DEVOTIONS

Monday, August 15 – “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on the cross!” (Philippians 2:8) Humility and obedience, two words that strike fear and dread in the heart of many a follower of Jesus.  Here are the facts – Jesus humbled himself when he came and lived with us, as one of us.  Jesus was obedient, even to death on the cross, in order that you could be made right in your relationship with God.  If this is Jesus, humble and obedient, then who are you called to be, as a follower of Jesus?

Tuesday, August 16 – “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27) Have you been baptized?  If yes, then you have been clothed in Christ.  Just a reminder that today Jesus will be with you, whatever your day brings.  Whatever decisions you make, whatever actions you take, whatever words you speak, whatever thoughts you think, whatever songs you sing, whatever pictures you take.  In everything, Jesus is with you.  No judgement.  No condemnation.  Just the truth.  The rest is up to you. 

Wednesday, August 17 – “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) These are the words of Jesus to his disciples as he was preparing them for his death.  Let me ask you a question: Can you love someone with whom you have no relationship?  You can love the idea of someone, like an entertainer.  But can you truly love them?  Doesn’t loving another require a relationship with another?  These are important questions, for Jesus has called us to “love on another”.  Not simply to love the idea of one another. 

Thursday, August 18 – “Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’” (John 20:21) This one is for everyone who has made the decision to follow Jesus: You have been sent.  Your calling as a follower of Jesus is to go – go into your home, go into your workplace, go into your neighborhood, go into your school, go into your church, go into your world and share the good news of Jesus.  How?  By being you, right in front of everyone.  Your calling isn’t to do something. Your calling is to be someone.  

Friday, August 19 – “As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water.  What can stand in the way of my being baptized?’” (Acts 8:36) A eunuch is a man who has been castrated, usually because he is employed to guard a women’s living areas.  This eunuch was from Ethiopia.  He met Philip on his way home from worshiping in Jerusalem.  After having Isaiah 53:7-8 explained to him, he asked our question for today.  If a castrated slave from Ethiopia can believe in Jesus and be baptized, what is stopping you?      

Saturday, August 20 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Again the words of Jesus, before he ascended into heaven.  How can you be Jesus’ witness “to the ends of the earth”?  It all starts with where you are.  It all starts with who you know.  It all starts with your life.  It all starts with who you are.  Just think what would happen if every follower of Jesus, around the world, would be a follower of Jesus, right out in front of everyone?