From: May 4, 2025
“Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel.” (Judges 20:13 ESV).
This verse captures a tragic turning point in Israel’s history. The rest of the tribes demanded justice against the “worthless fellows” (Literally, “sons of Belial”) in Gibeah whose actions resembled the depravity of Sodom. But instead of surrendering the guilty men and purging the evil, the tribe of Benjamin refused to listen. Their misplaced loyalty—to family, tribe, or reputation—was stronger than their commitment to God’s covenant. In doing so, they aligned themselves not only with sinners but with sin itself. The result was civil war and great national suffering.
We must be careful not to fall into the same trap. When we protect those close to us despite clear wrongdoing, we risk becoming complicit in their sin. Our first loyalty must always be to God’s holiness and truth. Righteousness cannot take a backseat to personal or political allegiance. If we excuse sin to preserve our comfort, image, or relationships, we forfeit the integrity of the body of Christ. As God’s people, we are called to stand for justice even when it costs us something. Let us ask ourselves: Are we protecting the guilty rather than confronting evil? Are we more afraid of offending people than grieving God?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, we confess that at times we have valued loyalty to people over loyalty to You. Forgive us for the times we have excused or ignored sin. Help us love righteousness more than comfort, truth more than appearances. Give us hearts that are sensitive to Your holiness and willing to confront evil with wisdom, humility, and grace. May we be a people that listens to Your voice and lives with integrity before You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 4, 2024
“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (John 3:27 ESV).
John the Baptist’s followers worried that more people were following Jesus than John. When John heard them saying this, he rebuked them. He recognized that God determined spiritual results. He also understood that his ministry was called to prepare the way for Christ’s ministry. As John said referring to Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John wasn’t trying to build his kingdom, but God’s.
To be jealous of another’s ministry or blessing, is to accuse God of favoritism, which He does not do (see Rom. 2:11). Having a competitive spirit towards other churches and ministries is to misunderstand God’s work in our cities and world. Comparing our blessings and gifts to that of others, is to open ourselves up to temptation. Instead, rejoice that God is blessing His work through whomever He will. Because after all, it is His work to bless, not ours.
When we begin to celebrate what God is doing through other ministries and collaborate for gospel saturation in our cities, we overcome the spirit of competition and jealousy and make way for unity. And unity is one of the most attractive features of the church to a fractured world.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for comparing ourselves to others, which opens our hearts up to being tempted by jealousy. Teach us to be content. Help us to celebrate with others when they are blessed. We don’t want to be like the Prodigal’s older brother. We want a new heart that beats with Yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 4, 2023
‘John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven”‘ (John 3:27 NLT).
When John the Baptist’s followers worried that more people were beginning to follow Jesus than their leader, John rebuked them. He recognized that God determined spiritual results. And he also understood that his ministry was to prepare the way for Christ’s ministry. As John said, “I am filled with joy at his success. He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:29-30).
To be jealous of another’s ministry or blessing, is to accuse God of wrong. Having a competitive spirit towards other churches and ministries is to misunderstand God’s work in our cities and world. Instead, rejoice that God is blessing His work through whomever He will. Because after all, it is His work to bless, not ours. And whenever God brings revival to a city, it impacts every ministry that is giving out the gospel. As it has been said, “A rising tide lifts all ships.” Let us respond as John did saying, “I am filled with joy at his success.”
Our calling is not to make ourselves famous, but to make Jesus famous.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for desiring to make much of ourselves, rather than making much of Your Son. And forgive us for when we feel competitive or jealous of another person or ministry’s blessings. Instead, help us to rejoice with whomever You bless. We want to glorify Jesus in all things. In His name we pray, amen.
From: May 4, 2016
When John’s followers worried that more people were going to follow Jesus than their leader, John rebuked them. He recognized that God determined spiritual results. And he also understood that his ministry was to prepare the way for Christ’s ministry. As John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). To be jealous of another’s ministry or blessing, is to accuse God of wrong. Having a competitive spirit towards other churches and ministries is to misunderstand God’s work in our cities and world. Instead, rejoice that God is blessing His work through whomever He will. Because after all, it is His work to bless, not yours. Our calling is not to make ourselves famous, but to make Jesus famous.