MONDAY: LOVE THAT MOVES
KEY PASSAGE
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
DEVOTIONAL
Maybe you have heard the saying “Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk”. This can apply to so many areas of our lives, including marriage and friendship. I can tell my spouse all day that I love them, but if that love never moves me to action, the marriage will suffer. I can tell someone they are my best friend and mean the world to me, but if I never check in or make time for them, they would question the sincerity of our friendship.
This Scripture is not telling us that we can work our way to heaven or that faith in Jesus is based on works. Rather, it teaches that true love for and faith in Jesus should be accompanied by real genuine action. We should be moved into action: to pray, to serve, to give, to forgive, to love. If we claim faith in Christ but there is no fruit to show for it, our faith is simply lifeless.
Maybe you are feeling like your faith is lifeless or stale. It could be because action has yet to follow your faith. As you allow your faith to move you into action, you will see it grow stronger. Your faith will become vibrant, alive, and full of purpose!
CHALLENGE
I once heard a pastor say “Preach the Gospel, and when necessary, use words”. Consider how you could Preach the Gospel this week with your actions. This could be joining a serve team at church, or volunteering time to a compassion ministry in the community. This could also be giving someone some extra time on the phone today, or paying for the meal behind you in a drive-thru line. Ask God to show you how to LIVE out your faith, and watch Him build your faith in the process!
TUESDAY: WILLING TO DO THE SMALL THINGS
KEY PASSAGE
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving”
DEVOTIONAL
Sometimes we can get so caught up in what we want to be doing, that we miss the unique opportunity in what we are doing right now. Most of life is spent in the mundane, in-between moments. Yet, it is here that we can learn to see God regularly and serve Him mightily.
As a follower of Jesus, the attitude we take is that no matter what we do, we do it unto the Lord. That means whether I am running a business, stocking shelves, or anything else in-between, I do it FOR the Lord because He has blessed me with the place I find myself in.
Too often, we think we need something more from Jesus to experience joy, when the real gift He has for us is joy in the everyday, right here and right now. So, we serve Him with all we have, no matter what we find ourselves doing.
Why wait for joy when it is available today? Whatever you find yourself doing, even if it seems small, it is still significant work. Ultimately, it is not done for people, but for God. So work well today, because you work for Jesus!
CHALLENGE
Whatever your work is today - whether you are an on-the-clock employee, a stay-at-home mom, or the caretaker of a family member - take a moment before you begin to sit and breathe. Remind yourself that you work for Jesus. Ask Him to help you view your work in this way, and to help you execute your work in this way. Take a moment in the middle of your work today to pause, and thank Him for the work He has given you!
THURSDAY: USING WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN
KEY PASSAGE
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
DEVOTIONAL
When we come to faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes residence within us. Each of us is then given what Scripture calls the Gifts of the Spirit. Romans 12:4-8 tells us we all have different gifts - such as encouragement, teaching, giving, prophesying, mercy and more. If you believe in and follow Jesus, YOU have been given spiritual gifts!
Our Scripture today tells us we are to use these gifts to serve others “as faithful stewards of God’s grace.” These gifts are not for us, they are for others. We were given them to build the kingdom of God, and to care for one another. We are to be good stewards of this, meaning we are to take good care of what has been graciously given to us.
How many of us have given someone a very thoughtful gift, only to see it go unused? Or maybe we have been the person to never use a great gift that was given to us. God desires that we actively use the gifts He has given us, not tuck them away under the bed or in the attic. So the question is: what gifts have you been given, and how are you using them?
CHALLENGE
Grab a pen and paper and find a quiet space. Jot down what you think your Spiritual gifts may be. This doesn’t have to be intimidating. Simply start by asking yourself these questions below. Don’t put pressure on yourself, this is simply an exercise to help you start thinking. Most importantly, invite God into this moment with you.
What am I passionate about, what sets my heart on fire?
What breaks my heart?
Since following Jesus, what has He nudged me to do?
What do others say they see in me?