It’s more than okay to be different, unique, devout, and devoted to God. Many of us have wrestled with worldliness for so long that we’ve become accustomed to the dysfunction. Alcohol, drugs, porn, seeking praise from men, selfish ambition, amassing stuff. The Bible says, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals’” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Like a bad friend, what is it that you can’t or won’t shake? A nemesis. Maybe it seems rude to ghost him, so we don’t. We can go long stretches without seeing him, but when we do, the conversation is always good and warm, then devolves. Bad company. Unlike godly friends, he doesn’t bring out the best in us. But God forbid anyone criticize him. Like a family member, your friend is like a connection to your ancestors—he must be defended, for there must be some good in him, right?
My challenge to my Christian friends is to be honest with yourself. Be open to change. Let’s be open to calling a spade a spade and dropping bad habits, bad friends, and any sin that holds us back from truly growing in Christ.
If you read Acts (or any section of Scripture, really), you quickly get a sense that life can get chaotic, real quick. Situation normal. But are we so confident in Christ that we are ready for His leading us in a completely new direction? I think of Gideon, who, when called by God, was ready for change. He had been thinking about the stories of earlier generations. He was wondering where God was and whether God was done with the miracles of old (Judges 6:13). He had no idea how good the story was about to get!
God is as strong and powerful today as He ever was. He lacks nothing. God can send a messenger to us today just as He did to Gideon or to the devout and God-fearing captain of the Italian Regiment stationed at Caesarea 2,000 years ago, Cornelius (Acts 10).
Do something revolutionary. Don't go along with lies.
God is peace (Judges 6:24). Yes, that is very true. And when we know that, we are open to fighting for good and building great things for Him. God sees in us strength we can’t even imagine. Jesus calls us to help others and do great things. But we must have the right core values (unwavering belief in Jesus Christ) and a willingness to change and go as God directs and confirms.
So yes, hold to core values. Always. But don’t be so tied to your business plan or your retirement goals that you miss the great opportunity God is presenting to you. When Paul and Silas had their eyes fixed on preaching in Bithynia, God had other rich soil for them to till. God used a vision of a man from Macedonia who had to plead with Paul, “Come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). Where exactly are we headed? Is it where God is calling us? Who needs our help today, and what’s holding us back from helping?
Lord, let us be reminded today of what you have done for us. You came to earth, took a lowly position, honored your parents, taught, modeled, led, preached, testified, and withstood the worst for our benefit. You rescued us from sin and death. You promise to rescue us from this evil world. You breathe life and miracles. You rose from the dead, loved and cared for your followers, conquered evil, gave good instructions, and ascended to your throne in heaven. You alone are God. You are my Savior and my King. Amen.
Today, we are assured, like Gideon, that the LORD is with us. We may not feel capable for the day’s tasks, but we have God with us, Immanuel. With Jesus, we can all be mighty heroes, not because we are mighty, but because Jesus is mighty.
Like Gideon, we may feel the miracles are all gone, abandoned, defeated. Like Jesus’ miracles with the fish and loaves, He starts with what we have. He says, “Go with the strength you have; I am sending you.” Send me, Lord! Be with me today, Jesus. Be with all of those who love you. Give us courage today. We too want signs and wonders, miracles and healing. We trust, Lord, that you will return to earth and that we will be saved from our sins because of You.
If you choose, Lord Jesus, burn in our hearts brightly today, and please show miracles to Your people all over the earth today—in every house where Your people live, in every office where we work, in every place where we eat. Lord Jesus, please help us to be unified in spirit today. Help us to know the one true faith, the extreme good news of Your salvation.
Help us embark on great adventures with small teams.
The LORD is peace. Yahweh-Shalom. He is the mighty, just God, but He is our peace. Even before our biggest challenges, He is our peace. What stand do we need to take for Jesus? What evil altar can we take down?
We know that standing for good and tearing down evil will come with vocal and violent opposition from the wicked. But what starts in a man of God affects the whole clan. Destroying evil in our lives blesses the whole family and our whole community.
Lord Jesus, please help me to do good today. Give us the courage to tear down evil and to have eyes and ears open to your direction and a pure heart. Amen.
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