devotional
Simple Pursuit is a bold call from the heartbeat of the Passion Movement to live for what matters most…God’s Glory. And God is most glorified in us when we live lives that are fully satisfied in Him. But what does that actually look like? Be Bright is the fifth of five plans that will help guide you closer to Him and His glory.
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11.14.2023
About this devotional
Simple Pursuit is a bold call from the heartbeat of the Passion Movement to live for what matters most…God’s Glory. And God is most glorified in us when we live lives that are fully satisfied in Him. But what does that actually look like? Be Bright is the fifth of five plans that will help guide you closer to Him and His glory.
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Be Bright: 5-Days Towards Reflecting Jesus in Your World
5-day devotional with Passion Publishing
Day 02
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Pure Gospel
Day 03
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No Pressure
Day 04
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A God Who Welcomes All
Day 05
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Poured Out
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:7-8
Devotional
Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy while awaiting execution. In the letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to be confident in God’s provision and not to fear persecution. Suffering is inevitable in following Jesus—He suffered, and so must we—but God gives us the power to stand up while we’re wading through it. When an obstacle seems impossible to overcome, take heart that Jesus has overcome the world and has good plans for His people (Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:28). The Spirit in us destroys our fear and replaces it with perfect love and boldness.
Be encouraged: God will equip you with everything you need to accomplish what He has for you. Giving everything for the sake of the gospel is a radical, dangerous lifestyle. But God does not call us to exist in quiet mediocrity; He invites and equips us to live with a higher purpose, sharing the news of life with everyone who will believe.
Prayer
Lord God, I choose You and Your mission. Equip me and give me confidence in Your perfect sovereignty.
1 Corinthians 15:3-5
Devotional
In today’s verse, we see that Paul considered the spread of the gospel the most important part of his life. Notice the words Paul used: what he “received,” meaning he did not create the gospel; and he “passed [it] on,” meaning he did not alter the gospel.
The message Paul delivered is simple and straightforward: the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians are often tempted to try to change the gospel to make it more appealing. But when they do that, they weaken the gospel’s message. That’s why Paul reminds us that no matter what we do, the gospel should be what dictates our message—and not the other way around.
We’ve all been given passions and gifts to spread Jesus’ fame in the world. There are many needs we can meet and causes we can champion that’ll let us to use those gifts for God’s glory. Yet, just like Paul, our first priority should be spreading the gospel in everything we do. So as you pursue your Christian walk and unite your passions with causes in this world, never lose sight of what’s most important: the full story of Jesus Christ—the gospel.
Prayer
Lord, wherever I go, may spreading Your fame be my deepest passion.
Acts 1:8
Devotional
Many of us feel enormous pressure to be a “good Christians” and to share Jesus with others. But sometimes we need to take a step back and realize that God hasn’t abandoned us to fulfill this mission alone; He has equipped us through the Holy Spirit.
Note the phrase “Holy Spirit comes on you.” Naturally, nothing inside us moves us to share the gospel, but the power of Jesus inside of us compels us to share. What a powerful thing to realize that the pressure is not on us to do, but we are instead called to surrender to the Holy Spirit—and He’ll help us out!
With the gift of the Holy Spirit comes the promise that God will call us outside of our comfort zones. Jesus declares that we will be His witnesses in Jerusalem (for His audience, their homes) and in Samaria (a foreign place for His followers). But remember: He calls us not out of our own strength, but out of His strength. That takes the pressure off us—what freedom!
Prayer
Lord, what a gift You have given me: Your Holy Spirit! Whenever I feel incapable or afraid, help me remember that You are my strength.
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.
Acts 10:34-35
Devotional
Romans and Jews did not get along, and the thought that a Roman would partake in the gospel, particularly in the Holy Spirit, was unheard of. So when Peter encountered Cornelius, a religious and devout Roman, he was shocked by what he saw. The Lord didn’t just guide Peter to Cornelius’s house to share the gospel—He straight-up interrupted Peter’s message as He poured the Holy Spirit onto Cornelius and his entire household. This is when Peter realized that the Lord does not play favorites, but welcomes anyone who sincerely fears and follows Him.
God’s mercy doesn’t operate under human standards. His kindness doesn’t draw lines, casting out people by their race, background, or societal status. Instead, the gospel shows us that God will always accept those who fear and honestly seek Him.
Do we as Christians sometimes play favorites when it comes to sharing the gospel? This passage reminds us that we should seek all who are lost, not just those we feel comfortable sharing our faith with. God doesn’t show favoritism, and neither should we.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be unreserved with Your good news and sensitive to Your love for all people.
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:5-7
Devotional
If you are in Christ, every aspect of your life is ministry; relationships, family, work, and activity all exist to proclaim God’s authority, power, and worth. The road is long, and the journey will take our all—but one day, we will look back and see the results of our work. God will be praised, and we will be overjoyed.
In today’s scripture, Paul said that his ministry—his life’s work—was to give himself completely to others, pouring out his life over the lives of those around him so they could be saved. As he pursued Christ, no cost was too great to fulfill his duties.
Is your pursuit of Jesus characterized by such passion? Are you doing things today that will cause you to one day look back and say with Paul, “I fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith”? As you make your decisions today, whether in hardship or in “all situations,” consider your ministry. Yes, your life is a ministry, and one that requires pouring yourself out over and over again. Pause to ask God for strength, and remember that we are promised the crown of righteousness from the Author of life when we pour out our lives for those Christ loves and calls.
Prayer
Jesus, give me the strength to fulfill my ministry, encouraged by the certainty of Your final victory.
Next Day
Devotional Topics
Scripture References
- 2 Timothy 1:7-8
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
- Acts 1:8
- Acts 10:34-35
- 2 Timothy 4:5-7
Further Reading
Passion Publishing We love books and our mission at Passion Publishing is to lift and amplify life-shifting messages globally from the Passion movement. Above all else Passion is about glorifying God by inviting people to live for what matters most, the name and renown of Jesus.
Day 02
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Joy In His Presence
Day 03
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The One Worthy Of Our Trust
Day 04
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The Good Shepherd
Day 05
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Taste and See That God Is Good
Call on Heaven: A 25 Day Journey of Prayer and Fasting
25-day devotional with Passion City Church
Day 02
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A Hunger For God
Day 03
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Deep Calls Out to Deep
Day 04
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A Posture of Humble Desperation
Day 05
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Show Me Your Glory
Day 02
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On This Rock
Day 03
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An Open Door
Day 04
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Transforming Submission
Day 05
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Purposefully Running