Devotionals

Intro: Christianity has been advanced by many great men and women faithfully practicing the gospel of Christ with their lives. Truthfully, no one apart from Christ, has been more influential in the spread of the gospel than Saul (later known as the apostle Paul). After the stoning of Stephen, Saul—a religious scholar and Pharisee—went into a frenzied hunt for Christians in order to stop the spread of the gospel; hating and persecuting Christians was his method of practice and control. At that time, he believed the movement of Christ’s gospel would be dangerous to Judaism. But, one day Saul had a personal encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and his life was forever changed. Spiritual blindness left him and he could see how God loved the world and gave his life in order to save sinful humanity from eternity in hell.

Interestingly, from that moment on God used Saul to minister the gospel to non-Jews. Hatred for Christians once filled Saul, but after meeting Jesus, love and mercy led him to become an apostle to the Gentiles [non-Jews]; Christ brought new life to Saul which prompted a great reversal in how he practiced his faith. The greatest testimony he could release was how Jesus had changed him into a new person with a divine perspective. No manmade religion can change a heart, but a relationship with Jesus can fill a person with love and mercy for others, redirect unrighteous motives, and lead a believer into being a minister of the gospel. Once we meet Jesus, he begins to influence and deliver us from everything within us that is not consistent with his loving nature. He makes our hearts his home; that is when he begins to clean house! Obedience is a must with Jesus. Unrighteous and unloving behaviors or practice have to go…

In our passage today, Saul is that changed man; he preaches powerfully about God’s salvation found in Jesus. Now, the Jewish Pharisees are filled with hatred for Saul; he left their cause to follow Jesus. Therefore, they plot to kill him because he no longer agrees with them or their message; Christ’s gospel message offends them, because they are blinded to their own sin. Therefore, Jesus uses fellow believers to make a way for Saul to safely escape the Pharisee’s plan to murder him. Never forget, we can be so blinded by our own desires, agendas, and need for control that we will justify most any measures and even hate the people we are called to love. If there is any animosity in our souls—mind/will/emotions—against another person today, may we ask Jesus to sanctify our hearts, because holding onto unrighteousness will destroy us from the inside and separate us from the love of Christ.

Acts 9:19b-25 NLT Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem
Saul stayed with the believers [disciples] in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers [disciples] lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the many ways you bring the gospel message to our hearts. May we choose to obey your Word and live our lives in a way that honors your authority. Thank you for saving your children from deception and spiritual blindness. Continue to guide me each day on your path of righteousness and eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Our passage today follows Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He knew the crowds who shouted “Hosannah” would be many of the same people who would shout “Crucify him” in a few days. Jesus had great mercy for his people, because most assuredly he was their King. Jerusalem was to be his city. Jesus came to bring peace to Jerusalem, but the leaders and many of the people were offended by the Words Jesus shared. How did this spirit of offense and ignorance come upon them? The people were following blind guides or leaders who never prepared their flocks by teaching them the truth (Mat 15:14).

The people were ignorant of what would bring them peace even though the prophets had told them time and time again. Jesus wept, because the people did not embrace his righteousness—his way of being right with God—and he knew an enemy lurked like a lion ready to destroy them. The enemy Jesus spoke of came in 70AD, the Romans conquered Jerusalem, starved and killed many Jews, and destroyed the second temple.

My friends, praise God there is still time for all humanity to embrace the peace Jesus offers. We know his terms for salvation. We must humbly ask the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness, repent of our sinful rebellion against his Word, accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross to pay for our sin, and receive the Holy Spirit who brings the Truth to our spirits. Then, the Lord can become our King as we accept his authority over our lives. If we do not have the Prince of Peace living within, there will be no true peace while we are in the world.

Luke 19:41-44 (TPT) Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
41 When Jesus caught sight of the city, he burst into tears with uncontrollable weeping over Jerusalem, 42 saying, “If only you could recognize that this day peace is within your reach! But you cannot see it. 43 For the day is soon coming when your enemies will surround you, hem you in on every side, and lay siege to you. 44 They will crush you to pieces, and your children too! And they will leave your city totally destroyed. Since you would not recognize God’s day of visitation, you will see your day of devastation!”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. May seeking hearts choose to welcome you as Lord now and allow you to rule and guide their lives. You see what is ahead and this is how you will prepare us for the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Everyday the Word of God helps me look at my life with a greater sense of gratitude of who God has been, is currently being, and will always be in my life. Whether or not I waiver between fear and faith, God is there to reassure me of his love and continued care. My soul responds to his unending love. Whether or not I find myself filled with joy or tears, God is there to comfort me and help me to persevere in faith. My soul responds to his perfect peace. Whether or not I understand the need for each spiritual battle, God is there to bring me grace, as well as be my strength. My soul overflows with eternal hope. I have never experienced such enduring faithfulness, so, I praise him with my whole being!

In our passage today, David also understands the power of God’s Word to be his encouragement, to bring understanding, to be the refuge for his faith, and to take care of him in the midst of fear. Our humanity is going to experience the temptation to fear, but we do not have to yield to its destructive power. When we know God is with us, we understand he has the upper hand in all things. Nothing formed against us can prosper; God’s Word has the final say (Isa 54:17). Our responsibility is to remain in him—to remain faithful to his Word. David sets aside the fear that is trying to rob him, by focusing on the Truth that abides within him. May we live each day knowing God is there to help us be victorious in his righteous and mighty hands.

Psalm 56:8-13 (TPT)
8 
You’ve kept track of all my wandering and my weeping.
    You’ve stored my many tears in your bottle—not one will be lost.
    For they are all recorded in your book of remembrance.
9 
The very moment I call to you for a father’s help
    the tide of battle turns and my enemies flee.
    This one thing I know: God is on my side!
10 
I trust in the Lord. And I praise him!
    I trust in the Word of God. And I praise him!
11 
What harm could man do to me?
    With God on my side, I will not be afraid of what comes.
    My heart overflows with praise to God and for his promises.
    I will always trust in him.
12 
So I’m thanking you with all my heart,
    with gratitude for all you’ve done.
    I will do everything I’ve promised you, Lord.
13 
For you have saved my soul from death
    and my feet from stumbling
    so that I can walk before the Lord
    bathed in his life-giving light.

Prayer: Lord, so many people in our world are struggling with the overwhelming cares of life, the intense challenges of relationships, and the looming fear of danger or death. However, you are there to lovingly lift your children’s heads toward your powerful presence and provision. I praise you, Lord, because you cause me to turn toward you in my weakness in order to move me forward in your strength. How beautiful is your love and help for your children. May all believers be a source of hope, comfort, love, and support to those who are struggling and point them toward life with you. Above all, turning toward you is humanity’s greatest need, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

January 31, 2022

There is so much that we can learn from today’s passage: “The Widow at Zarephath”. Before we read it, let’s recall what led Elijah to this moment and the differences that surround him and the widow. After we read it, let’s find Jesus in both of them.

Our passage is part of the introduction of the prophet, Elijah. At this point, we know that the nation’s economic collapse is a result of a severe drought that devastated crops and destroyed the population. In today’s verses we see how God is feeding Elijah, and we saw that in 17:1-7, and we see it again in 19:5-9. So, despite the worldly hunger, God is physically feeding Elijah because he spiritually belongs to God.

Differences – Elijah is an Israelite and God sends him to a Gentile. He is a refugee, and she is in her home country. He is a man, and she is a female widow. He has a name, and she is nameless. He has been fed (by ravens), and she and her son are preparing to die of starvation. He is called by his God and obeys, and she hears from his God and follows the instruction.

1 Kings 17:8-16 NLT
The Widow at Zarephath

8 Then the Lord said to Elijah, 9 “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.”

10 So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”

12 But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.”

13 But Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. 14 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”

15 So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. 16 There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.

Jesus in Elijah – Elijah exemplifies Jesus in how he obeys the Lord’s commands, without question, and regardless of how crazy the circumstances might seem. He knows that a widow is a vulnerable and unlikely person to ask for food from, and she confirms in verse 12 that she only has one meal left before she and her son will die. But like Jesus, Elijah comforts her and he reassures her too not be afraid. In verse 14, Elijah’s instructions to her on how to prepare the bread come directly from the “God of Israel”, just as Jesus Himself taught us in Matthew 26:26 how we receive Him, the Bread of Life.

Jesus in the Widow – She feeds Elijah, just as Jesus feeds you and me. In the most extreme circumstance, where she and her own son are about to die, she heard the voice of “your God” and she followed the instructions. Elijah is a man, a refugee, and a stranger who is telling her what to do, and she followed the instructions. Would you and I do the same? As a result of her humble and selfless actions (just like Jesus), she and her son are saved (because Jesus saves) and they are blessed beyond measure.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for being the Bread of Life. I need Your nourishment each day. Help me, Lord, to be more like the widow. Help me to feed people, and to bring You to the unlikely. Build me to be more like Elijah. I want to constantly be obeying You, and I want to bring Your comfort and reassurance to others. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: Every day I pray with faith for the mountainous challenges to be moved in people’s lives; life can present so many physical, emotional, and spiritual obstacles. Scripture teaches the love motivated prayer of the righteous produces wonderful results, so let’s be diligent to pray for one another (James 5:16). It is also important to pray for every person’s faith to be increased each time God takes him or her through, around, or over a mountainous challenge, because as long as we are on earth we will need to use our faith to keep moving mountains. Spiritual gifts are a great blessing from God, but the greatest gift God has ever provided is himself—to bring his loving presence into our lives in order to save us.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul reminds us that love must be the motivation for our prayers, attitudes, and actions, because faith works through God’s perfect love. Now, many people want to define love by their own standards, but only God who IS love can define himself perfectly. Let God’s love motive your faith as you call upon the name of the Lord to move the mountainous challenges you and your loved ones may face in this dark world. Use your faith in God—LOVE—and never give up!

1 Corinthians 13:1-7 (TPT) Love, the Motivation of Our Lives
1 If I were to speak with eloquence in earth’s many languages, and in the heavenly tongues of angels, yet I didn’t express myself with love [burning love/eternal energy], my words would be reduced to the hollow sound of nothing more than a clanging cymbal.

2 And if I were to have the gift of prophecy with a profound understanding of God’s hidden secrets, and if I possessed unending supernatural knowledge, and if I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains [and keep on moving mountains], but have never learned to love, then I am nothing.

3 And if I were to be so generous as to give away everything I owned to feed the poor, and to offer my body to be burned as a martyr, without the pure motive of love, I would gain nothing of value.

4 Love is large and incredibly patient [because it transforms the spirit]. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. 5 Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated [overly sensitive] or quick to take offense [resentful]. 6 Love joyfully celebrates honesty [the truth] and finds no delight in what is wrong [unrighteous]. 7 Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others [never loses faith]. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of prayer, faith, and love. All my hope is in you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, Nathaniel meets Jesus for the first time. However, Jesus makes it clear he knows all about Nathaniel and his character long before they actually meet face to face. Jesus reveals a bit of mystery to Nathaniel when he relates having seen him sitting under the fig tree. What was Nathaniel doing that Jesus saw or heard? Was he praying and confessing his love for God or a desire to be pure and holy for the Lord? Maybe Nathaniel was reading Scripture and pondering the coming Messiah. A fig tree is often a biblical metaphor for God’s Kingdom coming to earth. Whatever Nathaniel was doing as he sat under the fig tree, his heart was focused on God, because Jesus knew the spiritual integrity of his heart.

Jesus knows all of our hearts and whether we have a hunger for holiness. When we confess our love to God, he hears us. When we invest time in reading the Word of God and finding ways to put it into practice in our lives, we are demonstrating spiritual integrity. The word, shalom, is associated with integrity, because it is a word that reveals wholeness. Jesus knows if we want to be spiritually whole or if we are just wanting a form of godliness.

John 1:43-51
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown.

45 Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”

46 “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.

47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”

48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”

49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing the real me and understanding my desire for more of you in my life. I never have to pretend to be anything, but who I am. You bring me acceptance, as well as growth and I am so very grateful. Thank you for helping me experience a bit of heaven on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, Luke reminds us there is nothing Jesus cannot heal and restore, because he is the Voice of Supreme authority. Not only does Jesus preach the Word of Truth—gospel—with power, but he demonstrates his authority over anything that causes problems or harm to his human creation. Think about that reality for a minute, because our spiritual understanding of the Truth can influence our attitudes and everything we face in life. Never forget, Jesus is full of compassion toward us and our faith in his salvation pleases him.

If we believe and know the Living Word of God abides in us and is always presence to help in times of suffering, as well as celebrate with us in times of blessing, why do we ever become fearfully unsettled by what’s going on in the world? Our greatest challenge is to stay calm, call upon the Lord for salvation, listen for the Spirit to guide us, and use faith to bring what is invisible into the realm of the visible, isn’t it? Believers NEVER face anything at any time when God is absent. He never leaves us or forsakes us (Heb 13:5). Jesus is the Truth and he teaches his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth…and be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mat 28:18-20). Every day is an opportunity to influence others with the Good News of life with the Lord. Whether we face suffering or blessing, it is Jesus who holds us and sustains us.

The Gospels are such a blessing, because they reveal the power and authority of God to take on anything the world brings to oppose believers. Luke is a doctor, so in his gospel we know he writes about legitimate physical infirmities Jesus healed by His Word/Voice. Certainly, Jesus has authority over physical, emotional, and spiritual sickness. As well, Jesus has authority over nature, Satan, and the forces of evil. There is nothing that escapes the reach of Jesus for salvation and restoration. Rest in the Truth, today!

Luke 4:38-41 NLT Jesus Heals Many People
38 After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. 39 Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them.

40 As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. 41 Many were possessed by demons; and the demons came out at his command, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But because they knew he was the Messiah, he rebuked them and refused to let them speak.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being every aspect of my salvation for eternity and for life on earth. Help me to stay focused on your sufficiency, today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, Paul is explaining why he wrote the letter to the church at Corinth; he wants these early believers to embrace what it means in practical terms to be a covenant people under the holy rule of God. Many of these new Christians are simply taking care of themselves and their own needs; however, this is the world’s way. Paul instructs these Corinthian believers to care deeply about the needs of their brothers and sisters in the faith who are suffering. Faith works through love; love is what drives faith and believers are to be growing in the fruit of faithfulness (Gal 5:6; 5:22-23). So, Paul corrects them about their worldly love walk. He wants his correction to turn them toward Jesus and his abundant resource of sacrificial love, but Paul knows it could work the opposite. Praise God, these Corinthian believers take Paul’s rebuke, repent, and humbly turned toward God’s standard of holy love.

Believers are not detached from one another; we are one in Christ’s Body. While the world is busy trying to divide and isolate people, God is working in the Spirit to hold people in unity and bring them together through reconciliation in order to provide loving care. We can all succeed if we stay the course together. Right now many people in the body of Christ are suffering in some way. How are we affected knowing our brothers and sisters are struggling? Are we present in their lives to be Christ’s hand of love?

2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (VOICE)
8 I knew you would be upset with my last letter, but I do not regret sending it. If there were times I did have second thoughts, it was because I could see that the letter did hurt you, even if only for a while. 9 Now I am glad—not because it caused you grief but because you were moved to make a permanent change [repent] that can happen only with the realization that your actions have gone against God—I’m glad to know you suffered no long-term loss because of what we did.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this wake up call to practice deep and devoted love. May we go deeper in love with you, as well as reach out to love our brothers and sisters in practical and loving ways. Our covenant is with you and one another as members of your family. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

January 24, 2022

Hi friends! This is Jen Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant. As many of you know, I have the privilege of writing the Monday devotionals. My name is typically at the bottom, but since I will be sharing an important part of my testimony in this devotional, as it directly connects with today’s date and passage, I thought it would be good to let you know, on the frontend, it’s “me” who is sharing.

Six years ago, today, our family learned that my 27-year-old cousin, Christopher Acerbo, went Home to Jesus. My Aunt Maria and Uncle Jack’s home was immediately filled with tons of our family and Chris’ friends as the news of their son’s loss was quickly received. There was easily over 100 people at their home, and I will never forget the moment our family’s Pastor came and spoke. Her name was “Pastor Mary Haley”, and I didn’t know her at the time. Why? Well, because at that time I didn’t consider myself “a person of faith”. So, as the Pastor spoke, I was standing directly behind her. She told all of us, “I don’t believe in religion, I believe in a relationship; one that is about love, and His Name is Jesus. If you want to know about true love, not this world’s temporal love, come and see me and we can talk.” I didn’t realize at that moment that the Spirit of Christ was moving within me…that revelation would come later, but I did go and meet with that Pastor the day after my cousin’s service.

Everything is fleeting in this physical life, and six years ago it seemed to me that there was nothing to hold on to with certitude. However, God used the most painful experience to gain my attention, and He spoke about His Eternal Love through the most unlikely person at that time in my life, a “Pastor”. Friends, although everything is fleeting in this physical life, we don’t live for this earthly life, we live for Eternal Life; and I cannot stop thanking the Lord for opening my spiritual eyes to grow with Him in understanding this Truth which He has for my life, and He has for your life. I can honestly tell you now that the enemy, who controls the ways of this world, wanted to keep me from knowing Jesus; because he knows that Jesus is the One perfect thing for our lives in this imperfect world, so he will stop at nothing to keep us from knowing Jesus.

In the seven verses of today’s Psalm, we are reminded that the Lord (Who is the Word) is Eternal, He is faithful, all of creation serves Him, happiness is found in knowing Him, He gives new life, and only His Word in this life is the One perfect, true, and eternal thing. Those who want to argue the Word don’t study it, they don’t live in and by it each day, and unfortunately, they don’t know Jesus (the Word of Life).

Friends, if you don’t know Jesus, or you have stepped away from Him, or you are thinking of stepping away, please pray and ask Him to allow the Holy Spirit to fill your mind and heart as you read today’s passage. Ask Jesus to open your spiritual eyes and ears so that you can see and hear what it is that He has for you. Jesus wants to guide you to understand how to live, He wants to hold you through the trials and valleys of this life, He wants to be your happiness and joy overflowing, and He wants to keep you sane in this insane world.

Psalm 119:89-96 (CEV)

89 Our Lord, you are eternal!
Your word will last as long
as the heavens.[a]
90 You remain faithful
in every generation,
and the earth you created
will keep standing firm.
91 All things are your servants,
and the laws you made
are still in effect today.
92 If I had not found happiness
in obeying your Law,
I would have died in misery.
93 I won’t ever forget
your teachings,
because you give me new life
by following them.
94 I belong to you,
and I have respected your laws,
so keep me safe.
95 Brutal enemies are waiting
to ambush and destroy me,
but I obey your rules.
96 Nothing is completely perfect,
except your teachings.

Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for giving me new life in You. I am truly happy. Please continue to allow my spiritual eyes and ears to remain open to the things that You need me to see and hear. I belong to You, Lord Jesus, and Your Word is permanently etched within my heart. Help me to grow each day in Your Word and guide me to bring Your love to others. I ask all of this in Your Precious and Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Intro: As a believer, I want you to pause and think about how God created and fashioned you, as well as the spiritual gifts he poured within you. These gifts are valuable and important not only for your life but for the lives of others around you, because we belong to one another in Christ. I have certain gifts that perhaps you do not, so as I present myself to God to be used in excellence for the betterment of others, God sees that as my worship—oneness in Spirit and Truth—and the lives of others can be touched by the gospel of love through me. You have gifts that I may not, so as you present yourself to God to be used in excellence for the betterment of others, God sees that as your worship and the lives of others around you can be touched, as well. As all believers take up this call and mindset—moving in synchronicity with the Spirit of Truth—I believe the struggles that have held people back from receiving Christ will be released by the anointing so that healing can sweep across the land. Worshipers will be multiplied in abundance. Don’t look for a special occasion, my friends, because this spreading of the gospel all takes place as we live our regular daily lives in Christ. “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul wants us to know this personal sacrifice—worship—is necessary to the building up of Christ’s Body. The unredeemed world is nauseatingly narcissistic at its core, so if you copy that pattern you will only be concerned about yourself; certainly, this is not reflective of Christ. However, when we invite the Spirit to come and use us, we can no longer see things as they benefit us individually. We are drawn by the Spirit to sacrifice our wills for God’s will in order to heal the people around us. It is not that you are unimportant to God, because you most certainly are important and essential to the gospel. In fact, you are precious to God; his sacrifice—worship—was to die for you so you could live for him. The world desperately needs healing and if we are willing to be faithful to the spiritual gifts we have been given in order to live the gospel, we can influence others in Christ’s love and power. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father” (John 14:12).

Romans 12:1-8 A Living Sacrifice to God
12 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him [spiritual worship]. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

3 Because of the privilege and authority [grace] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us [standard of our God-given faith]. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Prayer: Lord, may you always be the standard of faith I use to live a life of worship. May I be willing to sacrifice my will, because there are always many hurting people waiting to meet the Healer. Continue to transform my thinking. In Jesus’ name. Amen.