October 31

A Well Used Tool


Saul is my chosen instrument … I will show him how much he must suffer for me.

Acts 9:15-16 (NLT)


God had a definite purpose for Saul of Tarsus—better known to us as the Apostle Paul. In fact, Saul would become a very useful tool in the hand of God—well employed, well worn. This tool didn’t know it, but his life had just begun. God had grasped him and was prepared to do His good work in and through him.

Like Saul, each of us has a purpose and a design (Ephesians 2:10). Though we may not suffer as Paul did, the truth is, as we allow God He will use us for great things. There will be great joy in this, but there will also be wear and tear. But what good news. Isn’t it better to wear out working for the Creator of the Universe than to rust out and have nothing to show for it?

The Christ-follower’s life, it seems, is always about God’s work.


Father, take me in Your hand and use me. Lord, use me well. Amen.

October 30

Evidence of Faith


When the apostles back in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message. They sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new Christians to receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:14-15 (NLT)


Peter and John were changed men. This was a breakthrough. The apostles began sharing the Good News outside their tight-knit Jewish communities just as Jesus had commanded.

There was a time as disciples when these men felt severely snubbed by the Samaritan’s lack of hospitality—James and John in particular. They were so incensed they asked Jesus if they could rain down fire from heaven on these half-breeds (Luke 9:45). All Jews, it seemed, hated the Samaritans, but Jesus calls all of us to something so much better (Luke 9:46).

We too will have our difficult people and Jesus expects nothing but the same from us: lovingly sharing Good News with unlovely, unruly people. It is an act of love and more. It is evidence we are who we say we are—children of God.


Father, open these opportunities for me; help me to be faithful in loving others in word and deed. Amen.

October 29

God’s Gifts of Love


The Lord has appeared … saying, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV)


I love citrus, but I crave tangerines. I sit here eyeing a particularly gorgeous specimen and I think, What a perfectly packaged and wonderfully presented piece of deliciousness! I so enjoy their juicy bursts of flavor.

This morning the tangerine reminds me of God’s amazing love and care for me, but it also reminds me of a story from John and Stasi Eldredge’s book, Captivating. In that story, they share God’s personal display of love for them … how He seems to continually draw them into deeper intimacy with Him. It’s something God wants to do for us as well—much as a suitor brings flowers or candy—God wants to win our hearts by opening our eyes to His spectacular ways.

Consider the Eldredge's experience.

Stasi tells of a time when John took a business trip to Oregon and managed to get away to the coast. John loves the outdoors and the wilder the environment, the better. After sitting alone on the beach and with God in his thoughts, the most amazing thing happened. The huge tail of a Humpback whale plumed impossibly close to shore. It was awesome. Since the migration season had long passed, John took it as God’s incredible show just for him.

Well, John shared this with Stasi when he returned home, then, a week or so later, they found themselves at a conference on the North California Coast. This time, it was Stasi who took an early morning stroll to the beach. As she sat watching waves and worshipping God, she asked Him a question. “Can I have a whale too? You gave John a whale … what about me?”

After several minutes and no whale, Stasi took a walk. The sea gulls cried, the waves pummeled the shore, and as she turned a corner, she came across not a whale but a stunning, orange starfish. She admired it closely. It was delicate, perfect, and absolutely beautiful, and as she continued her walk, she thanked God for bringing her a starfish. But when she rounded the next bend, she was swept off her feet. For there beside her, in front of her and all around her were hundreds, no zillions of starfish of all sizes and descriptions. Purple ones and orange ones and blue—each with intricate detail. Sure, John received a huge, strong whale, but Stasi received something just for her. It was God’s kiss, and it blew her away. It was as if He said, Stasi I don’t just love you … I loooove you!

What a great story, and what great insight. It gives me a new hunger. Perhaps now is the time to unwrap a perfect tangerine … and discover a fresh burst of flavor!


Lord, thank you for Your great love, for wooing us in Your own special way. Amen.