Devotional: "The Easy Button"

 

Day 1: Reset, Don’t Escape

 Scripture: Luke 17:1–6 | Psalm 37:1–3

Reflection:
Life is full of moments when we wish we could hit a magical reset button—one that erases problems, pain, or regret. But when the disciples ask Jesus to “increase our faith,” He doesn’t give them an escape route. He redirects them back to simple obedience.

Like those old Staples commercials, we often want quick fixes. But Jesus teaches us that growth doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from doing what we already know is right. In faith, the reset button is not about easing the path, but about restarting with the right mindset: obedience.

Psalm 37 reminds us not to fret when life feels unfair or hard. Instead, we are to trust in the Lord and do good. The path forward isn’t hidden—it’s just hard. But God meets us in that hard obedience with strength and growth.

Question to Ponder:
Where have you been waiting for an "easy" way out, instead of stepping into obedient action?

Challenge:
Write down one area of your life where you’ve been passively waiting or avoiding action. Pray over it, and make a commitment to take one obedient step this week—even if it’s small.

Prayer:
Lord, reset my heart and refocus my eyes. Help me stop chasing easy solutions and start walking faithfully in obedience. I trust that when I step forward with You, growth will follow. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 5 – Eternal Welcome

Scripture: “So that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” – Luke 16:9b

Reflection:

One day, our money and earthly resources will be gone. But the eternal fruit of a shrewd life will remain. Imagine being welcomed into heaven by people whose lives were touched because you invested in them, prayed for them, or shared the gospel with them. That is the eternal outcome of godly shrewdness.

Application/Challenge:

Picture that eternal welcome. Who do you want to see there because of your faithfulness? Write down one person’s name and commit to praying for them daily this week.

Prayer:

Father, I want my life to matter for eternity. Help me to be shrewd with my money, my relationships, and my witness so that others will be welcomed into Your kingdom. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 4 – Shrewd in Evangelism

Scripture: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

Reflection:

Sharing the gospel often requires shrewdness. Some approaches may work for one person but not another. Paul said he became “all things to all people” so that some might be saved. Shrewd evangelism requires courage, creativity, and persistence. It means asking questions that peel back false confidence and gently leading people toward the truth of Christ.

Application/Challenge:

Practice asking a simple gospel-centered question today. For example: “Do you have any spiritual background?” or “What do you think happens after we die?” Use it as a door opener to listen well and share hope.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, guide my words and actions today. Give me shrewdness in sharing the gospel with wisdom, love, and boldness. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 3 – Shrewd in Relationships

Scripture: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16

Reflection:

Jesus calls His followers to combine innocence with shrewdness. In relationships, this means being thoughtful and wise in how we approach people with the gospel. It may involve asking the right questions, choosing the right moment, or using creativity to open doors. Shrewdness in relationships isn’t manipulation—it’s Spirit-led wisdom to win people for Christ.

Application/Challenge:

Pray for someone in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. Ask God to give you a wise and gentle way to start a spiritual conversation with them this week.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, You spoke to each person with perfect wisdom. Help me to be discerning and shrewd in how I love, serve, and share the gospel with others. Amen.

Devotional: Developing the Skill of Shrewdness

 Day 2 – Shrewd with Money

Scripture: “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” – Luke 16:9

Reflection:

Money is temporary, but its impact can be eternal when used for the gospel. Just as the manager used resources to secure his future, Jesus calls us to invest in kingdom work. Supporting missionaries, church planters, or even inviting a neighbor for coffee in order to share Christ is a shrewd use of money. Every dollar can be leveraged for eternal fruit.

Application/Challenge:

Consider one way you can use your money this week for eternal purposes—supporting a ministry, buying a Bible for someone, or inviting a friend to lunch to share your testimony.

Prayer:

Father, teach me to see my money as a tool for Your kingdom. Show me where to give, how to bless others, and how to invest in eternity. Amen.