A Daily Dose of Good News
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Pastor Steve’s devotional is available online at https://youtu.be/_Z6GUSr3DzY
A printer-friendly version of this devotion is available at DDGN 20210923
You may dialog with Pastor Steve on this devotion at steve.wachtman@me.com
John said to [Jesus,] “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward.
“If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.
“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:38-50)
Good News Inside and Outside Our Church
The good news today is
That anyone can share the good news
Of God’s love in Jesus for all the world.
But then I bet you already sorta knew that.
Think about the teachers in your life.
You have some wonderfully faithful Sunday school teachers at church
Who are so excited to teach you Bible lessons
About God’s love in Jesus for all the world.
AND …
You also have other teachers in your lives,
Teachers who do not belong to our church
But who still use their God-given gift for teaching
To help you learn about God’s world and life and yourself
So that you’re life might be full of meaning, joy and service to others too!
And just like Jesus appreciates your Sunday school teachers so much
Jesus appreciates all those other teachers
Who help you have a healthy and meaningful life, too.
And you moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas,
I’m sure you too, can think of many people at church
Who show you the love of God in Jesus.
AND …
I’m sure you can also think of other people outside our church
Who show you that love and kindness
At work, in the neighborhood, wherever you work and play!
Jesus is thrilled about any one
Who shows love and service to another person
Both those inside our church
And those outside! Amen
