Make a Difference E-Book

Ken Castor

• Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2016

Seitenzahl: 468

Beschreibung

Our world needs you! It is a mess out there. And you have been called by God to take initiative, to do something, to make a difference. It is in you to change the world because Jesus created you to do so. Make A Difference is filled with 365 days of encouragement, Scripture, prayers, and difference-maker challenges to help you walk with Jesus and see the opportunities you have to bring his Good News to a world in desperate need. It is your calling. It is your turn. It is your time. You can do it. Make a difference!

Leseprobe

ENDORSEMENTS

I love this devotional! It is the My Utmost for this generation. The Word is made clear and the Difference Maker challenge sticks with me throughout the day. I look forward to it every morning.

ROB McCLELAND, PhD

President, John Maxwell Leadership Foundation

Our deepest longing as human beings is for significance. Make a Difference isn’t a luxury—it’s at the core of our lives. Here, author and Bible scholar Ken Castor serves as an expert guide into a life of significance. Every day is a surprising exploration into a deep truth about Jesus, a reflection on his impact in the world, an intimate connection-point with him, and a simple challenge to live in his Spirit. Don’t just read this book—do this book.

RICK LAWRENCE

Author of The Jesus-Centered Life and editor of the

Jesus-Centered Bible, simplyyouthministry.com

We’re surrounded by a generation of emerging young leaders who are tired of watching, waiting for permission, and wondering when they will be called on to make a difference in this world for Jesus. Ken Castor understands their cry and provides a clear formula for daily empowerment and mobilization through this habit-forming devotional.

TIMOTHY ELDRED

President, Endeavor Ministries, endeavorministries.org

Ken continues to caringly but honestly encourage and drive people to grow deeper into what it means to follow Jesus. Make a Difference is another fantastic resource for anyone who desires a daily push to learn, grow, and live out their faith in a new way.

CHRIS THEULE-VANDAM

Regional Director, Young Life’s Western Great Lakes Region, westerngreatlakes.younglife.org

Too often our lives become so cluttered with selfish pursuits that we miss the opportunities right in front of our eyes to help people and change the world around us. In Make a Difference, Ken Castor reminds us every day what is good and what priority we ought to set first: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.

JOSHUA BECKER

Wall Street Journal best-selling author, Founder of Becoming

Minimalist (becomingminimalist.com) and The Hope Effect (hopeeffect.com)

My favorite devotionals for forty-plus years have been crisply written hybrids, blending biblical encouragement and challenge. Their authors are word chefs, cooking up sweet swallows for the soul with lingering, satisfying aftertastes. Ken Castor uses this same tasty style with daily doable adventures for a year’s worth of nourishment.

DAVE RAHN, PhD

Senior Vice President, Chief Ministry Officer, YOUTH FOR CHRIST®, yfc.org

I’ve learned from twenty-five-plus years of caring for orphans, the most valuable investment we can make is to give God the freshest (and the best) part of our day. It is harder for the enemy to sabotage our mind with irrelevant thoughts when we are committed to doing what God wants us to do. Ken’s book is an extremely useful discipline in guiding us through a meaningful conversation with God, laying the foundation for a successful day.

THEA JARVIS

Founder and Director, The Love of Christ (TLC) Orphanage,

South Africa, tlc.org.za

Do you want to be a positive force for good in this world? Form the simple practice of walking with Jesus—every. Single. Day. Grow in your faith and be challenged to take action. Make a Difference concisely yet brilliantly nourishes you with God’s truth and then invites you to participate in what God is doing in the world.

KATHERINE WELCH, M.D.

Founder and Director, Relentless, gorelentless.org

BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC

Racine, Wisconsin, USA

BroadStreetPublishing.com

Make a Difference

Copyright © 2016 Ken Castor

ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5231-3 (hardcover)

ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5234-4 (e-book)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Cover by Chris Garborg at garborgdesign.com

Typesetting by Kjell Garborg at garborgdesign.com

Printed in China

16 17 18 19 20   5 4 3 2 1

Contents

Introduction

January

January 1: Start Fresh

January 2: In a Mess

January 3: God Loves You So Much

January 4: Do Something

January 5: Spreading Impact

January 6: Jesus Shapes You

January 7: You Are in God’s Plans

January 8: Imago Dei

January 9: Imago Ego

January 10: Jesus Gave Up

January 11: Others Focused

January 12: Mimic

January 13: Ambassador

January 14: Make Me Like You

January 15: God Knows You

January 16: God Sees You

January 17: God Is with You

January 18: God Made You

January 19: God Planned for You

January 20: God Cherishes You

January 21: God Searches You

January 22: God’s Patterns

January 23: I Lost on Jeopardy

January 24: Emergency Rescue Effort

January 25: Don’t Pretend

January 26: Beautiful Feet

January 27: Transplanted

January 28: Pause

January 29: Be Needy

January 30: Be Sad

January 31: Be Humble

February

February 1: Be Hungry

February 2: Be Merciful

February 3: Be Pure

February 4: Be Peaceful

February 5: Treat People Well

February 6: Share with Others

February 7: Feed the Hungry

February 8: Sabbath

February 9: Sing Praise

February 10: Reaping

February 11: Publish

February 12: What If?

February 13: Unfortunate Events

February 14: True Love

February 15: The Wrong Kind of Difference

February 16: Worthmore (The Opposite of Worthless)

February 17: Hot Seats of Love

February 18: Restless

February 19: Provocative

February 20: Whatever

February 21: Spring Is Coming

February 22: Proverb

February 23: Pocket Protectors

February 24: Rot

February 25: Take a Deep Breath

February 26: The Fresh Maker

February 27: Skubala

February 28: Advocate

March

March 1: Orphans Brought Home

March 2: Kindness

March 3: Willingly

March 4: Motivate Good

March 5: What to Do

March 6: Created to Pray

March 7: So

March 8: Walk

March 9: Benign Neglect

March 10: For He Gave

March 11: Run

March 12: Instead

March 13: Persevere

March 14: Extraordinary

March 15: Mustache March

March 16: Treasure

March 17: Do Good

March 18: Take Heart

March 19: See Clearly

March 20: Plankineyetis

March 21: Jesus…

March 22: Serve

March 23: Gawking

March 24: The Garden

March 25: Quake

March 26: Flashlight

March 27: Stupid Things

March 28: Turned Backs

March 29: Misjudged

March 30: Beauty Marks

March 31: Sheep

April

April 1: Quiet Posture

April 2: Uncompromised

April 3: Good Plan

April 4: Speak Out

April 5: Spend Energy

April 6: Believe in Jesus

April 7: Nowhere Else

April 8: No-Zombie Zone

April 9: Seek

April 10: Lean

April 11: Think Thanks

April 12: Open Door

April 13: Boast

April 14: In Between

April 15: Resurrection

April 16: Ask God About His Day

April 17: Helpless

April 18: Garbage Compactor

April 19: Hypocrite Proof

April 20: Teach Kids

April 21: Gifted on Purpose

April 22: Work for Everyone

April 23: Work Together

April 24: Eagle Eggs

April 25: Finish

April 26: Be Yourself

April 27: Clothe Yourself

April 28: Peace Rules

April 29: Message Spill

April 30: Represent

May

May 1: Paced

May 2: Make Disciples

May 3: You Will Be

May 4: Never Leave

May 5: Pentecost

May 6: Added to the Church

May 7: Devoted

May 8: Share

May 9: Seven Days a Week

May 10: Slow and Rich

May 11: Let It Shine

May 12: Hide It Under a Bushel

May 13: Life Preserver

May 14: Called Near

May 15: In Step

May 16: Work for Jesus

May 17: Proud of the Tank Engine

May 18: Beautiful

May 19: Unicorns and Grace

May 20: Extravagant Grace

May 21: Baptism

May 22: Continue

May 23: Rooted

May 24: Unlimited

May 25: Rooted Deep

May 26: Love Is

May 27: Experience

May 28: Infinity

May 29: Rooted Strong

May 30: Thrive

May 31: Flourish

June

June 1: Listen Quickly

June 2: Pure Religion

June 3: Discrimination

June 4: Favoritism

June 5: Suppose You See

June 6: Saturate

June 7: Walking Dead

June 8: Tame

June 9: Humility Works

June 10: Cloudy with a Chance of Fruit

June 11: Plant Peace

June 12: Humbled

June 13: Pouncing Prosecutors

June 14: Omission

June 15: Grumble

June 16: Accountability

June 17: Reach Out

June 19: Selah

June 20: Spirit of Power

June 21: To God

June 22: Your Plans

June 23: But…

June 24: Oops

June 25: Generation?

June 26: Impossible Instructions?

June 27: Sky

June 28: Struggle

June 29: If God Wants

June 30: Stupid

July

July 1: –Dom

July 2: Set Free

July 3: Messiah

July 4: Freedom

July 5: Shepherd

July 6: Sheep

July 7: Rest

July 8: GPS

July 9: Even Though

July 10: Feast

July 11: Surely

July 12: Doubt

July 13: Grieve

July 14: Hasty Mistakes

July 15: Wake Up

July 16: No Lobotomy

July 17: Stand in History

July 18: Eternity

July 19: How You Live

July 20: Live Differently

July 21: Beauty Within

July 22: Keep Calm And…

July 23: Answer for Hope

July 24: Give Up Bad Stuff

July 25: The Right Stuff

July 26: Your Home

July 27: Your Gifts

July 28: Your Community

July 29: The Name

July 30: Restoration

July 31: Mom and Dad

August

August 1: Laundry

August 2: Texting

August 3: Keep Your Word

August 4: Be Generous

August 5: Be Anonymous

August 6: Pray Like This

August 7: Pray God’s Way

August 8: Do To

August 9: With

August 10: Overflow

August 11: Words and Thoughts

August 12: So Much

August 13: Slow Work

August 14: Happy

August 15: Let Them See

August 16: Fix Your Thoughts

August 17: Stretch Armstrong

August 18: Supply

August 19: Give Away Your Faith

August 20: Get Connected

August 21: Be Real

August 22: Impoverished

August 23: Being and Seeing

August 24: Mirror

August 25: Citizenship

August 26: Always Pray

August 27: Don’t Stop Praying

August 28: Dream

August 29: Tell Others

August 30: Tremble?

August 31: Eyes

September

September 1: Get Together

September 2: Get Connected

September 3: Nickname

September 4: Kickoff

September 5: Speak Up

September 6: Prune

September 7: Remain

September 8: Fruit

September 9: Jesus Had You in Mind

September 10: So Much More

September 11: 9/11

September 12: Trust, Do, and Then…

September 13: Training

September 14: Endure

September 15: Constructive

September 16: Work

September 17: Align

September 18: De-Juice

September 19: No Cover

September 20: The World Offers…

September 21: …Too Many Choices

September 22: God Offers…

September 23: You and the Holy Spirit

September 24: Discernment

September 25: Vigilant

September 26: Be Strong and Courageous

September 27: No Longer I

September 28: The Plans

September 29: Accidental Words

September 30: Hothead

October

October 1: Autumn Hope

October 2: How to Be a Fool

October 3: Seasons

October 4: The Good Fight

October 5: Mortals

October 6: Face to Face

October 7: Savior

October 8: Sanctifier

October 9: Healer

October 10: The Coming King

October 11: Generous Ways

October 12: Plant It Forward

October 13: Can You See?

October 14: Playing Favorites?

October 15: Respect Age

October 16: Legacy

October 17: Midnight

October 18: Causing Trouble

October 19: Theological Eyes

October 20: An Example

October 21: Knelt Down and Prayed

October 22: Nacho Libre

October 23: Better than a Snooze Button

October 24: Future Generations

October 25: Mighty Mower of the Yard

October 26: Take Delight

October 27: Commit Trust

October 28: Wait

October 29: Train Wreck

October 30: Produces Good

October 31: What to Do Tonight

November

November 1: Sharing Truths

November 2: Generational Vision

November 3: Seriously, Do I Have To?

November 4: One…

November 5: Send Me

November 6: Yet

November 7: (In)formation

November 8: Pray for Your Leaders

November 9: Living Room

November 10: Walk of Discovery

November 11: Look at What God Looks At

November 12: You Can Do More than You Think

November 13: Stealing Compliments

November 14: Use Your Gift

November 15: You Never Know How

November 16: Excel

November 17: First

November 18: Give

November 19: Greet Well

November 20: For Everything

November 21: For He Is Good

November 22: For What He Has Done

November 23: For His Mighty Power

November 24: Words from Thanksgiving

November 25: With All of My Heart

November 26: With the Right Words

November 27: With Gladness

November 28: We Are His

November 29: With Thanksgiving

November 30: New Mercies

December

December 1: Hide

December 2: Seeing

December 3: Priorities

December 4: Perfectionism Merschmectionism

December 5: Light for My Feet

December 6: Purpose and Infrastructure

December 7: Day of Infamy

December 8: Record

December 9: The Advent of Immanuel

December 10: Child

December 11: Jesus in Charge

December 12: Wonderful Counselor

December 13: Hero God

December 14: Forever Father

December 15: Peace Prince

December 16: Blinding Light

December 17: Traditions

December 18: Christmas Information

December 19: Venite Adoremus

December 20: Jesus Coming to Us

December 21: Us Coming to Jesus

December 22: Fairy-tale Version

December 23: Hello!

December 24: Christmas Eve

December 25: Christmas Day

December 26: Gift

December 27: Post-Christmas

December 28: God Remembers His Promises

December 29: What a Day

December 30: Wrap Up

December 31: Last Day

Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION

The life breath of our day should be spending time with Jesus so that we can make a difference in this world in which we live. Too many times, though, we push Jesus off like he’s a vagrant: Maybe I’ll see you on Sunday and throw some money your way, Jesus. Our attitude stems from an apathetic belief that displaced and broken people don’t really matter, and a lethargic belief that Jesus is passive.

However, Jesus is not passive. He’s passionate and he’s proactive. And he doesn’t want us to be lethargic about him or apathetic about people any longer. He wants to change us, and he wants to change the world through us.

Since I was a kid, Jesus has been active in my life. That doesn’t mean I always noticed it. In fact, there were several moments where my focus was distracted and my steps were jumbled and my actions made the wrong kind of impact. But I’ve come to learn that Jesus has been intentionally seeking to change me every single day so that I can intentionally make a difference in this world through him.

I don’t want to be a blob. Human blobs, who only think about doing something if they feel like it, are letting the world down. A disciple, however, is a learner. Our world needs fewer blobs and more learners of Jesus—people who are actively seeking him in a catalytic relationship, searching for his life around every corner and in every person.

My prayer is that this book will help kick you into that world-changing gear where God operates. This earth needs more people pursuing their radical God-created potential. People like you. It’s a mess out there. And you have been called by God to take initiative, to do something about it.

Make a Difference helps you walk with Jesus and gives you encouragement to see the opportunities you have to deliver restoration where there is desperation. Through daily reflections (sometimes quirky, sometimes serious, hopefully always deep), verses, prayers, and “Difference Maker” challenges, I want you to discover ways to daily grow closer to Jesus and be spurred to make a difference in others as a result.

Oh, and note this: Many times when the Bible verses in this book say “you,” it is plural. So even though this is a personal devotional book, remember that you are a part of a larger “you,” a network of others who actively follow Jesus. In fact, you can go to my website (where, over the years, some of these daily entries originated) to find organizations and people who can help you follow through with many of the Difference Maker challenges in this book: kencastor.com.

It’s your calling. It’s your turn. It’s your time. You can do it. Make a difference.

Ken Castor

January

Jesus,

Remind me that your eyes are on me.

And then help me to see what you see.

Amen.

January 1

START FRESH

Jesus wants you to have a fresh start in this world. In fact, he made this world with you in mind. He made it so that you could breathe in its air, marvel in its sunsets, surf in its waves, and wander in its paths with him. Be confident today in the one who made this world. While most people get caught up in their hectic schedules and busy lives, pause throughout this day to treasure what Jesus created for you and for me.

The LORD merely spoke,

and the heavens were created.

He breathed the word,

and all the stars were born.

He gave the sea its boundaries

and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.

Let everyone in the world fear the LORD,

and let everyone stand in awe of him.

For when he spoke, the world began!

It appeared at his command.

PSALM 33:6–9

Lord Jesus, let me see this world as you intended it to be. Thank you for making this world to be the place where I can be with you. Let me breathe in your creative power today. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Notice something about this world that you may not have spotted before. Then tell somebody about it.

January 2

IN A MESS

There are some troubles that are massive in scale—like war, terror, disease, and death. And some of the troubles we see appear to be less intense, but they are the seeds that spawn disruption in our lives, such as hate, pride, jealousy, and selfishness. These things interfere with the amazing vision God has for his creation.

This is where you come in to play. First, God wants you to know something powerfully life changing: the problems of this world will one day fade away. Jesus is taking care of them. And second, God wants your words and actions to stand in contrast to the disruptive troubles of this world.

Live today in the freedom and power of Jesus. Don’t allow the troubles around you to control your mind or your heart. Turn yourself toward your Creator today, knowing that he is taking care of all things.

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin

its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and

death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.

Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that

nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:56–58

Almighty Jesus, give me the strength today to stand against those destructive forces that seek to disrupt your plans in this world. And let me invite others into your victorious life. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Here’s a simple challenge that makes a big impact. If you see a mess today, clean it up. Just do it, whether someone notices or not.

January 3

GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH

God has a track record of not giving up on his people. When they got lost, he pursued them. When they sinned, he made a plan to rescue them. When they ran away, he actively looked for them. When they were in trouble, he fought for them. When they continued to wander, he continued to seek them. When they cried out, he gave them a Savior. And when they turned to him, he embraced them with his creative, unlimited life.

You are a person, are you not? The good news for you today is this: You are so loved by God, the very one who created this world so that he could be in relationship with you. He sent Jesus to find you, to pursue you, to search for you. He will never give up on you. In fact, he is thinking about you right now. He is calling out your name, and he wants you to call out his.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and

only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not

perish but have eternal life.”

JOHN 3:16

Lord Jesus, thank you for chasing after me. Let me be found by you. Here I am, Lord. I put my life in your hands. Use me to find others in your love. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Look for someone who needs an extra chance today and find a way (through words or through actions) to share God’s love with him or her.

January 4

DO SOMETHING

This world needs you to make a difference. This good world has veered a long way from what God created it to be. God did something about it, and he called you to do something about it with him.

Jesus, the Light of the world, calls you the light of the world too. You are a partner with Jesus in his mission on this earth. He wants everyone to see him, and he wants you to help shed some light for them. Jesus wants people to know the way to him. He wants you to offer to light the path. Jesus shines in brilliance. He wants you to shine his radiance upon your family, your friends, and all those you will encounter today.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the

light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk

in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

JOHN 8:12

Lord Jesus, Light of the world, let me reveal your life and light to others. Let me not be afraid. Let me stand tall in the confidence of your good news so that those around me would be blessed. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Think of someone who is clouded by darkness today. Then take time right now to pray for them. And as you do, ask God to let you be a light in their life.

January 5

SPREADING IMPACT

You can’t always see the impact you are having on those around you. The little things you do for Jesus that don’t make you famous, and that seem to go unnoticed, may actually be a catalyst for something greater than you could ever imagine. Making a difference in this world sometimes means simply living every day in the creative light of Jesus. By doing this, people begin to be changed by the authentic truth and life that is evident in your integrity, in your joy, in your peace, in your words, and in your acts of kindness.

And here’s a cool thing: While you are living out your faith in Jesus, there are millions of others who are also living out theirs. Millions of little actions become a gigantic world-changing movement. You are a part of something huge—the good news of Jesus transforming this world, one by one, little by little, person by person.

This same Good News that came to you is going out all over

the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives,

just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and

understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.

COLOSSIANS 1:6

Jesus, let me be consistent in the little things of my life so that over time it will have a huge impact on others. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Through either a message, a phone call, or a visit, share with someone a simple thing that God is doing in your life.

January 6

JESUS SHAPES YOU

Jesus shapes and tinkers and molds and forms. It’s what he’s good at. He walked the earth as a carpenter—trimming edges, nailing boards, and constructing treasured and useful items.

Jesus shapes people too. For instance, he radically changed a stuffy, murderous religious type named Saul. Jesus knocked his egotistical, self-righteous butt to the ground. He then healed the hatred and hurt that was in his heart. So deep was the transformation, in fact, that Jesus was able to use Saul (also called Paul) to shape others. He formed him into a life-giving example for people to follow.

You too can be changed by Jesus to become someone who changes others.

Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from

me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing.

Then the God of peace will be with you.

PHILIPPIANS 4:9

Lord Jesus, trim from me everything that gets in the way of your work in my life. Let me be transformed as your agent in this world.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Think of a habit in your life that is holding you back from fully serving God. Give it up to Jesus. Make a plan of action and let Jesus change you so that you can change others.

January 7

YOU ARE IN GOD’S PLANS

Even when things around you, or in you, are messed up, there is a remarkable truth that still reigns: Jesus created this world so that he could hang out with you. There is also a second truth that is just as remarkable: God doesn’t give up on his plans. And no matter what you are experiencing today, no matter what you are facing in this moment, it just so happens that you are in the blueprint of God’s plans for this planet. That is good news indeed. And good news is what Jesus is all about.

So turn to the Lord today. Call on his name. Ask him to re-create things around you and in you. This is what he wants for your life—it’s why he created you in the first place. It is why he came for you, and it is why he called out on your behalf on the cross. It is why he conquered sin and death. Jesus made you, he loves you, and he plans to do great things through you. Call on Jesus today.

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD

will be saved.”

ROMANS 10:13

Jesus, I call on your name today. Be with me in a renewed way. Make me right in your eyes. Make me mighty for your plans. And make me a light for this world that you love so much. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Without placing any limits on yourself for a moment, imagine all that God wants for you. What desires has he placed on your heart that can make a positive impact on this world?

January 8

IMAGO DEI

An image is a reflection of the original. It has traits that resemble another, much like a mirror, a recording, or a picture. For instance, some people will look at a child and say, “You look and act just like your parents. It’s like you’re a spitting image of them.”

So we can understand that it is an amazing announcement when the Bible declares that humans were created in God’s image. Imago Dei is an old Latin term that describes how men and women were made in the image and likeness of God. Humans were made as reflections of the Creator. All of God’s characteristics, desires, and abilities are on display in each and every one of us. His compassion, strength, wisdom, love, creativity, joy, and wonder are embedded in who we are. He endowed us with world-changing authority and entrusted us with life-giving responsibility. God made us to be his very representatives on the earth.

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to

be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in

the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and

the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

GENESIS 1:26

Dear Jesus, let everything I do today represent you. Let me not be a distraction, but let my words and actions reveal who you are. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

As you go throughout your day, make a note of how you, as a human being created in the imago Dei, look and act like a representative of God.

January 9

IMAGO EGO

Self-image problems began the moment humans rejected the imago Dei (image of God). Insecurity, embarrassment, frustration, confusion, self-hatred, shame, false thoughts, and self-harm—none of these things were characteristics humans were ever supposed to experience. In the beginning God created us with confidence, joy, clarity, innocence, and love. We were created with all of the great attributes of God embedded within us.

Instead of being people who represented God, we chose to be creatures who represented ourselves. And ever since we have suffered with our self-image. We stopped giving attention to God and we started focusing on ourselves instead. The result, of course, is a broken world—humans who are self-absorbed and self-destructive. Our world needs people who are brave enough to drop their ego and be re-created by Jesus again in the very image of God.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my

follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your

cross daily, and follow me.”

LUKE 9:23

Lord Jesus, for the next twenty-four hours, help me take my attention off myself and place it on you. I give up my “self” so that you can use me to impact this world. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Whom will others see reflected in me? Whom will I represent today—myself or God?”

January 10

JESUS GAVE UP

To say that Jesus gave up is alarming. But it is also true. Jesus had everything. As the Creator, he owned everything—he was in charge of everything—but then he simply gave up. He gave himself up so that we can capture him. He surrendered his greatness so that we can embrace him. He let down his power so that we can enclose around him. Because we were unable to see him in all of his brilliant glory, he chose to lay aside his power so that we can know him personally once again.

Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything that he is unwilling to do himself. Rather, he asks us to follow his example, to do what he does, to be reflections of his attitude and actions on the earth today. He loves others so much that he willingly gave himself up so they—and we—could have life.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

PHILIPPIANS 2:5–8

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving yourself up on the cross. Thank you for thinking of us as you did that day. And thank you for inviting me to follow your heart. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

What could you give up today that is more about you than God?

January 11

OTHERS FOCUSED

The first person on our mind in the morning is often ourselves, and the last person in our thoughts at the end of each night is often ourselves too. The primary person we’re concerned about throughout the events of each day is often ourselves. Do you see a pattern here?

Do you want to change the world? Then try to think less of yourself and more about others. Consider what a friend is thinking about. Put yourself in your parents’ shoes. Look at a situation through a hurting person’s eyes. You see, Jesus calls us to be others focused. He doesn’t want us to be so self-absorbed that we miss what is happening in the lives of our friends and family. He created us to be like him and to follow his example. Because he loves others and gave himself up for others, so should we.

But we don’t need to write to you about the importance of

loving each other, for God himself has taught you to love

one another.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:9

Lord Jesus, let me be more like you today by noticing the feelings and needs of others. Push me to do things for others that will give them encouragement and hope. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Pick an important person in your life and, before you do anything else, call or text that person with a note of encouragement.

January 12

MIMIC

As a kid, did you ever play that fun but annoying game where you repeated everything someone said and did? If they moved an arm, then you would move your arm in the same way. If they spoke, you would repeat what they said verbatim. If they said, “Hey, stop it!” then you would say, “Hey, stop it!” too. It was funny (for a while, or unless you were the one being copied), and then it eventually got on everyone’s nerves.

Imitating God is a lot different than that game. It’s more like the moment when a little boy, after watching his dad shaving in the mirror, puts shaving cream on his face, picks up a razor (with the cap still on, of course!), and begins to practice the strokes up and down his face. Every father who has experienced this moment can’t help but smile.

When we imitate God, we aren’t playing a game where we merely repeat him like a robot responding to a command. When people copy God like that it can become really annoying really quickly. Instead, as we watch God, we learn to do what he does. When we follow his actions, his words, and his heart, we tend to put his movements into practice. In this way, when we mimic God, a smile spreads across his face, for we are becoming more and more like him.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do,

because you are his dear children.

EPHESIANS 5:1

Lord Jesus, so much of my life doesn’t imitate you. Align my thoughts, my words, and my actions with yours. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Think about your favorite characteristic of God. Then think of a way you can put that same characteristic into practical action today.

January 13

AMBASSADOR

An ambassador is a person who is sent by the leader of a kingdom to live in another kingdom as an official representative of the kingdom from which he or she was sent. In other words, what the ambassador speaks and does tells everyone, This is what my leader is all about. So it is important that the ambassador do and say only what their leader would want them to do and say.

Now imagine that Jesus has asked you to be his ambassador. He wants you to represent him where you live. As you interact with others, Jesus has given you his authority to share his words and customs with those with whom you live. It’s as if you are a citizen of heaven and have been sent to your family, your friends, your career, and your community in order let others know what God is like. It’s a lot of responsibility.

Unfortunately, throughout history, some people who have claimed to represent Jesus have done some terrible things, and, in the process, Jesus’ message was misrepresented. Don’t let the poor example of some people stop you from being a true ambassador for Jesus. Choose today to restore what it means to represent Jesus purely and share his message clearly.

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal

through us. We speak for Christ when we plead,

“Come back to God!”

2 CORINTHIANS 5:20

Lord Jesus, let me represent you today in everything I say and everything I do. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

What can you speak on God’s behalf today? What message has God given you the authority to share? And what would be the best way to share that message with someone else today?

January 14

MAKE ME LIKE YOU

Jesus celebrates when you follow him. In fact, it’s his greatest joy. He came to this earth so that you could hear what he says and see what he does. He spoke with power so that you could see he is the source of all truth. He healed people so that you could know he is a God of restoration and love. He died on the cross so that you could have your sins forgiven and have a relationship with God. He gave you his Spirit so that you could be renewed every day and change this world with his authority. And he called you to follow in his steps, to walk in his ways, and to encourage others to become his followers too.

Heaven rejoices when you begin to look like Jesus in the way you live your life. This is God’s original intent: making humans in his image, to be close to him in every moment. If you want to make a true difference in this world, one that matters forever, then today is a day to embrace God’s re-creating work in your own life.

You made me; you created me.

Now give me the sense to follow your commands.

PSALM 119:73

Jesus, teach me to follow you in the little things of my life so that I can be entrusted to follow you in the big things too. Change me so that I can change the world for you. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Pick something in your life that does not reflect God’s image in you and give it over to Jesus today. Then use your new freedom to do something that gives life or joy to others.

January 15

GOD KNOWS YOU

Remember this truth: You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not unseen. You are not insignificant. You are not untested. You are not unknown. God has taken a remarkable interest in you. He examines you. Like a precision specialist finely tuned to your every joy or fear, God listens and searches and understands what is happening in you and to you. No matter what you are going through today, God knows and he is close.

David, the writer of Psalm 139, had incredible moments of victory, gut-wrenching moments of failure, endless hours of loneliness, and countless repetitions of everyday routines. Through his experiences, he grew to understand that everything he did throughout each day—every motion and emotion—was known by the Lord. Whatever your life is like today, know that God knows all about it. His attention is turned toward you in this very moment.

O LORD, you have examined my heart

and know everything about me.

You know when I sit down or stand up.

You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.

PSALM 139:1–2

Lord Jesus, let me know that you know me. Let me not forget that I am not forgotten. Let me stand up and sit down in that confidence today. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Every time you sit down and stand up today, make a note in your mind that God’s attention is on you in that very moment. And let that knowledge transform everything you think about and do.

January 16

GOD SEES YOU

Where are you going in the next twenty-four hours? Think about all of the places, near or far, that you will pass through. How will you get there? Will the travel be nerve racking? Whom will you meet? Will the locations be familiar or adventurous? Are you going to a classroom, coffee shop, or office? Gas station, highway, or sidewalk? Hallway, couch, or bathroom? Conversation, speech, or game?

Maybe you have trouble noticing God during a typical day. But God has no problem focusing on you, whether you are a moving blur or a still picture. God sees you when you are far away as clearly as he sees when you are at home. God also has no problem knowing what you’re doing or what you’re going to do when you are near or far. Jesus knew the thoughts of people (Matthew 9:4) even before they spoke them and even when he wasn’t visibly near them (John 2:47–48).

You see me when I travel

and when I rest at home.

You know everything I do.

You know what I am going to say

even before I say it, LORD.

PSALM 139:3–4

Lord Jesus, remind me today that your eyes are always on me. And then help me to see what you see. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Realizing that God sees you, choose one positive action to accomplish today that you wouldn’t have otherwise done. Then choose one negative habit to avoid.

January 17

GOD IS WITH YOU

If you could create a high-pressure diving suit and descend to the deepest underwater caves submerged several miles under the most remote surfaces of the ocean, you would still be as near to God as if you were at home asleep in your own bed. You are not alone. Omnipresent is the fancy word that smart people use to state a profound theological reality: God is everywhere.

If you feel alone, maybe this comforts you. Or, if you are trying to hide something, perhaps this gives you the shivers. Even if you rode a rocket past Pluto or if you ran away to the darkest recesses of your soul—still you would find God looking for you there because he is everywhere at all times. There is no place you can go to escape his presence. This is a profound and terrifying truth.

I could ask the darkness to hide me

and the light around me to become night—

but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.

To you the night shines as bright as day.

Darkness and light are the same to you.

PSALM 139:11–12

Lord Jesus, give me the sense to be aware of your presence today, wherever I may be and in whatever I may be doing. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Jesus goes to great lengths to reach you. Think of someone you know who either feels all alone or is trying to hide. Be bold and make the effort to let them know Jesus is there for them too.

January 18

GOD MADE YOU

It has been said that every stitch of a quilt is made with love. Actually, a quilt is made out of thread and fabric, with scissors and needles and sewing machines. But the sentiment is still there. The time and effort that, say, a grandmother puts into making a quilt for her new grandchild is evidence of love. Every stitch is another thought, another prayer, another action of care and compassion for the one she loves.

In the same way, the Lord took the time and effort to stitch you together. In the seclusion of your mother’s womb, even before the day you gasped your first breath, the Lord’s heart and hands were forming you. Every time he patiently wove a sinew or precisely measured a cell or miraculously gave beat to your heart, he thought about you, planned for you, and couldn’t help but be consumed with love for you. Every fiber of your being was uniquely patterned and intimately sewn with God’s hands. From before you were born, God committed himself to you and loved you.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

PSALM 139:13–14

Dear Jesus, thank you for investing so much in me. Keep creating my heart to beat with yours so that I will know how marvelous you truly are. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Through a prayer, donation, or by volunteering, take a moment to support agencies that celebrate the precious created nature of each individual person (such as a crisis pregnancy center or an orphanage).

January 19

GOD PLANNED FOR YOU

You are not a mistake. God knew you would show up. You didn’t surprise him. He was ready for you. And he was looking forward to your arrival. God also was looking forward to how you would live the life he has given to you. He has planned your days with purpose. He has things for you to do and people for you to reach.

Ephesians 2:10 says that you, along with others who follow God, are his masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do the good things he planned long ago. He shaped you with incredible attention to detail and with immeasurable value so that you could join him in his good work in this world. You are not a mistake—God made you into a beautiful masterpiece.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

You saw me before I was born.

Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

before a single day had passed.

PSALM 139:15–16

Jesus, I am not an accident, but a treasure in your eyes. Let that thought filter what I do and how I interact with others today. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

What is something God created you to do? And what step can you take today to pursue that purpose?

January 20

GOD CHERISHES YOU

“The very hairs on your head are all numbered,” Jesus said. “So don’t be afraid” (Luke 12:7). Jesus wants you, just like his first followers, to be empowered by the fact that you are incredibly valuable to God. He wants you to stand with awe-inspiring confidence—a confidence that comes from learning how precious you are in his sight—and to declare with life-changing assurance that God loves you.

In other words, God puts your drawing on his fridge, not because it’s perfect but because it came from you. His heart sparkles when you smile, sing, and serve. His hands clap when you create beauty and when you copy his character. His knees bend when you fall, his healing cleanses your wounds, and his power sets you on course to go and play again. He doesn’t stop thinking about you—ever.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them;

they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up,

you are still with me!

PSALM 139:17–18

Lord Jesus, let me be bold in my steps today, knowing that you won’t stop thinking about me. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Think of a creative way that would bring joy to God’s heart and let others know how much love he has for them.

January 21

GOD SEARCHES YOU

That cute little magnifying glass icon has tremendous power. Anything that is typed next to it is searched and, as long as it is connected to the Internet, returns millions of hits. The information transfer of the world is being driven by a little icon’s algorithms.

Imagine now that the cute magnifying glass icon was ruled not by some little Internet search engine like Google, but instead was owned and operated by God. Then imagine typing your name next to it and hitting Enter. What would God’s algorithms return on you? Are there any results that might worry you?

The good news about this search process is that Jesus celebrates everyone who comes to him with an open heart. He forgives and cleanses and heals and restores the life of those who seek him. Come to him today and let his cleansing take effect in your life.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

Point out anything in me that offends you,

and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

PSALM 139:23–24

Jesus, you know me better than I know myself. Reveal those things in me that shouldn’t be showing up but keep returning to the top of the list. Thank you for your forgiveness. Please lead me to walk with you through every result. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Type your name in a search engine and pray this question:

Jesus, what results would you like to show up here?

January 22

GOD’S PATTERNS

Many people look at the commandments in the Bible as a negative list of don’ts—what they are not supposed to do. But God’s patterns are more about living according to his original blueprint for life on this earth. Like a good parent trying to raise children for successful living, God’s instructions provide the right framework for relationship with him, relationship with others, and responsibility on the earth.

It’s as if God noticed his kids couldn’t figure out how to build the coolest LEGO set ever (#483 Alpha-1 Rocket Base for those classic space LEGO fans out there!). God didn’t want to derail the whole creative experiment called humanity, so he gave his children an instruction manual by which they were to live. And these commands are only tough for those who struggle with God.

Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his

commandments are not burdensome.

1 JOHN 5:3

Lord Jesus, teach me to love your commands. As I follow your ways, your Spirit will help me become more free to make this world the place you created it to be.

Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1–17, not from a mind-set of don’ts, but from a perspective of potential: What if people followed these commands? How would things improve? What damage could be avoided? What good could be done?

January 23

I LOST ON JEOPARDY

One of the great tortures of life is receiving grades on papers and tests. Sometimes those all-night cram sessions just don’t cut it. Those practice questions and study groups might help a bit, but they don’t solve every problem. The standard is 100 percent—and we all know that no one gets 100 percent all of the time.

Even Ken Jennings, the winningest contestant in Jeopardy game show history, eventually lost. Oh, he was pretty good. In fact, one could say he was amazing. For seventy-four Jeopardy shows in a row, Jennings outdueled other trivia wizards. But on appearance number seventy-five, he answered some important questions incorrectly and he lost.

The greatest achievements are not enough to sustain any human being forever. Eventually everyone succumbs to a less than perfect score. Often by mistake, and regularly even by deliberate choice, humans fail to measure up to God’s pattern. We never hit the 100 percent mark.

For everyone has sinned;

we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

ROMANS 3:23

Lord Jesus, I am humbled in the face of your greatness.

Help me admit my failure to completely keep your commands. Forgive me and restore me to your side. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Any time some pride creeps into your judgment today, keep it in check. A humble heart is an essential characteristic for a person God wants to use to serve others.

January 24

EMERGENCY RESCUE EFFORT

God created humanity to walk with him in a close relationship. Sin is defined as anything that lets go of his hand and steps away from him. Sin is a “work” of our heart that leads us away from the life God created humans to have. Since God is the author of all life, the consequence of the refusal to walk with God is to miss out on God’s life. We all get paid for our work. If the work is sin, however, then the paycheck is nasty.

Even after humans walked away and found themselves in serious peril, God went on a dramatic rescue mission. He sent his Son, Jesus, the greatest emergency response expert the world has ever seen, to save people who wandered away from life. He reaches out to those who got lost, extends his arms just as their lives hang in the balance, and urges them, Grab my hand!

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is

eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

ROMANS 6:23

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross and saving me from my sin. Please help me live the life you have given me. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Accept the rescuing arms of Jesus Christ today. Accept his free gift of life and reject sin. Restore yourself to a full walking relationship with God.

January 25

DON’T PRETEND

Have you unwrapped a present only to discover you didn’t actually want it? Perhaps it was a hideous sweater or last year’s trendy item or a gift card to a store you didn’t like. When you unwrapped those sorts of presents (and I know you have), have you pretended to be thankful? Perhaps you said, “Oh, thank you! That was so thoughtful. I love it.”

Many people have been hurt by others who say they love them but who actually are pretending, wishing for someone else to love. Jesus wants you to be honest, but not in a “Oh, I can’t stand you” sort of way. He wants to reshape your heart so that you can receive people and truly say to them, “I am thankful for you in my life and I want to care for you.” After all, he received you and rejoiced in the process.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate

what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

ROMANS 12:9

Lord Jesus, help me grow closer to you and become authentically true. As much as it might cost me, don’t allow me to get away with being fake today. Help me to truly love people like you do. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

Think of someone you judge inappropriately and take a practical step to love them today.

January 26

BEAUTIFUL FEET

Feet can be really ugly. Bunions and calluses, hair and veins, nails and knobs—these things can combine to make feet look pretty gross. Add athlete’s foot or some dank odor to the equation, and you might need some pretty strong spray to just get through the day.

There might be a chance even for the stinkiest, nastiest feet. The Bible mentions, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, that there is a way to make even the lowest part of a person’s life look gorgeous. Feet look good when they are used for their proper purpose, which is to carry God’s good message to this world. In other words, when you hear that Jesus saves people from sin through his work on the cross, you use your feet to run around and proclaim that good news. This has happened for thousands of years, and God wants you to be a part of his news team.

How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,

the good news of peace and salvation,

the news that the God of Israel reigns!

ISAIAH 52:7

Lord Jesus, help me be so changed by your good news that I can’t help but share it with others. Amen.

DIFFERENCE MAKER

In order to share the good news about what Jesus has done, where do your feet need to go today? (If you need ideas on how to share Jesus with others, go online and check out some ministries that share Jesus.)

January 27

TRANSPLANTED

Trees are meant to be rooted in fertile, well-watered soil. But many trees find themselves stuck in pots that are too small, too shallow, and too dry. What’s needed is for someone to purchase that tree, bring it home, take it out of the pot, and replant it in ground where it can grow.