August 21 Devotion

Read Acts 19:21-41

It certainly can incite a revolt in the "god-making" business when you preach that there is only one God.  And the True God is not made of human hands. Preaching that the statues made by human hands have no spiritual value tends to offend the folks who make their living on such belief systems. This was more an economical controversy than anything else  Ephesus was known for the goddess Artemis.  Paul had been seeking to make Jesus famous there.  Don't mess with the economic engine of a community and expect that there will not be severe ramifications.

The Good News of the Kingdom of God is embraced by those hungry and thirsty for forgiveness and hope.  But the Good News is a threat to those who are highly vested in the interests of this world.

Fall Ministry Ideas

Lane Corley get is right.  Here are some great ideas:

http://lanecorley.com/2014/08/05/5-ways-to-have-fun-and-reach-out-this-fall/

August 20 Devotion

Genesis 24:1-27

A divine appointment.  An answered prayer.  Abraham had a very specific request.  Abraham gave direct orders to his servant.  The servant had a faithful desire to serve with excellence.  A specific sign was requested.  And God brought together Rebekah and the servant of Abraham in a obvious answer and provision. 

This archaic way of arranging and seeking to put together a marriage may seem strange to our contemporary minds.  But here are a couple of things that motivated Abraham that should also be our desires for our own children's future spouses.

1.       He did not want his child to marry someone who did not have a relationship with God.  He wanted someone for his child who shared knowledge of God and a desire to serve Him.

2.       He wanted his child to marry someone who would not go backwards in God's plan, but forward.  Promises and blessings were to be passed forward.  These were not to be abandoned and forgotten.

Will you pray this for your children and grandchildren? A marriage relationship founded on a mutual dedication to love God and follow Him.  A forward pointed marriage and family that is on mission with God to reach the world for Christ even if it takes them to the ends of the earth. Pray that our children and grandchildren would follow Christ and tell the Gospel to others no matter what vocation and location God has for their life.