The Journey Begins

Rocky River Presbyterian Church

Twenty-One Day Devotional Guide

DAYONETheygaveMosesthisaccount:"Wewentintothelandtowhichyousentus,anditdoesflowwithmilkandhoney!Hereisitsfruit.Butthepeoplewholivetherearepowerful,andthecitiesarefortifiedandverylarge.”

Numbers13:27‐28

We’redoingwhat?Haven’tyoureadtheheadlines?Haven’tyouseenthenews?Howcanweeventhinkabouthavingastewardshipcampaigninthiskindofaneconomy?Youmustbenuts.Itdoesn’trequireagreatdealofimaginationtothinkthatsomeofthesamecommentswerebeingmadetoMosesafterthereturnofthespiesfromtheirvisittothePromisedLand.Evenwithoutheadlinesscreamingdisasterand24hournewstrumpetingcrisisaftercrisis;onecanalmostimaginethepeopleofIsraelsayingsomeoftheverysamethings.Youwantustodowhat?Youexpectustogointothatlandwiththosegiantsandthosewallsandforts.You’recrazy!

Thenaswellasnowtheissuewasthesame:FaithorFear.ThereisthevoiceoftheTheGreatTemptershoutingtouswordsoffear;youcan’t,youmustn’t,whatif.Butthatisnottheonlyvoice.Ifwetakethetimetobequiet,toturnoffthenews,toputdownthepaperwewillhearanothervoice,theVoiceofOnewhoownsallofthecattleonthehillside;theVoiceofOnewhoistheGreatIAm,notthesmallandinsignificantwhatif.

Thequestion,ofcourse,becomes,whichvoicewillwelistento?Onewisepastorsaidthateverychurchhastwobasiccommittees;aBacktoEgyptcommitteeruledbyfearandanxietyandanIntothePromisedLandcommitteeruledbyfaithandhope.Whichcommitteewillyouserve?

Remember,Godisn’taskingforadecisionaboutgivingtoday.HeisonlyaskingyoutolistentoHisvoice.

QuestionstoConsider

• WhenhaveIlistenedtothevoiceoffearoverfaith?Whatweretheresults?

• WhenhaveIlistenedtothevoiceoffaithoverfear?Whatweretheresults?

Prayer

Thankyou,God,foryourcalmingvoiceoffaithandhopeinthemidstofaworldfilledwithfearandanxiety.HelpmeinthedaysthatlieaheadtotaketimeandlistenforYourVoice.Givemethecouragetostandonthesideoffaithandhopevs.fearanddoubt.Amen

DAYTWOThenMosessaid,“Imustturnasideandseethisgreatsightandseewhythebushisnotburnedup.”WhentheLordsawthathehadturnedasidetosee,Godcalledtohimoutofthebush,“Moses,Moses!”Andhesaid,“HereIam.”

Exodus3:3‐4

Amurderer,arunaway,ashepherd,yetcalledbyGodtobeoneofhistory’sgreatestleaders.AsthisstewardshipadventurebeginstheremayhavebeennoburningbushorvoicefromGod,unlessyoucountthecallfromyourpastor,oneofourdirectors,oraninvitationtoacampaignevent.Andyetmakenomistake,nomatteryourbackground;youhavebeencalledbyGodtobepartofthisexcitingadventureoffaith.JustasGodchoseMoses,youhavebeenchosen.Canyouimaginethatpossibility?Canyoubegintoevenconsiderthatyourparticipationinthisadventureisnotsimplyrandomchance,notsimplyalastgaspattempttoraisemoney?CanyoubelieveGodchoseyou;Godcalledyou?

HernamewasBrenda.Shewasnotthefirstchoiceofanyoneforherparticularpositionontheleadershipteam.ByallaccountsexceptGod’s,Brendawasa“lastresort.”AsthecampaigndevelopedBrendabecameadrivingforce,notduetoinfluenceorpowerbutsimplyduetoherquietwillingnesstolistentothevoiceofGod.AsBrendalistenedandopenedherhearttoGodshebecameapowerfulwitnesstoGod’sloveandmercy.AndoutofprofoundgratitudeBrendabecameoneoftheleadgiversinthecampaign.

QuestionstoConsider

• DoIbelievethatGodhascalledmetobepartofthisadventure?

• WillItakethetimetolistentothevoiceofGodinthemidstofthisadventure?

• WillIbewillingtosayyestothecallofGod?

Prayer

ThankyouLordforcallingmetobepartofthisadventure,thisadventureinfaith.Helpmetobeopentoyourvoice,tolistentoyourcallandtofinallydiscernyourwillformylife.“TakemylifeandletitbeconsecratedLordtothee.”Inowprayfortherestofmychurchfamily,helpustobeopentoyourvoice,tolistentoyourcalltodiscernyourwillforourlives.IprayinthenameChrist,Amen

DAYTHREE

ButMosessaidtotheLord,“OhmyLord,Ihaveneverbeeneloquent,neitherinthepastnorevennowthatyouhavespokentoyourservant;butIamslowofspeechandslowoftongue.”

Exodus4:10

EventhoughcalledbyGod,evenhearingthevoiceofGodfromthemidstofaburningbush,Moseswasfilledwithdoubtsandquestions.InchaptersthreeandfourofExodusMosesofferstoGodnofewerthanfourquestionsordoubts:WhoamItogo;whoshallIsayhassentme;whatiftheydon’tbelieveme;andfinally,hisslownessofspeech.Ineachcase,eachquestion,eachdoubt,Godprovidedtheway.Godprovidedtheanswer.

Thissamedynamicappliestoourcalltogive.Everyonehasamultitudeofreasonsnottogive.Thereisnogoodtimeforastewardshipcampaign.Thereisalwayssomethingelse,anewcar,are‐modeledhouse,bracesforthekids,collegetosavefor,andretirementtoworryabout.AndyetasGodcallsustogive,asGodasksustobegenerous,ifwelisten,ifweareopen,Godalsoprovidestheway.

Terryweptatthepossibilitythatshemightnotbeabletogivewhatshethoughtwouldbeagenerousgift.Shewasfacedwithbraces,collegeandacutinherhusband’spay.AsshepouredforthherstoryIsimplyaskedhertoprayandbeopen.Assheprayedshebecameawareofwaysthatshecouldinfactgivewithgenerosityandjoy.Terry,likemany,beganwithallthereasonsshecouldn’tgivebutalsolikemany,shecametoexperiencethejoyofsacrificeandgenerosityasshelookedbeyondthereasonstoGod’sabundantgenerosity.WhenGodcalls,Godalsoprovides.

QuestionstoConsider

• Whataremyreasonsordoubtsfornotfullyparticipatinginthisstewardshipcampaign?

• HowhasGodprovidedformeinthepast,evenwhenIhavehaddoubts?

• CanIbeopentoGodandtrustthatasHecallsHealsoprovides?

Prayer

OhGod,youknowthemanyreasonsIhavefornotwantingtoserve,fornotwantingtobegenerous.HelpmetoknowinmyheartthatYouhavebroughtmetothistimeandthisplaceandYouwillprovidewhatIneedtoaccomplishYourtask.HelpmeOhGodtohaveanopenheart,openeyesandopenhands.WepraythroughChrist,Amen.

DAYFOURAfterthesethingsthewordoftheLordcametoAbraminavision,“Donotbeafraid,Abram,Iamyourshield;yourrewardshallbeverygreat.”…AndAbramsaid,“OLordGodwhatwillyougiveme,forIcontinuechildless…”He(God)broughthim(Abram)outsideandsaid,“Looktowardheavenandcountthestars,ifyouareabletocountthem.”Thenhesaidtohim,“Soshallyourdescendantsbe.”AndhebelievedtheLord…

Genesis15:1,3,5,6

Asgoldensunlightslowlyfadesintothegraynessoftwilight,sothepromisemadeyearsagoseemsfadedanddistant.Abramhadbelieved,hadgivenuphishomeandtraveledtoadistant,unknownlandallbecauseofapromise.Excitementandenthusiasmhavebeenreplacedbyquestionsanddoubt.

Onthisjourneyoffaiththerewillbetimeswhenexcitementandenthusiasmarelongforgotten;timeswhenfaithseemsoverwhelmedbyquestionsanddoubt.HowdoesGodrespond?WhatdoesHeask?“GooutsideAbram,countthestars,rememberthevision,rememberthepromise.”JustasweaffirmedyesterdaythatthiscampaignisGod’scampaignsotooweaffirmthatthevisioncomesnotastheresultofaboardvotebutinsteadisrootedandgroundedinthepromiseofGod.Inthemidstofourdoubts,inthemidstofwonderingwillthisreallyhappen;Godinvitesustocountthestars,torememberthefacesofthechildren,youngpeople,familiesandelderlythatwillbetouchedbecauseofwhatwearedoing.Rememberwhatweareabout;notbuildingsorbricks,dollarsandcents;wearefulfillingGod’spromiseandvisionforministryandmission.Remember,countthestars!

QuestionstoConsider

• HaveIlostanyofmyoriginalenthusiasm?

• DoIbelieveinthevision?

• WhatdoesGodtrulywantfromourchurch,thiscampaignandmylife?

Prayer

DearGod,IadmitthatsometimesIforget.SometimesIgetsocaughtupintheworkthatIforgetthepromiseandthevision.HelpmeLordtotakethetimetorememberandlikeAbramtoonceagainbelieve.InthenameofChrist,Amen.

DAYFIVEThenJoshuasaidtothepeople,“Sanctifyyourselves;fortomorrowtheLordwilldowondersamongyou.”

Joshua3:5

Finally,theywerenearlythere.Afterfortyyearsofwanderinginthewilderness,afterbeingsocloseandthenbeingtoldtheyweren’tready,aftersomanyfalsestarts,andsomanydisappointments,theywereonvergeoftheirheart’sdesire,thePromisedLand.AndyetevenastheystoodonthebanksoftheJordan,gazingintothePromisedLandtheirheartswereundoubtedlyfilledwithamixtureofjoy,fear,excitementandanxiety.Afterall,theleaderwhohadledthemoutofEgyptandthroughthewilderness;theleaderwhobroughtthemGod’sword,theleaderwhotimeaftertimeintercededwithGodontheirbehalf,theirleaderMoseswasnowdead.Howcouldtheydoit?Howwouldtheymanage?“Sanctifyyourselves;fortomorrowtheLordwilldowondersamongyou.”

Perhapssomeoftheinitialexcitementofbeingapartofthecampaignhasevaporated.Perhaps,likethepeopleofIsraelwewonder,“Howcanwedoit,howwillwemanage?”Orperhapsthequestionismorepersonal,“HowcanIdomytask,howcanIgiveagenerousandsacrificialgift?”God’sresponseisthesame.“Sanctifyyourselves;fortomorrowtheLordwilldowonders.”Tosanctifysimplymeanstosetapartforaholypurpose.Wearecalledtosetourlives,ourchurch,thiscampaignandourselvesapartforGod’suseandGod’spurpose.Canwebegintosetapart:ourlives,ourhomes,ourfamilies,andourincome,tobeusedbyGodandforGod?Ifwecan,thentruly,“tomorrowtheLordwilldowondersamongyou.”

QuestionstoConsider

• AmIbeginningtoexperienceanydoubtsorquestionsaboutourchurch,ourcampaignormyinvolvement?

• AretherepartsofmylifethatIamholdingbackfromgivingtoGod?

• HowcanIintentionallysetmylifeaparttobeusedbyGod?

Prayer

OhLord,givemethecourageandthefaithtogivemylifeandallIhave,tobeusedbyyou.Showmeways,OhLord,thatIcansetmyselfandmylifeapartforyou.Amen.

DAYSIX

ThussaystheLordtoyou:“Donotfearorbedismayedatthisgreatmultitude;forthebattleisnotyoursbutGod’s...Thisbattleisnotforyoutofight;takeyourposition,standstillandseethevictoryoftheLord...”

2Chronicles20:15,17

Comeon,Lord,getserious:Surroundedbyenemies,threatenedwithdestructionandyouwantustostandstill.Let’sbehonest,thereissomethingaboutthisstorythatjustdoesn’tfeelcomfortable.Manyofuswouldreallypreferto“takethebullbythehorns.”Moreoftenthannotweareencouragedtobeapeopleofaction.Yetthisstoryfrom2ChroniclesstandsasapowerfulreminderthatthereareoccasionswhenthebestthingwecandoisstandstillandwaituponGod.

Overthecourseofthenextmonththerewillbeconsiderableactioninandaroundthechurch.Manywillbefeverishlyworkingtoaccomplishallofthetasksforthisstewardshipcampaign.Andinthemidstofallofourhardworktherewillactuallybethosewhowilldaretocomplainaboutourcampaign,abouttheprocess,abouttheprojectitselfandwhoknowswhatelse.Wewillbetemptedattimestoleapintobattle,toanswerallofthecomplaints,toconverttheunconverted.

Letusremember,thisisultimatelyGod’sproject,God’scampaign,andGod’sbattle.Nomatterwhatwedoorhowwedoit,therewillbeopposition.Yes,wewilldoeverythingwecantoanswerquestionsanddealwithcriticismbutintheenditisGodwhowillmakeussuccessful.Inthemidstofallthebusinessandactivitiesofthenextfewmonths,remembertotakethetimetostandstill.

QuestionstoConsider

• HowdoIrespondtocriticismandcomplaints?

• DoIfeelapressingneedtomakeeverythingright?

• WhatmightbesomewaysthatIcanstandstillandtrustGod?

Prayer

Teachme,OhLord,tostandstillandwaitforYou.HelpmetopauseandrememberthatultimatelyoursuccessisinYourhands.Teachmetotrust.Amen

DAYSEVEN“NowtoHimwhobythepoweratworkwithinusisabletoaccomplishabundantlyfarmorethanallwecanaskorimagine,toHimbegloryinthechurchandinChristJesustoallgenerations,foreverandever,Amen”

Ephesians3:20

HowmanytimesdowelimitGod?HowoftendowefailtorecognizethewonderfulpowerthatGodgivesusthroughJesusChrist.LookagainatthewordsusedbyPaul,“abundantlyfarmorethanallwecanaskorimagine.”MoreoftenthannotIfindmyselfsaying“yes,but…”Therearealwaysreasonswhysomethingcan’thappen.We’retoosmall;wecouldneverdothat.We’retoopoor;wecouldneveraffordthat.

OneofthemanyblessingsofdoingthisconsultingworkistoseeandexperiencewhatGodcandoandaccomplish.Timeaftertimeweseechurchesdoingsomuchmorethantheyeverimagined.TimeaftertimeweseeindividualswhobyGod’sgraceendupbeingabletogivemoreanddomorethantheyhadeverdareddream.HernamewasSally.Shewasdevotedtoherchurch,toourprojectandtoourcampaign.Therewasonlyoneproblem;herhusband.Hecontrolledthefinances,neverattendedchurchandseemednottocareatallaboutthechurch’sneed.Sallyworriedandworriedaboutherpledge,convincedshewouldbeforcedtogiveatokenpledgeatbest.IcontinuedtoencourageSallytopray.Finally,thenightarrivedwhentheleadershipwouldfillouttheirpledges.Loandbehold,Sally’shusbandcamewithher.Asthetimearrivedtofilloutthecardsandreturnthem,Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethatSallyandherhusbandwerethelastonestoturnintheircard.AstheycameforwardSallywassmilingfromeartoearevenastearscourseddownhercheek.HerhusbandhadfilledoutthecardandhadplacedanamounthigherthanevenSallyhaddaredhopeorprayfor.NowtoHimwhobythepoweratworkwithinusisabletoaccomplishabundantlyfarmorethanallwecanaskorimagine,toHimbegloryinthechurchandinChristJesustoallgenerations,foreverandever,Amen

QuestionstoConsider

• AretherewaysthatIlimitGodinmylife?

• AretherewayswelimitGodasachurch?

• AmIlimitingGodasIconsidermygift?

Prayer

AbundantGod,forgivemeforthetimesthatmylackoffaithhaslimitedwhatYoucando.Helpmetobelievethattogetherwecantrulyaccomplishfarmorethanwecanaskorimagine.Helpmetodreamwithfaithandtrust.InthenameofChrist,Amen

DAYEIGHT“IpraythataccordingtotherichesofHisglory,HemaygrantthatyoumaybestrengthenedinyourinnerbeingwithpowerthroughHisspirit,andthatChristmaydwellinyourheartsthroughfaith,asyouarebeingrootedandgroundedinlove.”

Ephesians3:16‐17

EvelynUnderhillinTheSpiritualLifeputsitthisway:“Foraspirituallifeissimplyalifeinwhichallwedocomesfromthecenter,whereweareanchoredinGod…”Ihavealwayslovedtheriver;firstasayouthgrowingupnearthemightyMississippithenlaterasIhelpedmyparentsbuildahomeonthebanksoftheSusquehanna.Watchingtheriverflowbyfillsmewithasenseofpeaceandjoy.However,amidstthepeaceandjoy,thereexistsapowerfulcurrentthatmustbetakenseriously.Iwasontheriverwithmy80‐yearoldGrandmother—alsoaloveroftheriver—whentheoarinourlittleboatbroke,theenginewouldn’tstart,andwewerewithoutananchor.Needlesstosay,aninterestingdilemmawasunfoldingaswefoundourselvescarriedrapidlydownstreambyapowerfulcurrent.WhatIwouldhavegivenforastronganchorandrope.

PaulinEphesians3speaksofbeingrootedandgrounded;EvelynUnderhillspeaksofbeinganchoredinGod.Truestewardshipbeginswiththerealizationthatwearecalledtoliveourlivesbeingrooted,groundedandanchoredintheloveofGod.Howmanyofusspendmostofourlivesbeingsweptawaybythecurrentsoflife,thedemandsofourjobs,family,educationandevenchurchresponsibilities.Wesearchinvainforaropeandanchor.Wethinkifonly:ifonlyIcouldmakemoremoney,ifonlyIcouldsavemoremoney,ifonlywehadabiggerhome,abettercarorafastercomputer.Andstillwefindourselvessweptdownstream.Truestewardshipbeginswithalifethatisrooted,groundedandanchoredinGod’slove.(Ohbytheway,theenginefinallystartedandGrandmaandImadeittotheshore.)

QuestionstoConsider

• DoIhaveananchorinmylife?

• DoIfindmyselfbeingsweptawaybythedemandsofsocietyandculture?

• WhataresomepracticalwaysIcanbegintobegrounded,rootedandanchoredinChrist?

Prayer

OhLord,IconfessthatIoftenfindmyselfbeingsweptalongbythecurrentsoflife.Iputmyfaithandhopeinpower,people,andpossessions.Forgiveme.HelpmetoturntoYouduringthiscampaignthatmylifewouldberooted,groundedandanchoredinYouandYourwonderfullove.InthenameofChrist,Amen

DAYNINE“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave…”

John3:16

Thecandlescastabeautifulglowaboutthesanctuary;thechoirraisedtheirvoicesinamagnificentsongofpraisetohonorthebirthoftheSavior.Yet,inthemidstofsuchbeautyandpageantry,tearsslowlyrolleddownmycheeks.IhadjustreturnedfrommythirdmissiontriptoRussiaandallIcouldimaginewerethechildrenIhadvisitedintheorphanages;childrenwhowouldnothearthestoryofthebabelyinginamanger,childrenwhowouldreceivenogifts,nocandy,andnoChristmasmeal.

ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave…

Thegreatestgifttheworldhaseverreceivedwasgivenforonereasonandonereasonalone‐‐love.ItwasalovesostrongandpowerfulthatHegaveHisonlyson.Ourstewardshipemphasisisnotaboutbricks,buildingsorbudgets.Ultimately,weareaboutlove;alovethatdesirestoreachoutandbringpeopleintothefamilyofGod.Alovesostrong,sopowerfulthatwewanttogiveandgiveandgivesomemore;notfromobligationorguiltbutfromheartfeltdesirethatpeoplewouldcometoknowthewonderfulandsavingloveofGodthroughChrist.

ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave…

Wedon’tneedtotraveltoruralRussiatofindthoseinneed.HowmanychildrenandyoungpeopleinyourowncommunitywillnotheartheGoodNews,willnevergrowupknowingthejoythatcomesfrombeingapartofGod’sfamily?HowmanyfamiliesinyourowncongregationdesperatelyneedtohearthegoodnewsofGod’sloveinthemidstofdivorce,death,sicknessorunemployment?HowmanyelderlypeopleneedtoknowGodstilllovesthem?Thinkforamomentofco‐workers,familymembersandfriendswhodesperatelyneedwhatthechurchhastooffer—Love.

ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave…Willyou?

QuestionstoConsider

• WhydoIgive?

• DoesmygivingadequatelyreflectGod’sloveformeandothers

• WhodoIpersonallyknowwhoneedstoknowtheloveofGodthroughChrist?

Prayer

LovingandGivingGod,thankyousomuchforlovingtheworldsomuchthatYougaveupYouronlysonthatImightlive.Helpme,OhGod,togivelikeYou.Helpmetogivewithagenerousandlovingheart.OpenmyeyestoaworldthatstandsindesperateneedofYourwondrousloveinChrist.IprayinHisname,Amen

DAYTEN“ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave…”

John3:16

HisnameisAndre.HedirectstheorphanageinKaigorodok,asmallruralvillageapproximately600milesnortheastofMoscow.WhenwefirstmetAndrein1996,hischildrenwerehungrywithlittlehopeofhelpforthebarestofnecessities,evenfood.ThroughthegenerosityofGod’speoplewewereabletohelpmeettheirbasicneedsandseethemthroughthecoldRussianwinter.Whenwereturnedthefollowingyear,thechildrenwereclearlyhealthier,andAndrewassmilingfromeartoear.Thechildrenperformedskits,sangsongsandtreatedustoawonderfulfeast:thereason,gratitude.Andreandthechildrenweregenuinelythankfulandoutofgratitudetheywantedto,perhapsevenhadto,give.

MysonBrianexperiencedthissametruthataworkcampinruralTennessee.Theelderlyladyhisgroupworkedforwasdeeplytouched,andshedesperatelywantedtogivesomethinginreturn.Shecouldnotaffordmuchsoshewenttothedollarstoreandpurchasedsocksforeachofthekids.Normally,my16‐year‐oldsonwouldhavescoffedatsuchagift,butheknewthatthisgiftwasgivenwithprofoundgratitudeandwasarealsacrifice.

ForGodsolovedtheworldthatHegave…

Generousandsacrificialgivingbeginswithgratitude;gratitudeforwhatGodhasdonethroughthegiftofHissonJesusChrist;gratitudeforwhatGodhasdoneforusthroughthefamilyofGodweknowasourchurch.Ihaveheardcountlessstoriesofpeoplewhohavegivenincrediblegifts,trulysacrificialandclearlygenerous.WhenIspeakwiththemandaskwhy,theanswerisalmostalwaysthesame:TheyaredeeplygratefulforwhatGodhasdoneforthemthroughtheirlocalchurch—thefamilyofGod.Andtheygive.

QuestionstoConsider

• DoIrecognizetheblessingsthatGodhaspouredforthonmyfamilyandme?

• HowhasGodblessedmethroughthepeopleinmylocalchurch?

• DoesmygiftrecognizetheextentofGod’sblessingsinmylife;isitgenerousandsacrificial?

• Ismygiftgroundedingratitude?

Prayer

OhGod,Ihavesomuchtothankfulmore.Youhaveblessedmeinwaysthataretoonumeroustoevencount.Forgivemefornotbeingalwaysgrateful.ForgivemeforfocusingonwhatIdon’thaveinsteadofallyouhavegivenme.FillmyheartwithgratitudeandshowmehowIcangivewithgenerosityandsacrifice.InthenameofChrist,Amen.

DAYELEVEN“Wewantyoutoknow,brothersandsisters,aboutthegraceofGodthathasbeengrantedtothechurchesofMacedonia;forduringasevereordealofaffliction,theirabundantjoyandtheirextremepovertyhaveoverflowedinawealthofgenerosityontheirpart.”

2Corinthians8:1‐2

HisnameisArtoym.Heisaten‐year‐oldRussianorphan.WhenourgroupvisitedlastyearArtoym,forsomereason,latchedontome.Hetookmebythearmandledmethroughtheorphanageshowingmehisroomandtheplaceheatemeals.Allthewhilehiseyeswerefilledwithjoyandlaughter.InspiteofthefactthatIspokelittleRussianandhespokenoEnglish,weconnected.Asmygrouppreparedtodepart,Artoymsatbesideme,pulledasilverringfromhisfingerandhelditouttome.MyeyesfilledwithtearsandIsaidwhatlittleRussianIknew—nyet,nyet—no,no.Thischildwhohadnothingintheworldtocallhisownexceptthisring,desperatelywantedtogivethisringtome.ForArtoym,hisabundantjoyandextremepovertyoverflowedinawealthofgenerosity.

Thisten‐year‐oldRussianorphantaughtmemoreaboutgivingandgenerositythanallmyyearsatseminaryandallmyyearsasastewardshipconsultant.LiketheMacedonians,Artoymdesperatelywantedtogive.Whatdowewant?Formanyofuswhohavesomuch,wewantmore.Andtruthbetold,it’sneverenough.WhatwouldhappenifbyGod’sgraceourdesiretogainmoreandhavemorecouldbetransformedintoaheart‐feltdesiretogivemore?Whatwouldhappenifwespentasmuchtimefiguringoutwaystogiveaswespendfiguringouthowtoearn,haveandkeep?

QuestionstoConsider

• Whohastaughtyouaboutgenerosity?

• Canyourecallatimewhensomeonewhocouldleastafforditgaveyouagenerousgift?Whatwasitlike?Howdidyourespond?Diditaffectyouinanyway?

• Canyourecallatimewhenyouwereparticularlygenerous?Whatwasitlike?Whatdidyoulearn?Howhasitimpactedyourlife?

Prayer

OhGod,thankYoufortheexamplesofgenerosityyouhavesentintoourlives.ForgiveusLordforbeingmoreconcernedwithhowmuchwecanearn,haveandkeep,insteadofhowmuchwecangive.Openourhearts,OhGod,tothejoyofgenerosity.

PS.Yes,Artoymfinallyconvincedmetotakethering.Iwearitnowasavividandrealreminderofwhatitmeanstotrulygive.

DAYTWELVE“For,asIcantestify,theyvoluntarilygaveaccordingtotheirmeans,andevenbeyondtheirmeans,beggingusearnestlyfortheprivilegeofsharinginthisministrytothesaints—andthis,notmerelyasweexpected;theygavethemselvesfirsttotheLordandbythewillofGodtous…”

2Corinthians8:3‐5

Itsimplymakesnosense.TheMacedonianChristians,inthemidstoftheirownpoverty,inthemidstoftheirownstruggles,beggingearnestlyforthejoyousprivilegeofGIVING.ITMAKESNOSENSE.Howcouldthishappen?Theanswerisamazinglysimple.TheygavethemselvesfirsttoGodandthentoothers.

HernamewasMichelle.IlistenedtohervoicemailinthemidstoftheconfusionthatistheAtlantaairport.AsIlisteneditbecameclearthatMichellewasextremelyupset,perhapscrying.Shetoldmehowdesperatelyshewantedtogivetoherchurchcampaignbutbecauseofherlifesituationshethoughtitimpossible.Shewasfacedwithmedicalbillsforachild,collegetuitionforanotherchild,anda35%paycutforherhusband.LiketheMacedonians,Michellewantedtogive.IcalledherbackandaskedhersimplytoprayandbeopentowhatGodmaywant,andinfact,whatGodmaydo.Reluctantly,sheagreed.AsshegaveherselftoGodinprayer,somethinghappened.Shebecameawareofwaysshecouldgiveandgivewithgenerosity.Itwasn’teasy.Itwasn’tmagic.Itrequiredprayer,faith,andtrust.ThenexttimeIsawMichelle,herfaceradiatedjoyandpeace.ShegaveherselffirsttoGodandthentoothers.

Ineverycampaignmyhopeisthesame,thateachofuswouldgiveourselvesfirsttotheLordandthentoothers.IbelievewithallmyheartthatifwewillgiveourselvestrulytoGodandtootherswewillraiseallthemoneywewilleverneed.Andfarmoreimportantly,livesandhearts—likeMichelle’s‐‐willbeforeverchangedandtransformed.

QuestionstoConsider

• HaveItrulyaskedforGod’sguidanceingiving?

• AmIopentowhatGodwouldhavemedo?

• WhatmightpreventmefrombeingopenandobedienttowhatGodwantsfromme?

Prayer

OhGod,IamfrightenedtothinkaboutcomingtoYouforguidance,I’mnotsureIwanttohearwhatyouhavetosay.Forgiveme.HelpmetolayasideallofthereasonsandfearsandhelpmetoturntoYouinfaithandtrust.Helpme,OhGod,tobeopentowhateverYouwouldhavemedo.FillmyheartwiththeMacedonianspiritofgenerosity.ThroughChristmyLord,Amen

DAYTHIRTEEN“So,whetheryoueatordrink,orwhateveryoudo,doeverythingtothegloryofGod.GivenooffensetoJewsorGreeksortothechurchofGod,justasItrytopleaseeveryoneineverythingIdo,notseekingmyownadvantage,butthatofmany,sothattheymaybesaved.”

1Corinthians10:31‐33

Inawonderfuldevotionalclassic,GodCalling,thetwoanonymousauthorswriteonMarch16oftheChristian’scallingtoreflectGodtotheworldandtomakeGodrealintheworld.Thinkofthosephrasesforamoment.ReflectGod,andmakeGodrealtotheworld.Anotherway,perhaps,ofsayingwithPaul,doeverythingtothegloryofGod…notseekingmyownadvantage,butthatofmany,sothattheymaybesaved.DoIreflectGodtotheworldinallthatIdo?DoImakeGodrealinallthatIdo?DoIworkthatothersmaycometothesavingknowledgeofChristordoIspendmostofmytimeseekingmyownadvantage?

IfItakethetimetoaskthesequestions,ifItakethetimetoexaminemylife,Imaynotbepleasedwiththeanswers.Thetruthismostofmytimeisspentinseekingmyownadvantage.IfIlookatmycheckbookorbudgetIamconfrontedwiththesamequestions.Whatdomyspendingpatternsreflect?Whatdotheymakereal?TowhoseadvantageamIworking?Theanswerisalmostalwaysthesame,myfamilyandme.

Oneofthegiftsofastewardshipcampaignisthegiftofhelpingusre‐prioritizeourlivesaccordingtoGod’splanandnotsimplyourownwantsanddesires.Ayoungfamilyhadbeensavingforyearstoremodeltheirhomeandmakeitexactlywhattheyhadalwayswanted.AspartofastewardshipcampaigntheybeganprayingaboutwhatGodwantedandnotwhattheywanted.Theylookedattheproject,theylookedattheirchurch,andtheyprayedwithanopenheart.TheywantedtoreflecttotheworldtheloveandgraceofGod,theywantedtomakeGod’sloverealtotheircommunity.Theyintentionallydecidedtoputtheirremodelingmoneytoworkfortheadvantageofothersandnotthemselves.Theprocesswasnoteasy,theanswerswerenotalwaysclear,butastheytoldtheirstorytotherestoftheleadershipteamtheirfacesradiatedjoyandpeace.Theirhousehadnotbeenremodeled,buttheirheartsandliveshadbeen.

QuestionstoConsider

• Whatdoesmylifereflect?

• AmIwillingtohonestlyandopenlyseekGod’swillformylife,evenmyfinances?

• HowcanIreprioritizemylifeinordertobetterreflectGodandHislove?

Prayer

DearGod,IconfessthatIdonotalwaysreflectYouandYourlove.Iconfessthatmuchoftimeisspentinseekingmyownadvantage.Givemethecourage,ohGod,toseekYourwillformyheart,mylifeandevenmyfinances.InallthatIdoandsay,helpmetoreflectYouandYourlove.IpraythroughChristmyLord,Amen

DAYFOURTEEN“…Children,howharditisforthemthattrustinrichestoenterthekingdomofGod.”

Mark10:24

PerhapsthesaddeststoryinScriptureisoftherichyoungmanwhoquietlyandsadlyturnsawayfromJesuswhenaskedtosellwhathehasandgiveittothepoor.Inhisexplanationtothedisciplesofthisdifficultteaching,Jesusindicatesthatthefundamentalquestionisoneoftrust.Inwhomorwhatdoweplaceourtrust?

Fromourearliestdaysmostofusaretaughttomakeitonourown,todependonnoonebutourselves.Wearecontinuallyremindedtovalueourindependence.AndyetGodappearstocallustoaradicalDEPENDENCEonGodastheultimatesourceoflifeandblessing.Whodowetrustforourhappiness?Formanyofustheanswerisrathersimpleandobvious.Wetrustinourselvesandourabilitytotakecareofourselves.

InGodCalling,theauthorswrite:IamyourLord,yoursupply.YoumustrelyonMe.Trusttotheuttermostlimit.Trustandnotbeafraid.YoumustdependonDivinePoweronly.Inthemidstofmakingyourdecisionongiving,weaskyoutoprayerfullyconsidernotonlythequestionofsacrifice,butalsothequestionsoffaithandtrust.DoesthegiftweareconsideringdemonstratethatourultimatefaithandtrustrestsinGodandnotinouraccumulationofwealthandpossessions?

Theywerealreadycommittedtogivingtotheirchurch.Theywerecomfortableandfeltgoodabouttheirtithing.AstheyprayedandwaitedonGod,theyfeltcalledtoincreasetheirtithe,togouptothenextstepofgiving.Theysaidyesandmadethecommitment.THEN,thiscouplesawtheirstockscrashandtheyfacedthedifficultquestionofwhattodoabouttheircommitment.WhatIthoughtwouldbeadifficultdecisionturnedouttobeamazinglysimple.Theirwordstomeweresimpleandprofound,BecauseofwhatGodhasdoneforus,becauseofHisblessingswewilltrustandhavefaiththatwewillbeabletokeepthecommitmentHeledustomake.

…Children,howharditisforthemthattrustinrichestoenterthekingdomofGod.

QuestionstoConsider

• Aswelookatourlife,wheredowetrulyplaceourtrust?

• Ifweweretherichyoungman,howwouldwerespondtoJesus?

• DoesourpossiblegiftrepresentfaithandtrustinGodandnotourabilitytoaccumulatewealthandpossessions?

Prayer

Lord,IconfessthatYourquestiontotherichyoungmandeeplytroublesme.IspeakoftrustandfaithinYoubutoftenfindmyself livingasifIonlytrust inmyself,myabilities,mywealthandmypossessions.Teachme Lord. Teachme to trust truly in You and Your love. Showme the gift youwouldhavememake,agiftofsacrificeandfaith.Amen

DAYFIFTEEN“ButthosewhowaitfortheLordshallrenewtheirstrength,theyshallmountupwithwingslikeeagles,theyshallrunandnotbeweary,theyshallwalkandnotfaint.”

Isaiah40:31

Inourfamily,weallunderstoodthatifwewenttoarestaurantandthelinewaslongandthewaitmorethanafewminutes,wewerenotgoingtostay.Wemightspendanhourdrivingtodifferentplacesbutweweren'tgoingtowaitfifteenminutesjusttogetaseatatourfavoriterestaurant.Iwonderhowmanygoodmealswemissedjustbecausewerefusedtowait?

Inourcurrentdayofmicrowaves,24‐hournews,remotecontrolsanddrive‐throughwindows,ourabilitytowaitseemsalmostnon‐existent.Iwantitrightnow,andifyoucan'tgetitformerightnow,I'llfindsomeonewhocan.

ButthosewhowaitfortheLordshallrenewtheirstrength,theyshallmountupwithwingslikeeagles,theyshallrunandnotbeweary,theyshallwalkandnotfaint.

PerhapsthemostimportanttaskofthiscampaignjourneyistowaitupontheLord.WaitinguponGodcantakemanydifferentforms.Onemaninacampaignturnedhiseveningwalkwithhisdogintohisprayerandwaitingtime.Ofcourse,afterhiscommitmenthadmorethandoubledhiswifetoldhim,"Pleasestoptakingthedogforawalk,I'llwalkhimfromnowon."

AstogetherwelearntowaituponGodandlistenforHisstillsmallvoice,strangethingsbegintohappen.Webegintoexperiencerenewalandstrength,joyandpeace.IhavebeenprivilegedtoseemarriagesrenewedbecausetogethercouplesbegantowaituponGod.Ihaveseencareerpathschangedaspeoplebegantoseriouslyaskthequestion,"God,whatdoyouwantfromme,notjustfinanciallybutwithmyentirelife?"

Waitingmaynotbeeasy.Waitingmayrequirefindingaspecifictime,perhapsinthecarwiththeradiooff,perhapsintheshower,perhapstakinganeveningwalk.Remember...

ButthosewhowaitfortheLordshallrenewtheirstrength,theyshallmountupwithwingslikeeagles,theyshallrunandnotbeweary,theyshallwalkandnotfaint

QuestionstoConsider

• AmIwillingtowaituponGod?

• WhataresomeofthebarriersinmylifethatpreventmefromwaitingonGod?

• IsthereaspecialtimethatyoucandevotetowaitinguponGod?

Prayer

DearGod,forgivemeforalwaysbeinginsuchahurry.Teachmetoslowdown.Teachmetowait.Teachmetolisten.Inmywaitingandlistening,OhGod,bringrenewaltomyheart,mylife,myfamilyandmychurch.

DAYSIXTEEN

“IwaitfortheLord,mysoulwaits,andinHiswordIhope.”Psalm130:5

Oneofmydearestfriendslovestotellthestoryofatimehewhenhewasbowhunting.Hewassittingunderamajesticoaktree,andthesunwascrestingovertheridgeandbeginningtowarmhischilledbody.Ashewaited,hiseyesbecameheavyandsoonhewassoundasleep,thebowonhislap.Suddenly,hewasstartledawaketofindhimselfnearlynosetonosewiththelargestbuckhehadeverseen.He’snotsurewhowasmorefrightened,himselforthebuck.Thebuckboundedawaywhilemyfriendcouldonlythink,“Whatif?WhatifIhadbeenawakeandalert?”

Yesterday’sdevotionspokeofwaiting.Thetruthiswecanwaitinmanydifferentways.Wecanwaitwithexpectationandhope,orwecanwaitconvincedwearewaitinginvainwithlittleornoexpectationofanythinghappening.Theresult?WefallasleeplikemyfriendbeneaththeoaktreeandmissthegloriousopportunitiesGodhasinstoreforus.

IwaitfortheLord,mysoulwaits,andinHiswordIhope

AswelearntowaituponGodweneedtoaskourselveswhatdoweexpect?DowewaitwiththehopethatGodwillspeaktous?DowewaitwiththeexpectationthatGodwillleadusandguideus,ordoweperhapswaitlikemyfriend,asleepundertheoaktree?Ifwewaitwithhopefulexpectationwewillnotbedisappointed.

IwaitfortheLord,mysoulwaits,andinhiswordIhope

QuestionstoConsider

• WhatdoIexpectasIwaituponGod?

• DoIbelievethatGodcanandwillspeaktome,leadmeandguidemeinmydecision‐making?

• WhatkeepsmefromwaitinguponGodwithhopefulexpectation?

Prayer

OhGod,forgivemeforthetimesIhavefallenasleepbeneaththeoaktreeandmissedopportunitiestoserveandloveYou.HelpmetofindwaysinthemidstofmybusylifetowaitonYou.Helpme,OhGod,towaitonYouwithfaith,hope,andanticipation.

DAYSEVENTEEN

“Bestill,andknowthatIamGod!”

Psalm46:10

IexerciseawayonmyNordicTracwiththeradiostationblaringoutasportstalkshow.MyyoungestsonplaysavideogameontheTV.Myoldestsonlistenstomusiconthecomputer.Mywifetalkstohersisteronthephone.Allthisishappeningatthesametimeandinthesameroom.Perhapstherewillbesomepeaceandquietintheshower.Wait,theynowhavewaterproofradiosandCDplayersthatcanbeusedintheshower.Momentaftermoment,dayafterday,Iamsurroundedbyacacophonyofsound.

Bestill,andknowthatIamGod!

Silence,whatinthenameofheavenissilenceexceptalongforgottenmemory?Yetperhapsthepsalmistknowsasecret.

Bestill,andknowthatIamGod!

AswestrivetobeopentoGod,aswestrivetowaituponGod,perhapsweneedtobesilentandstill.Peoplewhoarebusy,(andwhoisn’t?)oftensay,“butIhavenotimetobequietandstill."Ipromiseifyouwanttofindanoasisofpeaceandquietyouwillfindit.Perhaps,wecouldturnofftheradiointhecaranddriveinsilence.Perhaps,wecouldturnofftheTVwhileexercising.Goforyourjogorwalkwithouttheheadphones.AskGodtospeak,takethetimetolistenandyoumayjustbesurprised.

Bestill,andknowthatIamGod!

HisnameisPaul.PaultookthecalltowaitonGodseriously.Hisshowertimebecamehisprayertime.AshewrestledwiththesoapandwashclothhewaswrestlingwithGodandwhatGodwantedforhislife.AfterPaulwentfromacapitalcampaignpledgeof$12,000tonearly$30,000,hiswifethreatenedtocutoffthehotwater.PaullistenedandGodspoke.

Bestill,andknowthatIamGod!

QuestionstoConsider

• WhatisitthatmaypreventmefromlisteningtoGod?

• WhatspecifictimecouldIdevotetolisteningtoGod?

• WhatdoIwantfromGod?

• AmIwillingtolistenandobey?

Prayer

GraciousGod,forgivemeformyfailuretotaketimetolistenandbestill.ForgivemeforfillingmylifewitheverythingbutYou.Teachme,speaktome,helpmetolistenandgivemethefaithtoobey.InChrist’sname,Amen.

DAYEIGHTEEN

“Youwillbeenrichedineverywayforyourgreatgenerosity,whichwillproducethanksgivingtoGodthroughus;fortherenderingofthisministrynotonlysuppliestheneedsofthesaintsbutalsooverflowswithmanythanksgivingstoGod.”

2Corinthians9:11‐12

Generosityandgratitude,gratitudeandgenerosity,thesewordssomehowarenearlyinseparable.Canonereallyexistwithouttheother?Ihavebeenprivilegedtoheardozensofpeopletelltheirstewardshipstory;whattheywillgiveandmoreimportantlywhytheywillgive.Innearlyeveryinstanceoneofthewordsthatjumpstotheforeisgratitude.Ahusbandandwifestandinginfrontoftheirchurchfamily,tearsstreamingdowntheircheeksastheyspeakofthelove,supportandstrengthgivenbyGodthroughtheirchurchwhentheyexperiencedthetragiclossoftheirchild.Suchgratitudeinevitablyleadstogenerosity.

Ayoungmanwhoseentrepreneurialskillshaveledtoconsiderablewealthatarelativelyyoungage,speaksmovinglyofgratitudetoGod.Heknowsthateverythinghehasandeverythinghehasaccomplishedisagift,agiftfromGod.Hetellshischurchfamilythattheirfaithinhimgavehimthecourageandfaithtodomorethancouldhavedareddream.Gratitudeandgenerosity.

Inourculturewearecontinuallytoldto“pullourselvesupbyourbootstraps.”Wearetoldwehaveto“makeitonourown.”Doanyofusreallymakeitonourown?Ithinknot.God,parents,friends,teachers,youthleaders,pastors,Sundayschoolmembers,allhavebroughtmetothisplace.Theonlytrueresponsecanbegratitudefollowedbygenerosity

QuestionstoConsider

• HowhasGodblessedme?

• HaveIbeentrulythankful?

• HaveIrespondedtoGod’sblessingswithgratitudeandgenerosity?

• DoesmygiftadequatelyreflectthewaysthatGodhasblessedme?

Prayer

Forgiveme,Lord,forsometimesthinkingthatIamsomehowself‐made.ForgivemefornotalwaysbeingawareofhowtrulyfortunateIhavebeen.Helpme,Lord,tohaveaheartoverflowingwithgratitudeandhandsreachingoutwithgenerosity.Helpmemakeagiftthatreflectsalloftheblessingsthatyouhavesorichlypouredoutonme.InChrist’sname,Amen.

DAYNINETEEN

“ZacchaeusstoodthereandsaidtotheLord,"Look,halfofmypossessions,Lord,Iwillgivetothepoor;andifIhavedefraudedanyoneofanything,Iwillpaybackfourtimesasmuch."ThenJesussaidtohim,"Todaysalvationhascometothishouse,becausehetooisasonofAbraham.FortheSonofMancametoseekoutandtosavethelost.”

Luke19:8‐10

Thelookonherfacewasamixtureofbothangerandutteramazement,“Youexpectmetodowhat?”shenearlyshouted.“Youwantmetostandinfrontofpeopleandactuallytellthemwhatwearegoingtogive?Noway!”InaslowandmeasuredresponseIsaid,“No,Iamnotexpectingortellingyoutodoanything,Iamaskingyoutoprayaboutthepossibilityoftalkingwithpeopleaboutyourgift.”

Isn’titamazinghowinmostofourchurcheswewilltalkaboutanythingandeverythingexceptourmoneyandfinances?InourscripturefortodayZacchaeusmeetstheChrist,hislifeischangedandheboldlytellspeoplebecauseofwhathashappenedinhislifethisishisresponse.

Thegift,theamount,isreallysecondary.Theprimaryissueisgratitudeforachangedlife.Intellingastewardshipstorythefirstquestionisalways,“HowandwherehaveImetChristinmychurch?”HowhaveIbeenblessed?Howhasmylifebeenforeverchanged?And,withaheartoverflowingwithgratitude,Imaythen,withZacchaeus,boldlysay,“becauseofwhatGodhasdoneforme,thisiswhatIamwillingtodoforGod.

And,oh,bytheway,theyoungwomanatthebeginningofourstory,aftermuchstruggleandprayer,toldoneofthemostbeautifulstewardshipstoriesIhaveeverheardabouthowshemetChristand,ingratitude,thegiftshewaswillingtogive.

QuestionstoConsider

• HowhaveImetChristinmychurch?

• HowismylifechangedbecauseofmeetingChrist?

• HowismylifedifferentbecauseofChristandthechurch?

• CanIprayaboutsharingwithothers,privatelyorpublicly,aboutmywillingnesstogiveasagratefulresponsetoGod’slove?

Prayer

Oh,GivingandLovingGod,remindmenowofallthewonderfulwaysyouhaveblessedme,touchedme,andchangedme.Givemethecourageandboldnesstosharemystorywithothers.ThroughChristourLord,Amen

DAYTWENTY“AndwhentheycouldnotbringhimtoJesusbecauseofthecrowd,theyremovedtheroofabovehim;andafterhavingdugthroughit,theyletdownthematonwhichtheparalyticlay.WhenJesussawtheirfaith,hesaidtotheparalytic,“Son,yoursinsareforgiven.”

Mark2:4‐5

Fourfriendsmovedbyanoverwhelmingsenseofcompassionandlovefortheirfriend.FourfriendswillingtopickuptheircorneroftheblanketandbringtheirfriendintothehealingpresenceofJesusChrist.Fourfriendsdetermined,fourfriendsunwillingtobestoppedbycrowds,unwillingtosay,“Sorry,wecan’tdoit,maybenexttime.”

Aswebegintowinddownourdevotionaljourneyoffaith,somemaybethinking,“IcanneverdowhatthepeopleinScott’sstorieshavedone.”Andyetthecommonthreadforeachstoryissimplythewillingness,theoverwhelmingdesire,todotheirshare,topickuptheircorneroftheblanketandbringtheirchurch,theircommunity,theirfriends,theworld,intothehealingpresenceofJesustheChrist.

Eachofushasbeenblessedindifferentwaysandtodifferentlevels.Godsimplyasksustopickupourcorner.Aratherwell‐to‐doladyapproachedherpastorandaskedifhergiftof$500wouldbesufficient.Thepastor’swiseresponsewas,“DoesyourgiftrepresenttheblessingsGodhasgivenyou?”Theladytookthecheckbackanddepartedwithoutsayingaword.Aweeklatershereturnedwithacheckfor$5,000andaskedthesamequestion.Thecourageouspastorgavethesamereplyandonceagainshetookthecheckbackandleft.Ourwisepastorwonderedifhewouldeverseeherorthecheckagain.Butthescenerepeateditselfthefollowingweek.Thistimethecheckwasfor$20,000.Inresponsetoherinevitablequestion,“Isitenough?”thepastor,swallowingthelumpinhisthroat,gavehisstandardreply.Thistimewithasmilingfacefullofjoy,shereplied,“Yes,pastor,thisrepresentsGod’sblessingstome.”

Shefinallywaswillingtopickuphercorneroftheblanket.

QuestionstoConsider

• DoIbelievethatmychurch,throughJesusChrist,hastheanswerforahurtingworld?

• AmIwillingtogotheextramileandlayasidemyexcusessothatpeoplewillcometoknowthehealing,lovingpowerofChrist?

• DoesthegiftIamconsideringtrulyandfullyrepresenthowGodhasblessedme?AmIwillingtopickupmycorneroftheblanket?

Prayer

OhLord,thankYouforfriendswhointhepasthavecarriedmeintoYourhealingpresence.Inamethemnow…ThankYouforalloftheblessingsYouhavesorichlypouredforthonmyfamilyandme.Helpmetonowgiveback,givemethecouragetodowhateverittakesformetopickupmycorneroftheblanket.InthenameofChrist,Amen.

DAYTWENTY‐ONE

Theysaidtoeachother,“Werenotourheartsburningwithinuswhilehewastalkingtousontheroad…”

Luke24:32

Twodisciples,walkingalongtheroadtoEmmaus,discussingthemanyeventsofthepreviousweeks;thearrestandtrialofJesus,thecrucifixionandburial,andnowstrangerumorsofresurrection.AlongthedustyroadtoJerusalemtheyfindthemselvesintheverypresenceoftheirLordandSavior,theresurrectedChrist.EventhoughHewasunrecognized,thedisciplesreportedthattheirheartswereburningwhileHewastalkingtothemontheroad.

Forsomethisstewardshipcampaignmayhaveseemedlikeanendlesswalkonalonganddustyroad.Andyet,myhopeandprayerforeachofyouisthatatsomeplaceonthisjourneyyourhearthasburnedwiththerecognitionthatChristisinourmidst,thatChristiswalkingwithusonthisdustyroad.

Andsoweconcludethisdevotionalwiththesimplequestion.HowhaveyoumetChristonthisjourney?HasyourheartburnedwithrecognitionthatChristisinourmidst?

Prayer

ThankYou,Lord,forthegiftofthisjourneywecallastewardshipcampaign.ThankYouformeetingusonthisroad.ThankYoufortheburninginourheartsthatwerecognizeasYouandYourlove.HelpusnowtocontinuethiswalkalwaysmindfulthatYouarewalkingbesideus.ThankYou!Amen.