The 12th Man
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Ready to Serve
Devotional: In the quiet moments of our lives, God is preparing us for His call. Like Matthias in the early church, we may not know when our moment will come, but our readiness matters. Matthias had faithfully followed Jesus throughout His ministry, yet remained in the background until that pivotal moment when the disciples needed someone to replace Judas. This reminds me of E. King Gill, who in 1922 suited up for Texas A&M's football team when they faced numerous injuries. Though he never played, his willingness to serve became legendary as the '12th Man' tradition. God doesn't always call the equipped; He equips those He calls. Your preparation today—through prayer, Bible study, and faithful service—may seem invisible to others, but it's noticed by God. He's looking for availability more than ability, willingness more than worthiness. Perhaps you feel overlooked or wonder if your faithful service matters. Take heart! Matthias wasn't seeking prominence, but when the moment came, he was ready. God sees your faithfulness in the small things and is preparing you for His purpose in His perfect timing.
Bible Verse: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." - Acts 1:26
Reflection Question: In what areas of your life is God asking you to be faithful and ready, even when no one else may notice or appreciate your preparation?
Quote: You don't have to know anything. You just got to be willing. You just got to be willing to be used by God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful in preparation, even when I don't see immediate results. Give me a heart that's ready to serve You whenever and however You call. May I focus less on recognition and more on readiness for Your purposes. Amen.
Devotional: In the quiet moments of our lives, God is preparing us for His call. Like Matthias in the early church, we may not know when our moment will come, but our readiness matters. Matthias had faithfully followed Jesus throughout His ministry, yet remained in the background until that pivotal moment when the disciples needed someone to replace Judas. This reminds me of E. King Gill, who in 1922 suited up for Texas A&M's football team when they faced numerous injuries. Though he never played, his willingness to serve became legendary as the '12th Man' tradition. God doesn't always call the equipped; He equips those He calls. Your preparation today—through prayer, Bible study, and faithful service—may seem invisible to others, but it's noticed by God. He's looking for availability more than ability, willingness more than worthiness. Perhaps you feel overlooked or wonder if your faithful service matters. Take heart! Matthias wasn't seeking prominence, but when the moment came, he was ready. God sees your faithfulness in the small things and is preparing you for His purpose in His perfect timing.
Bible Verse: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." - Acts 1:26
Reflection Question: In what areas of your life is God asking you to be faithful and ready, even when no one else may notice or appreciate your preparation?
Quote: You don't have to know anything. You just got to be willing. You just got to be willing to be used by God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be faithful in preparation, even when I don't see immediate results. Give me a heart that's ready to serve You whenever and however You call. May I focus less on recognition and more on readiness for Your purposes. Amen.
Day 2: Answering the Call
Devotional: God's kingdom advances through ordinary people who answer extraordinary calls. Throughout Scripture and history, we see this pattern: when one servant completes their mission, another steps forward. Consider the biblical succession of leadership: Joshua after Moses, Elisha after Elijah, Timothy after Paul. Each transition represented not just a changing of the guard, but a continuation of God's unfolding plan. In our own lives, God's call rarely comes with flashing lights or dramatic fanfare. Instead, it often appears as a quiet nudge, an unmet need, or a gap that needs filling. The question isn't whether God is calling—He always is—but whether we're listening and willing to respond. Perhaps you've noticed something in your church or community that needs attention. Maybe you've felt a persistent tug toward a particular ministry or service. These aren't coincidences; they're invitations. God is asking, "Who will go? Who will serve? Who will be My hands and feet?" The beauty of God's kingdom is that it doesn't depend on superstars or celebrities. It advances through faithful people who simply say "yes" when they see a need.
Bible Verse: "And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" - 1 Samuel 17:29
Reflection Question: What specific need or opportunity has God placed before you that might be His invitation to step up and serve?
Quote: When Paul was in prison, Silas sang. When Stephen was martyred, Philip preached. When Elijah was taken, Elisha stepped forward.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see the opportunities You've placed before me. Give me courage to answer Your call, even when it takes me out of my comfort zone. Help me to recognize that Your work continues through willing hearts like mine. Amen.
Devotional: God's kingdom advances through ordinary people who answer extraordinary calls. Throughout Scripture and history, we see this pattern: when one servant completes their mission, another steps forward. Consider the biblical succession of leadership: Joshua after Moses, Elisha after Elijah, Timothy after Paul. Each transition represented not just a changing of the guard, but a continuation of God's unfolding plan. In our own lives, God's call rarely comes with flashing lights or dramatic fanfare. Instead, it often appears as a quiet nudge, an unmet need, or a gap that needs filling. The question isn't whether God is calling—He always is—but whether we're listening and willing to respond. Perhaps you've noticed something in your church or community that needs attention. Maybe you've felt a persistent tug toward a particular ministry or service. These aren't coincidences; they're invitations. God is asking, "Who will go? Who will serve? Who will be My hands and feet?" The beauty of God's kingdom is that it doesn't depend on superstars or celebrities. It advances through faithful people who simply say "yes" when they see a need.
Bible Verse: "And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" - 1 Samuel 17:29
Reflection Question: What specific need or opportunity has God placed before you that might be His invitation to step up and serve?
Quote: When Paul was in prison, Silas sang. When Stephen was martyred, Philip preached. When Elijah was taken, Elisha stepped forward.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see the opportunities You've placed before me. Give me courage to answer Your call, even when it takes me out of my comfort zone. Help me to recognize that Your work continues through willing hearts like mine. Amen.
Day 3: Using Your Unique Design
Devotional: God has crafted each of us with intention and purpose. From the moment of conception, He has been shaping not just our physical features, but our personalities, gifts, and callings. No two believers are identical because God's kingdom requires diversity to function at its fullest. Your unique design isn't accidental—it's essential. The church doesn't need more carbon copies; it needs authentic believers serving from their God-given identity. Your specific combination of experiences, talents, and perspective allows you to reach people and meet needs that no one else can in quite the same way. Sometimes we hesitate to serve because we compare ourselves to others. We see the gifted speaker, the talented musician, or the natural leader and think we have nothing valuable to offer. But God's economy doesn't work that way. In His kingdom, the greeter at the door, the person who prays faithfully behind the scenes, or the neighbor who consistently invites others to church are all vital parts of His plan. Your assignment may not come with applause or recognition, but its impact can be eternal. The question isn't whether you have something to offer—you absolutely do. The question is whether you'll embrace your design and deploy it for God's glory.
Bible Verse: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" - Isaiah 5:20
Reflection Question: What unique aspects of your personality and spiritual gifts might God be asking you to use more intentionally in service to others?
Quote: Life begins at conception. I said life begins at conception. Life begins at conception. And ladies and gentlemen, listen. God takes that personality and conception and he grows that and he grooms that through your life and every single person in here and everybody I'm talking to on television and everybody that's listening by radio. God has given you a personality for you to be able to step up and be the 12th man.
Prayer: Creator God, thank You for designing me with purpose and intention. Help me to embrace my unique gifts rather than comparing myself to others. Show me how to use my personality and abilities to advance Your kingdom in ways that only I can. Amen.
Devotional: God has crafted each of us with intention and purpose. From the moment of conception, He has been shaping not just our physical features, but our personalities, gifts, and callings. No two believers are identical because God's kingdom requires diversity to function at its fullest. Your unique design isn't accidental—it's essential. The church doesn't need more carbon copies; it needs authentic believers serving from their God-given identity. Your specific combination of experiences, talents, and perspective allows you to reach people and meet needs that no one else can in quite the same way. Sometimes we hesitate to serve because we compare ourselves to others. We see the gifted speaker, the talented musician, or the natural leader and think we have nothing valuable to offer. But God's economy doesn't work that way. In His kingdom, the greeter at the door, the person who prays faithfully behind the scenes, or the neighbor who consistently invites others to church are all vital parts of His plan. Your assignment may not come with applause or recognition, but its impact can be eternal. The question isn't whether you have something to offer—you absolutely do. The question is whether you'll embrace your design and deploy it for God's glory.
Bible Verse: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" - Isaiah 5:20
Reflection Question: What unique aspects of your personality and spiritual gifts might God be asking you to use more intentionally in service to others?
Quote: Life begins at conception. I said life begins at conception. Life begins at conception. And ladies and gentlemen, listen. God takes that personality and conception and he grows that and he grooms that through your life and every single person in here and everybody I'm talking to on television and everybody that's listening by radio. God has given you a personality for you to be able to step up and be the 12th man.
Prayer: Creator God, thank You for designing me with purpose and intention. Help me to embrace my unique gifts rather than comparing myself to others. Show me how to use my personality and abilities to advance Your kingdom in ways that only I can. Amen.
Day 4: No Perfect Timing
Devotional: We often wait for the perfect moment to serve God—when we feel more qualified, when life is less busy, when circumstances align just right. But God's kingdom doesn't advance through perfect timing; it advances through available people. Consider Desmond Doss, who refused to carry a weapon as a combat medic in World War II. Despite ridicule and danger, he saved 75 men at Hacksaw Ridge. He didn't wait until conditions were ideal—he served where he was with what he had. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time to answer God's call. There will always be reasons to delay, excuses to make, or preparations that seem necessary. But while we wait for perfect conditions, needs go unmet and opportunities pass by. God isn't looking for perfection; He's looking for willingness. He doesn't call us to be ready in some distant future; He calls us to be available now. Today. With whatever knowledge, resources, and strength we currently possess. Perhaps you've been waiting to serve until you feel more confident in your Bible knowledge, until your schedule clears up, or until you feel more spiritually mature. But what if God is calling you to start right where you are, trusting Him to provide what you lack along the way?
Bible Verse: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." - Acts 1:26
Reflection Question: What specific step of service have you been postponing until "the right time" that God might be asking you to take now, even with imperfect conditions?
Quote: We can plan things, but our decision to be the 12th man must be now.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for waiting for perfect conditions before serving You. Help me to trust that Your power works best through my weakness. Give me courage to step out in faith today, knowing that Your call doesn't wait for my readiness but creates it. Amen.
Devotional: We often wait for the perfect moment to serve God—when we feel more qualified, when life is less busy, when circumstances align just right. But God's kingdom doesn't advance through perfect timing; it advances through available people. Consider Desmond Doss, who refused to carry a weapon as a combat medic in World War II. Despite ridicule and danger, he saved 75 men at Hacksaw Ridge. He didn't wait until conditions were ideal—he served where he was with what he had. The truth is, there will never be a perfect time to answer God's call. There will always be reasons to delay, excuses to make, or preparations that seem necessary. But while we wait for perfect conditions, needs go unmet and opportunities pass by. God isn't looking for perfection; He's looking for willingness. He doesn't call us to be ready in some distant future; He calls us to be available now. Today. With whatever knowledge, resources, and strength we currently possess. Perhaps you've been waiting to serve until you feel more confident in your Bible knowledge, until your schedule clears up, or until you feel more spiritually mature. But what if God is calling you to start right where you are, trusting Him to provide what you lack along the way?
Bible Verse: "And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." - Acts 1:26
Reflection Question: What specific step of service have you been postponing until "the right time" that God might be asking you to take now, even with imperfect conditions?
Quote: We can plan things, but our decision to be the 12th man must be now.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for waiting for perfect conditions before serving You. Help me to trust that Your power works best through my weakness. Give me courage to step out in faith today, knowing that Your call doesn't wait for my readiness but creates it. Amen.
Day 5: Joining the Greater Cause
Devotional: Every generation faces its defining moral and spiritual challenges. In David's day, it was Goliath who defied the armies of the living God. In our time, we face different giants—cultural forces that oppose biblical truth and values that undermine God's design. David's powerful question echoes through the centuries: "Is there not a cause?" Indeed, there is always a cause worth standing for, a truth worth defending, a mission worth pursuing. As believers, we're called not just to personal faith but to public witness—to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs both. Being God's "12th man" means recognizing that we're part of something far bigger than ourselves. The Christian life isn't a spectator sport where we watch from the comfort of the stands; it's a battlefield where every believer has a role to play. Perhaps you've felt intimidated by the cultural giants of our day. Take heart! Remember that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." God doesn't call us to win every battle through our own strength, but to faithfully represent Him in the places He's positioned us—our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. The question isn't whether there's a cause worth fighting for—there absolutely is. The question is whether you'll suit up and join it.
Bible Verse: "And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" - 1 Samuel 17:29
Reflection Question: In what specific area of cultural or spiritual challenge do you feel God calling you to be a more courageous witness for biblical truth?
Quote: Greater is he that's in you than he that is in the world. Step up and be the 12th man.
Prayer: Almighty God, give me courage to stand for Your truth in a world that often rejects it. Help me to speak with both grace and conviction, remembering that the battle ultimately belongs to You. Use me as Your representative wherever You've placed me. Amen.
Devotional: Every generation faces its defining moral and spiritual challenges. In David's day, it was Goliath who defied the armies of the living God. In our time, we face different giants—cultural forces that oppose biblical truth and values that undermine God's design. David's powerful question echoes through the centuries: "Is there not a cause?" Indeed, there is always a cause worth standing for, a truth worth defending, a mission worth pursuing. As believers, we're called not just to personal faith but to public witness—to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs both. Being God's "12th man" means recognizing that we're part of something far bigger than ourselves. The Christian life isn't a spectator sport where we watch from the comfort of the stands; it's a battlefield where every believer has a role to play. Perhaps you've felt intimidated by the cultural giants of our day. Take heart! Remember that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." God doesn't call us to win every battle through our own strength, but to faithfully represent Him in the places He's positioned us—our families, workplaces, schools, and communities. The question isn't whether there's a cause worth fighting for—there absolutely is. The question is whether you'll suit up and join it.
Bible Verse: "And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?" - 1 Samuel 17:29
Reflection Question: In what specific area of cultural or spiritual challenge do you feel God calling you to be a more courageous witness for biblical truth?
Quote: Greater is he that's in you than he that is in the world. Step up and be the 12th man.
Prayer: Almighty God, give me courage to stand for Your truth in a world that often rejects it. Help me to speak with both grace and conviction, remembering that the battle ultimately belongs to You. Use me as Your representative wherever You've placed me. Amen.
Posted in Pastor Chris