Our purpose is to teach people to follow Jesus and be fishers of men. Dedicated to evangelism, disciple making disciples, T4T, Pioneer Church Planting, and being a catalyst for Disciple Making Movements (DMM). We train in theory (classroom) and live action discipleship. (harvest)

Thursday, February 2, 2023

2 FEB 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 2 FEB 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

Do you believe that God’s word is effective?

Twenty some odd years ago, I began to really seek the Lord in the Scriptures and was compelled to share the Good News with others.  For someone that didn’t know how to do it or what to expect, the word not only brought comfort to me it also brought confidence.  A good friend saw that I was on fire to do whatever the Lord wanted me to do.  He knew that people in the church were ready to throw a wet blanket on me too and he pointed me to Isaiah 55:10-11.

Being hungry, I went and read the entire chapter over and over again.  It really helped me to understand my role as a messenger of the Word of God and God being the Sovereign Savior to do what he desired with whom he desired.  If I would faithfully sow the seed, God would give the increase.  It wasn’t on me to know everything, be eloquent, or be persuasive in order to seal the deal like a salesman.  

God alone would make the Word effective in the lives he desired.  I just needed to be faithful in sharing it and invest deeply in the ones that came to faith.  It takes faith in God’s sovereign will and plans because His plans and ways are not ours.  I will say that he has always shown me that there are people in my oikos (social network) that are already prepared to receive the word.  That has kept me on fire for him until this day.  May it do the same for you.

Heavenly Father, you are a masterful orchestrator of creation that weaves your will through the ages to bring about all that you desire.  You have made life an adventure that makes me cling to you and take joy in knowing you are with me.  Empower me to trust in your lead when I don’t understand what you are doing. Give me boldness to share your words and to leave the results to you.  In your great name I pray, amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 71; Isa. 55:1-13; Gal. 5:1-15; Mark  8:27-9:1

Daily Office Year 1


Wednesday, February 1, 2023

1 FEB 23 Wednesday -A Closer Walk Devotional

 1 FEB 23 Wednesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his reign.  May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.” Psalm 72:6-7

As we head into another season of political sword fighting, we all have in mind what we would like to see in a leader and the hope of better conditions and safety.  This is the same desire for everyone around the world because in our hearts and minds we know right from wrong and what right looks like.  The challenge is that only God himself can fulfill that picture.

The psalmist speaks of what it will be like when a truly godly person will rule and reign.  It is a great picture of clear justice, righteousness, and prosperity.  If you really unpack what God intends, many people around the world and especially in our own country would not want to be part of that.  Why? Because God is holy and we are not.  Our nature kicks and fights against it.

We would have to give up the sins we like so much like greed, lust, all drugs and alcohol, murder of babies, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, lying, stealing, and self-focused will to name a few.  God will not have any of that in his Kingdom and he doesn’t expect that of his people now.  The wicked, evil, and rebellious will be dealt with swiftly and to the maximum sentence.  That is what a just and loving king should do.  That is what God will do.

Do you really know what a godly leader is?

Mighty King, heavenly Father, you are worthy to be praised! You look out for the poor and the broken-hearted.  You uphold and enforce the law producing a godly and holy people.  The wicked and evil run in fear, but they have nowhere to hide.  I look forward to the day of your Son’s return, knowing that true safety and prosperity will be forever more. We will be completely satisfied with you. Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 72; Isa. 54:1-10; Gal. 4:21-31; Mark  8:11-26

Daily Office Year 1


Tuesday, January 31, 2023

31 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 31 JAN 23 Tuesday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth? I feel as if I’m going through labor pains for you again, and they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives.” Galatians 4:16, 19

One of the most difficult things in a leader’s life, whether you lead one or one hundred, is the pain of defense and development of disciples.  Paul was dealing with his spiritual children that were being led astray by false teachers that were baiting them with good things.  Their good was only there to get them in, but not something that would last.  

As a new believer, you don’t know the plethora of enemies that are in the community and even in the church.  Sound doctrine, established rhythms, and wise counsel is a must.  If you have that, you will recognize where the issues are and the enemy at hand.  Today, we have the same issues that Paul and the church at Galatia had.  Unfortunately we are bombarded with false teaching and enemies on television and social media.

We have to help our spiritual children to develop quicker than in previous years.  It is painful to watch them have to go through hostility, persecution, and in some places in the world death.  Being a disciple of Jesus has its challenges, but the Lord is always there walking with you through it.  If you or your spiritual children are not experiencing these trials, then you probably are not living for Jesus or are following false teachers.  Take responsibility for your maturity in Jesus.

Do you get angry with those that tell you the truth?

Lord, we face a barrage of enemies and false teachers on every front as we live into the mission of your Son.  Empower us to combat these foes with your word and prayer.  Give us wisdom as we raise up new disciples of Jesus to be light in this dark world.  Help us not to grow deaf to the truth and to those that you have put in our lives to develop us.  Give us the tools we need to be the people you have made us to be.  In your great name, amen. 

Reading Plan: Psalm 61, 62; Isa. 52:1-12; Gal. 4:12-20; Mark  8:1-10

Daily Office Year 1


Monday, January 30, 2023

30 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 30 JAN 23 Monday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.  I praise God for what he has promised .  I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56

There are times in life that we are all afraid of something or someone.  When children are young they will often be afraid of the dark or the mythical boogie man that hides in the closet or under the bed.  As you get older, new sets of fears arise whether real or felt.  The psalmist gives us insight as he talks to God about his fear of being killed by his enemies.

He has  an awareness that God is bigger than anything that he will face, even death.  It takes putting real faith in and entrusting your very life to God.  It cannot be a mere intellectual assent.  When you do so, God manifests himself in your life and gives you peace of mind because you have peace with God.

Jesus did this after he was crucified and risen from the dead.  He scared his disciples to death when he entered the upper room.  They were not expecting him and got a jump scare out of it.  Jesus told them, peace be with you.  My peace I give to you.  When you are right with God, there is no real fear because there is nothing that man or devil can do that God can’t restore. Knowing and believing this will lead to worship and praise.

Heavenly Father, you are so good to your children by allowing us to speak to you at any time and anywhere.  Thank you for blessing us with your peace that goes beyond all understanding and power to overcome our fears.  You are bigger than anything that we will face in this life, man or devil.  Let us not forget you or be dismayed in times of trouble.  Amen.

Reading Plan: Psalm 56, 57; Isa. 51:17-23; Gal. 4:1-11; Mark  7:24-37

Daily Office Year 1


Sunday, January 29, 2023

29 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 29 JAN 23 Sunday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“Wake up, wake up, O Lord! Clothe yourself with strength! Flex your mighty right arm! Rouse yourself as in the days of old when you slew Egypt, the dragon of the nile.” Isaiah 51:9

I have a picture that my mom took when I was probably about seven of me flexing my muscles in the mirror in the hallway.  I still do it and probably will continue to do so well into my 90s, Lord willing.  All men flex because we realize we have some power and we like it.  It gives us confidence that we can do and accomplish stuff.

If you live long enough, you will realize that there are other men that are bigger, faster, stronger and smarter than you.  You have limitations and are not invincible.  That can be a sobering moment.  The Jews felt that when they were in bondage as slaves to the Egyptians even though they outnumbered their oppressor.  God used that moment to reveal to the Jews and the Egyptians his might and care for his own people.

God, our warrior and defender, flexed his mighty muscles and put to death the entire Egyptian Army.  It was no difficulty for him to do this.  He didn’t break a sweat.  He is the same God that made the earth and all of the galaxies in space.  He controls the change in climate and the spiritual forces of wickedness.  At the end He will cast the Devil to hell with “one” word.  We serve a mighty God who is truly awesome.  God says, get a grip, I got you!

So why are we afraid of climate change and evil people?

Reading Plan: Psalm 24, 29; Isa. 51:9-16; Heb. 11:8-16; John  7:14-31

Daily Office Year 1


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