1. religion and spirituality
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THE GOSPEL LIFE
daily devotions for christians on a mission
January • February • March • 2011
Reading the prophet Isaiah, Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord
is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news
to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” —Luke 4
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Dear Christians on a mission,
I have had such fun, and been so personally nourished as I worked on this exciting new project—a daily
devotional magazine, produced in partnership with
PLI, that seeks to equip, challenge and inspire Christians who are on a MISSION.
It is an exciting and even holy endeavor, for Christians on a mission are fulfilling the mission of Christ.
From the moment it was revealed, Jesus’ ministry
was a ministry of action: announcing, releasing, healing, enlightening, freeing, proclaiming.
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•His ministry was not global, but local.
•It was hands-on and spirit-motivated.
•It was grounded in Scripture and in prayer.
•It was oriented toward a goal: “to give his life as
a ransom for many.”
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This is the mission to which Jesus calls his followers.
This is the mission that Living The Gospel Life serves.
It is my most heart-felt hope that this magazine inspires you, even challenges you, to a faith that is active,
vital and alive in the Spirit of our gracious God.
Go out and get ‘em!
Peter J. Mead, Editor
LIVING
THE GOSPEL LIFE
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daily devotions for christians on a mission
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January • February • March • 2011
Volume 1 • Number 1
Peter Mead, Editor
Mark Zimmermann & David Mead, Assist. Editors
Mission Statement
To inspire, challenge and equip Christians in a
missional approach toward a faith in action: a
faith seeking to express itself in the home, the
neighborhood, the workplace, the school, the
community and the congregation.
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Living The Gospel Life (ISSN pending) is published quarterly in January, April, July and October by Creative Communications for the Parish, 1564 Fencorp Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, a subsidiary of Bayard,
Inc. Periodicals postage paid at St. Louis, MO. Canada GST# is 84231
1870RT. Printed in the USA. Phone: 636-305-9777.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Living The Gospel Life,
1564 Fencorp Drive, Fenton, MO 63026-2942.
Cover Design: Paul Berkbigler, Lincoln, NE
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Saturday, January 1
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Jesus rolled
up the scroll ...
and sat down.
The eyes of all
in the synagogue were
fixed on him.
Then he began
to say to them,
“Today this
scripture has
been fulfilled in
your hearing.”
Man on a Mission
Luke 4:20-21
Challenge:
Who are the
most committed people you
know—people
who live their
lives as men
and women on
a mission?
Read:
Luke 4:16-30
Rom 12:9-21
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Jesus announced the beginning of
his ministry in his home synagogue.
It did not go over well. He was run
out of town and nearly killed.
That may not be surprising. What
Jesus announced was revolutionary.
He was laying claim to an ancient
prophecy—the very anointing of
the Messiah. Jesus was the one who
was sent “to proclaim release to the
captives and recovery of sight to the
blind, to let the oppressed go free, to
proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Take a look at all those verbs! What
an ACTIVE ministry this was going
to be!
Jesus is a man on a mission. His
ministry is going to make a difference—a ministry we continue.
Lord Jesus Christ, lead me to follow
you, continuing your active mission in
the world around me.
—Peter J. Mead
Crestwood, MO
Sunday, January 2
We Know How It Ends
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It shall come
to pass in the
latter days that
the mountain
of the house
of the LORD
shall be established as the
highest of the
mountains.
Isa 2:2
Challenge:
How does
knowing the
end keep us
going when
the going gets
tough?
Read:
John 19:28-30
1 Cor 10:11
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Isaiah begins his great vision by
describing the end. The mountain of
God’s holy presence will be the focal
point for all nations. God’s “preferred
future” has come into the present. It
arrived when God’s holy Son gave
his life for us and for all on the mount
of his crucifixion. It is finished. Game
over. We know who will win, because
he has already won.
Yet life goes on. It often seems we
are late in the game, and we are losing. But we know what the end will
be. Our future is secure in Christ’s
death and resurrection.
We are the Body of Christ, living
among the nations. In our lives and
witness, others might gain a glimpse
of the peace and joy that come from
knowing how it all will end.
Thank you, Lord, for assuring us of the
future victory, even now.
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
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Monday, January 3
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I pray that
the LORD
will bless and
protect you,
and that he
will show you
mercy and
kindness. May
the LORD be
good to you
and give you
peace.
Benediction?
What’s That Mean?
Num 6:24-26
Challenge:
Can you
remember
something specific from your
last worship
experience?
Share it!
Read:
John 17:6-19
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Because it comes at the end of worship, I was certain that benediction
meant the end. But, of course, I was
mistaken. The bene part means GOOD
and diction means WORDS. It doesn’t
mean the end at all.
We come to church and fill up on
good words. We sing good words;
we pray good words; we share good
words with one another. We listen to
our minister speak good words in his
message, and we open the Bible and
read God’s Good Word. We learn that
the Good Word isn’t a word at all, but
a Who—our Savior, Jesus.
Then the end of the service does
come. We hear one more benediction. Filled to overflowing, we receive
God’s blessing to go and share the
Good Word of Jesus every day. This
benediction is just the beginning!
Lord, fill me with good words about you.
—David Mead
Arnold, MO
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Tuesday, January 4
Big Impact!
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As you sent
me into the
world, so I
have sent them
into the world.
John 17:18
Challenge:
As you
encounter
people today,
how will you
serve them?
How will you
introduce Jesus
to someone
who does not
know him in
a personal,
believing way?
Read:
Matt 20:20-28
Luke 19:1-10
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Small words can have enormous
meaning. Sent is a small word, but
becomes big when connected to Jesus.
Sent implies purpose, meaning and
mission. Jesus declares that the Father
sent him. Then he declares that being
sent continues today for his followers.
We are sent into the world.
Another small word—as. As means
“in exactly the same way.” As Jesus
was sent, we are sent into the world.
So the question becomes, how was
Jesus sent into the world?
Jesus did not come to be served, but
to serve and give his life. Am I sent to
serve? Am I sent to give to others in
extraordinary ways? The resounding
answer is YES. Jesus said he came to
seek and save the lost. Am I sent to relentlessly seek spiritually lost people?
Again, the resounding answer is YES.
How are we sent to serve others
and seek the lost in our living today?
Father, help me serve as Jesus would.
—Steve Wagner
Dallas, TX
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Wednesday, January 5
Sitting on the Mission
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Nicodemus
… came to
Jesus by night
and said to
Jesus …. Jesus
answered him.
John 3:2-3
Challenge:
Find a public
place where
people will see
you sitting
regularly. Invite them to sit
down with you
and talk.
Read:
Isa 30:15
1 Pet 3:15
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Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. I
presume they sat down for their talk.
Artists have painted it that way and
the nature of their conversation, serious but relaxed, suggests sitting.
We don’t value relaxed sitting.
“Don’t just sit there; do something!”
We may even assume Jesus’ Great
Commission, “Go,” means we should
be in nonstop motion for Jesus.
Jesus and Nicodemus didn’t sit
because they were exhausted from
the day’s work. They sat to give full
attention to each other. The end result,
the evangelist suggests, was that
Nicodemus was brought to faith, that
he came from darkness to light. What
might the Spirit accomplish if people
learn that they can sit down with you
and talk, without your having to rush
off?
Jesus, teach me that your Word takes
time to settle down into the heart.
—Dale A. Meyer
St. Louis, MO
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Thursday, January 6
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But God
said to him,
“Fool! This
night your soul
is required of
you, and the
things you
have prepared,
whose will they
be?” So is the
one who lays
up treasure for
himself and is
not rich toward
God.
Real Estate
Luke 12:20-21
Challenge:
What kind of
“real estate”
do you spend
most of your
time investing
in?
Read:
Matt 6:25-34
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“Underwater” mortgages have led
to foreclosures throughout the country. Along with foreclosures, stock
values have evaporated and IRAs
dissipated.
Jesus warns people not to put their
trust in the “real estate” of things but
instead in the “real estate” of relationships. Relationships bring about real
wealth in life.
This wealth begins with a right
relationship with God through Jesus
Christ and continues in our earthly
relationships with one another. St.
Paul reminds us that when our vertical relationship with God is right,
then our horizontal relationships with
one another are also right (Rom 1).
As God pours into us his love, so we
are enabled to pour that love out to
others.
Lord Jesus Christ, as you pour your
love into me, help me to share that love
with others.
—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
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Friday, January 7
Bloom Today!
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Man who
is born of a
woman is few
of days and
full of trouble.
He comes out
like a flower
and withers;
he flees like a
shadow and
continues not.
Job 14:1-2
Challenge:
Plant a
flower today
and give it to
someone as a
gift.
Read:
Isa 40:6-8
John 17:3
Eph 5:1-2
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In the months of May and June in
the Northwoods of Wisconsin, flowers
and trees come alive with blossoms,
leaves and quick growth. The growing season is only a few short months.
Robins, blue jays, cardinals, redwinged blackbirds and loons allow us
to listen to their God-given melodies
as they sing to each other. Like a flower, we only have a short time on the
face of this earth to bloom in Christ.
So, today as you listen to God’s Word,
how will you actively show yourself
to be God’s new creation in Jesus and
allow the fragrance of Christ to be
pleasing to others?
Lord Jesus, help me to walk in love,
knowing that you gave yourself up for
me. Help others catch the beautiful scent
of Christ at work in my life.
—Scott Kruse
Antigo, WI
Saturday, January 8
Eager Courage
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Who is going
to harm you if
you are eager
to do good?
In our culture acceptance is everything. For too long Christians have
bought into this lie. Your validation
does not come from the culture, or
from being accepted by the status
quo, or from the embrace of the power brokers or Hollywood, or even the
government. Your validation comes
from God’s embrace of you in Jesus.
Instead of working with all your
energy to get others to accept you and
your beliefs, what if you worked with
all God’s strength to simply do good?
Instead of trying to avoid suffering at
all costs, what if you were willing to
suffer for what you believe? What if
you really believed you are who God
says you are and lived with that kind
of courage? Nothing can steal what
God has given you. You are blessed
no matter what the world says!
Jesus, give me courage to live and love
the way you do, confident of your love for
me.
1 Pet 3:13
Challenge:
Pray and
look for opportunities today
to do good in
Jesus’ name.
Record people’s
responses.
Read:
1 Pet 3:13-17
John 16:33
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—Steve Wiechman
N. Richland Hills, TX
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Sunday, January 9
God Came Near
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And the
Word became
flesh and dwelt
among us …
John 1:14a
Challenge:
What
evidence is
there in my life
that God came
near? What
can I do or say
today that will
declare that
Jesus is among
us?
Read:
John 1:1-18
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“The Word.” To the Jews it meant
God’s wisdom. To the Greeks it meant
reason and intellect. To Christians
“The Word” is Jesus and he was there
at the very beginning of time. Right
from the start his mission was clear:
Jesus would leave his heavenly home
and become a human being to bring
us God’s Good News.
In Jesus God came near. We got to
see him face to face. If anyone wants
to know what God is like all he or she
has to do is look at Jesus. If anyone
wants to know what Jesus is like, he
or she should be able to see him in his
followers.
When people look at me today, will
they clearly see Jesus?
Dear Word, thank you for coming into
the world and, most importantly, coming
into my life. Please show your love and
presence through me toward others.
—Rod Pasch
Slidell, LA
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Monday, January 10
It’s Not About Me
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Not to us,
O LORD, not
to us, but to
your name
give glory,
for the sake of
your steadfast
love and your
faithfulness!
Psalm 115:1
Challenge:
God chose
you to follow
him. Will you
keep your eyes
on him or get
distracted
by your own
accomplishments?
Read:
Heb 12:1-2
James 3:16
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With popular magazines like Self and
Us, we may start believing that we are
the center of the universe.
When we let life be about God and
not us, we tend to have healthy priorities. We follow the commandments
more easily (though never perfectly).
We give credit to God and show humility. People tend to respect us instead of
being jealous of us.
What kind of leader would you
rather be—one who is resented or one
who is respected?
Dear Christian, make the Lord Jesus
the center of your universe today. It’s
not about you; it’s about the One who
made you, who redeems you from a life
of self-centered sin.
Holy Spirit, convict me of my self-centeredness, and help me focus on you.
—Stephenie Hovland
Green Bay, WI
Tuesday, January 11
Divine Appointments
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Always be
prepared to
give an answer
to everyone
who asks you
to give the
reason for the
hope that you
have.
1 Pet 3:15 (NIV)
Challenge:
Ask God to
open your eyes
to his appointment schedule
for you today.
When interruptions come,
look for divine
appointments.
Read:
Luke 8:40-56
Luke 9:10-11
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My friend was frustrated. Instead of
being at work, she was in the hospital
with a kidney stone. She knew her
coworkers were sympathetic but annoyed that they had to cover her job.
Because she couldn’t sleep that
night, she sat up praying. A nurse saw
her and soon she was explaining the
Gospel to three nurses at 4:30 a.m.!
God had a divine appointment for her
that night, and she took advantage of
the opportunity.
Jesus was open to interruptions in
his schedule. He knew that his Father
often sent unexpected opportunities
his way, and he met them with grace
and compassion. Those “opportunities” were precious souls who needed
what he had to offer.
Lord Jesus, help me to be open and
ready for any “interruptions” that are
opportunities to share your good news
and grace.
—Diane Bahn
Cypress, TX
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Wednesday, January 12
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For we are
the aroma
of Christ to
God among
those who are
being saved
and among
those who are
perishing;
to the one a
fragrance from
death to death,
to the other a
fragrance from
life to life.
The Fragrance of God
2 Cor 2:15-16
Challenge:
Think of
people in
your life who
have “lit up a
room.”
Read:
2 Cor 2:14-17
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The decline of Christian influence is
revealed in a recent study by Trinity College. Americans who claim to
have no religious identity are now at
15 percent—double the percentage in
1990. The number of agnostics and
atheists has increased fourfold. Christianity has witnessed a 10 percent
decrease in its adherents over the last
eighteen years. With a decrease in the
number of adherents, there naturally
follows a decrease in the influence
of the faith. The Church still maintains some influence due to the large
number of professing believers, but its
influence diminishes each year.
What does this mean for us? Our
lives, more than ever in our country,
need to be a living representation of
the love and mercy of God. We are, St.
Paul insists, the fragrance of God—
the presence of the love of Jesus to
confound our culture.
Lord, how can I be your fragrance?
—Mike Paulison
Aurora, CO
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Thursday, January 13
A Blessing
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Esau said
to his father,
“Have you but
one blessing,
my father?
Bless me, even
me also, O my
father.“
Gen 27:38
Challenge:
Intentionally go out to
bless someone
this week who
needs to know
his or her
importance in
God’s eyes and
yours.
Read:
Eph 1:3-10
1 Pet 2:9-10
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Some people grow up believing
they have never done enough to meet
their parents’ expectations. Experts
tell us that this can lead to everything
from perfectionism to depression.
Scripture spoke of one who missed
his parent’s blessing—Esau. In desperation he cried out, “Bless me—me
too, my father!” His brother Jacob had
received the blessing instead.
God gives us helpful hints on how
to bless not only our children but
others as well. As was the case in the
blessing of Jacob, so most blessings
throughout the Old and New Testaments included meaningful touch and
words of affirmation, declaring not
only a hopeful future but value on the
person being blessed.
Lord Jesus Christ, help me this week to
bless others through meaningful, appropriate touch, as well as affirming words.
—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
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Friday, January 14
Making a Mess
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He has made
everything
beautiful in its
time.
I’m good at making messes. One
summer at a family cookout, my
parents asked me to fetch the chilled
watermelon for dessert. I dropped
it, and the melon broke into a dozen
pieces. My six-year-old cousin Ashley
said in front of the whole clan, “You
should just see the mess that boy just
made.” Then my family helped me
clean up the mess I made.
Jesus dealt with messy lives,
cleaned them, and sent them out
again. He sent new creatures to be
grace-givers and mess-cleaners for
others.
As baptized new creatures, we
love mess-makers. Jesus uses us to
be grace-givers to messy people and
problems. A mess made clean is a
beautiful thing.
Lord Jesus, use me to bring your grace
to messy people and problems.
Ecc 3:11
Challenge:
Pray for the
strength to
deal gracefully
with the messiness of life.
Read:
Luke 24:43
Rom 5:20
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—Jeffrey A. Stone
Middleburg Heights, OH
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Saturday, January 15
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Jesus went
down to Capernaum and was
teaching them
on the sabbath.
In the synagogue there
was a man who
had the spirit
of an unclean
demon. But
Jesus rebuked
him, saying,
“Be silent, and
come out of
him!”
Backbone
Luke 4:31, 33, 35
Challenge:
Make a
promise to
someone today
... and keep it.
Read:
Luke 4:31-41
Psalm 141
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Within a week of announcing the
beginning of his formal ministry,
Jesus was at it. He went down from
Nazareth to Capernaum, and, just
as promised, he began fulfilling the
prophecies of Isaiah. A man oppressed needed freeing. Jesus obliged.
Jesus is not a man of jawbone (what
my brother refers to as “ATNA”—All
Talk, No Action). He’s not all hot air.
Nor is Jesus a man of wishbone: all
lofty promises based on pipe dreams
and wishful thinking. He’s not leading the people along.
No, Jesus is revealing himself as a
man of BACKBONE. He really is doing what he really claimed he would
do. His ministry—his mission—is
genuine.
Lord Jesus Christ, keep me accountable
to my word.
—Peter J. Mead
Crestwood, MO
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It shall
come to pass
in the latter
days that the
mountain of
the house of the
LORD shall be
established as
the highest of
the mountains,
and shall be
lifted up above
the hills; and
all the nations
shall flow to it.
Sunday, January 16
Defying Gravity
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When Messiah comes, the nations
will “flow” to Mount Zion. The word
is the same as a river. Rivers flow
downstream. The nations come up to
the mountain.
Something must draw them there. It
is the power of God, working against
the gravity of all that pulls us away
from him.
Sometimes, against all that seems
to make sense, the Christ in us draws
others to come and see how Christ
guides and shapes our life. It’s who
we are. Let the nations come!
Draw us close to you, O Lord, that others may be drawn to you, too.
Isa 2:2
Read:
Matt 20:18-19
Acts 2:5-11
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—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
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Challenge:
What is different in your
life, demeanor,
attitude and
action that
might attract
others to see
Christ in you?
Monday, January 17
“Birth Day”
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O Lord, you
have searched
me and known
me!
Birth days are quite significant.
Things change for us. We go from prebirth to post-birth. We often mark the
day of birth in significant ways.
For God there is no change. As the
Psalmist says, he has known us from
long before we were even conceived.
He knows every moment of our lives.
He knows the words even before they
are out of our mouths.
It is as Ziggy learned from the voice
on the top of the mountain: “Your life
may be monitored for quality control
purposes!”
The good news is that our God is
all too eager to improve the quality of
our life with his love and forgiveness!
O Lord, do monitor my life, forgive,
and renew!
Psalm 139:1
Challenge:
Who are
those you know
who most
realize that
their lives are
monitored by
a loving and
forgiving God?
Read:
Rom 8
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—Vernon D. Gundermann
Kirkwood, MO
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Tuesday, January 18
Challenging God
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Then Abraham drew near
[the Lord] and
said, “Will
you indeed
sweep away the
righteous with
the wicked?…
Far be it from
you to do such
a thing!”
Gen 18:23,25
Challenge:
What is the
most audacious
thing you can
challenge God
with today—
and what will
it require you
to do?
Read:
Gen 18:20-33
Luke 11:1-13
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Abraham and God stand on the hillside, overlooking Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham doesn’t say it, but he
has his cousin Lot on his mind. God
doesn’t say it, but God has the wickedness of humankind on his mind.
“Excuse me, Lord, but say there’s 50
righteous in the city,” Abraham says.
What audacity! To challenge God!
And every step of the way, God
says yes. “Yes, Abraham, even for ten
I will spare the city.” There can be no
greater challenge than challenging
God for the sake of righteousness—no
one is more righteous than God.
Yet God is no more obligated to
answer this prayer than any other. So
the fact that God answers Abraham’s
prayer is just as much about grace as
the fact that he answers your prayers.
Every single time. So challenge God.
Today. Because he’s up to it.
Far be it from you, God, to ever be far
from me. Challenge me with your grace.
—Travis J. Scholl
University City, MO
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Wednesday, January 19
R U a 2X?
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By this all
people will
know that
you are my
disciples, if you
have love for
one another.
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John 13:35
Challenge:
Is there
someone to
whom God
might be
calling you to
reach out to in
love? Someone
you can call
your twin?
—Libbie Reinking
Oakville, MO
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Read:
John 13:34-35
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No, I don’t mean a “two timer” or
an “extra extra large”! I mean
a “twin”! I am. No, I didn’t have a
sister or brother growing with me
in my mother’s womb, but I have
a spiritual twin. We talk with each
other about our struggles and joys,
our families, our faith life, and we
pray for each other. Having someone
to share my faith life with keeps me
strong and on the path, especially
when I’m struggling to do it myself.
We are not meant to journey alone. Instead, we are called to love one another and, by doing so, love God. God
blesses us, and we bless others with a
listening ear and compassionate heart. Lord Jesus Christ, help me to love with
a listening ear and compassionate heart.
Thursday, January 20
C
It shall come
to pass in the
latter days that
the mountain
of the house
of the LORD
shall be established as the
highest of the
mountains,and
shall be lifted
up above the
hills; and all
the nations
shall flow to it.
Centripetal Force
Isa 2:2
Challenge:
At least
once today, do
something that
might draw
someone to
Jesus.
Read:
John 12:17-33
John 1:29
21
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Isaiah speaks of the days when
God’s presence on Zion will be raised
up and all nations will come and see.
Jesus comes and draws a crowd. Some
were curiosity seekers. Some were
skeptics and critics. Some sought
help, healing, wholeness.
In John 12 some had come because
Jesus had raised Lazarus from the
dead. Jesus then speaks of his own
death. In being raised up on the cross,
he would draw all people to himself.
Behold the Lamb of God, who takes
away the sin of the world!
We wear the marks of the cross,
given in Baptism upon our head and
upon our heart. Lives touched by
God’s grace have a way of drawing
people in, as though to Christ himself.
Let others be drawn to you, O Lord, as
they might see your life living in me!
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
Friday, January 21
C
I will set a
sign among
them. And
from them I
will send survivors to the
nations, ... to
the coastlands
far away, that
have not heard
my fame or
seen my glory.
And they shall
declare my
glory among
the nations.
Centrifugal Force
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At the beginning of his great vision,
Isaiah says the nations will come to
Zion. At the end of his great vision,
Isaiah describes God’s people scattered among the nations, going out
from Zion into all the world.
God’s mission works in both directions, in all directions. In his death
and resurrection Christ has drawn all
people to himself. Then he sends his
disciples forth as witnesses into all the
world, even to the end of the earth.
Sometimes God’s Spirit draws
people to the Christ in us. More often
God’s power sends us out into the
world to be his witnesses.
Send us out, O Lord, with the centrifugal force of your Spirit, to the end of the
earth, and to those just outside the door.
Isa 66:19
Read:
Isa 2:2-4
Acts 1:8
22
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
s
Challenge:
At least once
today, go out
in the mission
of Christ.
Saturday, January 22
Vagrant in Our Home
C
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C un p
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Freely you
have received,
freely give.
In my naïve younger years, I
opened my home to a needy man
who claimed to be an evangelist. My
family made him feel at home as we
talked together about the importance
of sharing Christ. He even helped
me refinish an antique. After he left, I
checked his story with a college he’d
mentioned and found they’d never
heard of him. Who was he? An angel
in disguise or just a vagrant looking
for a handout? I may never know.
Though I felt ill-used, I remembered that Jesus sent his disciples
out on a mission, saying, “Freely you
have received, freely give.” Because
God provides for our life and salvation freely, we are to share the Good
News with others freely. How might
God have touched my visitor’s life
by something I said? How might you
share God’s grace with others today?
Lord, open my heart and home to others
because of your free gift to me.
Matt 10:8 (NIV)
Challenge:
What guests
might you
invite into
your home for
a meal or a
night’s stay?
Read:
Matt 10:5-16
Acts 16:11-15
s
—Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO
23
Sunday, January 23
C
At that time
Jesus declared,
“I thank you,
Father, Lord
of heaven
and earth,
that you have
hidden these
things from
the wise and
understanding
and revealed
them to little
children.”
Hearing And Seeing
Jesus—in Us
Matt 11:25
Challenge:
Do people
both hear and
see the grace
and redeeming
love of God in
your life?
Read:
Mark 10:13-16
Matt 11:4-6
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In our desire to share the Gospel,
we often focus on knowing all the
right answers. We think we have to
convince people to follow Jesus by
intellectual arguments.
How do children learn they are
loved? Not by wise and convincing
arguments. Children learn by experiencing care, love and discipline in
gentle actions. This fosters trust in
what their parents say and do.
Jesus came to demonstrate the Father’s love and to teach the Truth by
words and actions. When John’s disciples questioned Jesus, he told them
to report back to John “what you hear
and see.” Sometimes our simple acts
of kindness and simple words of faith
are the best witness.
Lord Jesus, help me to demonstrate
your love and grace in my words and actions every day.
—Diane Bahn
Cypress, TX
24
Monday, January 24
C
I will give
thanks to the
LORD with
my whole
heart; I will
recount all of
your wonderful deeds. I will
be glad and
exult in you; I
will sing praise
to your name,
O Most High.
Share Positivity
Psalm 9:1-2
Challenge:
Find ways
to be more
positive with
others and
with yourself
today.
Read:
Psalm 40:5
Psalm 96:3
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According to the Mirriam-Webster
dictionary, positivity means, “the quality or state of being positive.” I see
and hear this buzzword everywhere
these days, and it’s getting on my
nerves. I’m just not in the state of being positive!
Which do you find yourself doing
more—grumbling or praising?
Positivity has positive results. You
will not only feel a bit better after
counting your blessings and dismissing the stress, but you will witness
God’s positivity to those you encounter. Share a blessing with your
restaurant tip, a hello as you pass in
the hallway and a word of concern for
those who look like you used to.
Share God’s love with everyone—
even when you don’t feel like it.
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving
me so many blessings that I could never
count them all!
—Stephenie Hovland
Green Bay, WI
25
Tuesday, January 25
Enslaved to Serve
C
She said to
her mistress,
“If only my
master would
see the prophet
who is in
Samaria! He
would cure
him of his
leprosy!”
2 Kings 5:3
Challenge:
Who has
hurt you to
whom you may
bring blessing?
Read:
2 Kings 5:1-14
Matt 5:43-48
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Imagine her life: young girl captured by a band of raiders and
brought to alien territory as a slave!
She was torn from her parents, family
and community and made to serve an
enemy master.
A reasonable response to this adversity would be bitterness—toward
her human master and toward God,
who allowed it to happen. She could
have cursed both. But instead, she
opens her mouth and speaks words of
hope for her oppressor. These words
direct a man who is hopelessly ill to
the source of healing and life found in
the true God.
We also experience hardship in
life and hurt from others. But by the
power of the Spirit, we can use these
experiences as the context for witness
to healing and blessing in Jesus.
God of mercy, use me to speak and
show your love to others who take
advantage of me.
—David J. Peter
Glendale, MO
26
Wednesday, January 26
C
He said, “I
am the voice
of one crying out in the
wilderness,
‘Make straight
the way of the
Lord,’ as the
prophet Isaiah
said.”
Mission-Minded
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The priests and Levites were sent by
Jewish leaders to find out who John
was. The delegates pressed the point
because people were expecting the
Messiah to come. John didn’t say who
he was but rather why he had come—
to prepare the way for the Messiah.
The Pharisees wanted to know who
John was, but John wanted to prepare
them to recognize who Jesus was.
Our role in life is very much like
John the Baptist’s—to help people see
who Jesus is. I can do that by what I
say, but also by what I do.
Lord, help me follow John’s lead by
always pointing people toward you. Help
me to have such a lifelong passion.
John 1:23
Read:
John 1:19-28
27
—Rod Pasch
Slidell, LA
s
Challenge:
Be alert for
an opportunity today to
mention the
name of Jesus.
It could be to a
family member,
a neighbor, a
coworker or a
stranger.
Thursday, January 27
C
A parable:
”The land of
a rich man
produced
abundantly ...
But God said,
‘You fool’…
the things you
have prepared,
whose will they
be?”
Stuff, Stuff,
and More Stuff
Luke 12:16, 20
Challenge:
What is
there in my
“barn” that,
instead of storing it, I can
put to use in
someone’s life
today?
Read:
Luke 12:13-21
28
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Whoever it was who invented closets and basements should be forced to
have daily garage sales! If we did not
have places to put the “stuff” we continue to gather, perhaps we would not
hoard so much. But, that is wishful
thinking because, as the text shows,
Jesus also had similar struggles.
Perhaps the point is not that we
save things. After all, savings accounts, leftovers for tomorrow’s
lunch, and even plastic sacks show
that we’re stewards of our possessions. Rather, perhaps the Lord is
moving us to look around in our lives
to see what our neighbors near and
far need from our “barns”… such as
clothes and food and shoes and our
time and our gifts.
Lord, the Giver of all things, thanks for
the “stuff” you bless us with each day.
Help us now to use this “stuff” to help
those who are “stuff-less.”
—Rich Bimler
Bloomingdale, IL
Friday, January 28
C
As waters
fail from a lake
and a river
wastes away
and dries up,
so a man lies
down and rises
not again; till
the heavens are
no more he will
not awake.
Refreshed
To Refresh Others
Job 14:11-12
Challenge:
Pray for
God to place
someone in
your life whose
spirit you can
refresh.
Read:
Psalm 42
Matt 10:42
John 7:37-39
29
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Lakes and streams need a groundspring of water, rain, or other water
source to fill them up or keep them
flowing. Without being refreshed,
they will eventually dry up and be
no good to anything or anyone. One
day, life itself will dry up in death. It
sounds morbid, but it’s true. So, how
can you live your life in such a way
that streams of living water flow in
you now and eternally? Keep being
refreshed by the Lord. It is good to
remain in Jesus, the source of living
water and eternal life. He will refresh
your body and soul so that being
refreshed in him, you can keep giving
through faith.
Jesus, refresh my life with your Word so
that I might refresh others.
—Scott Kruse
Antigo, WI
Saturday, January 29
C
What you
are to say will
be given to you
in that hour.
For it is not
you who speak,
but the Spirit
of your Father
speaking
through you.
Airplane Ride
with an Atheist
Matt 10:19-20
Challenge:
When have
you recently
been given the
right words
of witness to
speak in a difficult conversation?
Read:
Matt 10:16-20
Acts 17:16-23
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On a flight to Phoenix I sat next to
an engineer who introduced himself
with these words: “I am an Israeli and
an atheist.” Intended as a challenge or
a conversation stopper, his words led
me to draw him out. I listened to his
life story. He knew the Hebrew Scriptures well and applied them only to
Israel as a political state. God helped
me talk about the Messiah from that
Scripture and tell about his faithfulness in my life. That conversation led
to some correspondence and a dinner
with him on a later visit to Phoenix.
Only God knows the outcome.
Jesus promised his disciples that
when they were arrested and persecuted, the Spirit would give them the
right words of witness to speak. Does
that promise apply to you?
Lord, calm my anxious heart to rely on
your words in my witness.
—Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO
30
Sunday, January 30
C
Then Peter
said … “In
the name of
Jesus Christ
of Nazareth,
rise up and
walk!” And
he took him by
the right hand,
he raised him
up, and immediately his
feet and ankles
were made
strong.
He Reached Out
His Hand
Acts 3:6-7
Challenge:
Put your
faith on the
line by stepping out into
the unknown.
Read:
Mark 9:17-27
2 Cor 5:7
31
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Peter reached out his hand. A simple, yet profound gesture. He reached
out his hand. He accompanied that
action with words of commitment
that changed the life of a beggar. God
stirred something in Peter and John
from the years they spent with the
Master. What they did was what Jesus
had been doing. Jesus reached out his
hand many times.
I have seen many beggars, but did
I reach out my hand? Do we really
believe God can do the impossible?
This is the first recorded miracle of the
Apostles. It was a bold step of putting
faith into action.
Lord, help me to boldly take that step of
faith and reach out my hand to those who
need your touch.
—Rick Foss
St. Louis, MO
Monday, January 31
C
And a vision
appeared to
Paul in the
night: a man of
Macedonia was
standing there,
urging him
and saying,
“Come over to
Macedonia and
help us.”
Where’s the Window?
Acts 16:9
Challenge:
What doors
has the Lord
closed for you?
What windows
have opened?
How will you
discern the
leading of the
Lord?
Read:
Acts 16:9-15
Matt 2:19-23
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“When God closes a door, he opens
a window.” Familiar, but it’s true.
So says St. Paul’s experience. Having planted churches throughout
Turkey, he was ready to move on to
western Asia. But something stopped
him. He tried to enter, but the Bible
says, “The Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” The door slammed shut.
What was Paul to do? Give up
and return home? That would be
a waste of time and momentum. I
imagine Paul praying in the realm of
semi-sleep for days. Suddenly a man
appears to him in a vision: “Come
over to Macedonia!” God’s window is
thrown open. Paul jumps through, beginning an exciting phase of ministry.
Are you looking at a closed door?
Don’t break your fist pounding on it.
If God has shut the door, pray that he
would show you the open window.
Father, the door is shut. Assure me of
your open window.
—Donald Neidigk
Rio Rancho, NM
32
C
Joseph’s
brothers said,
“It may be that
Joseph will
hate us and
pay us back
for the evil we
did to him.”
So they wrote,
“Please forgive
the transgression of the
servants of the
God of your
father.” Joseph
wept when
they spoke to
him.
Tuesday, February 1
Live in Freedom
Gen 50:15-17
Challenge:
Has forgiveness moved to
reconciliation
in your life and
relationships?
Read:
Gen 50:15-21
2 Cor 5:15—6:2
33
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For 17 years Joseph’s brothers had
lived in Egypt, prospering under
Joseph’s care. But they remained in
bondage to guilt, even though Joseph
forgave them. Joseph wept because
they still did not trust his mercy and
forgiveness. They did not live in the
freedom of reconciliation that flows
from forgiveness.
I wonder how often God weeps
when I confess my sins, receive forgiveness, but then continue to live in
my guilt, as if waiting for him to punish me. How can I encourage others
to live in grace when I cling to guilt?
I become a hypocrite and may cause
others to doubt God’s grace in Jesus
Christ!
Lord Jesus, may I not receive your grace
in vain. “Restore to me the joy of your
salvation; … then I will teach transgressors your ways.”
—Diane Bahn
Cypress, TX
C
And those
who know
your name put
their trust in
you, for you, O
LORD, have
not forsaken
those who
seek you. Sing
praises to the
LORD, who
sits enthroned
in Zion! Tell
among the
peoples his
deeds!
Wednesday, February 2
True Humility
Psalm 9:10-11
Challenge:
True humility is often difficult. Put God
first in every
way this week,
and see what
happens.
Read:
Luke 18:9-14
Psalm 25:9
34
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When people comment on your
organizational skills, energy, productivity, etc., don’t just look away and
say, “Really? That was no big deal.”
Usually, when you respond that way,
you are either displaying false humility or digging for more compliments.
We’ve all done it, I’m sure.
True humility, on the other hand, is
giving God the credit. He is the one
who gave you the skills and energy to
complete the task. Why not give him
the credit? We may pray “Thank you,
God” in private, but why not also
praise him in public?
Be careful to truly give him credit
and not just praise him in public so
that you’ll be noticed (like certain
celebrities we all know). Be humble,
and continue to serve God.
Gracious Father, help me to be humble
and point to you in all I do.
—Stephenie Hovland
Green Bay, WI
Thursday, February 3
C
Then
[Abraham]
took curds and
milk and the
calf that he had
prepared, and
set it before
them. And he
stood by them
under the tree
while they ate.
The Gift of Hospitality
Gen 18:8
Challenge:
How, or
among whom,
might God be
opening your
eyes to practice
hospitality
today or this
week?
Read:
Gen 18:1-14
Heb 13:1-8
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Three strangers come knocking on
your door: What do you do? Act like
no one’s home? Crack the door and
sternly ask what they want? Open the
door wide and smile?
Here’s what Abraham did: he gave
them the run of the house and made
them a meal fit for a king. He showed
them one of the Bible’s greatest acts of
hospitality. Sarah’s response, though,
was slightly different. When the
strangers started spouting off about
the promise of a son, she couldn’t stop
laughing.
Centuries later, when the promise
of a son came up again, and strangers
came knocking at another door bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and
myrrh, Mary’s hospitality bid them
welcome. That day, it was God who
was laughing with joy.
O Christ, give me the gift of hospitality
today. For you may be the stranger in my
midst.
—Travis J. Scholl
University City, MO
35
C
God has
given us new
birth into a
living hope
through the
resurrection
of Jesus Christ
from the dead,
and into an inheritance that
can never spoil
or fade—kept
in heaven for
you.
Friday, February 4
God’s Mission
in All Seasons
1 Pet 1:3-4
Challenge:
What things
get you down
in the ministry? What
helps you
to navigate
through the
“storms” that
come along on
God’s mission?
Read:
Psalm 46
36
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Most people have their favorite
season of the year. For those who live
where there is a clear-cut change in
seasons, it might be easier to pick a
favorite or, on the other hand, indicate
which season they detest. Some prefer
summer while others love the chill of
winter.
Ministry also has “seasons.” Life
lived on God’s mission involves the
cold blast of difficult times along with
the warmth, comfort and joy of serving our good and gracious God and
his people. When we find ourselves in
a challenging “season,” we remember
that resurrection life and eternal life
are not seasonal but forever. God and
his promises are with us always.
Lord, I thank you for helping me
weather the stormy seasons of ministry.
—Tim Zimmermann
Iowa City, IA
Saturday, February 5
Tell the Story!
C
One generation will
commend
your works to
another; they
will tell of your
mighty acts.
Psalm 145:4
Challenge:
Practice telling one of your
faith stories
to a Christian
friend today.
Listen as your
friend shares
his or her
story, too.
Read:
Psalm 145
Eph 3:21
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I am convinced that the Lord really
loves older people, because he is making so many more of us these days!
And, the Lord is encouraging people of all generations to share God’s
love in Jesus Christ. The Psalmist says
it so well: “… Commend God’s works
to each other!”
Notice that the Psalmist does not
say that the “older” folks should do
the telling ... or the “younger” folks.
Instead, the writer proclaims that
people of every age are enabled by the
Spirit to share their faith. And what a
Story it is, of Jesus and his love for us!
Telling the Story isn’t only done
with words. It is not an either/or but
a both/and! We tell the Story as we
DO God’s love for us in Jesus Christ.
“Thank the Lord and sing his praise;
tell everyone what he has done!”
Lord, thanks for the Cross and the Resurrection so I have the Story to tell. Help
me say and DO the Story.
—Rich Bimler,
Bloomingdale, Il
37
Sunday, February 6
C
Be faithful
unto death,
and I will give
you the crown
of life. He who
has an ear,
let him hear
what the Spirit
says to the
churches.
Keeping Faith
Rev 2:10-11
Challenge:
What person
has shown you
faithfulness in
action? What
did it look like?
Would you
call it a gift of
God, a Christian virtue or
just a positive
character trait?
Read:
John 15
Heb 10:19-25
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My confirmation robe rustled as I
knelt to receive my very own Bible
verse: “Be faithful unto death, and I
will give you the crown of life.” I was
shocked to hear words about martyrdom and death at this moment.
Half a century later, I realize that
the powerful word in my verse is
faithful. Faithful is what Jesus invites
us to be.
Maybe like you, I’ve found keeping
faith with those who love me challenging ... even impossible. God help
me! And I believe God does, which
for me is what “going to church” is
about—hearing what the Spirit has
to say to me, uniting me in the Lord’s
body, encouraging me through the fellowship, forgiving my unfaithfulness.
With a faithful God, how can I aim
for less in my dealings with others?
Lord Jesus, help me receive your Spirit’s
urging to be faithful, not only in my head,
but through my hands and heart.
—King Schoenfeld
St. Louis, MO
38
Monday, February 7
Birds and Butterflies
C
Look at the
birds of the air:
they neither
sow nor reap
… and yet
your heavenly
Father feeds
them. Are you
not of more
value than
they?
Matt 6:26
Challenge:
Do you
know someone
who would
love to hear
about the birds
and the butterflies?
Read:
Matt 6:25-34
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Our daughter birthed four butterflies last week. She planted milkweed
to accommodate the eggs. When
caterpillars hatched, she moved the
branches and the caterpillars into an
aquarium. Next came shiny pouches—the chrysalises. In time beautiful
black and yellow butterflies burst out.
How much time do we spend
deciding between the blue shirt or
the green, regular or decaf? Do we
anticipate next week with fear? If God
provided all that drama for butterflies
that may live a mere few weeks, “will
he not much more clothe you?”
Jesus tells us our heavenly Father
knows what we need. He wants us to
use our energy to search the Scriptures, follow his lead to the cross and
the kingdom of God, to confess our
sins, to rejoice in his forgiveness, to
know we are loved by our Creator, to
rest at night in the arms of our Lord.
Thank you, Lord, for your tender care.
—Lois Scheer
San Diego, CA
39
Tuesday, February 8
Practice What
You Preach
C
Brothers,
join in imitating me, and
keep your eyes
on those who
walk according
to the example
you have in us.
Phil 3:17
Challenge:
Can you say
with St. Paul,
“Follow my
example”?
Read:
Phil 2:1-11
Gal 5:22-23
James 1:22
40
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One day I sat with my friend who
was bemoaning her struggles, which
had pushed her to become harsh and
strident with some of the people in
her life. I listened calmly and then
said: “What if you tried a gentler approach?” She was quiet for a moment
and said she’d think about it.
She told me later that she went
home and searched the Bible for
verses on gentleness. She determined
to change her attitude and she did.
When I asked her why, she said, “Because you are so gentle with me. So I
resolved to learn to be gentler.”
It was a humbling realization for
me. Because she saw something worth
imitating, she took my words to heart
and made a change. St. Paul tells us to
imitate Christ Jesus, whose words and
deeds always aligned with godliness.
Father, help me to imitate Christ in my
attitudes and words, and in my actions.
—Diane Bahn
Cypress, TX
Wednesday, February 9
Losing Your Life
C
Whoever
finds his life
will lose it, and
whoever loses
his life for my
sake will find
it.
Matt 10:39
Challenge:
Describe
someone you
admire as a
servant. In
what practical way might
you follow that
example this
week?
Read:
Matt 10:34-39
Phil 2:1-8
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Who stands out for you as an example of servant leadership for Christ’s
sake? I think of my father-in-law
who humbly served as a high school
teacher and coach. He touched many
lives. I also treasure meeting a church
leader in Slovakia who was imprisoned by the Communist government
and forced to serve as a laborer until
almost 70 years old. He lost his life
for Christ’s sake and then was chosen
to lead the church as a vibrant and
authentic witness to his Savior.
Jesus asks his disciples to take up
their cross and follow him as they
lose their lives for his sake. He then
humbles himself and becomes obedient unto death, even death on a cross.
Because he lost his life, he gained the
victory for us—a resurrection life for
all eternity. How will you lose your
life so that others might find Christ?
Lord, make me a servant today for your
sake.
—Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO
41
Do not be
afraid of them,
for I am with
you to deliver
you, declares
the Lord.
C
Jeremiah 1:8
No Excuses
“Powdermilk Biscuits in the bright
blue box; they give shy people the
courage to get up and do what needs
to be done.” These are the words of a
commercial on Prairie Home Companion. Wouldn’t it be wonderful just to
eat a biscuit and find yourself brave
enough to take on the challenges you
dread—to say what you need to say
but have been too timid to mention?
But alas, there are no Powdermilk
Biscuits. So what do we do?
We do as Jeremiah did. We believe
that we are on God’s mission, speaking his words. The Lord consecrated
us to his service. He made our mouths
and tongues. He gives us his message.
And he brings the results. When our
faith is in him who assigns the tasks
and provides the resources, we have
the courage we need. We can step out,
and, as Larry The Cable Guy says,
“Git ‘er done!”
Lord, you have used my mouth to speak
your word. Let me know your will today.
Read:
Jer 1:4-10
Matt 10:16-20
42
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Challenge:
Recall a task
God gave
you that you
were afraid
to undertake.
How did he
enable you to
accomplish it?
How would
you encourage
someone else
in a similar
situation?
How does
success in one
task encourage
you to take up
another?
Thursday, February 10
—Donald Neidigk
Rio Rancho, NM
Friday, February 11
C
I will
open rivers
on the bare
heights, and
fountains in
the midst of
the valleys. I
will make the
wilderness a
pool of water, and the dry
land springs of
water.
Wet And Wild
with Love!
Isa 41:18
Challenge:
Find someone
today who’s all
dried up, and
splash them
with God’s
love.
Read:
Isa 41:17-21
43
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Recently in worship we gathered at
the font waters for our usual splashing. As I reached into the gentle
gurgling water, I had an image in
my mind of a soggy dog, dripping
wet, who at the most inopportune
time decides to shake it all off! You
know what I mean? Everybody runs
for cover because when he shakes,
everyone gets wet. That’s the way it is
with God. God shakes and we all get
dripping wet with love! In turn, God
wants our soggy, wet selves to shake
a little off for those who are all dried
up. So how about today you get wet
and shake some of God’s love on
someone who needs a splashing?
Lord Jesus Christ, drench me with your
love so that I can splash it on another!
—Libbie Reinking
Oakville, MO
Saturday, February 12
C
For the
Lord is good;
his steadfast
love endures
forever, and his
faithfulness to
all generations.
“Hospitalmania”
Psalm 100:5
Challenge:
Do you find
hospital calls
challenging?
Check first
—not everyone welcomes
visitors. Make
your visit brief.
Listen. Share
God’s loving
care, holding hands in
prayer. (Don’t
sit on the bed!)
Read: Psalm 30
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Our family has been blessed with
good health. Hospitals were where we
visited sick people. Recently my husband was in an accident and ended
up in one of those hospital beds.
Our caregivers were angels of
mercy, but our angels often changed
shifts, disappeared for days, disagreed with each other ... or with
the patient. Doctors were “unavoidably detained.” One can be wheeled
downstairs for a “procedure” with no
return passage guaranteed.
At last my husband announced,
“Get me out of here or I shall surely
die!” We did, and he didn’t.
Consider our faithful God: “Before I
formed you in the womb, I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you” (Jer 1:5). Our Jesus said,
“Behold, I am with you always, to the
end of the age” (Matt 28:20).
When other helpers fail and comforts
flee, help of the helpless, abide with me.
—Lois Scheer
San Diego, CA
44
Sunday, February 13
C
All Scripture
is breathed out
by God and
profitable for
teaching, for
reproof, for
correction, and
for training in
righteousness,
that the man
of God may
be competent,
equipped for
every good
work.
A Benchmark
2 Tim 3:16-17
Challenge:
For what
benchmarks
from Holy
Scripture
are you most
thankful?
Read:
John 20:31
Deut 8:10-20
45
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In past generations many young
people have abandoned their faith.
These same young people are now
parents and are asking, “Do we need
a reference to a deity to teach our
children morality?” They are asking
whether or not they need to return to
some religious benchmark in order to
teach their children right from wrong.
The answer is obvious. Without
some benchmark, everything they
teach is up for grabs. Without some
reference, right and wrong are determined by what may be politically correct or by a Supreme Court decision.
There is little to depend on.
We have the Holy Scriptures. Inspired by God, they serve as a benchmark for life and death. They teach.
They train. They guide and direct.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for a
benchmark—the Holy Scriptures—that
we can live and die by.
—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
Monday, February 14
C
Always be
prepared to
give an answer
to everyone
who asks you
to give the
reason for the
hope that you
have.
Ready or Not!
I Pet 3:15
Challenge:
Practice giving the reason
for your hope
with a Christian friend
today. Perhaps
writing out
some of your
ideas would be
helpful.
Read:
1 Pet 3:8-22
Psalm 71
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God’s people are ready ... to share
their hope! Hope is a powerful, yet
subtle, word. It can seem so passive,
yet is so vital. We use it so often that it
has lost much of its meaning.
Hope for people of God is knowing that even when there is no hope ...
there is hope, in Jesus Christ! Hope is
knowing that even though life looks
only like Good Friday, Easter is on the
way. Hope trumps experience.
1 Peter 3:15 can also be misunderstood. It is not saying to us that we
need to know all the “answers,” but
rather it says that we need to be ready
to tell people why we have hope in
the Lord Jesus. And we have hope
in Christ because he has saved us
through his death and resurrection!
Lord, thank you for the gift of hope.
Hope is not a wish, but hope is knowing
that you continue to love and forgive me.
Continue to fill me with hope as I share
your hope with an often hope-less world.
—Rich Bimler
Bloomingdale, IL
46
Tuesday, February 15
C
Enter his
gates with
thanksgiving,
and his courts
with praise.
Entering (& Exiting)
with Thanksgiving
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The writer of Psalm 100 instructs us
how to enter God’s house. It is to be
with thanksgiving and praise—and
for good reason. It is in God’s house
where we will hear the message of
God’s grace and mercy and receive
the gift of forgiveness of sins through
the cross of Christ. It is here where we
will rejoice in God’s goodness, love
and faithfulness with heart and lips
along with our brothers and sisters in
Christ.
It is with the same thanksgiving
that we exit God’s house in order to
“serve the Lord with gladness.”
Lord, as I worship and serve you, enable me to do so with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4
Challenge:
How are you
able to demonstrate your
thanksgiving
as you serve
God and his
people? Is there
a connection
between thankful worship
and thankful
serving?
47
s
Read:
Col 3:12-17
—Tim Zimmermann
Iowa City, IA
C
Let the peace
of Christ rule
in your hearts,
to which indeed you were
called in the
one body. And
be thankful.
With gratitude
in your hearts
sing psalms,
hymns, and
spiritual songs
to God.
Wednesday, February 16
We Have Everything!
Col 3:15-16
Challenge:
Share aloud
your joy over
simple blessings, that all
around you
may know
your hope
comes from the
Lord.
Read:
Psalm 150
48
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“Now we have EVERYTHING!” a
woman gushed.
The new cement well had just been
completed in the tiny West African
town of Adare, Niger, and as the villagers joined the Peace Corps volunteer around the well’s mouth, one of
the women shouted, “Now we have
EVERYTHING!”
Adare has no electricity, no running
water. Its one television set runs off
a generator. Water from its new well
must be gathered by bucket.
But the well’s walls are no longer
mud. The water is clear.
“Now we have EVERYTHING!”
“Fofo hala manti moso!” the villagers chant together. “Thank you until
not just a little bit!”
In other words, thank you FOREVER!
Lord, help me to see and proclaim aloud
your simple mercy.
—Gretchen Beck
Irvine, CA
C
I (keep)
remembering you in
my prayers,
that the God
of our Lord
Jesus Christ,
the Father of
glory, may give
you a spirit of
wisdom and of
revelation, …
that you may
know the hope
to which he has
called you.
Thursday, February 17
Never Give Up
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A man went to a little league baseball game. Standing by the dugout,
he asked a boy what the score was.
“Twenty to nothing. We are behind.”
“That looks bad for you, doesn’t it?”
the man said.
“Not at all,” replied the little boy,
“We haven’t even gotten up to bat
yet.”
We know that since God is in control, nothing looks that bad.
Lord Jesus Christ, no matter how
things look in my life at this time, help
me know you’re still God and in control
of things.
Eph 1:15-18
49
—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
s
Challenge:
List things
in your life
that trouble
you. Write
over them the
words, “But
I have hope
and promise in
Jesus Christ.”
Friday, February 18
Blessed to Give
C
We must
help the weak
and remember
the words of
the Lord Jesus,
how he himself
said, “It is
more blessed
to give than to
receive.”
Acts 20:35
Challenge:
Identify
someone in
need whom
you can aid
today.
Read:
Isa 58:6-10
Mic 6:8
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When I began attending graduate
school on the south side of Chicago,
I was searching for a church home. I
visited a congregation, and when the
worship service was over, I returned
to my car. It wouldn’t start. I looked
under the hood and discovered that
the battery had been stolen!
When the parishioners learned of
my plight, they took up a collection
for me. It was more than enough
to purchase a new battery—and a
padlock for my hood! Thereafter I
didn’t need to do any more church
shopping. These people’s generosity
confirmed for me that this was the
church I would join!
Christ served us in our need. His
church serves those in need. These
acts of grace attract people into communities of grace.
Lord Jesus, give me opportunity to aid
others in your name.
—David J. Peter
Glendale, MO
50
Saturday, February 19
Who Are You?
C
And do not
be grieved, for
the joy of the
LORD is your
strength.
Neh 8:10b
Challenge:
Describe
your journey of
faith. How has
it helped you
learn who you
are? How do
you know you
are a valuable
member of the
family of God?
Read:
Neh 8:1-10
1 Cor 1:26-31
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Cleaning out my parents’ house,
we spent days going through boxes of
papers. My, the discoveries we made!
There was a letter from my grandfather written in 1914 to my greatgrandmother expressing his love
for my grandmother. I was touching
treasures—rediscovering who I was in
the context of my family.
My experience was like Israel’s. Returning to Jerusalem after exile, they
heard God’s Law read to them. Their
relationship with God as his covenant
people was recalled for a generation
ignorant of their heritage. They wept.
They knew who they were.
Who are you? We are the people of
God who share a heritage. Our birth is
in Baptism. Our food is God’s Word.
Our home is wherever we commune
with Christ. We are family!
May I never doubt my identity, Lord,
as your child, nor my place in your family, bought by the blood of Jesus.
—Donald Neidigk
Rio Rancho, NM
51
Sunday, February 20
Entering the
Mission Field
C
Go into all
the world and
proclaim the
gospel to the
whole creation.
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Maybe your church has one of those
signs as you leave the parking lot. Try
moving the idea back into our worship itself, which concludes with the
“recessional.” The processional cross
that leads us in now leads us out.
Maybe the cross should go right out
the door, into the parking lot, into the
world.
It does. We bear the marks of Christ.
In Baptism we received the sign of
the cross on the forehead and on the
heart. We are the Body of Christ, into
all the world. Our life of worship and
service does not end when the recessional signals the end of “church.”
Now the mission of God, to us,
extends into all the world, in us. We
enter the mission field.
Thank you, Lord, for taking me into
your mission, into all the world!
Mark 16:15
Challenge:
What in
our worship
“inside” the
church empowers us to be
God’s people
“outside” the
church?
Read:
Gal 6:14-18
s
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
52
Monday, February 21
Serious about Laughter
C
The Lord
has done great
things for us
and we are
filled with joy!
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“Laughter is carbonated holiness,”
someone said. I believe it. We do not
stop laughing because we grow old.
No, we grow old because we stop
laughing. In order to see laughter as a
gift from God, we need to laugh about
thinking, not think about laughing!
It’s easy to take ourselves seriously
and take God not seriously enough.
Have you ever tried to play God? Me
too! It’s hard work. But we already
have a God who loves and forgives.
That allows us to “lighten up” and to
be a Light to the world, in Jesus’ name!
We live on “this side” of the resurrection. We know how it all turns out.
That’s something to laugh about!
It is a joy being serious about laughter. Laughter is a way of crossing ourselves. To laugh means that we know
the Lord is in charge. So lighten up!
Thanks for the gift of laughter, Lord.
Our laughs and smiles help us to tell others of the love that is ours, through you.
Psalm 126:3
Challenge:
Go out of
your way to
make people
laugh today.
Share God’s
light through
a lightness of
being.
Read:
Gen 21:6
s
—Rich Bimler
Bloomingdale, Il
53
C
But in your
hearts honor
Christ the Lord
as holy, always
being prepared
to make a defense to anyone
who asks you
for the hope
that is in you;
yet do it with
gentleness and
respect.
Tuesday, February 22
Why a Christian?
1 Pet 3:15
Challenge:
List unchurched people with whom
you confide
and imagine
what you can
tell them about
your experience of Jesus’
love.
Read:
Mark 5:1-20
John 9
54
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I still meet with a men’s consciousness-raising group formed in the ‘70s.
Then we agonized over relationships
and marriages. Later, divorce and
troubled children. These days, our
expanding waistlines and doctors’
visits. Recently we talked religion.
The others, all Jewish, some observant, asked why I was still religious.
Have you ever tried to give a reason
for your faith to folks who have no
frame of reference for Christ? I shared
my sense of peace with past mistakes
and of self-worth for each day because of a healthy relation with God
and his world which I found in Jesus’
saving life and death. They listened.
No arguments. No proof texts. Just
the story of how my Lord affected me.
The hard part was not in confessing
Christ, but in being honest.
Lord, open my eyes to your work in my
heart and life, and help me share my good
news of your love.
—King Schoenfeld
St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, February 23
Original Spice Girls
C
When the
Sabbath was
passed, Mary
Magdalene,
Mary the
mother of
James and
Salome bought
spices, so they
might go and
anoint him.
Mark 16:1
Challenge:
Who do you
know that are
carrying spices
and need to
hear about the
risen Christ?
Read:
Matt 2:1-12
I Cor 15:1-11
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Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother
of James, and Salome may qualify as
“the original spice girls.”
They were bringing spices to
anoint the body of Jesus very early
in the morning. Their concern was
not whether they had enough spices.
Their concern was about the big stone
that blocked the entrance to the tomb.
They never got to use their spices.
At least we don’t think so. Their attention was on the open tomb. The
young man who welcomed them
indicated that the spices would be
unnecessary. Jesus was not there! He
was arisen!
There are still too many carrying
spices as though Jesus were not a
risen and living Savior. We have a
message for them. They will not need
their spice. He is risen!
O Jesus, send us and others to assure
those who are carrying their spices that
they can set them aside.
—Vernon D. Gundermann
Kirkwood, MO
55
Thursday, February 24
Being a Spy
C
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And your
father who sees
in secret will
reward you.
Telling people I am a pastor is a
conversation killer. Whenever I’m in
the doctor’s office or getting my hair
cut, once people know my profession,
the talking usually comes to a screeching halt. I recently read that one pastor decided he would tell people he
was a spy. I like that idea.
Christians can sometimes work
like spies in enemy territory and our
subversive ways can help expand
the Kingdom of God. Phone calls to
someone lonely, a visit to the hospital,
or praying with a friend are small
ways to punch big holes in the kingdom of the enemy.
It is a challenge to be a spy, and it
can be dangerous work. But the message will never self-destruct.
Holy Father, let my subversive acts of
love advance your kingdom of grace.
Matt 6:4b
Challenge:
Make a list
of “subversive” acts of
love. Then get
caught doing
them.
Read:
Isa 40:8
Gal 5:13-14
s
—Jeffrey A. Stone
Middleburg Heights, OH
56
Friday, February 25
The Storyteller
C
I am reminded of your
sincere faith, a
faith that dwelt
first in your
grandmother
Lois and your
mother Eunice
and now, I am
sure, dwells in
you as well.
2 Tim 1:5
Challenge:
Have you
shared your
faith stories
with your
children and
grandchildren?
Read:
Luke 10:38-42
Matt 13:1-9;
18-23
57
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David Walsh said, “He who tells the
stories dictates the culture.” Who are
the people today telling our children
the stories? The media? Grandparents? Educators?
Because of the stories being told,
what does our culture look like today? Who is at fault if the right stories
aren’t being told?
Timothy heard important stories
from his grandmother and mother.
These stories dictated his future.
God’s Word reminds families that
they are to pass on the baton of faith
from one generation to the next.
When we do pass on our faith, we are
not only carrying out God’s wishes,
but we are also dictating culture itself.
Lord Jesus Christ, help me to tell the
stories of faith—from Holy Scripture as
well as my own—to the next generation.
—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
Saturday, February 26
True Confessions
C
Simon Peter
answered,
“You are the
Christ, the Son
of the living
God.”
Matt 16:16
Challenge:
Consider
how you
can confess
your faith in
Jesus today. To
whom might
you make this
confession? In
what ways has
Jesus freed you
from guilt?
Read:
Matt 16:13-19
Phil 2:5-11
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Years ago there was a magazine
called True Confessions. The covers featured a shocking scene of murder or
sexual innuendo. That way you’d buy
a copy, take it home and read all the
lurid details. Reading about someone
else’s sins diminishes our own.
Confession, we think, is something
negative. It is a function of the Law
that humiliates. But admitting one’s
sin is only one meaning of confession.
Another is what we see Peter doing.
Surrounded by temples and idols, Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”
Peter shouts, “You are the Christ.”
That’s the other meaning of confession. It is proclaiming who Jesus is.
Most of us know we are sinners.
Even confessing sin doesn’t get rid of
it. Confessing that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God, does. With that confession alone our sins are gone.
Father, I know I’m a sinner. Move me
beyond my guilt to your forgiveness.
—Donald Neidigk
Rio Rancho, NM
58
Sunday, February 27
Jesus Scrubs the Soul
C
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Who can
bring a clean
thing out of an
unclean? There
is not one.
There is an old story about a mom
who had seven children. One day
the youngest was missing. She found
him that evening at the construction
site of a new home. The boy busied
himself playing in the tar and sand
of the work site. Being a good mom,
she brought him home and started to
clean him up. After a while she said,
“No, this is no good. It is easier to
have another child than to clean up
this one.”
God could have taken the easy way
and given up on you and the human
race because of sin’s filth. But he
didn’t. Instead, God dirtied his Son
with the filthiness of your sins on the
cross so you could be cleansed and
forgiven. What cleansing words and
actions will you share today?
Jesus, thanks for scrubbing clean my
heart’s sins. Help me “dirty” myself in
lives around me so that others might
know you.
Job 14:4
Challenge:
Give your
absolute best
effort in everything you do
today.
Read:
Psalm 51:1-12
1 John 1:9
s
—Scott Kruse
Antigo, WI
59
Monday, February 28
New Eyes
C
From now
on, therefore,
we regard no
one according
to the flesh.
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C un p
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I’ve got a neighbor who’s a little
rough around the edges. For years he
didn’t take care of his property, that
is, until he met his girlfriend. Now,
the house is looking better all the
time. On Saturday mornings a group
of even rougher-looking folks show
up on really loud motorcycles and in
old, beat-up VW Bugs. They smoke a
lot. There’s always lots of empty beer
cans on the curb later in the day. Loud
music often pours from the open
windows.
I’ve asked myself, “What if Jesus
lived next door to this guy?” And
then I realized, he does … in me.
Jesus, give me eyes to see people the
way you see them … and then respond.
2 Cor 5:16a
Challenge:
Every
time you see
someone that
makes you feel
uncomfortable today, ask
yourself, “How
does Jesus see
this person?”
Record your
thoughts.
60
s
Read:
2 Cor 5:11-21
John 4:1-30
—Steve Wiechman
N. Richland Hills, TX
Tuesday, March 1
Blessed to Bless
C
Now the
Lord said to
Abram ... “I
will bless you
... so that you
will be a blessing.”
Gen 12:1-2
Challenge:
Count your
blessings as
you encounter
them today.
Count, too,
the blessings
you share with
others.
Read:
Gen 12:1-9
Gal 3:15-29
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Last fall I had cancer surgery.
Afterwards, I hung up the photo of
the tumor—a reminder to thank God
daily for my restored health. I also
started thinking about an appropriate
celebration: a little trip? (After all, my
surgery had cancelled a much-anticipated trip to Greece.) Gold earrings?
(Just a small pair, I thought.) A party?
Before the surgery my husband
asked many for prayers. Those
prayers were powerful, and the notes
were a blessing. But one note gave
my way-to-celebrate ideas a different
tack: “Remember, you were saved to
serve.” Oh. I thought of Abraham: we
are blessed ... in order to be blessings to others. My acts of service to
others became my celebration. And
the return to spiritual health that Jesus
accomplishes we also celebrate—by
being blessings to others.
Lord, you renew my life with love and
forgiveness. Make me a blessing.
Sally Beck
University City, MO
61
Wednesday, March 2
C
(God) comforts us in all
our affliction
so that we
may be able to
comfort those
who are in any
affliction, with
the comfort
with which we
ourselves are
comforted by
God.
Stroke to Stroke:
A Helping Hand
2 Cor 1:4
Challenge:
Who has
comforted you
when you went
to comfort
them? Reflect
on that interaction.
Read:
2 Cor 1:3-11
Phil 1:12-14
62
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My brother Stan experienced a major stroke a few years ago. Seriously
impaired, he traveled from Indiana
to Alaska to visit his friend Ron who
also suffered a stroke and the additional blow of a bout of depression.
Stan’s concern for Ron trumped his
disability, and they had a great visit.
Who comforted whom?
Paul shared in Christ’s sufferings
often because he proclaimed Christ as
Savior to others. He found comfort in
Christ’s resurrection so that he could
comfort the believers in Corinth as
they suffered persecution for their
faith. They, in turn, comforted Paul.
Some have called this interaction “the
great exchange” because of God’s
love in Christ.
God of all comfort, use my suffering as
an opportunity to comfort others for Jesus’ sake. Help me also find your comfort
in unexpected places.
—Stephen J. Carter
St. Louis, MO
Thursday, March 3
Beyond Expectation
C
Let your
light shine before others, so
that they may
see your good
works and give
glory to your
Father who is
in heaven.
Matt 5:16
Challenge:
Who is
watching
you? When
given the opportunity, do
you share the
Gospel?
Read:
Luke 10:25-37
Gal 3:10-14
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Have you ever met someone online,
then face to face? Did she look different than you’d imagined? Sometimes
our mind’s eye doesn’t match reality.
Many people have a preconceived
idea of Christianity.
In Luke 10, a lawyer asks Jesus
how to earn eternal life. The lawyer is
probably surprised by Jesus’ answer.
It isn’t expected.
We are witnesses every day. In our
homes, our jobs, and in our leisure
time, people who think Christianity is
a certain “something” see us. We have
a powerful opportunity to show them
what Christianity is—and isn’t.
When others ask how we can do
things like forgiving others or having
hope, they are asking us to share our
Savior with them. Take these opportunities to show, and share, Christ.
Lord, help me show you in all I do.
Make me ready to share your grace with
others.
—Stephenie Hovland
Green Bay, WI
63
Friday, March 4
Breathing In And Out
C
Thus says
the Lord GOD:
“Come from
the four winds,
O breath, and
breathe on
these slain,
that they may
live.”
Challenge:
Take a deep
breath. How
will God’s
breath of life go
out to others?
Read:
Gen 2:7
Ezek 37:1-14
John 20:21-23
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Ezek 37:9
We breathe in; we breathe out. Unless we do, we die.
God breathed into the first person
the breath of life. The prophet Ezekiel
saw dead bones come to life by the
power of the Spirit.
Jesus “breathed on his disciples”
and empowered them to forgive sins,
which gives life. It is the breath of life.
We receive it. We breathe it. In and
out.
We go in to church; we come out of
church. We draw people to come in to
Jesus; we go out to people with Jesus.
It is the breathing of God’s people, by
the power of God’s Spirit. We can’t
just breathe in. God’s breath must go
out!
Thank you for the breath of life, and for
the breathing of God’s people, as we go
into your presence and come out to present you. And so all people might come in,
we go out!
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
64
Saturday, March 5
C
Some of
the Pharisees
in the crowd
said to Jesus,
“Teacher, order
your disciples
to stop.” He
answered, “I
tell you, if
these were silent, the stones
would shout
out.”
Restless Infants
Luke 19:39-40
Challenge:
Share the
love of Jesus
with a child
today. And
listen, as well,
to learn a more
childlike faith.
Read:
Mark 10:13-16
65
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The infants are restless
this Easter morning.
And two pews behind us
the babe whimpers
and cries. Still, I hear
in the teary sobbing
a hint of something
that rings a song.
Please, Mother, do not
take her away. Not today.
Maybe her spring dress scratches.
Maybe her stomach is empty.
Maybe she is hot
in these crowded rows.
Or ... just maybe
the child is shouting
her hosannas to the Son
of David, the Risen King.
Please, Mother. Do not
take your baby away.
Lord, teach me the childlike faith of the
infants who rely solely on you.
—Travis J. Scholl
University City, MO
Sunday, March 6
“Hi, Neighbor!”
C
You shall
love your
neighbor as
yourself.
Matt 19:19
Challenge:
Reach out to
one neighbor
this week. Can
you find a common interest?
Gardening?
Young children? There’s
always the
weather! Or
church?
Read:
Matt 19:16-30
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We returned from a brief vacation to
find an empty house across the street.
Three women had been living there
for, well, for a long time. (... and love
thy neighbor as thyself.)
I’m not sure if they were related.
We never learned their names. They
didn’t speak English, but we waved
and said “Hi” now and then. I told
them how nice their yard looked once.
(... and love thy neighbor as thyself.)
We probably would have had
trouble understanding each other.
They kept pretty much to themselves.
I talk to people all day—when I come
home, I’m tired and don’t want to
visit. Sometimes they cooked things
that smelled funny. (... and love thy
neighbor as thyself.)
Well, Jesus didn’t really mean
“neighbor” like the people across the
street. Did he?
Lord Jesus, teach me to understand the
word neighbor as you do.
—Lois Scheer
San Diego, CA
66
Monday, March 7
Love Is the Answer
C
For God
did not send
his Son into
the world to
condemn the
world, but to
save the world
through him.
John 3:17
Challenge:
Who are
you standing
in judgment
of today that
you should be
kneeling next
to?
Read:
John 3:16-21
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Once in an interview, boxer Mike
Tyson was asked about his newfound
Muslim faith. He said he turned from
Christianity because of the condemnation he’d experienced from Christians.
The obstacle for him considering the
Gospel of Jesus was Jesus’ followers.
Many people hear the word church
and hear “judgment” or “condemnation.” Yet no one would have said that
about Jesus in his day.
Jesus’ mission is salvation, yet we
can seem on a mission of condemnation. What would the world look like
if we saw the gathering of believers
as the place to equip us, not just with
knowledge, but with the ability to engage culture as Jesus engaged culture?
How would our lives change ... when
we watch the news ... when we read
the paper? Maybe those things would
make up the bulk of our conversation
with God for the day.
Lord, lead me to love, not judge.
—Mike Paulison
Aurora, CO
67
C
The next day
John saw Jesus
coming toward
him, and said,
“Behold, the
Lamb of God,
who takes
away the sin of
the world!”
Tuesday, March 8
Forgiven
John 1:29
Challenge:
There are
people around
us who do
not yet know
that Jesus
died for them.
Pray that God
will reveal
the name of a
person to you.
Look for an
opportunity to
share forgiveness with him
or her.
Read:
John 1:29-34
68
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Sacrifice is a key concept in the
ways of God. Every morning and
evening a lamb was sacrificed in the
Temple for the sins of the people of Israel. Early on in the Bible, God promised that he would send the Messiah
to save us from our sins. To pay the
complete penalty for sin, a life had to
be given. God graciously provided
the sacrifice himself.
The sins of the whole world were
removed when Jesus sacrificed his life
for us. That means that Jesus paid the
price of my sin by his death. I receive
the benefit of that gift whenever I apply that forgiveness to my life.
Jesus, thank you for loving me
enough to die in my place and take
away my sin. Let me never take your
generous sacrifice for granted.
—Rod Pasch
Slidell, LA
Wednesday, March 9
The Friendship Factor
C
This is my
commandment,
that you love
one another as
I have loved
you.
John 15:12
Challenge:
Make it a point
today to show
warmth and
care in Jesus’
name to someone who needs
a friend.
Read:
John 15:12-17
1 Cor 13:1-8
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The Friendship Factor is a book by
Alan Loy McGinnis. The book’s
theme is expressed on the book’s
back: “At the heart of each relationship is the friendship factor—the
essential ingredient of warmth and
caring.”
Jesus talks about friendship in John
15, saying that the sign of his great
love for us is his sacrificial death. He
also says that our friendship should
mean something: that we should obey
his commands, chiefly shown by our
love for one another.
If we fail to love one another, we
fail to live out our friendship with
Jesus. Warmth and caring toward others must mark Jesus’ followers. This
friendship factor flows from Jesus’
friendship to us and from us to others.
Thank you, Jesus, for making me your
friend. Help me to show warmth to others.
—David Bahn
Cypress, TX
69
Thursday, March 10
You Get an A
C
A voice came
from heaven:
“You are my
beloved Son;
with you I am
well pleased.”
Luke 3:22b
Challenge:
How can
you, by example, teach
others to be
appreciative?
Tell yourself
several times,
“I am a beloved
child of God.”
Read:
Luke 3:21-22
Matt 25:19-21
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“You get an A!” the teacher cheered
as he drew an A on a card and gave
it to the beaming boy. He didn’t get
many As, so when he did well, the
teacher would hand him an A.
We don’t need approval, until, after
doing our best, no one notices. We’re
tempted to quit. We call it “burnout.”
With appreciation we can keep going
like the Energizer Bunny.
What kept Jesus going? His Father’s affirmation at his Baptism and
at the Transfiguration. The Father
proclaimed, “You are my beloved
Son;with you I am well pleased.” Encouraged, Jesus was enabled go on.
God gives affirmation in Baptism.
God clothes us with Christ and says,
“You are my child ... I am pleased.”
Father, right or wrong, I find I need
affirmation. When I’m feeling unappreciated, remind me that, baptized into your
Son, you are delighted with me and all I
do in your name.
—Donald Neidigk
Rio Rancho, NM
70
C
But God
said to him,
“You fool! This
very night
your life is being demanded
of you.” So it
is with those
who store up
treasures for
themselves but
are not rich
toward God.
Friday, March 11
My Greed of Grace
Luke 12:20-21
Challenge:
Who is the
“Tim” who
requires of you
just too much
from your
storehouse of
God’s grace?
Drop your
defenses.
Read:
Luke 12:13-21
Amos 6:1-8
71
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Tim was ringing at the church door.
I’d already taken up my shield and
was wielding my weapon as I took to
the intercom. Tim had already been
by for his monthly supply of food and
his $25 check. I was ready to defend
what was mine (forgetting, of course,
that it had all been donated to God).
“Pastor,” he said to me, a diaconal
minister, “I need to talk.” I lowered
my defenses, though just a bit. “I have
cancer. They’re giving me six months,
whether I get treatment or not.”
I raised the battlements to let him in.
“I’m drunk most of the time. I’m
not any good for anyone. I could get
surgery, but honestly, wouldn’t it be
better for everyone if I would die?”
Tim wasn’t after food or money
(though I gave him both that day).
What he needed was WORTH. And
he got that, too, from Christ ... and
even me.
Lord, take away my greed of grace.
—Libbie Reinking
Oakville, MO
Saturday, March 12
C
Come to
me, all who
labor and are
heavy laden,
and I will give
you rest. I am
gentle. My
yoke is easy
and my burden
light.
Witness to What?
Matt 11:28-30
Challenge:
Become a
discerning
listener. When
people witness, what do
you hear more
about, guilt
and duty or
a welcoming
and forgiving
Jesus?
Read
John 3:17
Luke 10:38-42
72
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What’s the picture you have left
with someone after a spiritual conversation?
If you’ve bragged up the Church,
chances are it’s received with skepticism. People are wary of institutions.
If you’ve talked about Christianity, it
may be received as partisan propaganda for one world religion among
others. Talk about Jesus? That’s not
guaranteed to be a good witness
either. Who would be persuaded if
Jesus comes across as someone laying
religious guilt and impossible duties
on us?
Jesus said, “Whoever comes to me I
will never cast out” (John 6:37). Now
that is appealing and that’s why many
sincere Christians refer to themselves
as “Christ-followers.” What’s the picture of Jesus you have and share?
Welcoming Jesus, draw us to you!
—Dale A. Meyer
St. Louis, Missouri
Sunday, March 13
Moving from I to We
C
There was
not a needy
person among
them. For as
many as were
owners of
lands or houses
sold them, and
brought the
proceeds of
what was sold
and laid it at
the Apostles’
feet.
Acts 4:34-35
Challenge:
How can I
live We in a
Me world?
Read:
Acts 2:44-45
Matt 19:16-29
73
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We see a little bit of heaven here
on earth. The experience of Pentecost transformed these new believers
beyond selfishness and changed their
thinking about their possessions.
They now thought in terms of We not
I. God had given them what was to be
shared, and they gave because others
needed it. As a result, the poor no longer existed in this selfless community.
Sometimes you can give and
sometimes you can’t. Maybe it isn’t
selling all and giving it away. Maybe
it is. Maybe it is having a garage sale
and giving to your local food bank.
Maybe it is finding a home for that
old appliance ... for free. Are you a me
thinker or we thinker? Your actions will
tell you.
Lord, move my heart to give to the
needs you show me and not think of self.
—Rick Foss
St. Louis, MO
Monday, March 14
Money’s Irrelevance
C
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It is with some hesitation that I discuss stewardship with the words of
William Saroyan, a writer (and poker
player). Still, demonstrating the “irrelevance of money” is a worthy goal for
Christians, too. Money is a primary
factor in my decisions—from my
food (a brown bag or deli today?), my
clothes, my career, my vacations and
so on. Yet, I confront Jesus’ disturbing
words, “You cannot serve God and
wealth. Is not life more than food, and
the body more than clothing?” How
uncomfortable, when so much of my
time is spent on my food and clothing
(and shelter, drink, entertainment).
Giving generously to God is like
gambling in the Saroyan mode. Giving helps us loosen our grip on what
is prized in this world—it affirms that
we are not entangled in the world’s
networks of value. To give is to live,
in a new way: God’s way.
Lord, loosen my grip on goods.
“Why do I
gamble? I gamble to prove the
irrelevance of
money.”
William Saroyan
Challenge:
Give dangerously today.
Read:
Matt 6:24-34
2 Cor 8:1-15
s
—Andrew Beck (adapted)
New York, NY
74
Tuesday, March 15
I Can Do It!
C
I can do all
things through
him who
strengthens
me.
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“I can’t do it, Pastor. I know what
I’m supposed to do, but I simply can’t
do it.”
What he said, I’ve heard many
times as a counselor. Even though the
man knew that what he was doing
was wrong in God’s eyes, he felt he
could not give it up. Sin is hard to
give up!
For this man and for many others in
counseling, I asked that he change his
“I can’t” to “I won’t.” Why? Because
as Christians we can do things nonChristians can’t do. Scripture reminds
us that in and through Baptism the
Holy Spirit resurrects in us new life,
new ways. It is true, on our own
strength we are unable to overcome
sinful habits; however, united to
Christ, we can. Just as Christ was resurrected, so we are resurrected to new
possibilities.
Lord Jesus, help me this week to change
my “I can’ts” to “I can with your power.”
Phil 4:13
Challenge:
The next time
you’re tempted
to say, “I
can’t,” change
the “I can’t” to
“I can through
Christ Jesus.”
Read:
Eph 1:15-21
Rom 8:31-32
s
—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
75
Wednesday, March 16
God’s Work Day
C
… and all
peoples on
earth will be
blessed through
you.
Gen 12:3b
Challenge:
Who do
you know
who most
dramatically
demonstrates
God’s business
through them
as one of his
baptized?
Read:
Rom 6:1-4
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God has a lot of very busy days.
He is seldom busier than on a day of
Baptism! On those days he is establishing a relationship that will never
end. Almost every other beginning
event has an ending event. Not so
with Baptism.
He begins the relationship with a
sharp focus. He wishes to bless the
newly baptized with his unconditional love. He will do that through a
lot of people.
But even more significant is his
earnest desire to release that love
through the baptized. The baptized
are our Lord’s most important agents.
One never knows where or to whom
that love may be released. It is a missional thing. God is busy day after
day, releasing his love through the
baptized, to work a blessing for today
and forever!
Lord, bless those being baptized today,
and the work of the baptized every day.
—Vernon D. Gundermann
Kirkwood, MO
76
Thursday, March 17
C
Jesus looked
at him and
said, “So you
are Simon the
son of John?
You shall be
called Cephas”
(which means
Peter).
The Rock
John 1:42
Challenge:
Do you
have a biblical
name? If not,
can you think
of some nickname for yourself that would
characterize
your faith right
now?
Read:
John 1:35-42
77
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Jesus saw not only who Simon
was but who he would become. So
the Lord gave him a new name—
“Cephas” (Aramaic)/”Peter”
(Greek)—which means “a rock.” In
the early part of the gospels Peter is
anything but a rock. But by the time
of Acts he had grown into a solid
leader and witness. By giving Simon a
new name, Jesus introduced a change
in character.
In high school a lot of my friends
had nicknames. By the end of my
freshman year I became known as
“The Rock.” That was before my faith
in Jesus became personal in my senior
year. That nickname has characterized
my discipleship ever since. My love
for Jesus is strong and steady.
Jesus, you are my rock. May my faith in
you always be strong and steady.
—Rod Pasch
Slidell, LA
Friday, March 18
Into the Face of Death
C
I am the resurrection and
the life. Whoever believes in
me, though he
die, yet shall he
live, and everyone who lives
and believes in
me shall never
die. Do you
believe this?
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C un p
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The funeral procession arrived at
the cemetery. The pallbearers bore
the dead weight of the casket. But the
processional cross led the way. It had
led into the church, and it led the way
out. Now it led the people of God
right into the face of death.
On that cross, our Savior bore the
dead weight of our sin. He, too, was
dead and buried. But on the third day
he was alive again. We believe in the
resurrection of the dead and life in the
world to come.
That is true every day, as the cross
leads us from Baptism until the day
we come face to face with death.
Lead me, O my Savior, by your cross,
facing every day of my life and even into
the face of death.
John 11:25-26
Read:
1 Cor 1:18
78
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
s
Challenge:
How can
we present the
power of the
cross when
people die, and
as we live?
Saturday, March 19
Into the Face of Life
C
“But,” he
said, “you
cannot see my
face; for no one
shall see me
and live.”
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No one can see the face of God and
live. Moses did, sort of. God hid him
in the cleft of the rock.
Then Jesus came, and in him God
was here, in the flesh, face to face. We
have seen the glory of God in the face
of Christ Jesus.
God’s presence should mean death.
In the forgiveness of Jesus, it means
life. In his body and blood, we see
him face to face. It is the face of life.
We face many things in life. And at
some point we walk into the face of
death. But in Jesus’ presence, we will
walk into the face of life.
Lord, “lift up your countenance upon
us, and give us peace.” Give us strength
to face all things in life, and go confidently into the face, not of death, but of life.
Exo 33:20
Challenge:
Think of
how we “keep
our chin up,”
knowing we
have seen the
face of life!
79
—Andrew Bartelt
Affton, MO
s
Read:
Exo 33:17-23
1 Cor 13:12
2 Cor 4:6
Rev 22:1-5
Sunday, March 20
What To Say?
C
From that
time Jesus
began to
preach, saying,
“Repent, for
the kingdom
of heaven is at
hand.”
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Isn’t it ultimately the stitch that
sews shut our lips? Concern over
what words should tear the threads
loose and allow witnessing to happen? By the Spirit, we desire to speak
of the salvation we have received. But
what to say?
John the Bapist said, “Repent, for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom
of heaven is at hand. You, too, can say,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is
at hand.”
Perhaps not verbatim, but have this
thought at the heart of your witness:
“Turn from sin. Jesus is here.” It might
seem all too simple. It is. Blessedly so.
Lord Jesus Christ, your kingdom has
come to me. May it come to all.
Matt 4:17
Challenge:
Write a few
sentences that
put this biblical phrase into
language you
could share
with a friend.
80
—Philip C. Hoppe
Ellsworth, KS
s
Read:
Matt 4:13-17
Matt 3:1-3
Monday, March 21
Take Your Crown!
C
Be faithful
unto death,
and I will give
you the crown
of life.
Rev 2:10b
Challenge:
Prioritize
what’s going on in
your life and
church right
now. Which of
these could be
dropped to help
keep your focus
on Christ?
Read:
Rev 2:10b-11
Luke 10:38-42
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Annie, 106 years old, usually greeted me with her hair just right, wearing a corsage. But not this time. Today
there was no flower and no makeup.
She just said, “You know, I’m going to
die soon.”
A bit uncomfortable, I felt like saying, “Oh, Annie, you’ll be with us
a long time yet.” But Annie wasn’t
uncomfortable. It was a happy announcement! And why shouldn’t it
be? She was a believer in Christ. He
had been faithful to her. Now she was
ready to receive her crown of life and
see Jesus face to face.
It’s so easy to turn Christian faith
into church functions, servant events,
family advice. But the point is what
Annie’s faith had prepared her
for, meeting the Lord. Don’t let the
crowded life replace the crown of life.
Jesus, in the midst of distractions, keep
the focus of my faith on you and your
cross that I may receive a crown of life.
—Donald Neidigk
Rio Rancho, NM
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Tuesday, March 22
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Jesus said to
Simon Peter,
“Simon, son of
John, do you
love me more
than these?”
He said to him,
“Yes, Lord; you
know that I
love you.”
Horace the Turtle
John 21:15
Challenge 1:
As you grow
in your love
for the Lord,
will you feel
compelled to
share that love
with others?
Challenge 2:
Start at home.
Read:
John 21:15-17
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We have a pet turtle named Horace. Our family has argued for years
over whether the turtle is Horace or
Hortense. The turtle cares not a whit
about its gender. It lives only to eat.
During the World Series Horace
digs a hole in the back yard under
a cactus plant and buries itself into
hibernation. Unfailingly he emerges
during spring training, dazed and
muddy, looking for something to eat.
The daily search for food resumes.
Could we imitate the single-minded
turtle by following our Lord’s command each day to “Love the Lord
your God with all your heart, with all
your soul and with all your mind and
with all your strength”? (Mark 29:30).
Lord, I love you more than baseball,
more than food, more than life itself. Help
me to search each day for a way to love
you even more.
—Lois Scheer
San Diego, CA
Wednesday, March 23
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But thanks
be to God,
who gives us
the victory
through our
Lord Jesus
Christ.
The “Why?” And
“What?” of Mission
1 Cor 15:57
And let
us not grow
weary of doing
good.
Gal 6:9
Challenge:
How do I
monitor my
motivation for
serving? How
do I help the
people I serve
to evaluate
their motivation?
Read:
1 Pet 4:7-11
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In the life of the Christian, there is
always the “Why?” and the “What?”
“Why?” is motivation. “What?” is the
specifics of “doing good.”
For the Christian there is always a
motivation, a reason “Why?” we do
the “What?” This is expressed by St.
Paul in 1 Cor 15. We are Easter people
who, by Baptism, have journeyed to
the cross, been buried with Christ and
been given his victory over death by
his resurrection. We are alive in Christ
in order to fill in the “What?” blanks
in our daily lives; we do so with
“thanks be to God” in our hearts.
Christ is our “Why?” for life. He
guides us to the “What?”—the “doing
good” opportunities that are placed
before us. Know this: “In the Lord
your labor is not in vain.”
Lord, empower me by your resurrection
to not grow weary in doing good.
—Tim Zimmermann
Iowa City, IA
Thursday, March 24
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But when
Peter noticed the
strong wind,​​
he became
frightened, and
beginning to
sink, he cried
out, “Lord,
save me!”
Jesus immediately reached
out his hand
and caught
him.
Lend a Hand
Matt 14:30-31
Challenge:
We are
the hands of
Christ. How
can you give a
hand today?
Read:
Matt 14:22-33
Psalm 18
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The river was higher than I’d ever
seen it. So when my 7-year-old, Gabriel, was caught in the current and
pulled into the white water, I went
white ... and then followed, as a father
would, into the rocky torrent. We
were in peril.
When I caught up to Gabe, we were
not out of trouble. Two formidable
falls lay below us. We were pinned to
a boulder in the midst of a cauldron
of water.
But ... on top of the boulder stood
five teens, all of whom had been
through the water themselves. “Can
you grab my son?” I cried. The hand
shot down before I even heard the
answer, “YES!”
Sometimes a helping hand—like
Christ’s nail-marked hand—means
the difference between life and death.
Lord Jesus, give me hands to help.
—Peter J. Mead
Crestwood, MO
Friday, March 25
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But the Lord
answered her,
“Martha, Martha, you are
anxious and
troubled about
many things,
but one thing
is necessary.”
One Thing
Is Necessary
Luke 10:41-42a
Challenge:
What anxieties or activities
are actually
hindering you
from a truly
active Christian life? Don’t
be afraid to
write them
down and then
cross them out.
Read:
Luke 10:38-42
Luke 12:22-32
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Lest we be confused, living the
Gospel life does not mean living the
busybody life. A faith “anxious and
troubled about many things” is not
faith in action.
I mention it because I believe we
have more of Martha in us than Mary.
And we need to hear, again and
again, that only “one thing is necessary.” Mary discovered it. We need to
discover it anew.
But Jesus doesn’t tell Martha—or
us—what that one thing is. He doesn’t
need to. Because Jesus is himself the
one thing necessary. “In the morning
when I rise … give me Jesus,” the old
spiritual sings. “You can have all the
rest, give me Jesus.”
When our faith is there, the action
will follow.
Christ, be my one thing necessary. May
I rest at your feet and listen.
—Travis J. Scholl
University City, MO
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Saturday, March 26
Sharing the Spoils
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Then they
said to one
another, “We
are not doing
right. This day
is a day of good
news … Let us
go and tell the
king’s household.”
2 Kings 7:9
Challenge:
To whom
will you tell
the Good News
today?
Read:
2 Kings 7:3-16
Matt 28:5-8
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It’s not what they expected. Four
lepers intend to turn themselves into
hostile warriors. But when they arrive
at the enemy camp, it is deserted! The
fleeing soldiers have left behind their
possessions. The lepers feast and fill
their pockets with the spoils.
Then they remember their countrymen who are starving in what had
been a besieged city. The good news
of deliverance must be announced to
them, too! God’s good gifts from this
miracle need to be shared with others.
We, too, have experienced deliverance from the siege of sin. We now
feast on God’s provision of life and
salvation. What good news is ours in
Christ! But it is not only for us. The
spoils of God’s victory are meant to
be shared.
Victorious Lord, open our mouths and
arms to share with others your rich gifts
of life.
—David J. Peter
Glendale, MO
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Sunday, March 27
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Put out
into the deep
and let down
your nets for a
catch.
When Jesus called his first disciples,
he didn’t just say, “Come wade in
the water,” but “Go deep!” Don’t
just dangle your toes in the water,
but plunge right in! Jesus also says,
“Don’t be afraid—don’t be afraid of
my power in you, don’t be afraid that
you are not worthy, don’t be afraid to
go deep. For I choose you to go deep
in my name for the sake of others.”
When we go deep, giving up self-gain
and self-doubt for the sake of sharing God’s love, we might just need
to hold on to our fishing poles as the
blessings overflow! Why? Because he
went deep for us first.
Lord Jesus Christ, send me into the
depths of your world that I might share
your love with someone new today.
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Luke 5:4b
Go Deep
Challenge:
To what depths
will you go
for your loved
ones, neighbors
and friends—
for the ones
you know? To
what depths
will you go for
the unlovable,
marginalized,
poor or forgotten?
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-—Libbie Reinking
Oakville, MO
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Read:
Luke 5:1-11
Rom 8:38-39
Isa 6:1-8
Monday, March 28
Comfort for Comfort
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[God] comforts us in all
our troubles
so that we can
comfort others.
When they are
troubled, we
will be able to
give them the
same comfort
God has given
us.
2 Cor 1:4 (NLT)
Challenge:
Who needs
to hear about
God’s promise
of comfort and
hope today?
Read:
Matt 14:1-14
2 Cor 1:3-4
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After John is imprisoned and executed, his disciples came and took
the body of John and buried it. Then
they told Jesus. Their first action is an
act of respect and valor. They will not
simply fade away into the darkness of
evil visited upon their leader.
Secondly, John’s disciples go and
tell Jesus about this loss. Even though
this would sadden Jesus, he would be
their only source of true comfort in
their time of grief. God not only hears our prayers, but
is intimately and fully involved in our
lives. When we cry out for comfort, he
is near to the brokenhearted and hears
our cry.
Lord Jesus, comfort me in my time of
sorrow, and help me to bring this same
comfort to others.
—David Bahn
Cypress, TX
Tuesday, March 29
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Therefore,
I tell you, her
sins, which are
many, are forgiven—for she
loved much.
But he who is
forgiven little,
loves little.
Inner Beauty
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She was straight off the streets. To
some she was a sleazy trollop. To
Jesus she was loved. With ointment,
tears and loosened hair she went
through a shocking ritual of anointing
Jesus’ feet and thanking him. To many
it brought stereophonic screams of
horror: “tasteless,” “crude.” To Jesus
it was a great display of love.
He summarizes it simply by saying, “She loved much.” Is our love
as extravagant? If not, why not? Just
as for the woman, our many sins are
forgiven daily. We are loved as she
was by Jesus—our Lover and Savior
as well.
Lord Jesus Christ, I love you. Help me
show that love in the way I love you and
others.
Luke 7:47
Read:
John 3:16
Rom 5:6-11
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—Roger Sonnenberg
Arcadia, CA
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Challenge:
On a scale
of 1 to 10,
10 being the
highest, how
extravagant do
you think you
are in showing your love
to God and to
others? How
might you do
better?
Wednesday, March 30
Of Laughter
And Turnips
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I will bless
Sarah, and
moreover, I
will give you a
son by her.
Gen 17:16
Challenge:
Shared
laughter heals.
Shared laughter mends broken relationships. Shared
laughter lifts
burdens. Try
it!
Read:
Gen 17 and 18
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One of the funniest, scariest stories
in Scripture is in Genesis 17. God was
talking with Abraham and announced
to this one-hundred-year-old gentleman that he would soon father a son.
Did Abraham bow before the Lord
in praise and thanksgiving? No, he
“fell on his face and laughed” (Gen
17:17). He rolled around on the
ground, roaring with laughter!
Did God Almighty turn Abraham
into a turnip? No, he miraculously
gave Abraham and Sarah a precious
son named Isaac, and they later became the parents of many nations.
When Jesus says to go and make
disciples of all nations, do we laugh
and say, “Surely, he doesn’t mean
ME”? Beware the lowly turnip!
Lord, I have this strange habit of trying
to get off the hook. Forgive me and teach
me to hear your word just as you spoke it.
—Lois Scheer
San Diego, CA
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Thursday, March 31
“In My Life,
I’ve Found …”
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We cannot
but speak of
what we have
seen and heard.
Witness to your faith and eventually
you’ll hear, “That’s your opinion.” No
surprise, that’s the spirit of our age.
All roads lead to heaven. Who are you
to tell me what I should believe?
When the apostles were told to keep
their opinion to themselves, Peter
said they couldn’t help but share.
True, they presented Bible passages
to support what they shared but they
also weren’t hesitant to tell how Jesus
personally impacted their lives.
It’s long been known that persuasive speech requires a bond between
the speaker and the hearer. The same
is true when we use our stories to set
the stage for the Spirit to do his lifesaving work. “Well, friend, in my life
I have found …” Just don’t stop with
your story. Lead to Jesus’ story!
Spirit of Jesus, you convert. Help me
tell my story so you have opportunity to
do your good work!
Acts 4:20
Challenge:
Have ready
your memories of real-life
stories of how
your Christian
faith has helped
you.
Read
John 1:47-51
John 4:39-42
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—Dale A. Meyer
St. Louis, MO
Living The PRAYERFUL Life
In the Morning
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You know the plans you have for me, you have said
in Scripture, dear God. As I wake this day, help me to
see the plans you have set before me this day and do
what you desire. Give me the strength I need to carry
out your plans and motivate me to schedule in some
quality time with you to keep me on task—morning,
noon, and night. Amen.
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At Night
As I look back on this day, O Christ, I thank you for
the ways you have led me when I needed direction,
lifted me up when I was weak, gave me words to say
when I was at a loss. You and I work together well, it
is clear. Grant me the rest I need now that I might be
ready for new projects we can combine our efforts on
to accomplish tomorrow. Amen.
At Mealtime
s
Nourish and sustain me through this food and
drink, Lord, to continue on my journey living the
Gospel life for you. Let this meal be a reminder to me
that you have provided everything I need to be active
in my service to you. Energize me to feed those who
are hungering for salvation with the precious words of
your everlasting love and forgiveness. Amen.
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Living The PRAYERFUL Life
For Those in the Military
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Guard and protect all those in the armed forces who
are defending our country in lands near and far. Keep
them safe from all danger. Give them wisdom to make
right choices when in combat, patience during down
times, and confidence in your care for them always.
Amen.
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For Those in Need
Give comfort, I pray, to all those in need—the hungry and homeless, the sick and the suffering. Supply
them with the support they require, the healing that’s
available and the people that can help. Restore them
that you might be able to use them to expand your
kingdom and assist others in their needs. Amen.
For Those Who Mourn
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Dwell with those who are mourning the loss of a
loved one. Wrap your arms of love around them and
fill them with the hope found only your resurrection
from the dead. Confirm for them that their loved ones
are safe in heaven with you, surrounded by perfect joy.
Amen.
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Living The PRAYERFUL Life
Thanksgiving And Praise
C
I thank and praise you for the many blessings you
have poured out abundantly upon me. For clothing
and shoes, house and home, food and drink, family
and friends, work and church—I glorify your name.
Help me never to take your gifts for granted, but to
use your gifts to bring glory to you in my day-to-day
living. Amen.
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Missional Life
Move me to be mission-oriented in the way I live my
life. Motivate me to step outside the door of my home,
my church, my school, my workplace and get involved
in the lives of the people around me and open their
eyes to the work that you are doing in my life and in
theirs. Amen.
For The Church
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Support your body, the Church, O Christ, that all of
your Father’s children might live in love and unity—
bright beacons of care and concern, joyous beneath the
umbrella of your new commandment. Make our love
so blatantly obvious that all the world might take note
and give you highest glory. Amen.
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Living The PRAYERFUL Life
O Father
C
O Father in heaven, I am your child.
Lead me to bear your name—our family name—this
day in a way that gives you glory.
Lead me to live not as a citizen of this world, but
as a citizen of the kingdom you have sent to the earth
through your Son.
Lead me to follow your Word and to do your will as
saints and angels do above.
Feed me, Father, and lead me to feed others—those
hungry for food and clean water; those hungry for
healing and wholeness; those hungry for meaning
and worth; those hungry for justice and peace; those
hungry for joy and love.
Forgive me, Father, and lead me to spread the refreshing freedom of forgiveness to those around me.
Lead me away from the alleyways of temptation that
my living might give you glory.
Lead me out of evil’s grip that my witness might be
unhindered.
Lead me to live out my praise to you, my mighty
King, my powerful Savior, my glorious Lord.
Amen.
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What Is MISSIONAL?
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The idea of a Missional Church is not a new one. The
first-century Church was missional—sent by Jesus to
“be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). The
rest of the Book of Acts charts the spreading fire of the
Gospel and the work of God’s Missional Church.
About a decade ago the spark was relit to concentrate on a more missional approach to congregational
ministry. The fire of the movement has spread to and
through nearly every denomination.
The missional church demands movement:
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From:
Maintenance
Membership
Pastor-Centered
Chaplaincy (Self)
Focus On Ourselves
Settled
To:
Mission
Discipleship
Lay-Empowered
Hospitality (Others)
Focus On The World
Sent
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That last word, SENT, is central to the Missional
Church. These congregations have abandoned the idea
of attracting the outside community into the church
building. Instead, they are sending the church out
into the community in the person of every individual
member. YOU are the church, bearing the Gospel of
Jesus and the servanthood of Christ in everything you
do ... every place you go. So, GO, live the Gospel life!
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Provide a copy to every
household in your congregation.
(Please order in multiples of 50)
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• Standing orders will be sent each quarter without the need
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the first year.
To learn more or to order please contact us today!
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THE GOSP
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Want to start living
the Gospel life today?
To learn more or to order please contact us today!
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