Rev. Jim Hollis’ Daily Devotional

Today’s Text:   1 Thessalonians 3:1-3  

Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, 3 so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions.

Are we available spiritually to serve as Timothy?

Today’s text provides us with a frustrated and concerned Paul, who had ministered among the Thessalonians but was now tied up in Athens, unable to come to check on them personally.  He could not stay in suspense any longer over how they were facing suffering and persecution.  He had told them plainly that this would be an expected part of being a Christian. 

He choose to send Timothy on a mission to encourage and strengthen them for the sake of their faith, so that none of them would be seriously shaken by these persecutions.  This is such a wonderful picture to us of the CRITICAL NEED for encouragement and support in the context of the local church.

Many times we place people in leadership positions and basically, “wish them well and send them on their way.”  This sets them up for the wolves of criticism who feel it is their duty to say negative things about their ministry efforts or perhaps even criticizing their character.  When ANY of us proceed to strike out to do something awesome in ministry – EXPECT the opposition to stir.  It will.

We need to not only send Timothys, but to live as a Timothy ourselves with one another!  We all need encouragement and our fellow Christians to strengthen us.  We are very blessed here at Proactive Evangelism Ministries to get to do these very two things with the churches we work with.  It really matters.  Let’s be about it.  I love you all.

Promoting Encouragement and Strengthening of Christians,

In Christ’s Grace,        

Jim

Lord, we praise you that it often does not take much for us to encourage and affirm our fellow Christians.  Move in our hearts to inspire us to be intentional about consistent encouragement and providing strengthening in the context of our churches and community.  In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   1 Corinthians 11:17-19  

17 Now in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, to begin with, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and to some extent I believe it. 19 Indeed, there have to be factions among you, for only so will it become clear who among you are genuine.

Of course there are divisions…

Every church has problems just like every human being has shortcomings and sin in their life.  This is no secret.  The more you become involved in any local church the more aware you will become of these realities.  If you find a person who says there are no problems in their church, they probably only attend worship and leave without knowing MUCH of what reality behind the scenes looks like.

In every congregation there is also a group of believers I refer to as “the Righteous Remnant.”  They are authentic in their faith, genuine in reaching out through the love of Christ and have a servant’s heart.  The greatest integrity of the church is based on their consistent witness.  In every congregation there are the ones that Paul says are “GENUINE” in today’s text.  They are the ones who bear much fruit. 

Let’s also be in prayer for churches that are truly fighting among themselves.  In these congregations some people have decided it is more important to WIN than to love.  We want to see the love of Christ be the dominant factor in all congregations.  Let’s all strive to be genuine and not divisive.  I love you all. 

Working to Heal the Divisions,   In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, You call us to be of one heart and mind through Your Divine Love.  We know all churches have issues and problems.  Give us Your Grace that we may be peacemakers.  In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   Psalm 84:10  

10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness. A day, an hour or a right heart?

Time Keeper or Door Keeper?

Having the privilege to travel from church to church nearly every week, seeing how different people act in church always proves interesting.  Some folk in a worship service will be prayerful and attentive.  They have come to worship and praise. 

Others will be fidgety from the start.  They are the time keepers.  They will look at their watches at least every few minutes.  They feel they deserve to get out in an hour or less.  Wonder why they came?  Often, in asking the question, they say, “We came because it is time do go to church and we want to do that each week.  When an hour is up, it is supposed to be over.”  How sad is a person like this.  First of all, “going to church” is on their check list of accomplishments during the week.  And they concern themselves with not giving any more time to it than they feel is required to say they have “done it.”

Contrast this with the same person’s attitude when going to a baseball game or football game.  They may spend major dollars to get there, be in major heat from the weather and if the game goes into overtime, GREAT!  The only way to get them to leave early is to have the team they are pulling for to get trounced. 

When we read today’s text, we see the RIGHT, SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE for participating in Christian worship.  We are truly blessed and honored to be there at all.  And a DAY in God’s courts are better than a THOUSAND elsewhere.  Wow!  What a different read on the time issue. 

And when it comes to posturing our hearts for worship, the second part of the verse is key, “I’d rather be a doorkeeper…”  Yes, there were greeters and ushers, even back then.  They wanted to serve, not be served.  They found it an honor and privilege to serve in these ways.  Wow!  What a new way to see our greeters, as our worship leaders! It is my prayer that the attitudes expressed in today’s text are OURS.  I love you all. 

 
Going to Serve,  In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, remind us vividly today that You loved each of us enough to die on the Cross for our sin.  Let us feel the holiness and awesomeness of participating in worship.  May we never be time keepers or discouragers of those who lead worship of You.  In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   1 Peter 5:3   

3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.

Christian leaders can build or destroy…

Remember the Christian Crusades?  It was when the Christians of that day marched into the Holy Land and slaughtered many other people because they felt RIGHT about doing so.  They saw their mission as one from God, sending them to purge the Holy Land of the heathens and infidels.  And so they did.

We don’t have studies about this darkest hour in the Christian church’s history, because we have tried hard to forget it.  Yet, the same kind of arrogance and righteous indignation can go on inside a local church through leaders that are proud and not humble. 

A few trips back I ran into a group of leaders where we had an Envisioning for their church.  I asked, “What things about your church would you love to celebrate?  NONE.  Nada.  No one spoke out.  So then I asked what it meant for them to not answer that question as leaders of their own congregation.  One humble man spoke up, “We are fighting here Preacher.  That is why we have little if any to celebrate.”

I am constantly surprised by the great number of churches across this nation who are in serious conflict and are seeking help.  We work with churches oppressed in conflict and it is not easy, but with Jesus leading us, we can avoid more Christian casualties and heal the wounded.

As Christian leaders in our churches, PLEASE pray about your attitude and actions –BOTH have the real potential to destroy or give new life through God’s love.  Let’s get it right.  Let’s hear the call to be servants, abounding in Hope. I love you all. 

Raising Awareness of the Potential of Christian Leaders Today,

In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, let us love not only in words, but in deeds as well.  Forgive us when we feel arrogant and give in to that emotion which leads to our own downfall and the destruction of others.  Give us love and compassion for those not like us!   In Jesus’ Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   Psalm 25:9-10  

9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness,  for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

How is our humility?

The Bible has much to say about humility.  It is not only an attitude, but a posture of our hearts and lives before God.  If we are people in love with Jesus and possess a humble spirit we are going to grow spiritually.  Even bad circumstances can be turned into good memories that eventually forge us and make us stronger because we went through them. 

The real questions, raised in this text for us, are, “How leadable and teachable are we today?”  These questions show us much about our witness and openness to be used by the Lord. 

 
The other primary truth in the Scripture tells us that all the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.  So no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, God is with us, for us and working to bring us His Joy and Peace. 

 
Therefore, how is our humility today?  Are we living a shapeable, open life before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?  I pray so! I love you all. 

 
Praying to be more Christlike,

 
In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, we desire to become more teachable, shapeable and useful in serving You.  Give us humble hearts and steadfast love that we may be faithful in our walk with You and faithful in our ministry for You.   In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   Isaiah 104:30  

30 When you breathe on them, they are created ,and you make the land new again.

Making the dying land new again…

The quaint, little cabin had sat empty most of the time.  There were a few members of the family who used it, perhaps one day a week or so.  Everyone loved the place and it held great memories of years gone by.  Various family members would come there for a day or two at a time and be loyal in opening the windows, dusting off the mantle and the furniture, shaking the dust off the furniture covers. 

So when Bill and Mary arrived for their annual anniversary trek, their first impression was MUSTY.  They immediately began opening the windows and going through the rituals to bring a little fresh air into the old place. 

Bill sat down on the front porch in an old vine chair and Mary rocked in a Brumby rocker she had just cleaned off.  Mary said, “I can remember when the yard was full of children Bill.”

“Yes, me too.”

“Now it is down to just a few of us.  Our own kids are so busy they don’t show much interest in coming here.” 

“You’re right.  But we sure don’t want to let it go.  I mean it has been so much a part of our history.  How could we make it like new all over again?”

“Gosh Mary, I really don’t have a clue.  I wish I did.  I truly do.” 

The cabin in the story above could easily represent MANY of the small churches across the landscape of America TODAY.  Only a few people come any longer.  When they are there they reflect on the past and memories of good old days.  Spiritually, they are MUSTY.  What will it take to make them NEW all over again?  They don’t have a clue.  But they wish they did.  They really do. 

NEWS FLASH!!!  Nearly ANY church can grow – both spiritually and numerically.  It takes what the text today is telling us!  It takes the very breath of God.  When God breathes on them they become new AGAIN.  Sounds terribly simple, right? 

The people who are left – the older and more tired ones – must be willing to seek after this Holy Infusion with passion and hope.  And they need help from Christians outside their little list of “knowns.”  It CAN work, IF they will commit to it.  WE have seen it too many times to believe otherwise. 

If YOU are one of those people or have a friend or relative who is, why not share today’s devotional with them?  But I warn you – a spiritual transfusion is neither easy or simple.  It is possible, for sure.  Give me a call or send an email for details of hope.  I love you all. 

Perpetuating Hope In Hard Places,

In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, thank You for Your Breath, the Holy Spirit, which You can breathe on a local church and bring new life in the hearts of those yet remaining.  IF there is a clear passion and desire to see revival, cause persons who read this today to ACT on these words.   In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   1 Corinthians 2:4-5

4 My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

Based on the Spirit and the Power…

One question that needs to be asked by every Christian is, “What is my faith journey resting on, once I have established a personal relationship with Jesus, who is the cornerstone?  The text today gives us great insight to the question and lifts important spiritual principles for us to live by as well. 

To proclaim and speak about Christ is not solely based on what we know.  This may seem obvious, but, many Christians don’t understand the significance of what the verse means.  There are MANY plausible words of wisdom today.

Churches can have great Bible studies, such as Disciple, Beth Moore, Forth Days of Purpose, Willow Creek’s materials or Alpha.  These are all extensive and give us much knowledge about the Bible and God.  However, having all the knowledge in the world is NOT enough. 

John Wesley said it best generations ago, “My greatest fear for the people called Methodist, is that they will have the form of religion without the power.”  This is an accurate description of too many of our congregations today!  The truth is that we have SO much knowledge, have been to SO many studies and may have even had extensive discussions.  All those are based on learning and what we know. 

To move into the frontier of ministry with excellence, we need the Spirit and the Power of the Spirit to motivate, guide and lead us.  There clearly need to be DEMONSTRATIONS of the Spirit and power.  (See the text again, carefully…)  It is my prayer that we will be grounded in the Bible and moving with the Spirit in our ministries.  I love you all. 

Praying for Fresh Winds of the Spirit and Power,

In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, thank You for not leaving us with knowledge alone.  Grant us your Spirit and your mighty Power in all we do in ministry with You.  In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:   Philippians 1:29

29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.

The privileges and the struggle…

Do we remember today that believing in Jesus is a privilege that God has graciously granted to us?  Perhaps we thought it was our idea.  Maybe we felt like everyone got to do this.  No.  May we never forget that God in His infinite love for us has granted us this privilege.  Let us never take this for granted or even worse, take this lightly.

Believing in Jesus really means to turn our trust over to Jesus, completely through prayer.  We not only PLEDGE our allegiance to Jesus, but we actually give over the control of our lives to His Guidance and direction for us daily.  Above all else in this regard, remember – it is ONLY in His Will for us that we are free.

Now on to the greatest adventures of all – the struggle.  It proves interesting how many Christians will go miles out of their way to avoid entering into the struggle.  After all, it is the opposite of being inward focused and self centered!

The struggle of which Paul speaks here is the other privilege of suffering for our Lord and His Mission.  So then, what does it truly mean to suffer for Christ?  Suffering for Jesus’ Name relates directly to RISK.  The more we fall in love with Jesus, the more passion we FEEL for His Will and Mission.  The bigger our heart and desire grows to do ministry.  We want to be servants of excellence and to share the unconditional love of Christ with every other human being possible, expecting nothing in return, save the privilege of suffering for the Name above all Names.  Mature Christians passionately desire to be USED as ambassadors of grace, makers of peace, and workers of justice. 

The first stages of the struggle we face come from choosing to step out on faith and risk ourselves in reaching out.  We know with every step of this kind we take, there will be no going back to where we were before.  And that is one of the roots of our spiritual JOY! Where would Jesus lead me to step out on faith TODAY? I love you all. 

Thankful for the privileges and the struggle,

In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord, thank You for the privileges of believing in You and suffering for Your Name and Will.  How awesome it is to know that You choose to use cracked vessels like us to carry your Love and Grace to a needy and hurting world! Praise You now.  Show us where we can serve You today.  In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

Today’s Text:  1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Therefore prepare your minds for action;  discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14 Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15 Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16 for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Have we heard the CALL to Holy Living? 

            What will Jesus’ dying on the cross for each of us result in through our daily lives today?  We pray that faithful obedience is the answer.  Peter starts this encouraging and challenging passage today with an appeal for us to prepare our minds for action.  Are we really doing that today?

            Think of the many hours each week that we casually turn our minds OFF rather than preparing them for action!  We can do this before we ever realize it.  We come home, we are tired, and we may turn to the television, the internet, or even a video game rather than taking time to account for the blessings of that day.  Which of the FOUR options will provide us with new energy and strength spiritually for what lies ahead?  Certainly, accounting for our blessings rather than checking out in our thinking by tuning in to some entertaining distraction. 

            Obedience does not come naturally or easily.  Preparing our minds is working on our “mind-set” as we move forward hour by hour.  If we put garbage in, we can expect garbage to come out.  If we put quality, spiritual food in, we can expect holiness to be the outcome.

            Holiness is often misunderstood today.  Some people associate the word with legalism, ultimate stiffness or a nasty pious attitude that is just flat weird and irrelevant.  As we practice JOYFUL obedience out of Divine Love, it results in JOYFUL holiness of heart and life.  A holy disciple draws people to themselves, rather than repelling them! 

            We are called by God to the kind of holy living that causes us to be available and open to be used by God to touch other’s lives for the good.  Nothing brings greater joy and blessing than to bring authentic encouragement, hope, love, and caring to another person who is in need.  This is ministry.  Let’s be about THIS kind of holy living!  I love you all.

In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord Jesus, help us count our blessings, naming them one by one as we prepare our minds, hearts and feet to serve You with JOY in ministry.   In Your Name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Text:  1Thessalonians 5:19

Do not quench the Spirit.

Quenching the Spirit?  Who, me?      

 
             Sitting in the middle of a very large church Staff meeting, I enjoyed listening to a neat presentation on “Going Green.”  I was moved by this appeal and was reminded of how EACH of us can have a real impact on preserving the planet and the resources that God has given us to manage carefully. 

            Then at one point, one of the speakers, referring to the major drought we were going through at that time in the South, encouraged us to pray about the lack of rain.  My home church pastor, Dr. Gil Watson, was actually on the platform when our own Governor, Sonny Perdue, led a major audience in praying for rain to come.  Like many thousands of others, I prayed and expected an increase in rain. 

            Then the speaker said, “You know, it is really important to pray mainly because it helps us – not that it really changes the weather.” 

            I glanced around the room and immediately knew that I was one of the few in the room that probably heard the comment or attached the significance to it that I had.  For me, it was a brief, but profound theological aberration.  What does this person mean, our praying for rain helps us, but does not change the weather?  I thought Mrs. Freud may be sitting in the chair, speaking to us! 

            The text today says it plainly, “Do not quench the Spirit.”  The Holy Spirit often impacts all believers like a FIRE.  It warms, purifies and refines us spiritually.  When we come out with theology that is poor and minimizes the enormous impact of prayer – we can be found quenching the Spirit in many lives.  I am sure some younger Christians went out of that room thinking or saying, “Prayer is good to do, but mostly for our own feelings.  It is sad that there are those who really believe it can change the weather and bring rain.”  This is a great example of how we can quench the Spirit. 

            In the book of Numbers, chapter 14 – the people of Israel had heard the reports of the LEADERS of the nation, who went on a mission to spy out the Promised Land that God would give them.  God has been saying that this land would be theirs for years as they wondered around the wilderness.  The report by the spies was split.  Caleb told the people that they could certainly occupy the land since God was with them (13:30) BUT many others said it was impossible.  They even went so far as to say to all the assembly of the nation that the people there were such giants that we were like grasshoppers compared to them!  (13:31-33). 

            It even got worse, because the negative, pessimistic LEADERS were truly quenching the Spirit!  Their next suggestion was to have everyone go back to being slaves in Egypt!  They finally decided to stone Moses and Aaron. 

            When God showed up it was not pretty!  God was ANGRY with these people and let Moses know they would be destroyed due to their incredible disbelief. God said, “I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.”  (Numbers 14:10-12) 

            Moses could have said, “That is a just decision God, let ‘em have it.”  But Moses did NOT.  Moses set into praying fervently for God to forgive the people of Israel and God did.  In verse 14:19, Moses prayed on, “In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” 

            And in verse 20, we see the IMPACT of Moses’ prayer, where God responds, saying, “I have forgiven them, as you asked.” 

            Let’s never quench the Spirit.  Let’s build each other up IN the power and love of the Spirit, knowing that with God, all things are POSSIBLE!  I love you all. 

 
In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord Jesus, help us never rattle off our petty doubts and silly theology as we know it can have a devastating influence on those around us, as well as on our own heart.  May we never be found saying anything that would quench Your Holy Spirit.   In Your Name we pray, Jesus. Amen.