The Rescue Week 36, Devotion 1 Week 36, Devotion 2 Week 36 ...
The Rescue Week 36, Devotion 1 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15 Do you have $20? Do you have $5? Chances are you do, or that you will at some point in the near future. Maybe you have a job. Perhaps you get an allowance. Or you might have birthday money stored somewhere. Read 1 John 2:15-17. In this passage, the apostle John is writing to a group of early Christians. This is a great reminder for Christians today, too. It is human nature to be selfish. Most of us think of ourselves more often than we do anyone else. That makes it easy to spend money on what makes us happy without ever pausing to consider a higher purpose for our funds. Tithing (a biblical principle of giving a portion of all we have back to God first before spending the rest) is wonderful! But, did you know that God is not just interested in how much we give to Him, but also in how we choose to spend the rest we keep? It’s not to suggest that God is angry if you go to the movies and buy a large popcorn. God created joy and wants you to experience it! A fun night out with friends at the movies may be just the way to do that. But, it’s OK to suggest that we not think only of ourselves and what we desire. After all, this world is passing away. Don’t you want to put your time into something or someone that will have a lasting impact? So, think back to that money you have, whatever the amount may be. What are you going to do with it?
Week 36, Devotion 2 “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” – Edward Everett Hale, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations Movie plots abound with superheroes determined to save the world. Marvel has Captain America, SpiderMan, Iron Man, Black Widow, and others. DC has Batman, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, and more. But as inspirational as some of these characters may be, one person alone can’t save the world. The good news is that Jesus has already defeated sin and death to do just that. God is not asking you to be a superhero. He is asking for you to be obedient. Don’t let the fact that you cannot do everything and save everyone keep you from pouring your time and energy into doing the one thing that God desires of you to make a difference.
Week 36, Devotion 3 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 Today, consider what you give to God and to others. If it helps, take a moment and jot down the ways in which you give. You might see that God is really blessing others through your unselfishness. But, what you might find is that the list may turn out to be rather small.
Once you’ve evaluated your giving practices, take a moment and really search your heart to determine if you are a “cheerful giver.” If not, spend some time in prayer asking God to give you the desire to give more and to give freely. Trust that He will do just that.
Week 36, Devotion 2 “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” – Edward Everett Hale, Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations Movie plots abound with superheroes determined to save the world. Marvel has Captain America, SpiderMan, Iron Man, Black Widow, and others. DC has Batman, Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, and more. But as inspirational as some of these characters may be, one person alone can’t save the world. The good news is that Jesus has already defeated sin and death to do just that. God is not asking you to be a superhero. He is asking for you to be obedient. Don’t let the fact that you cannot do everything and save everyone keep you from pouring your time and energy into doing the one thing that God desires of you to make a difference.
Week 36, Devotion 3 “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 Today, consider what you give to God and to others. If it helps, take a moment and jot down the ways in which you give. You might see that God is really blessing others through your unselfishness. But, what you might find is that the list may turn out to be rather small.
Once you’ve evaluated your giving practices, take a moment and really search your heart to determine if you are a “cheerful giver.” If not, spend some time in prayer asking God to give you the desire to give more and to give freely. Trust that He will do just that.
