The devotion for church leaders meeting can be a very long and boring meeting, but with these five-minute devotions for prayer meetings, it will become more interesting. You will get the blessing of staying in touch with God and listening to the heartfelt prayers of parishioners who tend to disappear from the congregation when you talk about spiritual things. Do not hesitate to share this page on your church or community blog.
Lord, teach me to put my faith in you and know that you will guide me in the right direction and never let me down. You said you’d handle everything, so I know I can relax knowing that you have my best interests at heart. Therefore, kindly, Lord, Get everything taken care of today. Amen.
I know how important it is to have a good time while enjoying God’s presence in the quiet meeting time. So, in order to make your daily prayer meetings even more enjoyable and spiritual, here are 5 minute devotions for church leaders to meet: We all need to be reminded of a few things. Short devotions for church meetings are a great time to remember these things.
Short Devotions For Church Meetings
Short funny devotions for meetings are a great way to bring some lightheartedness and laughter into your church gatherings. These devotions can help to lift spirits, ease tension, and create a sense of unity among the members. One example of a short funny devotion could be a reflection on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10, highlighting the humor in a grown man climbing a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. This devotion can encourage attendees to not take themselves too seriously and find joy in unexpected moments.
1. Pray for Guidance
During a church meeting, it is important to start with a prayer for guidance from the Holy Spirit. This sets the tone for the meeting and invites God’s presence to lead and direct the discussions.
2. Reflect on Scripture
Take a moment to reflect on a passage of scripture that relates to the theme of the meeting. This can be a source of inspiration and encouragement for those in attendance.
3. Share Testimonies
Encourage members to share testimonies of answered prayers, blessings, or experiences of God’s faithfulness. This can uplift the spirits of those present and strengthen their faith.
4. Meditate on a Devotional Thought
Provide a brief devotional thought or reflection on a particular topic or theme. This can serve as a spiritual nugget to ponder throughout the meeting.
5. Sing a Hymn or Worship Song
Music is a powerful way to connect with God and each other. Take a moment to sing a hymn or worship song together to set a worshipful atmosphere.
6. Engage in Group Prayer
Have a time of group prayer where members can lift up their concerns, praises, and requests to God. This fosters a sense of community and unity in prayer.
7. Reflect on a Christian Quote
Share a meaningful Christian quote or saying that can serve as a point of reflection and inspiration for the meeting.
8. Discuss a Relevant Topic
Engage in a discussion on a relevant topic or issue that is important to the church community. This can be a time for sharing insights, seeking wisdom, and offering support.
9. Read a Psalm or Poem
Take a moment to read a Psalm or a poem that speaks to the hearts of those present. This can evoke emotions, stir thoughts, and inspire a deeper connection with God.
10. Conclude with a Benediction
End the meeting with a benediction, a blessing or prayer for God’s grace and peace to be upon everyone as they depart. This sends attendees off with a sense of God’s presence and provision.
Using short devotions in church meetings can enrich the spiritual experience of participants and create a sense of unity and purpose. By incorporating these elements into your gatherings, you can foster a deeper connection with God and with one another.
Short Devotions to Start a Meeting
Starting a meeting with a short devotion can set the tone for the gathering and help everyone to focus their hearts and minds on God. These devotions typically include a short reading from the Bible, followed by a brief reflection or prayer. An example of a short devotion to start a meeting could be a reflection on Psalm 139:1-6, which reminds us of God’s omnipresence and the comfort of His constant presence with us. This devotion can encourage attendees to open their hearts to God’s guidance and wisdom as they embark on the meeting.
Short Devotions to Start a Meeting
1. Gratitude
Begin the meeting with a brief reflection on gratitude. Encourage everyone to think about something they are thankful for, whether big or small. This sets a positive tone for the rest of the meeting.
2. Unity
Reflect on the importance of unity within the team or group. Encourage everyone to work together and support each other, emphasizing the power of collaboration and teamwork.
3. Strength
Discuss the idea of finding strength in challenging times. Share an inspirational quote or verse that reminds everyone of their inner strength and resilience.
4. Purpose
Reflect on the purpose of the meeting or the work being done. Remind everyone of the significance of their contributions and the impact they can make.
5. Hope
End the devotion with a message of hope. Encourage everyone to stay positive and focused on the goals ahead, reminding them that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
Illustration
| Devotion | Theme |
|---|---|
| Gratitude | Thankfulness |
| Unity | Collaboration |
| Strength | Resilience |
| Purpose | Significance |
| Hope | Positivity |
Style: Inspirational and Motivational
Tone: Encouraging and Uplifting
Humorous Devotions for Church Meetings
List of Humorous Devotions
1. Funny Bible Verses
2. Jokes with a religious twist
3. Church-themed skits
Below is an example skit:
| Character | Dialogue |
|---|---|
| Pastor | Why couldn’t Jonah trust the ocean? |
| Church Member | Why? |
| Pastor | Because he knew there was something fishy about it! |
Devotions to Start a Church Meeting
Title: Enhancing Church Meetings with Devotions
Devotions to Start a Church Meeting
What are Devotions?
Devotions are short prayers or reflections that are often used to center oneself and set a spiritual tone at the beginning of a meeting or gathering. In the context of a church meeting, devotions can help to focus the group on God’s presence and guidance as they come together in worship and fellowship.
Why Start a Church Meeting with Devotions?
Starting a church meeting with devotions can help to create a sense of unity and purpose among the members. It allows everyone to pause and center their hearts on God before diving into the business of the meeting. Devotions can also serve as a reminder of the spiritual foundation of the church and the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in all matters.
How to Conduct Devotions at a Church Meeting
Here are some tips for conducting devotions at a church meeting:
- Designate a leader or volunteer to lead the devotions
- Select a scripture passage, prayer, or reflection to share
- Encourage participation from all members, allowing them to share their own thoughts or prayers
- Close with a prayer or moment of silent reflection
Benefits of Starting a Church Meeting with Devotions
Starting a church meeting with devotions can offer several benefits, including:
- Setting a spiritual tone for the meeting
- Fostering a sense of unity and community among members
- Providing an opportunity for participants to connect with God and seek His guidance
- Bringing focus and clarity to the purpose of the meeting
| PointExplanation1Devotions help to set a spiritual tone for the meeting, reminding members of the church’s core values and beliefs.2Starting with devotions can create a sense of unity and fellowship among the members, enhancing the overall meeting experience.3Devotions provide an opportunity for members to connect with God and seek His guidance before engaging in discussions or decision-making. |
|---|
Overall, incorporating devotions into church meetings can help to deepen the spiritual experience of the gathering and enhance the sense of community among members.
Style: Informative
Tone: Reverent
Opening Devotions for Church Council Meetings
Opening Devotions for Church Council Meetings
1. Prayer
Commence the meeting with a prayer to seek guidance and wisdom from God as the council members make important decisions that will impact the church community.
2. Scripture Reading
Read a relevant passage from the Bible that relates to leadership, unity, or serving others. Reflect on the message of the passage and how it can be applied to the council’s work.
3. Hymn Singing
Sing a hymn together to praise God and center the council members’ hearts on worship. Choose a hymn that emphasizes unity, faith, or love for one another.
4. Reflection Time
Provide a few moments for silent reflection or meditation to allow council members to focus their minds and hearts on the meeting ahead. Encourage them to listen for God’s guidance during this time.
5. Sharing of Intentions
Each council member can take turns sharing their intentions or prayers for the meeting. This allows for transparency and openness among the group, fostering a sense of community and trust.
6. Group Prayer
Conclude the opening devotions with a group prayer, where council members lift up their intentions, concerns, and praises to God. Pray for unity, wisdom, and discernment as the meeting progresses.
7. Benediction
End the devotional time with a benediction, offering a blessing and sending forth the council members with God’s grace and peace as they embark on the work ahead.
| Devotion | Description |
|---|---|
| Prayer | Seeking guidance from God |
| Scripture Reading | Reflecting on the Word of God |
| Hymn Singing | Praising God through music |
| Reflection Time | Quiet contemplation and listening |
| Sharing of Intentions | Transparency and openness among members |
| Group Prayer | Seeking unity, wisdom, and discernment |
| Benediction | Sending forth with God’s blessing |
5 Minute Devotions for Small Groups
Small group devotions are a wonderful way to come together with a community of believers to grow spiritually and support one another in faith. However, finding the time to commit to a lengthy devotion can be challenging in today’s busy world. That’s where 5 Minute Devotions for Small Groups come in – these brief, focused devotions are perfect for those short on time but still looking to connect with God and their fellow group members.
What are 5 Minute Devotions?
5 Minute Devotions are short, concise reflections on scripture, prayer, and Christian living that can be completed in just a few minutes. They are designed to be easily accessible and easy to fit into even the busiest schedules. These devotions are perfect for small group settings, as they provide a quick but meaningful way to start or end a meeting, or even as a mid-meeting refresher.
Key Benefits of 5 Minute Devotions for Small Groups
How to Implement 5 Minute Devotions in Your Small Group
Here are some tips for incorporating 5 Minute Devotions into your small group meetings:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Designate a leader or rotate leadership responsibilities for leading the devotions. |
| 2 | Choose a specific time during the meeting for the devotions, such as the beginning or end. |
| 3 | Select a devotional guide or create your own using a short scripture passage and reflection questions. |
| 4 | Encourage group members to share their thoughts and insights after each devotion to foster discussion and connection. |
Sample Devotions for Church Meetings
Sample devotions for church meetings serve as a starting point or source of inspiration for leaders and attendees. These devotions can be used as-is or adapted to fit the specific needs and context of the church meeting. One example of a sample devotion for a church meeting could be a reflection on Matthew 5:14-16, calling attendees to be salt and light in the world, shining God’s love and truth wherever they go. This devotion can inspire attendees to embrace their role as ambassadors of Christ and seek opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
1. Opening Prayer
Start your church meeting with a prayer to invite God’s presence and guidance throughout the gathering.
2. Scripture Reading
Read a passage from the Bible that relates to the theme of the meeting or offers encouragement and inspiration to the attendees.
3. Worship Songs
Sing a few worship songs together to uplift spirits and prepare hearts for the message that will be shared.
4. Reflection and Sharing
Take a moment for personal reflection or encourage attendees to share their thoughts and experiences related to the devotional topic.
5. Devotional Message
Have a speaker or leader share a message that connects with the scripture reading and offers insights or lessons for spiritual growth.
6. Small Group Discussion
Break into small groups to discuss the devotional message further, share personal insights, and pray for one another.
7. Prayer Requests
Allow attendees to share prayer requests and take time to pray for each other’s needs and concerns.
8. Closing Prayer
End the meeting with a final prayer to thank God for his presence, guidance, and blessings throughout the gathering.
| Devotion | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Prayer | Invites God’s presence and guidance |
| Scripture Reading | Relates to the theme of the meeting |
| Worship Songs | Uplift spirits and prepare hearts |
| Reflection and Sharing | Personal reflection and sharing of thoughts |
| Devotional Message | Connects with scripture reading and offers insights |
| Small Group Discussion | Discussion of the message and personal insights |
| Prayer Requests | Sharing of prayer needs and concerns |
| Closing Prayer | Thanking God for his presence and guidance |
Style: Informative and instructional
Tone: Reverent and respectful
Short devotions to start a meeting
- Support and uplift one another, exactly like you are doing in reality.
— 1 Corinthians 5:11
Have you ever been with someone who radiates positivity and makes people smile? Even the darkest days can be made brighter by such individuals. Negative people, on the other hand, can deplete and dishearten us.
Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” was a buddy of Paul’s who served as a missionary (Acts 4:36). It makes sense because Barnabas was a respected leader in the church and Paul’s favorite companion. Paul must have appreciated his support when they were rejected and even physically assaulted during their joint missionary journey (Acts 13–14).
Here, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to be prudent, sober, and unafraid of the difficult conditions they were living through, much like Barnabas did. They could be empowered and encouraged in Christ to face any obstacles by donning faith, love, and hope as armor.
Consider the supportive remarks that have motivated you. During a retreat, a buddy shared that she didn’t consider herself a leader, but she was told she was one by someone. She was motivated by that to develop her gifts and get more involved in her religion.
People might be taken for granted at times, and we fail to recognize their gifts. We tend to take for granted the blessings that people bestow upon us. Is your family aware of your appreciation for them? In what ways can you offer encouragement to the people in your community? Is there someone in your church who may use some encouragement to develop their gifts?
Lord, please create a community among us that supports one another and brings out the best in everyone around us. On behalf of Jesus, Amen.
- Church devotion: Acts 22:41–44
“Lord, who are you? I enquired.
“You are persecuting me, I am Jesus of Nazareth,” he retorted. Acts 22:8 NIV
The Apostle Paul was a fervent follower of God prior to his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He was driven by a fervent desire to completely serve God by eliminating any threats or imposters who were undermining his faith. Because of this, Paul—then known as Saul—began to ruthlessly pursue those claiming to be Christians in order to imprison them and force them to atone for their transgressions against God and His people. Saul swiftly put an end to whatever dissension he came across; everyone identified as a follower of Christ was apprehended by the authorities and imprisoned. The future apostle also vehemently approved of the stoning and execution of Christian authorities. His religion was fervently unleashed; his enthusiasm had no mercy. His audacity knew no bounds.
Then Jesus stepped in, forever altering Saul’s course in life. The Lord confronted Saul and chastised him for persecuting Christ Himself when they were traveling to Damascus. Whatever Saul believed he was doing obediently for God, he was really assaulting Jesus personally and doing it for himself. Saul’s pride totally covered up his sin, and his self-righteousness rejected any realization that he was wrong. By ferociously displaying his faith and fighting his enemies, Saul was really moving away from God rather than toward him. Jesus redirected him from the disastrous course he was taking by revealing the truth to him. Saul’s deliverance necessitated that he give up his arrogance and turn away from his deadly and unyielding zeal.
Every Christian wants to follow Christ closely and serve God with all of our hearts. However, because we are fallible humans, there are moments when our strong convictions clash with our Christian worldview. We fight to live up to everything that Christ demands of us, and occasionally we fall short. Christ will challenge us at those moments to reroute us back onto the course He intends for us to take. It will eternally alter our life and our faith, but it might not be a Damascus Road event (rather more of an Emmaus Road one; see Luke 24:13–35).
Promotion
Something to consider
Am I failing to be faithfully Christlike, or am I just being religiously zealous? Have I let my pride get in the way of my compassion? Which path am I on, Christ’s or mine?
Pray: Lord Jesus, You see all we do and You know us for who we really are. Please pardon us for getting carried away with our fervent passion and strong beliefs. Assist us in letting Your truth, way, and life filter our decisions and ideas. We pray in Your Holy Name. Indeed.
Short Devotions For Church Meetings
It’s a church meeting today, and you’re the leader of it. That’s right—you! Everyone else will be praying for the people to join them, but are you praying? In this short devotion, I share some quick and easy prayers that can be prayed in church meetings. I hope that you will find these 5-minute devotionals helpful in your spiritual growth. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!.
Short devotions for church leaders meetings are a great way to get your team focused on the day instead of being in their own thoughts.
Short devotions for church meetings. Short devotion for prayer meetings. These short devotions will keep you wanting more even after you finish the book.
Do you have any particular devotions to share with the church leaders? Are you a new pastor or seeking God’s direction? Do you need something short and sweet to help guide your time and focus during meetings, or possibly an elder who is running a meeting as a volunteer? Here are five-minute devotions for leaders that are short and easy to read.
The church leaders are the backbone of the church. They stand up to the abuse and oppression when it’s needed, they lead the congregation in prayer, and they do everything they can to keep it running smoothly. But what about praying for a few minutes? What can you do to give your leader a head start with devotions for prayer meetings this week?
The days of meandering through pages of scripture to get to devotions just got shorter! The 5-Minute Devotions for Leaders Meeting is a great way to cut out the extra work and keep it short.
Do you lead a prayer meeting? If so, I have something for you. It’s not that long and it’s going to help you get more people to pray alongside you.
5 Minute Devotions for Leaders is a short 5-minute devotion to pray for church leaders meeting. This devotional can be used for prayer support and for small group meetings. For marriages, family gatherings, retreats or business meetings. This well-known action movie theme has a good moral and it also includes a scripture reading.
A short devotion for a church leader meeting is a short prayer. This short devotion can be used as a guide while the participants are in prayer or just after the meeting. The author suggests making a list of at least 30 questions to start with, then pray and find answers to them one by one until all questions have been answered
Start a new devotional with these short 5-minute devotional prayer meetings for your Sunday morning church meetings. With this devotional, you can get the whole congregation involved in an uplifting and encouraging service. We all need that kind of encouragement to keep going in a busy, challenging life.
If you’re a leader at a church, chances are that there are short devotions and prayers to help you get through your meetings. But what happens next? It’s hard to keep these prayers short when you have overclockers in the room. That is why we have created these prayers for leaders. The five-minute devotion format makes it easy to fill up your time and pray with others in your church community. This will help encourage your prayer life and connection with God through Jesus!
These short devotions will be easy to read, easy to listen to and easy to memorize. I hope they are a blessing to you as you try to lead your team through difficult times.
We often find ourselves in the position of being leaders. Whether it’s the guys in your church or at work, what do you do when someone doesn’t show up for church? Are there answers for this? Of course, we can always pray and ask God to help us get them into church. But what if that’s not enough? What if you need a little help getting them on board with Jesus?
Short Devotion For Prayer Meeting
Prayer is the most important thing we can do.
It’s not just a nice thing to do, or something that feels good, or something that makes us feel like we’re doing something good for the world. It’s not even just something that will make you feel better about yourself and your life.
Prayer changes things. It changes everything–the way we see the world, the way we interact with others, the way we think about ourselves and our place in this world. Prayer gives us power to change things for good–to make life better for ourselves and others through our words and deeds.
So let’s get together tonight and pray!
Prayer is the most powerful force in the universe. It’s a force that can change lives and even entire worlds.
When we pray, we are asking God to intervene in our lives and make us better people–to help us overcome our weaknesses and grow into our potential. And when we pray for others, we’re asking God to change them for the better as well.
But how does prayer work? How does it actually change things? We know that it works because we’ve seen it happen too many times to count, but what exactly is going on when we pray?
Devotions for Christ’s People
The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, and some
evangelists, some pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of
ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity
of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the
measure of the full stature of Christ.
Ephesians 11:14
Dear Friends in Christ,
As a person who has been invited into a position
of leadership in the church, you have been set
apart for the special purpose of leading God’s
people in this time and place. It is as if you are
clothed with the spirit of God.
We on the synod’s prayer team pray that you
notice this spirit wherever you walk as a leader so that your walk is faith-forming and
life giving. If you consider each time you meet with your council or with members of
your congregation to be an opportunity to reflect the teachings of Jesus, you will be
leading. If you consider your work to be more than tasks to check off a list and
instead, a time to use your God-given gifts to further the mission of the church and
expand God’s kingdom, you will bless God and each other.
It is our hope and prayer that this devotional book will help you to reflect on the
ways in which Jesus has already informed our way of thinking what it means to be a
leader in God’s church. It is also our intention that the use of the experiential
practices and time spent in prayer will enrich your prayer life while keeping God at the
center of the decisions you make as leaders of God’s church.
We lift you to God and hold you in our prayers.
Short Powerful Devotions
Meeting together—in person or more often now online—is an important way to stay connected. While being dispersed across various locations, our teams can use these meetings as a time to come together and build unity.
Share one of these five short devotions at your next meeting to encourage, challenge, and inspire your team.
Encourage and Build
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1–11
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Have you ever been around a positive person who makes others smile? Such people can brighten even the dreariest of days. On the other hand, negative people can leave us feeling drained and discouraged.
Paul had a missionary friend named Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). No wonder Barnabas was a leader in the church and a welcome companion to Paul. Surely Paul valued his encouragement when they were rejected and even beat up on their mission journey together (Acts 13–14).
Here Paul, like Barnabas, encourages the Thessalonians to be wise, sober, and unafraid of the dark times they lived in. They could wear faith, love, and hope as armor, encouraged and strengthened in Christ for any challenges that might come.
Think about the words of encouragement that have inspired you. At a retreat, a friend spoke of how someone had described her as a leader, though she didn’t see herself that way. That inspired her to become more active in her church and to grow in her gifts.
Sometimes we take people for granted and don’t see the ways in which they are gifted. We forget to thank others for the ways they bless our lives. Does your family know how much you value them? How can you be a source of encouragement in your community? Who in your church could use an encouraging word to grow in their gifts?
Lord, make us a people who encourage one another and bring out the best in those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Power in Community
SCRIPTURE READING — 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12–27
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12
Toddlers and teenagers share a common trait. They like to declare their independence and want to prove they do not need the help of their parents, guardians, or others to be successful at life. Striving for independence is often a healthy part of growing up. But it can be unhealthy when people try to “do it all” and “be it all” by themselves—outside the context of community. Then, instead of being a good thing, independence becomes corrupted and motivated by obstinate pride.
Living in the power of the resurrection means we recognize our need for God and for each other. God’s Holy Spirit empowers the community of believers with the spiritual gifts and abilities necessary to do the work of growing his kingdom. Individual believers cannot do this by themselves. The power of the resurrection comes from living and working together in unity, recognizing and supporting the gifts, talents, and abilities of all others in the community of Christ.
We all have our place, and we all have a purpose. We all have gifts to offer, and God values each one of us as his children. When we live in the unity and power of the resurrection, we celebrate and affirm the use of everyone’s gifts. Let us encourage one another today as we seek to live in the unity and power of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Resurrected Lord, make us one in you. May our love for you and for one another be a witness to your love and grace. Grow us together by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Working and Sharing
SCRIPTURE READING—Ephesians 4:25–32
Anyone who has been stealing must no longer steal but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. — Ephesians 4:28
Again and again, the Bible calls us to share with people in need: in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, in Jesus’ teaching, and here in the letters of Paul.
The command to work hard, “doing something useful with [our] own hands,” earning enough that something might be left over, goes hand in hand with being compassionate.
What’s more, Paul presents working and sharing as a way to climb out of a dishonest way of life. There’s something clean and good about doing something useful and then giving the surplus away. It reverses the old way of life in which a person would steal from unsuspecting, innocent passersby, often by lurking in dark places and waiting to prey on them.
Paul calls us back from the abyss of a corrupt life to the truth that our first ancestors had God-given work to do. How good to plant seeds, water them, and see them send up shoots; how good to tend, prune and sweep, taking care of the garden of creation we were given (Genesis 2:15).
Paul shows us a way of life that is characterized by growth in Christ, in a loving community of believers who do something good and useful—not sitting around idly gossiping and sniping at each other, fueling conflict and bitterness. How wonderful is the fellowship of loving, kind, compassionate people redeemed by Christ!
Lord, we long to grow into a loving community in Christ, useful and compassionate to people in need. Guide us; we pray. Amen.
In Step with God
SCRIPTURE READING — ACTS 15:36–16:40
After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:10
Missionary work is hard. To enter a new community and join in with the work of God takes wisdom and a heart in rhythm with God. As we try to keep up with all the places where Paul goes, we see changes. Paul and Barnabas have a dispute about including John (Mark) in their next journey, and they separate. Silas and Timothy join Paul’s traveling group. It seems also that Luke, the writer of Acts, joins them a little later (see Acts 16:10, where the narration suddenly changes to “we”).
Paul remembers the churches that he helped to start and grow. Paul knows the value of strengthening faith communities, but he also follows the Spirit’s direction. Stopped from going into one area, Paul obeys a vision from the Spirit and turns toward Macedonia. Paul seeks to be in step with God.
In Macedonia, God was already preparing the hearts of people when Paul showed up. For example, a woman named Lydia was already a worshiper of God when “the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message” about Jesus. Even the resistance of a hardened jailer crumbled. Trembling before Paul and Silas, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?”
As we walk in this world, do we trust that the Spirit is going before us? What does it mean for you to be in step with God?
Dear God, you invite us to join you in your work in this world. Help us to follow you and to join our hearts to yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tunnel Vision
SCRIPTURE READING: 2 KINGS 6:8–23
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16
It’s called tunnel vision—focusing on what is right in front of us and not being able to get a broader perspective. Elisha knew quite a few people with that problem—people who reacted in foolish ways because they just couldn’t see the whole picture.
The king of Aram couldn’t see beyond his security breach to realize that someone bigger than a spy was involved. Elisha’s servant couldn’t see beyond the army of Syria to the armies of the Lord. The king of Israel couldn’t see beyond a captured enemy to know how to respond peacefully.
Their blindness leaves us wondering if we are as blind. Is there anything we are not seeing?
What Elisha sees is a world run not by rulers and armies but by the Lord. A prophet sees that this world is under the authority of God and that God’s power, the only power grounded in love, is what really protects us.
To see with the eyes of faith is to see that God is at work not only in our daily life but also in the arena of battlefields and city streets. No matter where we are or what impossible circumstances we face, we can look beyond our short-sighted fears to see those who are with us and to rest in the certainty that the God who is with us is far greater than anyone who is against us (Romans 8:31–39).
Open our eyes, Lord, so that we can see you. Give us the vision to see your power at work in our lives and in our world. Amen.
Inspirational Devotions For Church Meetings
The Secret Burden
A much-loved minister of God once carried a secret burden of long-past sin deep in his heart. He had committed the sin many years before, during his Bible school training. No one knew what he had done, but they did know he had repented. Even so, he had suffered years of remorse over the incident without any sense of God’s forgiveness.
A woman in his church deeply loved God and claimed to have had visions in which Jesus Christ spoke to her. The minister, skeptical of her claims, asked her, “The next time you speak to the Lord, would you please ask Him what sin your minister committed while he was in Bible school?” The woman kindly agreed.
When she came to the church a few days later, the minister asked, “Did He visit you?” She said, “Yes.”
“And did you ask Him what sin I committed?”
“Yes, I asked Him,” she replied
“Well, what did he say?”
“He said, ‘I don’t remember.’”
Time and Money
A man was taking it easy, lying on the grass and looking up at the clouds. He was identifying shapes when he decided to talk to God. “God,” he said, “how long is a million years?”
God answered, “In my frame of reference, it’s about a minute.”
The man asked, “God, how much is a million dollars?”
God answered, “To me, it’s a penny.”
The man then asked, “God, can I have a penny?”
God said, “In a minute.”
Contacts
A policeman stops a lady and asks for her license. He says, “Lady, it says here that you should be wearing glasses.”
The woman answers, “Well, I have contacts.”
The policeman replies, “I don’t care who you know! You’re getting a ticket!”
Why is exercise so important?
So that you can die healthier!
Do you have holes in your socks? NO!
Then how do you get your feet in?
Why can’t you play practical jokes on snakes?
You can’t pull their legs!
What do invisible people drink?
Evaporated Milk!
Did you hear about the cemetery that raised its burial cost and blamed it on the cost of living!