5/3/21 Day 15

TODAY'S VERSE: 5/3/21 Day 15

“Then Jesus asked them, ‘Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’ I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce its proper fruit.’” – Matthew 21:42-43

 

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

The first conference I ever planned and executed in ministry was in my second year working full time for a church just outside of Chicago. I had an idea to bring in a well-known Christian author, a talented worship team, and an artist who would paint live while we worshiped together and heard readings on the future of the church from the author. I spent months planning, booking a venue, building a team, and trying everything I could to make it a success.

On the day of the event, everything was ready; we opened the doors and barely anybody came. It was one of my first significant failures in ministry leadership and one from which I learned many lessons. I was afraid to speak to my senior pastor in the days following the event because I was sure he would have a lot to say about my shortcomings, especially considering the amount of money we spent putting this thing together. Instead of criticizing me, he asked what I had learned.  The biggest take away for me was how little I actually expected Jesus to be at the center of what we were trying to accomplish.

I had my own agenda for the conference and my own ideas about what success would mean, but I had left no room for what God might want to do and say through our efforts. Because I hadn’t planned on Jesus being at the center, we saw no fruit. Remember to include Jesus in everything you do so that your life will produce the kingdom fruit he desires.

Eli Suddarth
Discipleship Minister - Ankeny

TODAY'S PRAYER:

Father, thank you for sending your son to be our cornerstone – the most important part of the foundation of our lives. Help us to remember to put Jesus first in everything we do. In His name we pray, Amen.



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