The Tree Church Daily

John 1:43-46 (NIV)

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

Explanation:

In this passage, Jesus calls to Nathanael and Phillip. He had already found disciples in Andrew and Peter. At least seven of the twelve disciples were fishermen, hard-working and resilient men. Higher education was not in the plan for them. Back then, it would have been an honor to follow a rabbi. Although the people of Galilee were passionate Jews known for their great reverence for Scripture, very few of the most outstanding students left home and studied with a rabbi. Following Jesus wouldn’t have even been on the radar for men who were already fishermen. Most students sought a rabbi to follow, and most were turned away. Some were invited to “Follow me,” when a rabbi felt a student had commitment and potential to become like him, which was the whole point. This would have been considered a monumental compliment.

It is important to remember that the Jews of that time were waiting for a Messiah with a strong military or political presence. What Jesus did was not in line with what they imagined. The prophecies said He would be born in Bethlehem, but the Pharisees thought He was from Nazareth. Prophesy said He would be called Emmanuel and appear as a king, but He was named Jesus and dressed in a plain, ordinary shawl and sandals.

Nathanael asked what good can come from Nazareth because villages rivaled each other, and Jesus’ humble origins were unimpressive. When Phillip responds, “Come and see,” he is echoing Jesus. It was an invitation to experience Jesus for himself. Whether you have heard of Jesus or not, the invitation is open. It was open then, and it’s open now.

As believers, the Bible instructs us to tell others about Jesus. It’s the Great Commission, and it’s incredibly important. The Lord gave final instructions for His followers to go to all nations and preach the Good News. A witness is someone who sees something important or amazing. Bearing witness is sharing what you’ve witnessed. This is what Jesus instructed us to do. John the Baptist met Jesus and told others about Him. One by one people encountered Jesus. Our job is to continue to bear witness. Many times, we may feel awkward or insignificant, but we need to get outside of ourselves. Remember, to show the world who Jesus is shows the world who God is. We give well thought out reviews for restaurants, cars, stores, etc.… Surely, we can tell someone about Jesus.

Application:

1. Practice talking to others about their interests this week and see if there is an opening to discuss God. Share your experiences with your family.

2. Work at it together and discuss what went well and what you would change for next time.

Devo Plus:

Greg Laurie - Evangelism, Jesus Style - Bing video

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, give us the courage to get out of our comfort zones and talk to others about You. Help us show others Your ways by how we present ourselves and in the way we live our lives. Remind us to check our pride and awkwardness at the door and share His gift. It doesn’t belong to just us.

John 12:17 – 22 (ESV)

The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

Explanation:

Some of the sweetest words our ears could ever hear from another is, “We wish to see Jesus.” I once heard a speaker at a conference say that our primary purpose in life should be to get people to Jesus as fast as we can. That thought has remained embedded in my brain ever since. I hate when I lose sight of this at times, but I am so thankful when the Holy Spirit brings it once again to my mind in my interactions with others.

We know that from our own encounters with Him, Jesus truly gives us the most life. He heals us, He frees us, He comforts us, He convicts us, He loves us, and the list goes on and on. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to what Jesus can do in and through our lives. This is such good news for us who are in His care, but this is the same reason we must get others to Him as well.

We help reflect Jesus to the world, and it is our purpose to introduce His light to those around us. However, we are just a reflection; we are not the true source. Therefore, the faster we can help others find their place in Jesus, the faster they get to experience the true source of life, now and eternally.

To reflect Jesus well requires that we make our relationship with Him a priority. The greatest witness to others about Jesus is a life that authentically knows Jesus, loves Jesus, and a life that emulates Him in all they do. This is not a simple task, my friends. It will take, as Jesus commanded, loving Him with all our hearts, minds, and strength. When all these things are saturated by Him, our lives then overflow into all we say and do.

Application:

1. Why is the greatest witness a person who knows Jesus, loves Jesus, and emulates Him in all they do?

2. In our scripture story today, how did the message of Jesus spread? Why is it significant for us to see it spreading in this way?

Devo Plus:

Read Mark 16:15. What part of the world has God placed you in to share His message with others? How can you start today by sharing and demonstrating Jesus?

Prayer:

Jesus, You have called us to share You with others. This is a huge privilege and an even greater responsibility. It is so easy to not make this mission our priority. We need Your Holy Spirit to guide us in how we can accomplish this. Thank You for shining Your light in us.

John 6:1-14 (ESV)

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

Explanation:

I live my life in a “sign” from God. The 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, roof, walls, doors, and windows we call our home is a sign from God. In 2016, we started the journey of building our own home. It was a journey that often left us feeling like we had five boards and two nails to build an entire house. Yet God, through very generous friends, supernatural protection, and guidance, put together this standing miracle we have lived in since 2018. Our house is a testimony of God’s abundant provision for all to see, but I know the story; I wake every morning in it and lay my head down in it every night. I know the stories of every step of its build, and every time I see it, I remember how abundant, how generous, and miraculously good God is. I get the honor and privilege of sharing these truths, every time I share its story.

The story in today’s reading is certainly a testimony to the miraculous power of Jesus. I think the crowds benefited and marveled at this “sign.” But more than that, I think this story was a sign for Andrew and the other disciples. They saw the few provisions they started with, they saw Jesus bless it, they saw every hungry mouth fed, and they each carried home a basket full of bread. The crowd called him a “prophet,” but this sign to the disciples was so they would know Jesus was so much more (A few verses later Peter would testify that Jesus was the Messiah, the one come from God). Not only would they benefit from His miraculous power, they would also soon be called to tell the whole world about Him, His power, and what He had come to do in the world.

God does so many gracious, wonderful, and miraculous things in our lives, and they are for our benefit, not simply for our consumption. They are the signs, the reminders of who God is and what He can do in the lives of those who trust Him. It is the bedrock of our testimony to ourselves and the whole world that He is a good, abundantly loving, and trustworthy King.

Application:

1. Have you ever experienced a “sign” in your life? Take a moment to reflect.

2. How has it stood as a testimony to you of God’s goodness and graciousness?

3. Have you allowed it to fuel your sharing Christ with others? Why or why not?

4. Who do you know in your life who needs to hear how God has shown abundant love, grace, and provision to you?

Devo Plus:

This is one of the few stories that is featured in each of the Gospels. Read the other perspectives in Matthew 14, Mark 6, and Luke 9.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, thank You for always bringing to mind who Jesus is and what He has done, both in the testimony of the Gospels and also in our lives. Constantly recall in us the “signs” You have done and the plan You have to use our story to draw others to You. Embolden us and empower us to bear witness to the truth that You are the Messiah, the Savior, and the hope for all humankind. Amen.

John 1:35-42a (NLT)

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.

They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus.

Explanation:

It’s been said that Billy Graham had no supernatural anointing over him that you and I don’t have; he simply obeyed God’s call on his life to bring people to Jesus. As a result, God used him in a mighty way to reach generations of lost people for Christ. The truth is, most of us who obey God will not be thrust into the limelight where our works will be displayed for the world to see.

Andrew was content to serve God behind the scenes, where no one praised, or even noticed, his obedience. He showed no resentment when Peter, his brother, whom Andrew introduced to Jesus, rose to prominence as the leader of the twelve disciples. It’s no surprise Andrew found the young boy with the fish and loaves of bread. and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8-9). Andrew brought Greeks to Jesus so they, too, could experience salvation (John 12:20-22).

We see no evidence that Andrew ever preached to the crowds or wrote Scripture, but his obedience to God’s call on his life should serve as a model for our outreach to this lost and hurting world. When we are faithful to fulfill the call of evangelism without desiring notoriety, Jesus will be faithful to fulfill His promise to reward us in heaven (Luke 14:11).

Application:

1. Why do you think God uses some people to a greater extent than others?

2. Do you struggle with the need to be affirmed or recognized for your service to God?

3. If so, what difference can today’s devotion make in how you serve God?

Devo Plus:

Luke 5:17-26 is a powerful story of a paralytic being led to Jesus by a group of men who cared for him.

Prayer:

In your quiet time with God today, ask Him to reveal who He wants you to bring to Jesus. This could mean an opportunity to share your testimony, or just a simple invitation to come to church next Sunday.

Isaiah 49:6 (NLT)

He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.

I will make you a light to the Gentiles,

and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Explanation:

To be made a light to Gentiles (unsaved people) will require:

✔️Spiritual insight

✔️Strategy

✔️Simplicity

Spiritually:

What will make you shine and stand out from the crowd?

Answer: Jesus living in and through you.

You can’t fake it. Like a mother bird eating, then feeding her child, you must have a fresh relationship with Jesus to represent Him well. People watch with intensity, and you will miss perfect moments if you aren’t allowing Him to shape you into a mirror of Him. Optimism, hope, perseverance, courage, kindness, courtesy, thoughtfulness, wisdom, listening skills, confidence, and generosity are all things Jesus works into us, to make us a bright light, which draws people to want Him.

Strategy:

You can’t legislate light.

Marketing strategists help clients create “want.” When people watch your character and quickly figure out you have some super power as you do life, they will ask you what you have. My greatest successes of leading people to Christ came from saying little and living it out. They approached me. When someone comes to you and asks what makes your life different, you have an open door. Their defenses are down and their interest is up. It is prime soil for sowing seed. Nothing will slam the door shut faster and harder than loftiness, judgment, condescension, divisiveness, piety, or arrogance.

Simplicity:

Focus on what Jesus has done for you. In John 4, we have an example of a very immoral woman who met Jesus for the first time at a well when He offered her eternal life. After her experience, she ran back to her village shouting “come meet a man who told me everything I did.” Many believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony. She wasn’t a spiritual knowledge expert. She was a set free example, and that is all she knew; so the fact Jesus knew all of her immorality, yet loved her…that was the power in her story. Never hide the dark parts of your story. What Jesus delivered you from is what the world is hungry to hear.

Jesus made our instructions for life very simple.

“Go and make disciples.”

Matthew 28:19

If you are spiritually healthy…you will reproduce.

To do that, we must allow His light to flush darkness out of our lives and transform us into people who other people want to be around, who other people turn to, who other people seek out.

Application:

1. Are you spiritually attractive? Jesus living in us helps our brain think wisely, makes our personality warm, our conversation interesting, and our manner attractive. He radiates through us to reflect His light. What are you drawn to? That is what others are drawn to.

2. Matthew 7:12 spells it right out. “Treat others as you want to be treated.” It is a simple formula that can change everything.

3. Does your Sunday personality show up on Monday? People shining the light are consistent in their moods, verbiage, and morals.

4. Guilt is the lowest form of motivation. Why?

Devo Plus:

Imagine the unsaved person's heart as a clenched fist. It is your job, through love, to get each finger, one by one, to release until you have an open hand. Once you have an open hand, you have an open heart.

Never enforce God’s standards on them. We, who are in relationship with God, are motivated because we love Him. If someone doesn’t love God yet, why would they want to obey Him? Why would you try to make them obey someone they don’t know?

Sharing light for the most part goes very slowly, because people will watch your life to see if you walk what you talk. It is so important to live in the Light yourself to reflect the light.

Prayer:

Jesus, You are the light of my life. You invite me to walk in Your light, and reflect Your light to the world as I do so. Guide me every step of the way as I learn to live in You. Amen.

Jonah 1:1, 4:1-3 (NLT)

The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai:

This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. So he complained to the Lord about it: “Didn’t I say before I left home that you would do this, Lord? That is why I ran away to Tarshish! I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”

Explanation:

God commanded the prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and tell them to repent. The Ninevites were so evil that Jonah couldn’t bear the thought of spending eternity with them, so he disobeyed God’s word. After three days of behavior management training, Jonah went to Nineveh with God’s message, and much to his dismay, the entire city repented.

We’ll never know on this side of heaven why Jonah was so bent out of shape over God’s compassion and unconditional love, but the point here is that God’s mercy knows no bounds. The God who chose to forgive the Ninevites when they deserved death is the same God who provided comfort for Jonah in the midst of his tantrum (Jonah 4:6). In these examples, we see the definition of mercy—God withholding what we deserve.

Of course, withholding what we deserve requires God to give us something we don’t deserve, and that is the definition of grace. These two attributes go hand-in-hand with God’s sovereignty. Often, we see them mentioned in the same breath when describing God’s characteristics (Psalm 86:15, 103:8). God extended to us the same grace and mercy when we were every bit as lost as the Ninevites, and He will do the same when we, like Jonah, get sideways because things don’t go our way.

Application:

1. Is there anything going on that’s got you at odds with God?

2. If so, how can you apply Jonah’s words that God is compassionate and merciful to reconcile your differences with God?

Devo Plus:

Read the book of Jonah. It takes only a few minutes, and it is a powerful example of God’s mercy and grace toward mankind.

Prayer:

Lord God, please forgive me for my attitude when things don’t go my way, and when I don’t understand what You are doing or why. Help me to extend to others the same grace and mercy You so generously give to me. Amen.

Acts 1:6-8 (NLT)

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Explanation:

I’m going to be honest with you: I groaned when I saw this passage as my writing assignment. Wouldn’t this be better written by a pastor, or a missionary? But then the Holy Spirit convicted me and asked me to figure out my feelings about evangelizing, and to look at being His witness with fresh eyes. Maybe I wasn’t the only one feeling an angst I didn’t need to feel.

I realized I had this notion that being a witness meant preaching about God’s grand plan from Genesis to Revelation to everyone I encountered or handing out Christian tracts on a city corner. The result, if I was doing my job properly, was supposed to be that everyone would make a life “altar-ing” decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly from that moment on. Since this was a virtually impossible feat, I was always walking around feeling guilty that I wasn’t being a “good witness.”

Furthermore, the term “evangelical” has taken on a whole new meaning in the world and on news outlets, hasn’t it? It’s become synonymous with voting for a certain political party, standing against certain things, and overall, a person to be avoided. No wonder my feelings were in a tangle!

Then the Holy Spirit reminded me of the friends in high school and college I had shared His story with. How I shared His love with my extended family growing up in a love-less religious atmosphere. How I had obeyed His nudging and started a Bible study in grad school. He opened my eyes to the songs I had sent, sermons I had shared, and stories of His faithfulness I shared with those I was in relationship with. He reminded me that I don’t let a day go by without teaching my children about God.

He asked me to revisit what being a witness really means. It means “a person who sees an event take place”, or “the evidence; proof.” I submit that those of us who never met Jesus in person but who have accepted Him as our Savior ARE the evidence and proof! We are witnesses to His redemption because the Spirit of God resides in us. We don’t have to strive to become something we already are! We carry the evidence of who God is every day.

As a verb, to witness means “to have knowledge of an event or change from personal observation or experience.” Our personal stories of redemption and of all God has done for us are powerful. Others can argue with us ‘til the cows come home about morals, politics, and religion, but they can’t argue with our personal stories of redemption and love. When we share the daily miracles and works of God with those around us, we are bearing witness to the character of God, and will attracts others’ hearts to His.

He has given us the power of the Holy Spirit! Let Him empower us and lead us to share Him as He wants us to. Allow the Holy Spirit to rid you of all guilt or feelings of being unworthy, as He did for me. Remember that you ARE already a witness! and keep bearing witness of Him daily.

Application:

1. What feelings have you been harboring about witnessing? Do you consider witnessing to others a privilege or an obligation?

2. Have you been allowing the Holy Spirit to empower you to be His witness?

3. In what ways have you shared God with others in the past?

4. In what ways have you shared God with others in your current season? Spend a moment asking God to give you new ways to share His story with others.

Devo Plus:

“To call yourself a child of God is one thing.

To be called a child of God by those who watch your life

is another thing altogether.”

Max Lucado

Prayer:

Lord God, it is amazing to me that You have entrusted us humans with the job of bringing others to You, and of bearing witness to who You are. Holy Spirit, infuse me with Your power, give me Your wisdom, and fill me with Your Words. Help me to live in such a way that my life points to You, and help me share my story with those that need to hear it. Amen.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (NKJV)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Explanation:

The apostle Peter, who lived alongside Jesus while He was on earth, tells us here that as Jesus’ followers, we should be full of hope for what awaits us at the end of our life, even when it proves difficult. Peter’s message is at times intense and urgent but easy for us to understand: we have a special duty because of our status as children of God.

Our generation has been chosen to do unique things for God. Just like Queen Esther of the Old Testament was set apart “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), so are we set apart for a specific time, place, and purpose in God’s redemptive plan. This calling should be received with joy and expectation: just as God chose us, we can in turn choose to help others. Since Jesus has come and set all things right, there is no role for the priests of the Old Testament - not because we still don’t need to walk through repentance and forgiveness on a daily basis, but because with Jesus as our High Priest and Savior, WE are now the everyday priests called to help with the salvation of others. This responsibility should never be viewed as having power or judgment over people, but instead we should model a life lived in Christ. Our lives SHOULD look different from the world, enough so that others will notice and ask why. “A holy nation” doesn’t refer to us as Americans but instead as a people who understand that we do not lead ourselves. We are called to be an example to the entire world and can only be considered holy because our Leader is holy (1 Peter 1:15). We are His special people once we have heeded His call, and we are now also invited to tell others that they too, can be part of God’s special people. It is not a closed society - all are invited!

So how exactly do we fulfill our Kingdom responsibilities in this regard? We are to proclaim His praises by telling others our faith stories. Your story is uniquely yours, which is purposeful: your voice is predestined for another’s ears. And even if we don’t feel like we deserve to be called by the names God chooses to call us, to know He describes us in this way is truly all the power we need in this life.

Application:

1. Luke 12:48 reminds us that, “to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” How does this principle relate to telling others about Jesus?

2. Often we don’t tell other people how good God has been in our lives because we are fearful He won’t be as good in theirs. But God doesn’t need us to be His PR agent. He asks only that we believe and share, and He promises to handle the outcome!

3. The most powerful story when you are first telling someone about Jesus doesn’t come from the Bible but instead from your own life. By leading with your own experience of how Jesus has transformed you, people will see that even though we are all still sinners, we were ALL ransomed with His blood (1 Peter 1:18-19). Give someone the chance to celebrate that amazing truth with you today!

4. Think about your journey from darkness into His marvelous light. Where are you along the way? Marvelous isn’t a word we use often and therefore its meaning may be lost on us. But by way of reminder, it means “extraordinary, causing great wonder.” Always remember that God’s love is something to marvel at. Resume your journey, wherever you are, focusing on all that He is and not on what we aren’t.

Devo Plus:

1. Listen to Pastor Matthew’s message from the “Malachi” series on us as the royal priesthood dated October 17, 2021, and let it change your view of evangelism… it IS our calling and our responsibility as followers of Christ!

2. Listen to “Too Good To Not Believe” by Bethel/Brandon Lake and sing the praises of our wonder-working God to those around you today!

Prayer:

Father God, You are so good to us. Thank You for entrusting to us the beautiful, life-saving message of Your love and Your Son. Your miracles in our lives and the lives of those around us are just too good not to share. Help us be courageous and bold as we trust Your Holy Spirit in leading us to tell of Your good works in our lives. Teach us to love You with our whole hearts and let Your guidance be all that we need to do that which You have already planned for us. Amen.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Explanation:

There’s a plot in some sci-fi shows where a character has an ability to change their physical form or identity at will, morphing into an animal or even an alien. They are called “shape shifters,” and they usually use their skill to escape a situation by adapting into something different. Their changes often help them avoid danger, but sometimes they shift in an effort to help someone else escape from certain peril. When I read today’s Scripture, I couldn’t help but thinking about how Paul was a different kind of “shape shifter,” one that set an example for his time and ours.

We obviously know that Paul never “morphed” into some other physical form or into anyone else’s identity, and he never did anything for his own benefit. He spent his time consistently trying to spread the message of a risen Savior and His love for everyone. We read in this passage that He literally shifted his personality and personal situation to become like the people he was trying to reach. He adapted himself into something different – poor, weak, under the Jewish law, outside the Jewish law, etc. – in an effort to help people escape the certain peril of eternal death.

We know that all people are different. Paul embraced this fact, and used it to minister to the masses. He realized there wasn’t one way to win every soul to Jesus. He went to find them in their environments. He established rapport with them so they could hear the Gospel without barriers of financial class or social status. Let’s be clear; he never lowered his standards, he simply waived his privileges. He kept his eyes on Jesus, for the sake of allowing others to reap the eternal reward alongside him. This is the type of “shape-shifter” I aspire to be—one who reaches people where they are and meets them in their need, like Jesus does for me every single time I call His name.

Application:

1. Paul adapted himself through selfless accommodation to the bias of other people. Is there something in your life that stands in the way of you becoming an effective witness to people in your daily life?

2. Paul says that he was “free from all men” but made himself a “servant to all men” so he might win more souls to the cause of Christ. How can you exercise this principle in your daily life—where you live in freedom but become a servant to all others?

Devo Plus:

In an online Bible commentary about this passage, I read the following quote by Grant Richison that caused me to evaluate my approach to reaching others. Take a moment today and reflect on this statement, and think about how you can apply it this week.

“If we love the lost, we will be flexible in ministry

to establish rapport with those without Christ.”

Prayer:

God, today I ask You to help me set aside the biases I have toward others. Help me become more like You, and allow me to see them through Your eyes. Humble my heart and my personality so I may reach the lost in Your name. Thank You for the grace You give me to live each day and the mercy of Your forgiveness of my sins. Help me to adapt like Paul and be a light in Your name. Thank You for giving us the opportunity to live eternally with You. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)

He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Explanation:

As I read today’s passage, a song from my youth group days came to mind. It is by the group Plumb and the lyrics are as follows:

There’s a God shaped hole in all of us

And a restless soul is searching

There’s a God shaped hole in all of us

And it’s a hole, only He can fill

I feel as though these lyrics give a glimpse into what God is trying to remind us of and teach us in today’s Scripture. As Jesus was speaking these words to the disciples, He was traveling from town to town telling people the Good News. As He traveled, He met a number of different people, individuals who were lost, hurting. He met with people who were looking for a better way. Jesus had great compassion on these people, and continued to share the Good News of the Savior. They had a God-shaped hole, a longing, that only God could truly fill. The people who are longing for more are those in the harvest. But God needs workers to go out and to share the news of Jesus with others.

This truth is a critical reminder to all of us today. So many people are looking for something to fill the great void in their lives, the God-shaped hole. We have the answer to what they are looking for. But we have to be willing to be a worker who goes out and shares the Good News with others. God has changed our lives, and we should have a deep desire to want this for others. Are we willing to do the work? Are we willing to go into all the world and to tell others that there is a better way? Are we willing to share our faith so that others can be saved? When God changes our lives, we should want to share it with others. The harvest is great, so let’s go and do the work by sharing this news with the world.

Application:

1. How has the Good News of Christ changed your life?

2. Why is it sometimes easier to keep this Good News to ourselves?

3. Are you willing to be a worker, ready to share the Good News with others?

4. What do you need to do today to be a “worker” who shares Christ with others?

Devo Plus:

My encouragement for all of us this week is that we will be brave and courageous to share our faith with others. Here are some steps to take:

1. Think of someone in your life who you know needs to hear the Good News of ​Christ.

2. Take some time to pray and seek God. Ask God to soften the heart of the individual, and to give you words of wisdom and hope to speak into their life

3. Take advantage of the opportunities God gives to you to share your faith. Ask God to give you opportunities to speak truth and love into their life.

4.Invite them to church. It’s amazing what God can do with one simple invite.

I’m praying that lives are saved because of our boldness to tell others about Jesus.

Prayer:

God, we know there are so many people in this world who need You. They need to hear the story of Your love, Your grace, and Your truth. Will you help us to be brave? Help us to be bold and confident when it comes to sharing our faith. We long for lives to be changed and saved. We know that it starts with us. Help us to be Your workers, to share the reasons for the peace and hope we have in our lives. We long for life change to happen. We submit all of this into Your hands. Amen.