Weekly Devotion

God’s callings are not a comfortable feeling. It’s uncharted territory. His callings challenge our deeply held possessions. God’s call to Abraham challenged the feelings of security he held from his family.

Many regular church-goers often discover something missing in their faith walk. “What I found out is that as I got older, I believed in the tradition of the church, I certainly believed in Jesus and God and all the things that we learned about, but what I didn’t have was a relationship with Jesus.”

Imagine you’re on the beach, doing your job, minding your own business, and a stranger comes up and starts talking to you. You’re unfamiliar with this man, and out of nowhere, he says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” What’s your reaction going to be?

We’re hearing the real truth through indifference, silent treatment, and finally, tears. She is a believer and politely reminds me frequently that she prays. Prayer has so much power on many levels. It lifts your spirits not only because you’re talking to someone but because you’re talking to the only one who can fix anything.

Upon hearing our Pastor’s message several weeks ago about the Apostle Stephen, I have been on a quest to learn more about him, particularly what makes his story so compelling. Who was this guy, and what does his message have to do with me and other Christians?

It’s strange when some people have an influence on our lives, and we don’t even know them. For me, it was Wayne Dyer, an author and motivational speaker. While his perspectives didn’t substitute for the teachings of God, they complemented my commitment to leading a life centered around Christ.

Last weekend, we packed up our grandkids and headed to a local rescue zoo. It was a chilly but crisp and clear night, with Christmas lights blinking everywhere. My wife had read that the zoo was in its second year of illuminating the entire facility. We knew it would be something that all of us would thoroughly enjoy.

Over the years, I remember inspiring solos of “O Holy Night,” cello instrumentals, and some of the best sermons I’ve ever heard. I’ve even worried about what others think of our services as if it’s a show. It’s not. We shouldn’t worship any differently at Christmas, but we should look more intensely at the reason for the holiday.

She asked everyone she knew. God put the right people in her life at the right time. One friend drove almost 900 miles with a container of antlers for her.

She added, “I just thought that was a very interesting question because it’s not what most people ask when they first meet you. He wanted to know if the person who was going to be taking care of him believed in the power of prayer and healing.”