MAKE A BIG TO-DO OF GOD

God endows us with gifts so we can make him known—period.

God endues the Olympian with speed, the salesman with savvy, the surgeon with skill. Why? The big answer is to make a big to-do out of God. To brandish him. Herald him. “God has given gifts to each of us from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well…then God will be given glory” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT). Make it your life’s encore to the end of time that “he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything” (1 Peter 4:11 MSG).

And when you magnify your Maker with your strengths, your days will grow suddenly sweet. And to really sweeten your world, use your uniqueness to make a big deal about God every day of your life.

Devotion by Max Lucado | The Almighty Jehovah | https://thealmightyJehovah.com

The Next Door Savior

In the aftermath of 9/11 a group of religious leaders was invited to come to Washington and pray with President Bush. The group was well-frocked and well-known. You might wonder if I felt out of place. The only time I wear a robe is when I step out of the shower.

But when it came my turn to meet George W. Bush, I added, “And Mr. President, I was raised in Andrews, Texas—a half-hour drive from your hometown.” He smiled that lopsided smile and let his accent drawl ever so slightly. “Why, I know your town. I’ve walked those streets. I’ve even played your golf course.” It was nice to know that the president knew my home.

How much nicer to know the same about God. Yes, he rules the universe. Yes, he has walked your streets. He’s still the next door Savior. Jesus – above all powers? You bet he is!

You will Never Have To

Suppose you were to stand on a stage while a film of every secret and selfish moment of your life was projected on the screen behind you. Would you not scream for the heavens to have mercy? And would you not feel just a fraction of what Christ felt on the cross? The icy displeasure of a sin-hating God.

The Bible says Christ carried all our sins in his body. See Christ on the cross? That’s a gossiper hanging there. See Jesus? Embezzler. Liar. Bigot. “Hold it, Max! Don’t you lump Christ with those evildoers.” I didn’t. He did. More than place his name in the same sentence, he placed himself in their place. And yours! With hands nailed open, he invited God, “Treat me as you would them.” And God did.

“My God my God, why did you abandon me?” Why did Jesus scream those words? Simple – so that you’ll never have to.

MAKE A BIG TO-DO OF GOD