Online Devotions: All In For Jesus

Sunday, August 5, 2018

All In For Jesus

August 5 (Matthew 21:43)

Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. (ESV)

No coach worth his or her salt will put up with star athletes not showing up for practice. It doesn’t matter how talented they are, they will lose their spot on the team to those willing to put in the time and do the work. The same goes for business, and, it would seem, for the kingdom of God. From the parable of the tenant farmers (Matthew 21:33-41) to the parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus makes it quite clear. God expects us to use what He has given us to accomplish His will.

But wait. Aren’t we saved by faith and not by works? Yes, but this isn’t about salvation. This is about what should be normal life between the God Who loves you and Whom you claim to love. It’s a pretty shallow relationship with anyone if we are just in it for what we can get out of it. If we really do love God, we will want to be involved in our Father’s work.

What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Do you realize that God gave you those talents and that passion for a reason? He wants you operating at the max in joy and freedom as you serve His kingdom purposes in the ways that only you can do. I know, I know. You’ve got bills to think about and deadlines and…, but just stop for a moment and dream the way you used to. What would it look like if you went all in for God the way you were meant to do?

Father, I get a thrill of excitement when I think about throwing myself headlong into Your kingdom work. And then the voices of so-called reality start calling me back. Help me to ignore the lies of the world and listen only to Your clear voice in Scripture and the true voice of the Holy Spirit. May all I do…all of it…be in the name and to the glory of my savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.