To Do List

Daily Reading: Matthew 4

Scripture Focus: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. (Matthew 4.23)

Devotional Thought: What's on your To-Do List today?  Have you ever thought about what you need to "do" as a Christian?  The best answer is found in the popular question, "What would Jesus do?" 

Well, what did Jesus do?  In Matthew 4, he...

·       Went.  Jesus went throughout Galilee.  Jesus did not expect the lost to find him.  He went in search of them.  He wanted to meet new people all the time.  He made sure he was available to see and be seen.  Are we proactive in finding ways to be among people?  Or, do we hide in the “church,” surrounded by friendly faces in safe places?

·       Taught.  Jesus had something to say, and he found ways to make his voice heard.  He went to the synagogues where people of faith gathered weekly for worship and instruction.  There, he taught the people the Word of God.  Are we teaching God’s Word to a rising generation – children and new believers? To a growing congregation – seasoned saints?

·       Preached.  Along with being a teacher, Jesus was a preacher.  What did he preach?  The Kingdom.  He did not advance a personal agenda, but an eternal agenda.  When others are in your presence, are they touched with the good news of the Kingdom?

·       Healed.  Jesus made a difference in the physical condition of the people he met.  He healed the sick.  He fed the hungry.  He reconciled enemies.  He delivered the imprisoned.  As we go in the name and power of Jesus, our lives are to be a healing presence in our communities. Where will you go today?  What situations will you face?  Will those situations be better or worse for your having been there?

So, what is on your To-Do List today? 

Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for my hesitation in going and preaching and teaching and healing.  Help me to leave your impression on all the people I meet today.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 80.4-7

4 O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure.

6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!