No Lip Service!
Kimberly Pope • February 10, 2024
Just before Thanksgiving my work became “over the top” busy. I was creating lists like crazy, working all
hours and humming along like a machine. I was stressed! My family came to stay with me over the
holidays, and every bed in my house was filled, including the sofa. My heart was full! Then the new year
arrived – and the busy days continued.
Life is one big learning experience. Preparing a devotion is incredibly humbling. Humbling when the
words flow out of my heart in an effortless stream and devastating when the words don't come at all.
January was like that. No inspirational thoughts came. A new stress!
I prayed for the Lord to help me. I searched my heart to see what might be in the way of hearing God. I
asked for forgiveness. My practice is to spend time with God each morning, but I began to realize just
how little time I had spent with the Lord over the past few months while I was flurrying about.
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to
God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:28-29)
God doesn't want lip service. When I approach my quiet time in the morning, it takes time to shift the
focus off myself and onto my loving holy Father.
Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is
in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)
I am a listener by trade but a talker by nature. I'm quite certain there are many times that the Lord
would prefer my silence. There are times that I miss the gift of His direction because I'm so busy talking
and praying. Not only that but He is a holy God worthy of my reverent approach to the throne. Listening
to the Lord is a habit I want to improve in 2024. I want to re-calibrate my focus onto Him – the One who
is able to help us navigate through the uncertainties of a new year.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful
songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep
of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and
praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through
all generations. (Psalm 100:1-5)
Amen!
By Kimberly Pope
Your Christmas Priority “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11) The Christmas season brings so much joy and excitement as our calendars fill with holiday parties, shopping, and spending time with family. However, if these good things become the most important priority, then we will miss the true joy of Christmas. In Matthew 2, the wise men see the star of Bethlehem, the brightest light that leads them to Jesus. The wise men’s heart posture toward their Savior reminds us of the beauty of slowing down during the busiest time of year and worshipping the reason for the season. 1 - When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. When the wise men saw the light, they knew the prophecy had been fulfilled, the Savior they had read about and waited for had come. Their hearts were full of joy, which fueled their faith to follow the star for two years before finding Jesus. 2 - They saw the child with Mary his mother and they fell down and worshipped him. After waiting two long years to be in the presence of their Savior, their only response when they saw Him was to fall down and worship. I imagine the two-year journey creating doubt and frustration during the waiting; but when they finally saw Jesus, their hearts were full of worship. 3 - Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. The wise men’s worship led to an open heart of surrender. They gave Christ the best they had of their time and gifts. What a precious reminder for us to surrender our time, gifts and plans to Christ this holiday season. To wrap up this passage in a bow, let’s reflect on this: finding our joy in Christ leads to acts of faith, faith leads to a heart of worship, and a heart of worship leads to a life of surrender. As you reflect, what is one area of your life this Christmas season where you need to slow down and refocus your joy on Jesus? By C.A. Carter
God Remembers
Fear and Doubt
An Unexpected Answer
Calm in the Chaos
A Long Silence
Reminders from the Heart of God I’m always honored to be asked to write a Saturday devotion, and my process is pretty straightforward. I pray and ask God what He wants me to say to people, and the devotion pretty much writes itself. Simple, right? This time was different. I prayed. He didn’t answer. I prayed a LOT. No response. Then late one night, He told me that this devotion is not what He wants me to tell others; it is what He wants to tell me. He knew I have been struggling with a situation and wanted to remind me of some things. My particular situation involves a prodigal. We have recently had some good developments, but also some setbacks and I was getting discouraged wondering if I was doing enough or even doing the right thing at all. Here is what God reminded me: · He’s got this · He loves them even more than I do · It is not my responsibility to “fix” anyone · I just have to keep loving them · His timing is perfect · My responsibility is to God and following His Will Maybe you have been struggling with a situation and wondering if you are doing enough or the right thing. It doesn’t really matter if it involves a prodigal or something completely different; I think my feelings are fairly universal when we struggle. Maybe His words to me will help you, too. If you are not part of a Community Group at IBC, I highly recommend that you find one. Our group has prayed for my prodigal and me for years and it is such a blessing to know that we are not alone in our struggles. And I get the honor of praying for them in their struggles and in their joys. By Jennifer Preston Jennifer and her husband, David, lead the Rural Kings Community Group from IBC Georgetown.
The Eternal Impact of Generosity “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) When we think about generosity, it’s natural to focus on the blessings that unfold here and now—the help we provide, the joy we feel, the changes we see in the lives of others. But Scripture teaches us that true generosity carries an eternal significance. Every gift, every act of kindness, and every moment spent in selfless service leaves a mark that goes far beyond this life. Jesus Himself encouraged us not to store up treasures on earth, but to invest in “treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20). In other words, the impact of what we give in faith and love never fades away but continues to bear fruit for eternity. Paul reminded the Corinthians that generosity “produces thanksgiving to God” and brings glory to Him (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). Our giving not only meets practical needs but points people to the reality of God’s love and faithfulness. Sometimes, a simple gift or a helping hand can open someone’s heart to the hope of Christ. In this way, our generosity becomes part of God’s great story of redemption and transformation. It’s easy to underestimate the significance of what we offer or to think that only extravagant gifts matter to God. But our Savior noticed and honored the widow who gave two small coins, affirming that her giving was of great worth in God’s eyes (Mark 12:41-44). God sees the heart behind every sacrifice, however small, and promises that nothing done in His name is ever wasted. Reflect today on the eternal impact your generosity can have. When we invest in God’s Kingdom—by supporting ministries, encouraging others, or giving our time to serve—we are planting seeds whose harvest will only be fully revealed in eternity. Imagine the lives touched, the faith strengthened, and the praises offered to God because of your willingness to give. Ask God to help you live with an eternal perspective, seeing your resources as opportunities to participate in His ongoing work. Trust that your generosity, no matter its form or size, is meaningful, powerful, and part of something far greater than yourself—an impact that will last for eternity. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)
The Ripple Effect of Generosity “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) When we think about the impact of our generosity, it's easy to focus only on the person directly receiving our gift or act of kindness. However, God’s way of working is so much broader and deeper than what we can initially see. Every generous act, no matter how small it may seem, sends ripples outward, touching lives far beyond the first recipient, much like a stone tossed into still water creates widening circles that move beyond the point of impact. One encouraging aspect of generosity is that it is contagious. When we step out to care for someone else—whether with our resources, our time, or our talents—we often inspire others to do the same. Our actions can remind others of God’s love and faithfulness, and sometimes, our willingness to help becomes an invitation for a whole community to get involved. This multiplying effect means that what starts as a single act of giving can quickly grow into a wave of kindness, encouragement, and support that impacts many people. Scripture is full of examples of this “ripple effect.” One person’s generosity often leads to unexpected blessings for others. In John 6, the boy who shared his small lunch witnessed Jesus multiply it to feed thousands. His simple act of sharing didn’t just satisfy his own hunger or that of a couple of friends. Through Jesus, his gift touched the lives of an entire crowd, with food to spare. God specializes in using what we give—even when it feels small or inadequate—and blessing it far beyond our expectations. As we consider the ripple effect of generosity, it’s important to remember that the ultimate results may never be fully seen in this lifetime. Sometimes, our kindness plants seeds that will bear fruit in ways we may never know. We can trust that God takes what we offer, multiplies it, and uses it to write stories of hope, healing, and transformation. This week, reflect on ways your acts of generosity might set new ripples in motion. Even the smallest acts matter. Ask God to help you see the wider impact of your generosity and to trust Him to use your gifts to reach far beyond yourself. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)
Generosity Beyond Money “Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’” (Acts 3:6) Most of us, when we hear the word “generosity,” immediately think of financial giving or charitable donations. But when we look at the teachings and example of Jesus, it becomes clear that generosity is about far more than money—it’s a posture of the heart that touches every area of our lives. In fact, some of the greatest gifts we can give may not cost us a cent, but they can make a world of difference to those around us. Consider the way Jesus gave his time to people who were overlooked or despised by society, like Zacchaeus, the tax collector, or the woman at the well. He listened to their stories, offered compassion, and spoke words of hope. He allowed interruptions to become opportunities for ministry, showing that our time and presence can be powerful acts of generosity. When we are willing to really see and value others, to give them our attention and care, we mirror the heart of Jesus in everyday moments. Generosity can also be expressed through acts of service. When we help a neighbor with chores, deliver a meal to someone who is sick, or volunteer our skills and talents for the benefit of others, we are living out Christ-like generosity. Sometimes the most significant gifts are a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a willingness to carry someone’s burden through prayer or practical support. In Galatians 6:2, Paul calls us to “bear one another’s burdens,” a command that speaks to the power of generous friendship and community. Words, too, can be a gift. A thoughtful note, a sincere compliment, or a prayer offered in faith can lift someone’s spirits and renew their strength. In a world that often leaves people feeling unseen or unappreciated, our words can bring healing and hope. As you reflect today, ask God to open your eyes to the many ways you can be generous, beyond simply opening your wallet. Perhaps He will prompt you to invest your time in someone who is lonely, to offer your abilities where there’s a need, or to share encouraging words with those who are discouraged. True generosity flows from a heart shaped by God’s love and is limited only by our willingness to respond. May we be known as people who give freely and joyfully—not just financially, but in every part of our lives. By Jim Connell Jim is the founder of Lexington Rescue Mission, and authors JesusIsLordBlog.com, FaithAnswersPress.net, and FAQs of Faith (a mobile app)
