Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Explanation:

This passage gives us a glimpse into the very first church. The ministry of Jesus was over, and the power of the Holy Spirit was upon the church. It was now their job to continue the ministry of Jesus. The original church was called to do many of the same things we are still called to do today. They met together, devoted themselves to the teaching of Jesus and scripture, and broke bread together in communion. All of this is what we experience when we attend church, but our faith walk is not simply about going to church.

We are called to BE the church. To go into our communities and shine His light. To help those who are in need. We are called to “do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can” (John Wesley). Our actions outside of the church building speak volumes. When we become the hands and feet of Jesus to the world, He will do amazing things. As the early believers went out into their community to help others and to live out the gospel message, God was faithful and added to their numbers. The same will happen for us, too. When we go out into the world and live differently, through serving and loving others, God draws and brings people to Him.

We are called to be the church to the world around us. May our actions and the ways we help others be what leads them to know Jesus. And as we know, following Him is the best thing that will ever happen.

Application:

1. What stands out to you about the first church?

2. How do you think their faith increased when others were added to their numbers?

3. What are you doing to help others and lead them to Jesus?

4. Has anyone ever come to know God because of your actions? What impact did this have on you?

5. How is God calling you to “be the church”?

Prayer Starter:

Dear God, we thank You for giving us the stories of Your people to challenge us, encourage us, and lead us. Just like the first church, we want to be the Body. We want to be an example to others. Will You help us? Show us those who need help. Help us to be confident when we share the “good news” with others. And God, we anticipate all those You will add to our church because of the way we live our lives. May we shine extravagant light that guides others to You. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

Devo Plus:

Read all of Acts 2 to learn more about the leading of the first church.

James 2:14-17 (NLT)

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Explanation:

The main theme of the letter from James is that having genuine faith in God results in genuine changes to our lives. Our “works,” thoughts, and actions are all part of our faith. We are expected to live out our faith while making choices about our actions. Belief that doesn’t lead to changed behaviors is not an example of our gift of salvation. Our works don’t save us, but they do reveal our trust in God. James warns us that our beliefs are not enough. We must fully trust and obey God’s commands, and put our faith in action. Our trust in Jesus creates the “cause” of our “cause and effect” relationship with Him. The “effect” is that we will do good works in His name.

Application:

1. What opportunities do you have to put your faith in action in your daily life?

2. How does your faith in Jesus make you desire to help others?

3. Is there a part of this passage that speaks to you today?

Prayer Starter:

Ask God to search your heart and reveal opportunities for you to put your faith in action. Ask Him to show you things that you may have overlooked in the past, and can be more observant of in the future.

Devo Plus:

Read Matthew 5:16, Galatians 6:9, and Romans 2:6-10.

Matthew 9:35-38 (ESV)

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

Explanation:

This passage is a vital look at the ministry of Jesus. From it, we get a glimpse at what motivated Jesus, and how He hoped to carry out the grand work of sharing the love God has for His people, inviting them to take part in the Kingdom.

Matthew starts this passage by describing Jesus’s motivation. Jesus saw the crowds and He had compassion on them. He saw their pain, their struggles, their need for a way back to God, and He helped them. And then He turned to His disciples, those who had chosen to follow in His ways. Jesus said to them, “The need is great! Pray that God will give us enough people willing to care for and help these people.” But in this statement is the implication that they would partner in the labor of caring for and ushering in the Kingdom of God.

As followers, we are to emulate Jesus’s compassion and care for those who have need. We are to pray for answers to those needs we can’t answer, and join in the work of bringing the freedom and healing that accompanies the coming of the Kingdom.

Application:

1. What is one thing that stands out to you in today’s passage?

2. What is one area of need you recognize in someone’s life who you are in relationship with?

3. How can you play an active role in that need? Can you remedy it? Can you pray for it?

4. Ask God to show you how to care for the need He has brought to your attention.

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, I want to have eyes like You, eyes that have the ability to recognize the need around me, respond with compassion, and then move to help. And when I recognize that I am not sufficient to provide a need, I pray that You would turn my heart and my mind to You, so I can depend on You to move and provide what people need. Help me to always see that I have a way to engage those hurting people. Give me the strength to do so! Amen.

Devo Plus:

Read Galatians 5:22-23. Focus on the way that Jesus defines the results of a life that follows Him. How do these “attributes” help in serving others?

Recently, I was sitting in the parking lot at the grocery store while my husband ran in to get a few things. Most of the time when this happens, I will play a game or browse through Facebook. But for some reason, this time I just sat and watched people (which is also something I enjoy doing). I watched people walk in and out of the store. I watched people put their carts back in their place. I watched moms holding their children’s hands tightly. I watched workers take their lunch break on the park bench.

As I sat there observing all that was going on around me, I began to have a deep conversation with God. He caused me to think on this question: How many times do I miss the opportunity to help others because I’m too busy focusing on myself? Ouch! That one stung a little, but was such a great reminder to me. There are many times when I am in such a hurry that I forget to slow down and really look for an opportunity to help someone else. My to-do list is too long today and I don’t have the time. Or sometimes I’m way too distracted, and I’m not looking for those opportunities to do a simple act to help someone else.

As I sat in that parking lot, I prayed. I asked God to help me be less self-focused, and to seek out and look for opportunities to help others, no matter how big or small the act may seem. I know how much a simple act of kindness can change my day, and I want to do that for others. I want to be the person who helps the elderly woman reach something on the top shelf. I want to be the person who listens to a struggling co-worker. I want to be the person who drops my to-do list to help someone else with a project. I want to be the person who gives a stressed-out mom a break by watching her kids. Or to simply be the person who smiles at everyone she meets.

Ever since that day, I have been asking God to help me be less distracted, less self-focused, and more aware of what is going on around me. I want to be someone who lends a helping hand to others whenever I can. I know when I focus on others and share extravagant help, the light of Christ shines brightly.

I want to leave you with a quote I love from famous theologian John Wesley.

Do all the good you can,

by all the means you can,

in all the ways you can,

in all the places you can,

at all the times you can,

to all the people you can,

as long as ever you can.

This week, let’s focus outward, seek God, and constantly be on the lookout for ways to help others. This week, let’s be less self-focused, and instead really look at others and find ways we can lend a helping hand.

Prayer:

God, we want to be better at helping others. We know that we often get distracted or too busy, and we forget to take a step back and look outward. Will You help us this week to seek out opportunities to help others, to lend a helping hand whether big or small? We want to be less self-focused and more focused on the needs of others. Open our eyes, search our hearts, and help us shine Your light through extravagant help. We know we can accomplish this with Your help. Thank You in advance for all You are going to do, and how You are going to use us. We love You, Lord. Amen.

John 6:1-13 (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. Philip 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.

Explanation:

Our reading today exemplifies the extravagance of God. Not simply because He met the needs of the crowd, but in doing so, He met many other needs too. When reading these passages, you see what Paul means when he says in Ephesians 3:20 that God is, “able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or think, according to the power at work within us (emphasis added).” We can be very quick to disqualify what is able to be done when we forget the power that is available to the believer. The same power that was able to multiply food to feed thousands of people is the power that can be at work in us. This same power can exponentially impact not only the receivers of His power, but also the hearer and the doer.

This was an occasion that the disciples who witnessed it could look back on for the rest of their lives. They could remember that God took merely nothing and turned it into extravagance. We were not present to witness this miracle, but when we hear about this occurrence and believe in faith that it is true, we too are able to seek God in similar ways.

For thousands of years, God’s people have been encouraged in their faith because Jesus demonstrated the love that God has for His people. Just think, God knew that on this exact day, at this exact time, you would be reading or listening to this devo…and you would be encouraged to seek Him in faith and be compelled to demonstrate His love for people. We could easily say that the act of feeding the crowd was extravagantly helpful enough, but God always does abundantly more than that. Don’t ever diminish the faith steps that God is calling you to take. By walking in His ways, He can take something minute and produce extravagance.

Application:

1. What does today’s reading teach you about God’s extravagant helpfulness?

2. How might this miracle have impacted the faith of the disciples?

3. How do you limit what God is capable of at times?

4. Why do you limit what God is capable of at time?

5. How can you remind yourself daily of the power of God that’s at work in you?

Prayer Starter:

Jesus, thank You for giving us a physical example of Your power. This example truly shows us there are no limits to what You are capable of. Show me today how I can use Your power to be more helpful to those around me.

Devo Plus:

Read Ephesians 3:20. How has this truth been evident in your life?

Mark 1:40-42 (ESV)

And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Explanation:

I wonder how long he’d lived with people cowering and running away. No handshakes, no hugs. No smiles. How crushed in spirit must he have been? But when Jesus saw him, He set the precedent for us. Jesus saw this man not as the diseased, the outcast, the unclean, the leper. Instead, Jesus saw him as a soul in need of something much deeper than physical healing…and He touched him. Of all the things the man needed (and Jesus could see them all), Jesus saw his most desperate need was compassion.

Application:

1. Jesus consistently chose compassion first for those whom society had written off. Spend some time thinking through how Jesus has met your need or sin. Thank Him for choosing compassion first, even when others may not have offered it. In all things, may we choose to follow Jesus’s example. May compassion be our first move, no matter who it is in need.

2. After all, the word says we’ll be known by our love. Read John 13:35. What does it say we will be known for as followers of Jesus?

Prayer Starter:

Father, thank You for being a God who shows no partiality. Thank You that all of us are in need of the same grace. And thank You that by Your great grace, You are a God of compassion. Help us to use Your lens of compassion, no matter who it is we are called to serve. May people see You when they see us. We ask these things in the faithful name of our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Devo Plus:

Read Deuteronomy 10:17. Ask God for a heart like His, that we would serve and love in compassion, ANYONE in need.

Read Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34. Thank God that we are all under the same grace and love.

Luke 10:25-37 (ESV)

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Explanation:

In today’s passage, Luke has Jesus defining two things: the essence of the law, and how the law is to be applied (much like what we do in the Daily Devotions). It’s important to keep in mind that the lawyer’s question is an attempt to trap Jesus, not to learn from Him. But Jesus’s masterful answer uses two passages from the Hebrew Bible, Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, to lay out a simplified (yet difficult to apply) definition of the law. The lawyer, knowing that Jesus answered correctly, thinks he will justify himself by asking another question: What level of love is needed to fulfil the law? Is it love for my wife and kids, love for the people I like, love for my fellow kinsman? Who do I have to show this love to? Jesus’s answer would push the lawyer to a level that he and the crowd would not have expected. Jesus chooses a Samaritan (hated by the Jews) to illustrate the level of love required by the law.

The fact that Jesus teaches this parable as the application of the Jewish law speaks volumes for what is truly valued by God. The Samaritan as the “good” guy in this story, while Israel’s religious elite are the ambivalent and cowardly characters, speaks worlds to the lawyer’s presumptions about who is the recipient of God’s favor and representative of God’s law. But Jesus tells this story to demonstrate that it is not heritage, ethnicity, financial status, or even religious status that makes one a law keeper; it’s the one who actually does the law. It’s not the one who talks about God well; it’s the one who loves God, loves his neighbor and shows mercy.

Application:

1. What is one thing that stands out to you in today’s passage?

2. Does it simplify the law of God to see it defined this way? Does it make it easier to follow?

3. Is there someone you don’t want to act neighborly toward?

4. Is there a way you can show the compassion of Christ to that person, like the Samaritan did for the destitute Jewish man?

Prayer Starter:

The depth of Your love for us should challenge us to love others who are not like us, Father. We have enemies, people who annoy us, even people who have hurt us, yet they are the neighbor You call us to love. This requires us to be dependent on You, and trusting in Your love for us. Give us the strength to walk in that love and represent it well to others, even our enemies.

Devo Plus:

Read Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.

Luke 15:11-32 (ESV)

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Explanation:

Volumes have been written on this parable to explain every conceivable truth it offers. If we over-think it, we’ll miss the most precious message Jesus wants us to see—we can’t out-sin God’s grace. This is true for everyone.

Each of us, at some point, identifies with one son or the other in this story. The word prodigal means “wasteful extravagance,” and we have no trouble imagining how the younger son earned that title. But regardless of how desperate, depraved, or distant his immoral spending left him, when he returned home, the Father poured out enough grace to redeem every sinful act the son indulged. Christ is painting a glorious picture of forgiveness when we repent.

Jesus directed the older son’s attitude toward the Pharisees in His audience. If the younger son’s wasteful extravagance describes our wayward hearts, his brother’s self-righteousness depicts our stubborn pride. Son, you are always with me and all that is mine is yours…with these words, Jesus confirms that His extravagant grace is available for everyone to receive.

Application:

1. All sin separates us from God, but in this parable, Jesus teaches that two of the most common and connected sins—pride and rebellion—are covered by His grace when we repent.

2. Think of a time in your life when you identified with one of the sons. Which son was it, and how did you come to repentance?

3. One of the biggest lies our adversary wants us to believe is that we have gone too far, and our sin cannot be forgiven. Do you know someone who believes this? How can you help them see the truth of God’s grace?

Prayer Starter:

Ask God to reveal any pattern of pride or rebellion (disobedience) that you may be unaware of. If God speaks to you on this, confess that sin and commit to making a U-turn in your behavior.

Devo Plus:

Read 1 Samuel 15:22-23, and reflect on what God says about rebellion and stubbornness.

Mark 2:13-17 (ESV)

He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Explanation:

In the above verses from the Gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus has been invited by Levi (Matthew) to dine at his house. By this time, Jesus’s popularity had grown from His preaching in the synagogues, casting out unclean spirits, and healing people who were sick from diseases. Everyone wanted to see Jesus so much that He could no longer quietly enter a town. Jesus was a celebrity, and everyone wanted to see and talk to Him.

When we think of a modern-day celebrity, many of us think of a sport hero, actor, politician, or at least someone with money. Jesus was none of these, but He had a supernatural quality that people wanted to know more about. The fact that He chose Matthew, who was a tax collector, to follow him tells a lot. In this time period, to be a tax collector meant that you had sold your family’s land to the Roman Empire, and then gotten the job of taxing your own people for Rome. Tax collectors were hated and despised by others.

Jesus not only acknowledged Matthew, but wanted to hang out with him and his friends at his house. He didn’t mention what Matthew did for a living, or the fact that many of Matthew’s friends were some of the “lesser known of society.” Jesus just wanted to be invited and talk with anyone who was hurting, struggling, ashamed, broken, and feeling unworthy…what scripture refers to as sinners. Jesus made himself available to them, and this unsettled the Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders). The Pharisees held themselves to a higher standard, and they felt Jesus’s fame and status was above associating with “such” people.

However, Jesus came to earth for the sick, the sinners. According to Romans 3:23, we have all sinned and need the grace that God showed us in the life and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus showed extravagant grace to everyone He came into contact with. He even allowed Matthew, the tax collector, into His close circle of friends as one of His twelve disciples. Jesus looked past what the person had done or looked like, and showed them grace. He gave them a chance to experience Him. Let us show this grace to others God has placed in our lives.

Application:

1. What is something holding you back from giving grace to others? (Economic status, past experiences, preconceived judgments, jealousy)

2. What is something stopping you from receiving God’s grace? (Feelings of unworthiness, pride, past decisions/actions, behaviors)

3. How do you treat the drive-thru worker or the waiter at a restaurant when your food order is wrong? When someone cuts you off in line/traffic? Or a co-worker keeps asking how to do a job?

Prayer Starter:

Heavenly Father, You are Awesome and there is nothing like You. Thank You for Your extravagant grace You have shown me. My sin was a debt I could not repay, but You have forgiven me. Help me to show this grace to others, especially when it is difficult and I’m frustrated with the situation. I want to treat and love people the way Jesus did! Show me the steps I can take today to be more like Jesus. Amen.

Devo Plus:

Take time in prayer to talk to God and thank Him for His extraordinary Grace. Listen to Good Grace by Hillsong UNITED to hear the truth about Jesus.

Over our years of marriage, Matthew and I have realized it’s hard to extend grace to the other in areas where we ourselves are strong. It’s easy for me to critique him in the areas where I don’t struggle, and visa versa. We’ve been learning it is actually right in those areas where we need to extend the most grace to each other. We also recognize that each of us really wants grace, yet each of us, at times, struggles to give grace. It’s this same lesson I talk to my kids about frequently. They can easily become frustrated with each other and want to hold a sibling to a high standard, but a moment later, they want grace when they don’t live up to that high standard. I find myself correcting them, but at the same time totally relating to them! We all desire grace, but often have a hard time giving it to others.

One of my favorite things about being a Jesus follower is that Jesus is the perfect example for how we should live. We don’t have to wonder how He would respond to a situation, because we have example after example of how He did respond to situations. One of ways Jesus was an example for us is in the area of grace. Jesus showed us the ultimate form of grace through living a sinless life, yet dying on the cross for our sins. There isn’t a better example of grace than that right there! He took on a punishment He didn’t deserve so we could be in right standing with God. This mind-blowing gift of grace should compel us to live differently, to extend grace in extravagant ways. But, if you’re anything like me, even though I’ve received the ultimate form of grace, I still struggle to give grace to others. It’s crazy but it’s true. In order to extend the grace that Jesus modeled, I have to fight against my human nature. Giving grace, like most things God asks us to do, is not a natural response. My natural response is pride, wanting to prove a point, selfishness, self-protection, making myself feel good. Those responses won’t lead me to experiencing the full life that God offers. The full life that God offers will come through extending grace, humility, thinking of others before myself, treating others the way I want to be treated, and in serving others. I have to be purposed to fight against my flesh, submit myself to God, and allow Him to transform me in this area. Only then will I be able to give the grace that I’ve been called to give. Only then will I experience the full life that God offers.

What situation in your life do you feel God is calling you to extend grace? In what relationship do you feel challenged to fight against your natural response and instead give grace? What are some practical steps you can take to extend grace? What are some reminders of God’s grace in your own life that can encourage you to give grace to others? Here are a few prayers that I’ve been praying this week.

God, help me to:

-Remember areas of my life where You have shown extravagant grace to me.

-See areas in my own life where I need to be giving grace to others.

-Develop a natural rhythm of extending grace.

-See and love people the way You see and love them.