Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“Because Jesus Rose from the Dead”

Thoughts for Today:

I have been on a lot of evangelical mission trips over the years. Some have been more adventurous than others, but none more so than a recent trip to Ecuador. We began our campaign in the high mountain villages southeast of Quito. Following a long day of travel and sharing the Gospel with the local people, we arrived at an old church yard where we would pitch our tents to spend the night. As we began our preparations, a skin rash appeared on my arms, and then spread over my entire body. My temperature went up several degrees, and my face, throat and chest swelled. I tried to lie down and relax, but I was having difficulty breathing. Fortunately, my friend Dr. Len (who was leading our group) identified that I was having an allergic reaction to something in the environment. He gave me a medication to block the histamines which were causing my body to swell. Within a few hours, I was somewhat back to normal.

This was only the first of several events that would challenge my physical well-being. As I related some of these "adventures" to one of my close friends, he asked, "Why do you go and place your life in jeopardy?" My answer is pretty simple, "Because Jesus rose from the dead." I truly believe that God has caused some of us to be made in such a way as to be willing to endanger ourselves to reach unreached people with the message of salvation. My nephew Matt, friend Jim, and I share Paul's passion. We are all in agreement: the risks, inconveniences and hardships don't seem to be a factor when compared to the reward of saved lives.

In our passage today, Paul is saying that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then he and everyone in their group is foolish to place their lives in danger. But Christ is raised from the dead and as believers we are identified with Him. (Romans 6:3-4: "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.")

As believers, we are all connected to a living and resurrected Christ -- and He is worthy of any risk!

Questions to Ponder:

In what ways has God called you to step out of your comfort zone? Perhaps it is not to place your life at risk in a foreign land, but what about sharing your faith with a co-worker, neighbor or carpool parent? Jesus is risen! Will you share the Good News?

View latest devotional

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.