Leadership Devo of the week: Pentecost – Acts 2:1-21

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place…All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”  God chooses the time. His people come together in one place for His purposes.   God’s Spirit empowers.  It is so easy for us to want the power of the Spirit for our purposes like Simon (Acts 8:8ff); without a thought for God’s timing and the unity of the body of Christ.  How is this a temptation for me?  Why is the time and common gathered place essential and prerequisite?  Forgive us, Fill us O Lord.

Leadership Devo of the week: Ascension – Acts 1:10f

“While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven?” The two messengers of God bring reproof to the disciples who gaze into heaven waiting for the Jesus and the Kingdom of God to come down.  They have been given a mission; it’s time to get to it. What keeps you for God’s call and mission?  Good things? Bad things? Give us grace, O Lord to get on with your work on earth until you come again.

Leadership Devo of the week: Ascension – Acts 1:9

“As they were watching, Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” When was the last time you heard a sermon on the ascension of Jesus?  Why is it important for Jesus to leave after the resurrection?  What did Jesus’ departure mean for the disciples practically?  What does it mean for us?  Is there a message for the contemporary church in the ascension of Jesus?  Your kingdom come,Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the week: Acts 3:6

“I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk.”  Generosity is very good.  Giving freely of what we have wonderful.  In a culture that  focuses so much on the solutions that money can buy are we in danger of forgetting there is more than silver and gold; that man does not live on money alone.  What do you really have to offer people in Christ?  Are we tempted to offer other things that people want?  Give us faith to believe in the name of Jesus Christ and His power to heal and transform lives.

Leadership Devo of the week: Genesis 1

“In the beginning…”  There are times when we need to go back to the beginning. We need reminders of God’s original purpose for us, reflections on where Christ first met with us, space to rediscover the Spirit’s work in our lives.  Think about the beginning of God’s work in your life and ministry?  What would a remembrance of the “beginning” do for you?  How has God led you from the beginning of your journey? May my remembrance of you in the beginnings of my life be sweet and lead to fruitfulness ahead.

Leadership Devo of the week: Ezekiel 37:1-10

“Son of Man, can these bones live?”  There are times for all Christian leaders when
vision looks more like dry bones than vibrant life.  What in your life and ministry looks like dry bones?  What would you need from God to convince you that new life is possible?  Is the power of the resurrection enough?  - “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these, that they may live.”

Leadership Devo of the week: John 20:27

“Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”  Jesus does not scold Thomas. Instead he gives him the evidence he needs and gently invites him to believe.  In response, Thomas speaks one of the greatest affirmations in Jesus ever recorded.  How do we as leaders deal with those who doubt our plans and strategies for ministry and for change? What might Jesus’ dealing with Thomas teach us?  It is easy to grow discouraged with those who don’t agree with me Lord. Teach me, by Your  Spirit, to respond with patience and grace.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Ephesians 1:19 (NLT) Easter

“…We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.” When we are giving out in ministry it is easy to forget it is not our energy that produces for God, rather God’s power that works through us.  Are there places I am trying to do things in my own strength?  What happens when I seek to accomplish God’s will in my ways?” Christ is risen! May the power of God that raised Christ from the dead bring life to me and my ministry. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Luke 22:39-46

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  Surrender involves both knowing God’s will and honesty acknowledging our own will. It is not denying I have a will; it is accepting the will of God as priority over my own.   Are there places in your life you are aware that your will is not the same as that of God?  How will you deal with that? Your will be done, in my life, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Colossians 3:5-12

“…since you have taken off your old self with its practices…” Paul uses the imagery of “taking off” and “putting on” clothes to describe God’s transformation of our lives.  What do you need to “take off”?  What do you need to “put on?”  Are there things that we as a church need to take off and put on together?  How would Christian leaders lead this process?  May our lives reflect and wear the glory of God, whose image we bear in Christ.