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Key Bible Verse: Don't copy … this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing how you think (Romans 12:2). Bonus Reading:Rom. 11:36–12:1

Dave and Jan Davies were a typical couple. He ran a couple of Baskin Robbins stores, and they'd just built a brick ranch-style house in the suburbs. They attended a Bible preaching church. When he first heard his pastor's plea for volunteers to go to Brazil, Dave thought, This is stupid. Why don't we just mail these people some money, build them a church, buy them a piano, or something? But, even though he'd never taught or even witnessed—something urged him onward. And so, without Jan, Dave went to Brazil.

Dave was unprepared for the poverty he saw—and for something else. Entering a small village, he found the people anticipating a great evangelistic meeting. When he asked who was preaching, Dave discovered that he was! For two weeks he preached and witnessed.

The man who returned to Kansas wasn't the same. Just the sight of his new home stunned him compared to what he'd seen in Brazil. Dave promptly told Jan that they'd sell it and move into something smaller if they couldn't find a way to use it for the kingdom of God. Jan remembers quickly finding a way to use it. [continued 12/31]

—David Swartz in The Magnificent Obsession

My Response: I'll consider disengaging from pursuit of the American dream.

Thought to Apply: Most Americans tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship.

—Gordon Dahl (author)

Adapted from The Magnificent Obsession (NavPress, 1990) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, my priorities need aligning with Yours. Show me what needs adjusting. Make me willing to do it.

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