Seeking Jesus From the Edges – Sharing Jesus – Morning Devotional

Following Jesus From the Edges – Morning Devotions

Sharing Jesus –

Pastor Calvin Cook – September 2, 2024

Scripture focus – Mark 16:14-20 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

This past weekend in our times of worship, I made the comment, maybe more than once about a conviction I have received  about my/our relationship with God and our call to give of our resources, time, talents, and lives back to God who has given to us. As part of that I stated the need to view our giving as not what we desire to give to God, but what God desires us to give.

The Old Testament teaching of bringing a sacrifice to the Lord, was and is that you brought your best gift, your best offering to the Lord. The first of the herd, the first of the grain, etc. you were expected to give your best. This morning, I am not thinking that in the essence of our financial or tangible gift, but more importantly of our willingness to serve Jesus.  I am thinking of how and when we will take to heart the need to share Jesus with the world. Yes, I’m speaking about the E- word, Evangelism, a word that has become unpopular to the modern-day church. I am talking about meeting people where they are, as who they are, and being a representative of Jesus by our example, our care, our words, and our faithfulness to stand firm.

The outline of sharing Jesus is different in every situation. Because the people we as followers of Jesus are called to reach are all in different places of their faith journey. But I think the first step is to be the one who represents Jesus and speaks to everyone about our relationship and desiring more, and we should all be desiring more.

This is a two-fold devotional this morning – because I also realize that some of the readers are searching for something. I know we are all “On the Edge” of something. We are fearful of this place, either being too afraid to take the next step or turning back and not experiencing the best that is up ahead. For you who are in this spot – I can’t encourage you enough to take the next step, to journey into the of heart of Jesus where you will find what you are searching for.

Regardless of if you are searching, being reminded, or wanting to share Jesus with someone, the easiest process I believe to follow is this: 1. Come to know who God is personally – 2. Experience God, learn of the ways of God – 3 Know Jesus – accept Jesus. If nothing else the teachings of Jesus is a good model for your life. 4 – begin the practice of spiritual disciplines – prayer, worship, scripture reading, holy fellowship, 5 – continue over and over again the first four steps.  If you do this everything will begin to fall into the place. This is my opinion of course and what has worked for me.

Friends, be willing to share Jesus with someone. We as followers of Jesus for real revival to take place must be willing to change the atmosphere, We do that through following Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to be poured out.