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Pastor Joynt's Devotionals

in Together For Tomorrow

Sharing Together for Tomorrow: Day 7

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ACTS 4:13-20

Church Challenge: Wider Witness

“We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard!” Acts shows the power of witness, despite opposition. The church did not sneak into history—it exploded with excitement when Jesus rose from the dead and the Holy Spirit was given to His witnesses. Reluctance became enthusiasm, fear turned into courage, hiding became engagement.

There are already signs of this excitement at VPC. Our opening event for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) drew 106 moms and little ones—half the moms were new to our community. Over the summer, our youth groups started to invite friends, and there are new faces every week.  How can your circle share in this movement of God’s spirit?

Pray for an area of our church life to attract and invite others.

 

Family Focus: Try the “If Someone Asked” game.  Everyone gets a chance to ask someone else what they would say “if someone asked” about something. (Could be about the family, your favorite activity, your greatest fear, your parents, etc.). Include the question “What would you say about Jesus if someone asked?”

Posted by David Joynt with
Tags: sharing, tomorrow
in Together For Tomorrow

Sharing Together for Tomorrow: Day 6

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HEBREWS 12:1-2

Church Challenge - Wider Witness

Jesus is the pioneer and perfector of our lives and faith. He goes ahead of us into situations and encounters and problems, like the pioneers who came to this continent to blaze trails. He goes behind us to finish and complete our work, like the assembly line person who puts the final touches on a product.

As we recall from our “Each One Reach One” series, God is already at work in the lives and hearts of everyone we might share our faith with, though some may not recognize this truth. God is at work in their doubts and questions, He is present in their needs and problems, He is there in their gifts and passions. As we get to know others, we can begin to sense, if we pay attention, how in these areas He has prepared them for service, how He is prodding them toward discovery, how He wants to heal and bless them.  Discovering this is exciting—and it changes the nature of our witness. 

Think about your closest non-Christian friends and family.  How is God at work in their lives?

Family Focus: Play Sardines.  One person hides, and after a minute everyone searches separately. When you find the “hider,” don’t yell out, but join them in their hiding place.  When everyone finds the spot, the game ends.  Talk about what it is like to wait alone or search alone. Read Psalm 139:1-11 and talk about the fact God goes everywhere with us.

Posted by David Joynt with
Tags: sharing, tomorrow

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