(The following is the January 14 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 12 and pay close attention to verse 30.) It would be interesting to see the results of an opinion poll that asked, “Are you for Jesus, against Jesus, or indifferent?” We would likely have respondents …
Tag: Devotionals
The Qualifications of Deacons
(The following is the September 28 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Timothy 3 and pay close attention to verses 8-13.) The New Testament identifies the deacon's role as practical service and ministry. While some personal characteristics overlap those of the spiritual shepherds in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, the deacon’s function …
Are You Persecuted for Your Faith?
(The following is the January 11 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 10 and pay close attention to verses 16-28.) Religious persecution happened in Old and New Testament times and continues today. It will exist until Jesus comes again, according to Matthew 24. Persecution reflects sinful humankind’s …
Jesus Knows Our Thoughts
(The following is the January 10 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 9 and pay close attention to verses 2-4.) Jesus knew what others were thinking or saying behind his back. In this passage, when Jesus said to a person with paralysis, “your sins are forgiven” (v. …
Be Discreet When Doing Good
(The following is the January 6 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 6 and pay close attention to verses 1-4.) Do you enjoy hearing stories of acts of kindness? Perhaps your local television station reports on community members helping those in need. Maybe you have experienced or …
