May 19 | Isaiah 66:18-23

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DAILY READING

Isaiah 66:18-23

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REFLECTION

Wanting to be God's Follower

by David Thompson

Today's passage is pretty straight forward: 1. He is sending out all that are Christians to other lands to proclaim Jesus; 2. the non-believers will be slain; and 3. the believers will be taken care of.

Let's look at some scripture that repeats these three same themes. First, we, as Christians, are being sent out into the world (even if your world is your work, your family and/or your Euchre card playing group). In John 4:35 it reads, "Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." The meaning of which tells us that the Holy Spirit is working in the lives of all people, and we need to be ready to give an answer of the hope that lives inside of us.

Second, Revelations 20:12 (ESV) states that, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done." Galatians 2:16 states that unbelievers "will be condemned." No amount of good works and the keeping of the laws can be sufficient to atone for sin. All their thoughts, words and actions will be judged. It doesn't sound like fun. And I know for me this passage and supporting scriptures make me want to do better at speaking of Jesus Christ.

Finally, the believers will be taken care of. Verse 18 of today's scripture states, "And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory." Further rewards can be seen in 1 Cor. 9:25-27; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; Revelations 2:10; and 1 Peter 5:4.

Can you imagine if we all looked at any person or group of persons as a field that is ripe for harvest? We would be very busy telling others about our faith and about the hope that lives inside of us. I know what I want to be doing more intentionally. How about you?

PRAYER

Dear God, thank you for your patience with us as we live our lives in you. Help us to be on the lookout for those that do not know you and will be found lacking if someone doesn't intervene. Help each of us to realize that you are sending us all out into the world with your Word and with the hope that is within us. Amen.

MAY 18 | 1 Timothy 2:1-7

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DAILY READING

1 Timothy 2:1-7

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REFLECTION

Trusted Prayer Partners

by Judy Webb

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them...so we can live peaceful and quiet lives...” (1 Timothy 2:1 NLT)

The first time someone asked if they could pray for me, I was stunned. That had never happened to me before and I didn’t know what to say or how to act. I was facing surgery, and that too was new for me. This woman took my hands in hers and began to call upon God for my healing. She prayed for the surgeon also and then she closed with praise to God for all that He was going to do for me. "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well." (James 5:15) To say I was speechless would be understating the facts. If I were honest, I would have to admit that her prayers unsettled me a little. They made me think that things were more serious than I thought. But you know what? On the other side of this situation, I can see that she wanted me to be safe and if I wasn't going to be healed, she wanted me to be safe in the Savior's Arms. That was a friend indeed. Early in my faith walk - before this encounter - I was given a book written by Evelyn Christenson titled, "What Happens When Women Pray." I read that book, cover to cover, and was enthralled by the stories of prayer. God had a plan for me which included this gift, this powerful gift of prayer. I have many stories to share about prayer and the way God developed it in me.

My desire for prayer is the very thing that brought my two prayer partners into my life 19 years ago. This is a relationship which began with an invitation and evolved over time to be three women caring for one another in many life-changing situations. The trust that has been born from this relationship will last forever. We often share with one another the Hope we have because of Jesus and how our relationship bridges the years and covers the milestones in each of our lives. What a gift prayer is everyday day.

PRAYER PRACTICE

Dear Jesus, teach me more about the value of prayer. Help me to go to you with my prayers and expect that you hear me and will respond. Prayer is a worshipful experience and one we can participate in every day.

May 17 | Luke 14:15-24

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DAILY READING

Luke 14:15-24

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REFLECTION

Enjoying the Feast

by David Thompson

The passage for today tells another parable given to many in today's world. The passage opens with a man sitting at a table envisioning the glory of God's kingdom, but not knowing how he could take part in it.

It reminds me of a time when I was involved in a witnessing program called Evangelism Explosion. For those who have never heard of this program, it was a systematic way to present the Good News of Jesus to the lost. As I would go out on visitation night, I would have fasted all day and prayed for those we were going to meet that evening. Upon arriving at the home, we would begin with some small talk, but at some point we would bring the conversation to Jesus. The first question of the program was "What would you say at the gate of Heaven if asked 'Why should I let you into my Heaven?'" Depending on the answer it would lead into discussing God's grace and ultimately to the question whether there was any thing stopping the person from accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? I was surprised after all the lead up that often there was a reason or two why the person was not ready.

This is much like verses 18-20 of our passage where the king invites the chosen guests to come to the banquet. The passage reads, “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’" The reaction of the owner was understandable. He became angry and directed his servant to go and invite others. There was still room so he told his servants to go and compel others to come. The end result was that the hall was filled and the original guest ran out of time to respond.

It bothers me sometimes (I didn't get angry) when I think about what was going to happen to those who were visited on those Evangelism Explosion visits. Perhaps the presentation planted the seeds, someone else might water the seeds and others were there for the harvest. But the nagging feeling was always present. What if that presentation of the Gospel was the only one that that person ever had. What if the Holy Spirit moved on and they never responded to the Good News. It made me sad to consider all of those things. I was glad there were positive responses. It was a joy to see new Christians get involved with the church and grow in their spiritual development.

PRAYER

God, we have come a long way since those days of Evangelism Explosion. I pray right now for those who did respond and for those who didn't. I pray that your Holy Spirit, at some point, convinced them to give their lives to you. You are a loving, but just God. Thank you for all of the grace you have shown me and bless the readers of this devotional. Amen.