Daily Devotional: Monday, Nov 30
Speaker: Greg Rohlinger
Theme: Whatever it Takes
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Salvation is Here by Hillsong United; Run by Hillsong United; You'll Come by Hillsong United; Unfailing Love by Chris Tomlin.
Read: Mark 10:45; Philippians 3:13-14
Think: Maybe you've heard these sayings before,
- "Go Big, or Go Home"
- "To win without risk is to triumph without glory"
- "The only thing to fear is fear itself"
- "Think outside of the box"
- "Take a chance! All life is a chance. The man who goes furthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare."
I used to hear these kinds of inspirations a lot when I played sports or even now when I go to a sales meeting or professional event - but I have to say I haven't always felt that push when it comes to my spiritual life. I've had to ask myself, when did I ever "Go Big or Go Home" in my Christian walk? When did I take a chance or do something risky? When was the last time I did something for the Lord that was WAY out of my comfort zone and really stretched my Christian muscle? Our spiritual life is a lot like our physical body - we might have been lifting the Christian weights for a long time, but if we don't increase the weight much week after week it's pretty difficult to increase those Christian muscles.
As we listened to Pastor Greg Rohlinger's "Whatever It Takes" sermon over the weekend, it makes us think about those men who struggled to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus... and it makes us ask would I go that far? Do I even do the little stuff to reach out like pick up the phone, visit a friend, or send an encouraging email out of love...? If you're anything like me the answer is not nearly often enough. It really hit me hard when Pastor Greg talked about how we have a tendency to share our faith with the needy and destitute but may overlook a neighbor who has a great house, great job and beautiful kids because we may falsely think they don't need our need our Christian outreach. After all they seem to have it all... Except what matters most - Jesus.
I love that we have a church where we are encouraged to live big for Christ and a God who keeps stretching us and encouraging us to reach out even when it's difficult or risky! There are a whole lot of people out there who need to be brought to Jesus just like that paralyzed man. I'm going to be one of those who does whatever needs to be done to get them there. How about you?
Do: Jesus' life was filled treating others with kindness. Maybe that's an excellent beginning goal for all of us today. Spend time looking for ways we can stretch and go above and beyond using our God given talents to help others in need today and show them Jesus.
PRAY: Heavenly Father, I am thankful for all of the blessings in my life and I ask you to enable me to use those blessings to reach those who need you and your salvation. Allow me not to be embarrassed and enable me to share my faith in you with love and with my own personal style. May all the glory go to you in my success or failure, for I know the results are up to you. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church. |
