Below is a daily devotional my lovely wife Krista and I read each morning. This devotional was shared back in March by Carey Madding, from the church we attend in NC, The Cove Church. Carey had a big hand in our COV-19 wedding ceremony administered by her husband and our Pastor Mike Madding. With the size of the church, it was a real blessing they were able to help us. I thought this devotional was good, I hope you do too. Also, gave me a chance to share a picture from our ceremony, haha.
Memory Verse of the Week:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26, ESV
Thursday’s Devotion
Say What You Need to Say
Carey Madding
Today’s Scripture: “For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16, ESV
Theme: Sharing freedom requires urgency.
EASY FOR YOU TO SAY
For most people, there are topics of conversation that come easily.
“You like astronomy? I do, too! Did you know we have a local club?”
“Oh, you love to mountain bike, too. I just got my dream bike last week. We should meet up!”
“So, you need a handyman? I have this great contractor. You should see his work. Do you want his contact information?”
HOT TOPICS
There are some topics that are as sensitive and uncomfortable as the other conversations are comfortable. Maybe you hate talking about your dating relationships, your health, or your job prospects. Maybe discussions of fashion, shopping, weight, or hairstyles leaves you feeling inadequate and less than beautiful. If you feel ignorant in an area, you avoid engaging in conversations about that subject. If you have strong opinions about politics or religion, you may shun those discussions because you dislike conflict or intense feelings.
SILENCE VS. BOLDNESS
Personally, I have opinions about EVERYTHING. Over the years, I have learned to keep most of my thoughts to myself. I may compliment, but I reserve critiques for those who sincerely ask. And my, oh my! After 2020, there are a lot of topics off-limits to me now for sure! It feels so much “safer’ to keep silent. I am not at all inclined to engage.
Yet we should feel an urgency–we should even feel compelled–to share what Jesus has done for us. You know the background conversations in our minds, where we are planning our responses to the other person’s words? If there is any opening, any sign of need, we should be thinking of how to introduce our Savior into their need! If they mention they are new to town, they are lonely, they are hurting, they don’t know where to find XYZ, then respond with boldness. You have the answer. You KNOW the Answer and His Name is Jesus!
Make It Personal: There are three practical steps to sharing Jesus: first, pray for boldness and “the open door,” the opportunity to share Him. Then listen for that opening as you are talking to your friend, co-worker, the cashier, the mom beside you in the park. Finally, pay attention and respond to the Lord’s gentle nudge. He will give you the words to connect His heart to theirs…if you will step out and obey.
Pray: Oh, God. There are so many times when I ask and need a guard before my mouth, a watch over the gate of my lips, so that I only speak words that are true and that build others up. But Lord, I also need a sense of urgency to share with others the marvelous things You have done for me, the freedom I have found in You. Please help me to be ready to give an answer for the hope inside of me. Help me sense Your timing and opportunities to share with a hurting soul. Thank You for Your salvation. Help me feel compelled to extend Your love and grace to others! In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Weekly Memory Verse: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26, ESV
Read:
Colossians 4:2-4
1 Peter 3:15
Luke 14:22-23
More Devotionals at https://www.covechurch.org/devotions
BEFORE YOU READ TODAY’S PASSAGE…
STOP: Lord, where is my heart today?
LOOK: Lord, help me discover new truth from your Word today.
LISTEN: Lord, what is your thought for me today from your Word?
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
RESPOND:
Lord, what do I need to talk with You about?
Lord, what are you asking me to do?
* STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, RESPOND from Navigator Church Ministry booklet, The Invitation. Read More.
