2015/05/27 – Devotional
One More Stepping Stone
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
Acts 16:25
Anika was our German shuttle-bus driver who carted us and our luggage from the Munich airport to our hotel. As we pulled away from the curbside, I said, “Anika, we’re going to pray here in the back seat. But you’re driving, so don’t close your eyes!” The look she gave us in the rearview mirror said it all: You people are odd. We were wonderful examples of 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV), “A peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
But it’s the odd things that stick in your mind. And sometimes your heart. The next morning when Anika loaded us up to take us back to the airport, she thanked us after we prayed out loud for her (we also interceded for her live-in boyfriend, as well as her parents, whom she hadn’t seen for years). When we said goodbye, she commented with wet eyes, “I like you people. There’s something about you that makes me happy. I wish I could go with you.”
“You can,” I said. “One of these days we’re going to lift off, and we’ll go higher than any airplane could ever take us. It’s all about following Christ.” Anika smiled. We were one more stepping-stone in her long journey that, I’m convinced, will land her in heaven.
Sometimes evangelism doesn’t mean delivering the whole Gospel message at a curbside and asking for a response before the light turns green. Everything we say or do that moves an individual one step closer to Jesus and salvation is evangelism. And allowing our joy in Christ to just spill over and splash on others is as powerful a witness as a three-point sermon.
Holy Spirit, fill me with Your joy today as I walk in Your presence and lean on Your strength. I pray for the opportunity to move at least one person at least one step closer to heaven.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org
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As its 2:00 am & I was sitting outside reading this devotional One more stepping stone not only is it a wonderful devotional, but everyday I feel a change in my body & I know god is trying very hard to work inside me, yes don’t get me wrong life is a struggle but as long as we keep reading pastor Mike postings it definitely helps me come closer to god. Especially devotional that are very uplifting & encouraging. Thank-you Pastor Mike, Bobby W.
Great devotional Dad!
Love, Susie
A powerful devotion! May our most mundane and insignificant tasks and words today, through our Lord’s amazing grace and mercy, reflect a humility that draws others nearer to Himself. The only difference between stepping stones and stumbling blocks are the way we use them and may they always glorify our Father. Thank you, Mike and God bless!!
Hi Mike great pics buddy. I will go see you and bring pizza next time. No bubbles.
God bless you. Thank you for doing God’s work always.
SERGIO
Great devotional, no one should ever be afraid to pray anywhere. Even if in our heart in silence or out loud.
Prayer is something we can even do in captivity, no one can take that faith away from us.
Viva, GOD
A friend,
SERGIO
Very nice devotional.
Mike Jr.
Hi Mike,
I love the quote “The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones are the way we use them”. Our most mundane tasks and insignificant words may be the key to opening someones heart, letting the light of Christ shine brightly….blessings…Bob
Great devotional grandpa. I love you.
Love,
Amanda