Best way to plant a church?
Reach lost people.
Best way to revitalize a church?
Reach lost people.
Best way to impact a community?
Reach lost people.
Best way to grow a church?
Reach lost people.
Best way to mature a church?
Equip people to reach lost people.
Go and tell.
Reach lost people.
Best way to revitalize a church?
Reach lost people.
Best way to impact a community?
Reach lost people.
Best way to grow a church?
Reach lost people.
Best way to mature a church?
Equip people to reach lost people.
Go and tell.
❤6
“The sacred writings [that is, the Old Testament] are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
The wisdom that comes from a right reading of the Old Testament creates a space in the heart perfectly suited for Jesus Christ.
The wisdom that comes from a right reading of the Old Testament creates a space in the heart perfectly suited for Jesus Christ.
❤7
Bitter providence.
But not the pit. Only my welfare.
“Behold, it was for my welfare
that I had great bitterness;
but in love you have delivered my life
from the pit of destruction,
for you have cast all my sins
behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17
But not the pit. Only my welfare.
“Behold, it was for my welfare
that I had great bitterness;
but in love you have delivered my life
from the pit of destruction,
for you have cast all my sins
behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17
❤4
September 22: Keep Us from Distraction
#Devotional
Haggai 1:1–2:23; Acts 20:1–38; Job 28:1–11
It’s easy to get distracted from the good work God intends for us to do. Competing forces vie for our attention; we’re sidetracked by fear or selfishness. We start living our own stories and lose sight of the greater narrative, of which our lives are just one thread.
The Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem had begun the work of reconstructing the temple, a symbol of God’s presence among His people. In the rebuilding of the temple, they gathered up the remnants of their broken identities and together formed a collective identity as Yahweh’s people. They had their priorities in order.
Then they got distracted. When they started putting their own needs and security first, Yahweh sent the prophet Haggai to remind them of their true purpose: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your houses that have been paneled while this house is desolate?… Consider your ways! You have sown much but have harvested little. You have eaten without being satisfied; you have drunk without being satiated; you have worn clothes without being warm; the one who earns wages puts it in a pouch with holes” (Hag 1:6).
The work that the Jewish exiles did outside of God’s purpose for them had no lasting effect or real merit. Because they were neglecting their first calling, their frantic attempts to meet their own selfish needs were doomed to fail anyway. Outside of Yahweh, there could be no blessing. God used Haggai to speak this truth into the lives of the Jewish exiles, but He also encouraged them with His presence: “I am with you” (Hag 1:13).
Listen to the words of Haggai. Speak truth into fear and selfishness—either your own or others. Remember that you’re not meant to travel through life on your own, outside of this great narrative or apart from the presence of God.
What is the priority in your life right now? How can you shift away from priorities that aren’t part of God’s grand scheme for your life?
#Devotional
Haggai 1:1–2:23; Acts 20:1–38; Job 28:1–11
It’s easy to get distracted from the good work God intends for us to do. Competing forces vie for our attention; we’re sidetracked by fear or selfishness. We start living our own stories and lose sight of the greater narrative, of which our lives are just one thread.
The Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem had begun the work of reconstructing the temple, a symbol of God’s presence among His people. In the rebuilding of the temple, they gathered up the remnants of their broken identities and together formed a collective identity as Yahweh’s people. They had their priorities in order.
Then they got distracted. When they started putting their own needs and security first, Yahweh sent the prophet Haggai to remind them of their true purpose: “Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your houses that have been paneled while this house is desolate?… Consider your ways! You have sown much but have harvested little. You have eaten without being satisfied; you have drunk without being satiated; you have worn clothes without being warm; the one who earns wages puts it in a pouch with holes” (Hag 1:6).
The work that the Jewish exiles did outside of God’s purpose for them had no lasting effect or real merit. Because they were neglecting their first calling, their frantic attempts to meet their own selfish needs were doomed to fail anyway. Outside of Yahweh, there could be no blessing. God used Haggai to speak this truth into the lives of the Jewish exiles, but He also encouraged them with His presence: “I am with you” (Hag 1:13).
Listen to the words of Haggai. Speak truth into fear and selfishness—either your own or others. Remember that you’re not meant to travel through life on your own, outside of this great narrative or apart from the presence of God.
What is the priority in your life right now? How can you shift away from priorities that aren’t part of God’s grand scheme for your life?
❤5
September 22 - Nicodemus’s Inquiry: What Is the Kingdom?
#LifeOfChrist
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3:1-3).
Nicodemus came to Jesus as one of those superficial believers mentioned in John 2:23–25. But the Lord refused to accept Nicodemus’s profession, which was based on the signs he had witnessed (v. 2).
Jesus went straight to the real issue—the transformation of Nicodemus’s heart by the new birth, which is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are “dead in . . . trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Jesus answered his unasked question, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
By the “kingdom of God,” Jesus is speaking specifically of the kingdom of salvation, the spiritual realm where those who have been born again by divine power through faith now live under the rule of God mediated through His Son. Nicodemus, like his fellow Jews, eagerly anticipated that glorious realm. But they believed that being descendants of Abraham, observing the law, and performing external religious rituals would gain them entrance into that kingdom. As Jesus made clear, no matter how religiously active someone might be, no one can enter the kingdom without experiencing the personal regeneration of the new birth.
Ask Yourself
What are some questions you commonly hear that purport to be genuine interest toward Christian discipleship, but in reality are dodges and smokescreens that disguise a rebellious, disinterested heart? What’s the best way to respond to comments like these? What can you learn from Jesus’ dealings with Nicodemus?
#LifeOfChrist
“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (John 3:1-3).
Nicodemus came to Jesus as one of those superficial believers mentioned in John 2:23–25. But the Lord refused to accept Nicodemus’s profession, which was based on the signs he had witnessed (v. 2).
Jesus went straight to the real issue—the transformation of Nicodemus’s heart by the new birth, which is the act of God by which He imparts eternal life to those who are “dead in . . . trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). Jesus answered his unasked question, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
By the “kingdom of God,” Jesus is speaking specifically of the kingdom of salvation, the spiritual realm where those who have been born again by divine power through faith now live under the rule of God mediated through His Son. Nicodemus, like his fellow Jews, eagerly anticipated that glorious realm. But they believed that being descendants of Abraham, observing the law, and performing external religious rituals would gain them entrance into that kingdom. As Jesus made clear, no matter how religiously active someone might be, no one can enter the kingdom without experiencing the personal regeneration of the new birth.
Ask Yourself
What are some questions you commonly hear that purport to be genuine interest toward Christian discipleship, but in reality are dodges and smokescreens that disguise a rebellious, disinterested heart? What’s the best way to respond to comments like these? What can you learn from Jesus’ dealings with Nicodemus?
❤4
The only language for God’s excellencies is understatement.
“The Lord is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” Isaiah 28:29
“The Lord is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” Isaiah 28:29
❤2
People work incredibly hard trying to disprove the very God they will one day stand before.
❤2
“As a large fire begins with kindling of small twigs and branches, even so a large revival is preceded by the prayers of a few hidden seemingly insignificant souls.” —Gary Amirault
❤3
10 Ways To Stay Sane In An Insane World:
1-Stay close to Jesus.
2-Stay grounded in Scripture:
3-Control what you can
4-Stop consuming so much outrage.
5-Pray before you panic.
6-Stay connected to the local church.
7-Remember that God is sovereign.
8-Live faithfully instead of fearfully.
9-Keep an eternal perspective.
10-Remember who wins in the end.
1-Stay close to Jesus.
2-Stay grounded in Scripture:
3-Control what you can
4-Stop consuming so much outrage.
5-Pray before you panic.
6-Stay connected to the local church.
7-Remember that God is sovereign.
8-Live faithfully instead of fearfully.
9-Keep an eternal perspective.
10-Remember who wins in the end.
🙏5👍1
September 22 (Tuesday)
Dear Daughter,
Ruth gleaned what the reapers left behind, and it was enough to change her whole story.
Don't despise the leftover moments in your marriage — the short conversations, the tired 'I love you.' Gleanings can still feed a household.
Small gatherings add up to abundance.
'Let her glean… and do not rebuke her' (Ruth 2:15-16).
What 'leftover' moment with your husband might be worth more than it looks?
#DearDaughter #GleanTheGood #StrongMarriage
Dear Daughter,
Ruth gleaned what the reapers left behind, and it was enough to change her whole story.
Don't despise the leftover moments in your marriage — the short conversations, the tired 'I love you.' Gleanings can still feed a household.
Small gatherings add up to abundance.
'Let her glean… and do not rebuke her' (Ruth 2:15-16).
What 'leftover' moment with your husband might be worth more than it looks?
#DearDaughter #GleanTheGood #StrongMarriage
❤2
Sep 22 (Tue)
Trust is built brick by faithful brick! 🏛️❤️ Lean not on your own understanding today! Prov 3:5-6 💞
How will you build trust today? #StrongMarriage #September
Trust is built brick by faithful brick! 🏛️❤️ Lean not on your own understanding today! Prov 3:5-6 💞
How will you build trust today? #StrongMarriage #September
❤3
“New life,” biblically speaking, is eternal life in Christ, not a flowery promise of life improvement here on Earth.
❤2
If a preacher "steps on your toes" by preaching the Bible… Don't get mad at them, instead thank the Lord for them being faithful to the Word.
And, pray that the Lord would raise up more just like them.
And, pray that the Lord would raise up more just like them.
❤2
Church is not a country club.
All are welcome.
Church is not a fashion show.
God cares about your heart.
Church is not a Sunday thing.
Worship is a lifestyle.
Church is not for perfect people.
It’s for sinners in need of the Savior.
All are welcome.
Church is not a fashion show.
God cares about your heart.
Church is not a Sunday thing.
Worship is a lifestyle.
Church is not for perfect people.
It’s for sinners in need of the Savior.
❤3
When I don’t feel like praying is the time when I should probably be praying the most.
Have you ever felt contempt?
Not principled hate, but disgusted contempt?
“Herod with his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.” Luke 23:11
Not principled hate, but disgusted contempt?
“Herod with his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.” Luke 23:11
❤3
September 23: Beyond Measure
#Devotional
Zechariah 1:1–2:13; Acts 21:1–26; Job 28:12–28
When we say, “God is gracious; God is kind,” do we fully comprehend the extent of God’s graciousness and kindness toward us? We glimpse it in Zechariah: “You must say to them: ‘Thus says Yahweh of hosts: “Return to me,” declares Yahweh of hosts, “and I will return to you,” ’ says Yahweh of hosts” (Zech 1:2–3).
An astounding reversal is hidden in these words, couched in a dialogue expressing how terribly God’s people have treated Him (Zech 1:4–6). By relying on their ancestors’ wisdom, God’s people are marching toward their own destruction: “Your ancestors, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?” (Zech 1:5). Instead of wiping them from the face of earth or banishing them from relationship with Him, however, God acts graciously: “Return to me … and I will return to you” (Zech 1:3). It’s an incredibly generous offer, one that the people accept (Zech 1:6).
But this is not the end of the journey. Zechariah’s vision goes on to illustrate painful times on the horizon before moving once again to hope (Zech 2:1–13). Ultimately, Yahweh remarks: “Many nations will join themselves to Yahweh on that day, and they will be my people, and I will dwell in your midst. And you will know that Yahweh of hosts has sent me to you. And Yahweh will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and he will again choose Jerusalem” (Zech 2:11–12).
The one “that Yahweh of hosts has sent” is likely a reference to the Messiah. Here Yahweh moves from welcoming only the people of Israel to welcoming all people into His kingdom. Anyone can return to Him or come to Him—because that is what He desires. His graciousness and kindness are truly beyond measure.
What graciousness and kindness are you grateful for today?
#Devotional
Zechariah 1:1–2:13; Acts 21:1–26; Job 28:12–28
When we say, “God is gracious; God is kind,” do we fully comprehend the extent of God’s graciousness and kindness toward us? We glimpse it in Zechariah: “You must say to them: ‘Thus says Yahweh of hosts: “Return to me,” declares Yahweh of hosts, “and I will return to you,” ’ says Yahweh of hosts” (Zech 1:2–3).
An astounding reversal is hidden in these words, couched in a dialogue expressing how terribly God’s people have treated Him (Zech 1:4–6). By relying on their ancestors’ wisdom, God’s people are marching toward their own destruction: “Your ancestors, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?” (Zech 1:5). Instead of wiping them from the face of earth or banishing them from relationship with Him, however, God acts graciously: “Return to me … and I will return to you” (Zech 1:3). It’s an incredibly generous offer, one that the people accept (Zech 1:6).
But this is not the end of the journey. Zechariah’s vision goes on to illustrate painful times on the horizon before moving once again to hope (Zech 2:1–13). Ultimately, Yahweh remarks: “Many nations will join themselves to Yahweh on that day, and they will be my people, and I will dwell in your midst. And you will know that Yahweh of hosts has sent me to you. And Yahweh will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and he will again choose Jerusalem” (Zech 2:11–12).
The one “that Yahweh of hosts has sent” is likely a reference to the Messiah. Here Yahweh moves from welcoming only the people of Israel to welcoming all people into His kingdom. Anyone can return to Him or come to Him—because that is what He desires. His graciousness and kindness are truly beyond measure.
What graciousness and kindness are you grateful for today?
❤1