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I love lighthouses.

I like how they look.

Even more, I like what they stand for.

They were designed to protect people in ships from running aground on rocky shores. Over the years, they have saved countless lives from peril.

Today, lighthouses are mostly symbolic. Yes, many still operate, but they are only the last line of defense after all the navigation equipment available on ships today.

Like sea captains have many more tools to keep them safe, today, we can deploy many more tools to shine the light of Jesus to people trying to navigate this life.

Just as the coastline is far more visible with today’s technology, all our shortcomings are more obvious today than in the past.

We need to stay honest and true to the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

They may see our rocky coastlines with all our faults, but if we are honest, they will also see the One who is the Solid Rock.

Do you find it difficult to shine the light of Jesus to those around you?
How do you go about being honest about your faults while pointing to the One who brings restoration from those faults?
February 23, 2023

February 23rd, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 8

Highlight Verses:

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38-39 NLT

I remember being asked as a teenager how I could be sure I was going to heaven when I died. As my Bible knowledge was rather limited at the time, I had no answer.

Thanks to today’s verses, we now do. (Have an answer, that is).

Once we have entrusted our salvation to Jesus, there is nothing that can take it away. In fact, there is no way to lose salvation. We can only give it up by refusing to believe anymore.

I don’t know about for you, but for me, this is fantastic news. I can face any hardship, any trial, any enemy and not fear for my eternal life.

In case you were looking for a great scripture passage to memorize, look no further.

Are you certain of your salvation?

Can you believe in the certainty that this passage provides?
February 20, 2023

February 20th, 2023

Monday – Gospels

Reading – John 9

Highlight Verse:

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.”

John 9:1 NLT

The first thing that struck me about today’s reading was the very first line.

“As Jesus was walking along.”

He was walking from one place to another in Jerusalem when He seized on a moment to both heal and teach.

Keep in mind that, in the last chapter, Jesus was almost stoned for preaching the truth. You might think He would want to keep a low profile, especially since He knew they didn’t want Him healing on the Sabbath.

Despite this, Jesus noticed the need for teaching and healing and He stepped in to help.

This week, I am in Nashville on business. Just because I’m not at home does not mean I should ignore all the needs around me.

If I follow the principles of this passage, I should keep my eyes open for ministry opportunities as I go along my way everyday, even when I am traveling.

Have you experienced ministry opportunities as you went along you way?

How can you spot those opportunities?
February 4, 2023

February 4th, 2023

Saturday – Open Topic

Highlight Verses:

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV

The most popular sporting event in the United States is coming up next weekend. Players for the Chiefs and the Eagles have practiced their entire lives for this game. Their levels of discipline have been off the charts to prepare themselves for the Super Bowl.

The life changing opportunities in our lives are no less important than the Super Bowl.

For those we draw to Jesus, they are far more important.

For this reason, we would do well to discipline ourselves to train for the event of helping people find and follow Jesus.

In what ways do you discipline yourself for this life of following Jesus?

What has worked well for you to improve your spiritual and physical abilities? Please share so that the rest of us may learn from what works for you.
February 2, 2023

February 2nd, 2023

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Romans 5

“Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Romans 5:11 NIV

And another thing…

Paul seems to get excited in this chapter about so many of the benefits of accepting God’s gift of sacrifice for us. Phrases like “not only” and “how much more” are scattered throughout the chapter.

This gift of new life is not just reason to be glad and celebrate.

It’s reason to boast – not the “I’m better than you,” kind of boast but the “look what God has done for me,” kind of boast!

Have you boasted lately?

Can you find it in you to boast about the amazing grace and mercy of God?

Tag: Evangelism

What if everyone who was called to preach and teach approached it with this fervor?

But that’s exactly where God wanted Philip.

If you are open to being used by God in whatever way he chooses, the results may blow you away.

I’ve heard that tone.

I’ve used that tone.

May my actions and my words shed light on the Gospel!

Over half of the soldiers in Gideon’s army chickened out.

But, do we have any more courage?

We can defend and advance our faith by following God’s instructions in a loving and bold manner.

Okay everyone, who loves snakes, raise your hand.

Invisibility.

In other words, don’t be obnoxious when you share the Gospel.

I love lighthouses.

We need to stay honest and true to the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Thanks to today’s verses, we now do. (Have an answer, that is).

In case you were looking for a great scripture passage to memorize, look no further.

The first thing that struck me about today’s reading was the very first line.

Despite this, Jesus noticed the need for teaching and healing and He stepped in to help.

The life changing opportunities in our lives are no less important than the Super Bowl.

And another thing…