The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 (NLT) Every one of us fits on a team. Sometimes we feel we have to be a star in a ministry for it to be worth it for us to serve, or we’re waiting for a “great” calling rather than simply doing what we can where we are to serve others. But Jesus taught that we aren’t to think of our destiny as independent of others. (See Corinthians 12.) All of us are part of a team, like parts of a body, and we must learn to function together. Years ago, I broke my little toe. At the time …

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NLT) Do you remember doing dot-to-dots as a kid? As the numbered dots were connected, the picture became clear. In a similar way, God uses people to help connect the dots to Him. For example, let’s say you are served by a tired waitress. Even though her service is lacking, you treat her with kindness and respect, and she notices. She also hears you mention that you’re heading to an event at church later. That’s one dot, but she needs a few more to see the full picture. A few days later, another group comes in laughing and talking about church, and she …

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. Matthew 11:28 (AMP) Religion is not the answer. Jesus is. Chances are you know someone who has been turned off by religion. Ever wonder how to talk to them about Jesus? I’ve often officiated at funerals or weddings where much of the crowd is unchurched. Because rule-based religion causes people to feel rejected and condemned, when I preach, I’m always sure to highlight two important points. First, I tell them that God loves them so much that He accepts them where they are, exactly the way they are. He loves us all—as messed up or as wonderful, …

When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” Mark 2:5 (NKJV) Heaven is filled with people who are there because someone took the time to believe for them. Mark chapter 2 shares a really interesting story about the power of faith and its ability to impact others. Four friends were determined to get their paralytic friend to Jesus, who was preaching to a packed household. They couldn’t get him in, so instead they hauled him up onto the roof. Just imagine the level of strength needed to lift someone who’s unable to assist you onto a rooftop. It just shows how determined these friends were! They then proceeded to dig a hole through the roof and lower …

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV) Do you ever get overwhelmed when you’re encouraged to tell others about Jesus? You might picture an evangelist speaking to thousands and think, I can’t do that! But here’s an important thing to remember: A large part of Jesus’ ministry involved Him ministering to one person at a time. The Gospels record numerous occurrences: the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:6-30), talking to the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), and healing blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). Jesus would simply reach out and to one person, and it would completely change their life. To the adulterous woman who didn’t think she’d ever be accepted, He showed acceptance and …