8/16/2019 0 Comments Jesus Takes an InterestJesus’ conversation with the woman at the well is a great example of how to take an interest in someone and evangelize at the same time. Jesus broke about every social law at the time by speaking to this woman. Why? Well, (1) she was a Samaritan, a member of the hated mixed race, (2) she was known to be living in sin, and (3) was in a public place. No respectable Jewish man would talk to a woman under such circumstances. However, Jesus broke all the social norms of His day by showing an interest in her real need. No, it wasn’t physical, although she may have been truly thirsty. Jesus knew her REAL problem was a spiritual disease and stepped out to give her a cure. The gospel is for every person, independent of race, social position, or past sins. Jesus crossed barriers and shared the good news with someone who needed to hear it. Should we be guilty of any less?
1. When I share the good news with someone, how do I start the conversation? Does the bad news of sins penalty precede the good news of Jesus’ solution? 2. How many times have I been swayed to not talk about “Christian” things in order to save face? Why? Challenge: Take time to ponder how you might emulate Jesus’ example of sharing the good news with someone you know that doesn’t know Him. It may just have an impact on their eternal address.
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8/15/2019 0 Comments The Main InterestJesus says that if we truly love God and our neighbor, we will naturally keep the commandments. This is looking at God’s law positively. Rather than worrying about all we shouldn’t do, we should concentrate on all we can do to show our love for God and others. It prompts us as believers to measure our love for others by what we wish for ourselves.
1. In what ways have I shown interest in others this week? How can I make sure this continues? 2. How can I get to know the person or persons I showed interest in this week better? Challenge: Commit this week to showing interest in one person that you wouldn’t normally associate with. How did they react to your sudden interest? 8/14/2019 0 Comments Unhealthy InterestsWe are in the midst of an epidemic in this nation that is unmistakable. We are suffering from a terminal case of wanton busyness. We need to be able to distinguish between needs and wants. We must not become anxious and discontented over what we merely want. Paul observed that this drove some believers to be too preoccupied with their own needs to spend time working for Christ. Let’s not let our schedules and concerns crowd out our Christian service and love for others.
1. In what ways have I let my schedule control me instead of me controlling my schedule? 2. What are some ways that I can take control of my schedule in order to serve people more freely? Challenge: Create margin in your life in order to serve others. 8/13/2019 0 Comments Not My Own Interests, but ...Many people in our world today live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. But “selfish ambition” and “vain conceit” can bring discord. Paul stresses spiritual unity asking the Philippians to love one another and to be one in spirit and purpose. When we work together, caring for the problems of others as if they were our problems, we demonstrate Christ’s example of putting others first, and therefore experience unity. Considering others’ interests as more important than our own links us with Christ who was our supreme example of humility.
1. How do you feel when you put others needs before your own? 2. In what ways have you been the recipient of someone putting your needs before their own? Challenge: Consider a time when you put others needs before your own. What was the result? 8/12/2019 0 Comments Covenental InterestJonathan loved David with a loyalty and devotion indicative of covenantal love. This is an honorable relationship between two people that Jonathan further proves by willingly and subserviently relinquishing his royal outer garments and instruments. Jonathan quickly discerned that David was God’s anointed and honored him accordingly. He relinquished his position of power to build another up. We do the same when we selflessly serve one another in Christian love.
1. When was the last time you honored someone you deeply cared about? What was the result? 2. Define the word covenant. What types of thoughts or emotions come to mind when you think of this word? Challenge: Resolve to honor someone in your circle this week. There are multiple examples in the Bible of individuals putting others before themselves. The one in this passage is Abram letting Lot chose first which section of land to settle. Abram would then settle in a different section. He knew they couldn’t stay together because the land couldn’t support them both. Instead of fighting for the best piece of land, he left the decision up to Lot—thereby, putting Lot’s interests first.
1. How does it feel to you when someone puts your interests before their own? 2. How do you feel when you take time to put others’ interests before yours? Challenge: Take time to put someone else’s interests before yours. (It doesn’t have to be as grand a gesture as what Abram did—could be as simple as letting someone go ahead of you in line or taking time to let someone talk about their day or weekend.) 8/8/2019 0 Comments After Greeting, Then What?Okay—you have greeted someone. Now what? Do you just say hello and walk away? Or, do you dare to dive deeper to know this individual? In this passage, we are challenged to consider others and their interests. Alternatives that might get closer to this could be: What plans do you have after work/church? What books have you read that you would recommend?
1. How do you feel when others ask you about your interests or plans versus just talking about their own? 2. Who could you get to know better? Challenge: Make an effort to ask someone new about their interests 8/7/2019 0 Comments Greet AllIn this passage, James is talking about favoritism and how we should avoid showing any favoritism. We should greet all those around us including individuals who aren’t like us. Jesus doesn’t show favoritism amongst us so we shouldn’t either.
1. Why is it easier to greet those that are like you? 2. Have you stepped out of your comfort zone and greeted someone who is not like you? Challenge: Greet someone who is not like you 8/6/2019 0 Comments Greeting is a CommandmentJesus states the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. We all have a natural desire to be acknowledged or welcomed by someone, so just as we would want someone to greet us, we should greet them.
1. How do you feel when someone greets you? 2. Do you tend to gravitate more to places where you feel welcomed versus those where no one acknowledges you? Challenge: Greet someone new today. 8/5/2019 0 Comments Greet EveryoneIn this verse, Jesus is challenging us to greet not only those that we know, but everyone. Just as Jesus did by welcoming any and all to come to him, we should do the same. We can do this by simply greeting those around us versus just going about our day.
1. When is the last time you reached out to greet someone you don’t know? 2. If the thought of greeting someone you don’t know is out of your comfort zone, what might help you do this? Challenge: Greet one person you don’t know today. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
April 2024
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