Impactus Daily Devotional encourages men to move beyond a faith based mainly on facts, knowledge, and rules toward a personal, ongoing fellowship with Jesus. Its theme, “Maximum Joy,” is rooted in Psalm 16:11 and points to the fullness of joy found in God’s presence.
There is a difference between having a relationship with Jesus and having fellowship with Jesus. God does not want you to have a stuffy, boring, distant faith. He wants you to find fullness of joy in His presence.
Maximum Joy Begins with Fellowship with Jesus
I grew up in a Christian home and attended church. I was taught all the Bible stories and memorized hundreds of Bible verses. The foundation of faith poured into my life was important. But for the longest time, my faith was more a bunch of facts, knowledge, and rules than anything else.
Then, God started to change my life even more. The Christian life is not only about knowing information about Jesus or following religious rules. It is about personally experiencing God in our lives and learning to remain attentive to His presence.
Watch this week’s video as we begin a new week of devotions exploring how to personally experience God in our lives.
The Point of Devotions Is a Devoted Life
The point of devotions is a devoted life. A devoted life isn’t simply a life lived for God; it’s a life lived with God.
For many years of my Christian life, I practiced devotions and other Christian disciplines, but I noticed that I rarely thought of God outside of those deliberate times. God wasn’t a conversation partner, and I didn’t live as if He was “with me always” (see Matthew 28:20).
It is possible to complete devotional activities while keeping faith separate from the ordinary parts of the day. Impactus Daily Devotional presents a different direction: daily devotion should help shape an entire life lived with and for God.
Learning from Brother Lawrence
“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.” Brother Lawrence never went viral…until his letters were posthumously published and read millions of times.
Lawrence was a 17th-century Parisian monk who spent much of his time in the monastery kitchen. What’s remarkable is that he reported being as connected to God while washing pans as he was when “doing his devotions.”
His work prompted me to begin consciously recalling my mind to God’s presence throughout the day and attempting to turn whatever I was doing into an act of love for God. I am so grateful for how my life shifted after I took on Lawrence as a teacher.
The example of Brother Lawrence shows that fellowship with God does not depend on performing only visibly religious activities. Washing pans, completing work, caring for family, waiting, and handling ordinary responsibilities can all become occasions for remembering God’s presence.
Living with God Throughout the Day
A devoted life is a mix of “praying without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), “aspiring to live quietly (while attending) to your own matters” (1 Thessalonians 4:11), and putting the gifts and talents entrusted to you to work for God (Luke 19:11-27).
A healthy marriage between faith and daily life occurs. The goal is not to divide the day into spiritual moments and ordinary moments, as though God were present in only one part of life.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)
BEGIN YOUR DAY WITH GOD | Listen To This Before You Start Your Day
Practical Rhythms for Fellowship with God
I lead a men’s “Rule of Life” community. Many of us have set alarms to go off every few hours to recall our minds and hearts to God. The alarms remind us to enter into whatever work we’re doing with and for God.
This isn’t a miracle cure, but those who persevere live far more consistently with and for God. A simple reminder can interrupt distraction and help bring attention back to God’s presence.
You don’t necessarily need to set prayer alarms, but what will you do? Which habits and rhythms of life will help turn chores, sidelines, waiting at medical appointments, work, and family dinners into times you live for and with God?
- Consider what will help you live all of your life with and for God.
- Think creatively about the people, reminders, habits, and rhythms that can help you remember God’s presence.
- Ask how your approach to chores or relationships might shift if you consider them a time when God is present.
- Offer whatever you are doing to Him as an act of devotion.
From Religious Activity to Relationship
There is a difference between having a relationship with Jesus and having fellowship with Jesus. A relationship may describe belonging to Christ, while fellowship describes an active, personal, attentive life with Him.
This distinction does not make Bible knowledge, church attendance, memorized verses, or Christian disciplines unimportant. The foundation of faith poured into my life was important. But these things are meant to lead toward a living fellowship with Jesus rather than remain a collection of facts, knowledge, and rules.
The theme of the week: it’s not about religion or religious activities. But rather, it’s about the relationship.
Prayer
Lord, as I enter my day, keep me mindful of Your presence and receive everything I do as an act of worship. Amen.
Reflection
What will help you remember God’s presence throughout your day and offer whatever you are doing to Him? Think creatively about this. Who could you meet with? What reminders could you use?
How might your approach to chores or relationships shift if you consider them a time when God is present, and a time where whatever you are doing can be an act of devotion to Him?
About Impactus Daily Devotional
Impactus Daily Devotional provides daily encouragement designed for men to grow your relationship with Jesus.
Men’s Daily Devotional strengthens your walk with Jesus through daily devotionals designed for guys like you.
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