10/17/2022 0 Comments The Great CommissionChristians will tell you that when asked the question “What does God want you to do in this lifetime?” The answer will be to “spread the news of Jesus Christ.” In Matthew Jesus’ last words to his disciples were just that, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” Some teachings of Jesus left his disciples wondering what Jesus was saying. Jesus’ last words however were very straight forward and leave us without question what our job here on earth is!
Questions for further thought: 1. Do Jesus’ last words of what you are to do make you feel anxious? 2. Has there ever been a time when sharing the news of Jesus with someone just came natural with zero thought or anxiety? Challenge: Find a way to spread the news of Jesus this week to someone you know needs to hear it.
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10/14/2022 0 Comments Love Each OtherWe all know that Jesus commands us (as His followers) to love each other. Maybe it even sounds a little like a broken record. If this concept is so important, we need to stop and analyze what it means for us personally. Real love involves self-sacrifice, concerning ourselves with the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in Christ, and meeting their needs.
Questions for further thought: 1. When have you experienced the tangible love of another believer? 2. How do you feel when you see Christians providing for the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ? Challenge: Identify a fellow Christian's need this week and love him or her by sacrificially giving of your time, effort, or possessions. 10/13/2022 0 Comments Be UnifiedOne of the biggest problems in the church today is lack of unity. I'm not referring to the many different denominations throughout the world, although that is a result. Even a small local church often struggles with unity within its body of believers. Paul reminds us to "be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults." We are also to "bind ourselves together with peace." This is completely counterculture yet necessary for becoming mature in faith.
Questions for further thought: 1. Why is true unity so difficult to achieve within the church? 2. What do you need to let go of so you can be united with other believers? Challenge: What seems impossible is possible when we depend on God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. Commit yourself to putting unity with other Christians above your own desires and opinions. 10/12/2022 0 Comments Use Your Gifts to ServeGod has blessed each of us with different talents, personalities, interests, and spiritual gifts. We each have something special to offer to the church that benefits it as a whole. When we give of ourselves in whatever way God leads us, we also benefit from a sense of purpose and belonging. God did not create us to be selfish; we are designed to be an essential part of something bigger than ourselves.
Questions for further thought: 1. What gifts do you have and how can you bless others with them? 2. How can you overcome the lie that the church doesn't need what you have to offer? Challenge: If you aren't already giving of yourself in some way to the church, ask one of the pastors or elders to help you get connected to a ministry in need your unique abilities. 10/11/2022 0 Comments Worship and Study Together, RegularlySometimes believers struggle with "organized religion" and give up attending group worship because they disagree with how the church has behaved in the past or they don't like the idea of being part of an "institution." This is exactly what Satan wants. We must remember that the church is made up of fallible people who will mess up, but we worship a perfect God. The only way for Christians to grow is by learning together - encouraging, challenging, and holding each other accountable.
Questions for further thought: 1. What needs to change in your life to make attending worship services a priority? 2. How can you motivate someone to grow in their walk with Christ? Challenge: Find a small group or bible study to join and really commit to learning from and connecting with the other believers in the group. 10/10/2022 0 Comments What Is Church?When they hear the word "church," many people think of a beautiful building used for Christian worship or a service on Sunday morning, but the Church is really the people who are believers in Jesus. The first followers of Christ provide us an amazing example of what a Christian community should look like. They lived like a tight knit family: sharing everything, worshiping together, and welcoming many new believers to their fellowship.
Questions for further thought: 1. What do you think the ideal church should be like? 2. How has modern life hindered your experience of true Christian community? Challenge: Think about what Jesus wants His Church to be like. Make a list of the essentials and pick one item to start working towards in your own life. In Ephesians 2:10, God doesn’t put any qualifiers on the age we’re supposed to be for Him to do good works in us. It can be tempting to think we aren’t the right age to serve in a particular ministry or with a certain charitable organization, but it isn’t true. God wants to use us at whatever stage of life we are in. He will help us flourish and bear fruit as we trust in His leading.
Questions for further thought: 1. Where have you wanted to serve, but you let your age stop you? 2. How would you like God to use you at this stage in your life? Challenge: Pray for God to show you the next thing He has in store for you. Reach out to our pastors to learn about areas that need your help and expertise. If you are a parent, ask about ways your family can serve or areas in which your children and teens can help. 10/6/2022 0 Comments What Really Matters?We sometimes get the sense that life will go on for a long time, but as we get older, we realize how short life really is. None of us knows how long we will be on this Earth. Sometimes it takes losing a loved one or friend to remind us that God has us here for a purpose. As we allow Him to work through us, we will bear fruit that lasts.
Questions for further thought: 1. How can you “remain in Christ” in your Christian walk? 2. What is God asking you to do at this time in your life? Challenge: Read John 15:1-17 and ask God to speak to you about bearing fruit and what this might look like in your life. 10/5/2022 0 Comments Created for a PurposeIf you’re like me, sometimes the days and weeks seem to consist of the same routine. Even when life seems mundane, we can remember that God created us with a purpose because His Word says so. We can share His love with those we encounter. Maybe that means sharing a kind word with a co-worker, helping a spouse or child, sending an encouraging text to a friend or smiling at the cashier.
Questions for further thought: 1. What in your life needs to change so that you can remember God created you for a purpose? 2. What fruits of the spirit would you like to focus on sharing? (See Galatians 5:22-23) Challenge: You are here for a reason. Write out Jeremiah 29:11 on a sticky note and place on your bathroom mirror or the dash of your vehicle. Or have it readily available on your phone. Then refer back to it often throughout the coming days and weeks. 10/4/2022 0 Comments Shine a LightIf we feel like we’re too busy to volunteer for charitable organizations in our community, it may be time to reassess and pray for guidance on how to make time in our schedules. We each have strengths God can use for the greater good, especially to help widows and orphans. When we serve the hungry and oppressed, God promises that our light will shine in the darkness, and He will always guide us.
Questions for further thought: 1. What are some areas where you have a heart for service? 2. How will you fit volunteer opportunities into your and your family’s schedule? Challenge: Consider joining Hillcrest’s Wednesday night service group. They do service projects twice a month. One includes helping distribute food in the church parking lot for Feeding South Dakota. If your schedule isn’t open on Wednesday nights, consider volunteering for another organization where you can give your time regularly throughout the year. |
AuthorThis devotional is written every week by Hillcrest members. Archives
April 2024
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