Home Page of ACTS International
Home Page of ACTS InternationalHow to Find and Know God without having to be religiousLife Help Articles dealing with faith, family, and practical helps for purposeful livingDaily and Weekend Encounters with more than a third-of-a-million worldwide subscribersSupport the Work of ACTS International a not-for-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible for U.S. donorsCurrent report on the ministries and services of ACTS InternationalOnline Store of ACTS ... ACTS CommunicationsAbout ACTS International
         
     
   
 
  Site Map Email Share and/or Bookmark
   
   

Add Daily Encounter to your website without charge

Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Tuesday, October 31, 2023


Get in the Game!

"Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God... he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ."1

 

A well-known coach was once asked,

"How much does college football contribute to the national physical-fitness picture?"

"Nothing," the coach replied abruptly.

"Why not?" the startled interviewer asked.

"Well," said the coach, "the way I see it, you have 22 men down on the field desperately needing a rest and 40,000 people in the stands, desperately needing some exercise."

Sadly, this is the situation in many churches today as well. It's not unusual to have a handful of people actively serving "down on the field" desperately needing a rest, while others in the congregation sit in the benches like spectators, but refuse to become an active participant in the work of the Lord. For many, it may be because they feel unworthy to serve, or they don't feel prepared enough. However, God isn't looking for professionals, but rather people who are teachable and have the willingness to serve. He has already given you a gift, but you must trust that he will continue to grow that gift as you exercise it.

The need for people to "get in the game" is not new. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said to his disciples: "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." If you are unsure where to start, talk to your pastor or other trusted Christian friend and pray that God make his will for you clear. For some, finding your gift consists of trying many possibilities until God tells you, "this is the one!" Our faith will grow, and we will become more like Jesus, the more we use our gifts for him.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, I don't want to sit on the sidelines as a spectator. I want to use my gifts for your glory and to further Your Kingdom. Use my life according to your plan and will, so that when I get to Heaven one day, I will hear the words "Well done good and faithful servant". Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus name, amen.

 

1.    Ephesians 4:1,7 (NLT).

 

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.

 
  • Next Devotional
  • Previous Devotional

  • 2. To Know God and be sure you're a real
        Christian click on:

    3. Donate: To help send Daily Encounter
        without charge to people around the world
        click on:

    4. To send today's Daily Encounter to a friend
        click on:

    Email

    5. To share your faith in a simple, attractive
        way with a friend click on:

    6. For today's featured article click on:

    7. This week's chuckle as seen "On the Lighter
        Side"  on Weekend Encounter click on:

    8. Change Address of your subscription to
        Daily Encounter
    click on:

       
        Back to Return to previous page Previous Page    
       
    Site Map   Top
       
         
             
    Find Peace With God footer
     
      ARTICLES
    About God
    About Faith
    Relationships
    Success/Failure
    Solutions
    Recovery
    Ask the Teacher
    Better Living Tips
    Friendship
    Words of Love
    Words of Inspiration
    People Power for Jesus
    Simple and Effective Witnessing for Christ

    SITE TRANSLATIONS
    Spanish Espanol
    French Francois

      DEVOTIONS
    Devotionals
    Daily Encounter
    Weekend Encounter
    Encuentros Diarios
    Archives
    Subscribe
    When God Is Silent
    Prayer Partners
      Needed

    Special Needs

    BIBLE HELPS
    Helps and Studies
    Today's Reading
    Annual Reading

      QUOTES AND TESTS
    Today's Quotes
    Happiness Test
    Stress Test

    ACTS IN ACTION

    ACTS Websites
    ACTS in Action Report

    COMMUNICATIONS

    Syndicate ACTS Articles
    "I Hate Witnessing"
       Audio—No Charge

    Opening Closed Minds
    Effective Communications
    Jesus, the Communicator
    Punching Holes in
       the Darkness

      REPORTS
    About ACTS
    Be an ACTS Friend

    MISC.
    People Power Invite
    Links
    Weather
    Privacy Policy
    Snail-Mail List
    Contact Us/Feedback

    ACTS BOOKSTORE
    Online Bookstore


    Site Map
    Report problems to ACTS International
    All pages in this site © Copyright 2005-2024 by ACTS International
    P.O. Box 73545, San Clemente, CA 92673 U.S.A.
     
    HOME   Daily Encounter  Find Peace With God