In Luke 16, Jesus shifts our perspective from earthly concerns to eternal realities, challenging us to live in light of the coming kingdom. He tells the parable of the shrewd manager, illustrating the importance of using worldly resources for God’s purposes rather than hoarding them for selfish gain. The manager, once wasteful, acts wisely in preparing for his future, prompting Jesus to emphasize that believers ought to be even more intentional in stewarding their resources for eternal impact.

As a follow on study to today’s devotional from E. Stanley Jones, let’s explore know how Jones’ teaching applies to those of us who are fascinated with the mysteries of the Nephilim, the mysteries of timing of Jesus' return and timing of the tribulation and rapture, and the like. It is an excellent side issue to pursue because it strikes at something many believers, especially in our time, are drawn toward. There is a natural human curiosity about the mysteries of Scripture—the Nephilim, end-times prophecy, the timing of Christ’s return, and the details of the tribulation and rapture. These topics stir the imagination, and rightly so; they are part of God’s Word, and He has chosen to reveal them to us in part.

In this devotional, Jones warns against diverting our attention from the cross of Christ to lesser things—whether astrology, spiritualism, or attempts to unravel the mysteries of the afterlife. These pursuits may seem intriguing, even religious, but they substitute speculation for revelation. The cross stands as God’s supreme and final declaration of His love. Nothing in heaven or earth can reveal a deeper truth than the love displayed at Calvary.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” – Philippians 1:29

In our natural thinking, suffering seems like something to be avoided at all costs. Yet Scripture reveals that suffering for Christ is not merely a consequence of faith but a privilege. Paul understood this deeply. He didn’t just endure suffering—he embraced it as part of his fellowship with Christ.

Luke 10:2 (BSB) – And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”

The heart of this devotional reminds us that the work of spreading the Gospel is not something we generate through human effort. It is God’s work, and He alone is the One who calls and sends laborers. The fields of this world are ripe with people ready to receive the truth, yet the number of those who willingly go is few.

Many believers desire to deepen their relationship with Christ, but the way they pursue this goal varies widely. Two contrasting approaches are evident in Christian teaching today: one that rests in the sufficiency of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, and another that relies on structured spiritual exercises to cultivate intimacy with God. Bob Hoekstra, in Day by Day by Grace, presents a biblical model in which abiding in Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit, not an effort-driven series of disciplines. In contrast, our Discipleship Pastor is using Skye Jethani’s With as a premise for his 45-day program of spiritual exercises designed to help believers feel closer to Christ. While Jethani’s intent may be to encourage a life with God rather than one of transactional or fear-driven religion, the approach taken shifts the focus toward human effort rather than the Spirit’s work.

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)

I’ve wrestled with this for some time now. There’s something in me that longs to be part of a small group—a place where believers come together, open the Word, and encourage one another. But time and again, I’ve found myself in groups where the conversation is laced with works-based sanctification, self-effort, and moralistic striving rather than the joy and freedom of the abiding life. And if I’m honest, it’s painful.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." — Galatians 2:20

Oswald Chambers reminds us that the life of Christ within us begins not with self-improvement but with surrender—true relinquishment. We often think of letting go in terms of giving up sin, but Chambers takes it further. He calls us to let go of the entire framework by which we define ourselves—our opinions, our sense of self-worth, even our claim to our own lives.

In every church, leadership takes one of two paths. Some leaders abide in Christ and let Him lead through them. Others strive in their own strength, believing they must make ministry happen. The difference is not in external effort—both may be highly active—but in the source of that effort.

To illustrate, let’s look at real-life examples of each approach, showing how leaders either express Christ’s life or rely on their own strength.

John 15:16 (WEY)

"It is not you who chose Me, but it is I who chose you and appointed you that you might go and be fruitful."

Church leadership is often measured by action—strategies, programs, attendance numbers, and outreach efforts. Yet, in God's design, leadership is not about what is done but about who is abiding. True spiritual leadership is not a title, a responsibility, or even a calling in the conventional sense; it is the outflow of Christ’s life through yielded vessels.

John 15:16 (WEY): “It is not you who chose Me, but it is I who chose you and appointed you that you might go and be fruitful.”

True ministry is not a task we take upon ourselves—it is something born within us, just as we are born into Christ. God has not called us to work for Him in our own effort, but to express His life through us. If service is merely an activity rather than a sharing of His life, it lacks eternal value.

Josiah’s Passover was a moment of brilliance—a return to the Lord with all the grandeur and zeal that the nation had seen in generations. It was more than a ritual; it was a heartfelt attempt to rekindle the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The celebration surpassed even Hezekiah’s Passover, yet, despite its magnificence, it was merely a fleeting light before the impending judgment. The reality remained—no matter how sincere the external revival, Israel needed a King who would not only lead them to keep the Passover but become the ultimate Passover Lamb, dying in their place to reconcile them to God (John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7-8).

Ezekiel 20 is a sobering chapter, revealing Israel’s persistent rebellion against God throughout their history—from Egypt to the wilderness, to the Promised Land, and even in exile. The exilic elders come to Ezekiel, seeking to inquire of the Lord, yet their hearts remain tied to idolatry. God rejects their inquiry, knowing they are unwilling to fully turn to Him. The chapter unfolds as a recounting of Israel’s unfaithfulness and God’s unwavering faithfulness. Despite their rebellion, the Lord declares His sovereign plan: He will not allow Israel to become like the nations around them, worshiping idols. Instead, He will reign over them with a mighty hand, purging them, transforming them, and fulfilling His covenant promises.

Eliphaz’s final speech to Job in Chapter 22 is an unfortunate example of misapplied truth and self-righteous reasoning. His tone has shifted from mistaken kindness to outright accusation. He assumes Job’s suffering must be the result of secret sin, accusing him of oppressing the poor and gaining wealth unjustly. In his mind, Job’s calamities are divine proof of guilt—because, surely, bad things only happen to bad people.

Jones’ devotional today challenges the idea that a "power from below" can separate us from the love of God in Christ. He identifies spiritualism—attempting to connect with the dead—as a practice that leads people away from Christ rather than toward Him. He does not argue whether such communication is possible, but he emphasizes that no true revelation, wisdom, or moral insight has ever come from such sources. Isaiah’s warning remains relevant: "Should not a people consult their God?" (Isaiah 8:19-20). The wisdom of God, revealed in Christ and the Scriptures, is the only true source of light. Seeking guidance elsewhere leads only to confusion and darkness, for "there is no dawn" in such practices.

Unity is a foundational principle in the Christian life. Paul urges believers to stand firm in one Spirit and strive together for the gospel (Philippians 1:27). But what happens when unity seems impossible? When different perspectives pull in opposite directions, is it always wrong to step away?

I once led a discipleship group in my church as part of a larger vision to establish smaller groups focused on deepening our walk with Christ. Each group consisted of one to four men of the same gender, meeting weekly to grow together. My heart was set on guiding men into a deeper experience of Christ—not just learning about Him, but learning from Him as their very life.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
— Philippians 1:27a

Paul’s words in Philippians 1:27 carry a deeper meaning than a simple call to moral behavior. The Greek word politeuma, translated as “conduct,” is rooted in the idea of citizenship—one’s allegiance to a governing authority. The believers in Philippi, though geographically distant from Rome, lived under its rule and bore its identity. Paul uses this cultural reality to highlight a spiritual truth: Christians are citizens of heaven, living under the rule and reign of Christ, even while on earth.

Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” reveal a truth that runs counter to the world's natural way of thinking. Earthly love often revolves around self-interest—seeking satisfaction, recognition, or security. But heavenly love, the love that flows from Christ, is entirely selfless. It is a love that delights in glorifying God and blessing others without expecting anything in return. This love is not concerned with self-preservation, for it knows that in surrender, life is truly found.

"Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."
—Ephesians 5:18-21

When Scripture calls us to be filled with the Spirit, what does that actually look like in everyday life? Some traditions emphasize certain outward expressions such as speaking in tongues, prophesying, or boldness in preaching. While these manifestations certainly occurred in the early church, the full biblical picture of a Spirit-filled life is much broader.