Leadership Devo of the Week: Acts 7:60

“While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” Following Jesus is often such a romantic, ethereal ideal in our minds. For Stephen, it meant following the Lord, even in his passion, death, and his response to his enemies. Do I really want to follow Jesus? How do I prepare to follow in the tough circumstances during the times of normal life and ministry? Teach me what it means to follow Jesus in everything. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Acts 4:2

“They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.” The preaching of the early church brought on resistance and persecution, largely because of the claim that Jesus was alive.  What made this a foundational truth for Jesus’ followers?  Do we proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead today, or are people more disturbed by other things we are talking about?  O Holy Spirit, let our proclamation be faithful to true Christian testimony first and foremost.

Leadership Devo of the Week: 1 Corinthians 15:12

“But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?”  Paul seems convinced in this chapter that something is seriously missing from the Christian faith without the resurrection.  What difference does it make whether Jesus rose from the dead?  Why does it matter to the church and to Christian leadership?  Almighty God, let lingering doubts and unbelief be set to rest as we put our whole faith in the risen Christ. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: 1 Peter 1:3

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”The writers of the New Testament see the resurrection as a central truth of Christian faith. Is the resurrection seen by modern Christians as the center of our faith?  Why or why not?  Is there a new birth or a living hope without the resurrection of Jesus Christ?  How important is resurrection to the faith?  May your church give testimony to the risen Christ!  

Leadership Devo of the Week: Philippians 3:20-21

“And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”  The power of the
resurrected Christ is bringing everything under his control. This has great implications for us body, mind, and spirit. How does Jesus’ resurrection power help me live out faith in my body?  Is this transformational power just about the future or is it meant to change my life now too? Transform me by Your power O God!

Leadership Devo of the Week: 1 Thessalonians 4:4

“Each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable…”  Sometimes it is easy to talk about godly character in some theoretical way, disconnected from what we live in our body. “Self-control” is the embodiment of bringing the body under the discipline of heart and mind. Why is it tempting to have an intellectual faith separated from the body?  Why is our body and what we do with it important to our faith and ministry? Spirit of God, only through your power may I live a holy and honorable life. Empower me.

Leadership Devo of the Week: 2 Chronicles 17:5

“The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor.” The king’s great wealth, honor, and power come to him as an extension of God’s kingdom’s control.  In ministry leadership there is always a temptation to think we are in charge and run things, even
good things.  Is my leadership rooted in and submitted to the Kingdom of God in Christ?  Am I aware that any leadership I have flows as an extension “under his control?” Lead me not into a power trip temptation. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” The fruit of the Spirit produces Godly heart, character, and behaviors.  Fruit is singular; it all comes in one package.
We pick love, joy, and peace and decide self-control isn’t for me.  How is
self-control necessary for all these other characteristics to be displayed in
our lives?  Does self-control characterize my life? Lord Jesus, forgive me for times when I desire to lead with my choice of godly characteristics. Develop the full fruit of the Spirit in me and my ministry. Amen.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Proverbs 25:28

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Protection from the intruding enemies was the purpose of city walls. Broken walls meant easy target.  In what ways are people without self-control easy targets? What enemy or enemies might be ready to intrude in the life of the one without self-control?  What level of self-control do you show in your work, family and personal life? Lord Jesus, help me to build “self-control” walls around my life that I might find protection from the evil one and all temptations to live outside of your ways.

Leadership Devo of the Week: Acts 24:25

“As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now!” Paul’s speaking about “faith in Jesus Christ (vs 24), included talk about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment.” Are these themes part of our preaching/teaching of faith in Jesus Christ today?  What do you think Paul said about these? Why was Felix afraid? In our Christian leadership, preaching, and teaching are we afraid to preach that which causes fear in the hearts of those not surrendered to God. Give us courage to preach the full Christian faith, O God. Amen.