Daily Devotional
Is Your Church Spiritually Healthy?
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
Acts 5:42
August 21, 2024
Ponder This
I heard of an artist commissioned to paint a picture of a dead church. The expectation was he would show a church with the roof sagging and weeds in the yard. They thought he would show a church with the upholstery tattered and the carpet unraveled, but he didn’t. He showed a gorgeous building, fresh paint, sparkling windows, wonderful carpet, and an elegant-looking crowd. They looked so well-fed; everything was just right. One person said, “That doesn’t look like a dead church to me.” The artist said, “Look closer.” As the man looked closer, he could see cobwebs in the baptistery. That is the portrait of a dead church—one that is not multiplying. A church will glow and grow, or it will dry and die; it will evangelize or it will fossilize, but it will not stand still.
Growth is not easy or automatic. To have growth, you have to plan for it, you have to pray for it, you have to work for it, and you have to cultivate and water that which you want to grow. But God must give the increase. Spiritual growth is the product of spiritual life and numerical growth is the product of spiritual growth.
- How are you seeking growth as an individual and as part of your church?
- Who are some people you are praying will come to faith in Jesus?
Practice This
Pray for God to grow your church for His glory.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
