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Author: Jim Halstead

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries by Pastor Jim at Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s boyhood home in Portland, Maine. One of my favorite quotes he made is: “The greatest tragedy of the average mania that he goes to his grave with his music still in him.” A Pastor once told me, “It does not matter if you have a voice, but do you have a Song!” Psalm 118:14, 17 says, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. I will not die, but live, and I will proclaim what the Lord has done.“ #goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries by Pastor Jim at the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow statue in Portland, Maine. Paul Revere’s Ride, a famous poem… The poem famously begins with the lines, “Listen, my children, and you shall hear / Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,” and describes the signal lanterns in the Old North Church (“one if by land, and two if by sea”) and Revere’s urgent ride through Middlesex villages, spreading the alarm. It concludes by framing the ride as a timeless message of courage and a call to action for future generations. As disciples of Jesus, we are also to cry out the alarm to get right with God through Jesus’ death and resurrection. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 “18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” #goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries by Pastor Jim and Pastor Kory from Casco Alliance Church in Casco, Maine. They hosted a Go & Tell Ministries weekend to equip their church to share the gospel and make disciples. #goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory www.goandtellministries.org

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries by Pastor Jim and Pastor Jehosphaphat from Casco Alliance Church in Casco, Maine. They hosted a Go & Tell Ministries weekend to equip their church to share the gospel and make disciples. #goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory www.goandtellministries.org

Finding Rest in God: A Coffee Devotional on Psalm 91:1

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1 In a world filled with constant noise, endless to-do lists, and digital distractions, true rest can feel out of reach. Yet Scripture offers a powerful promise: rest is not something we chase – it’s something we find in God’s presence. In this devotional, we’ll explore what it means to dwell with God, how to overcome distractions, and how spending time in His Word leads to lasting peace and purpose. What Does It Mean to Dwell in God’s Presence? Psalm 91:1 invites us into something deeper than occasional connection – it calls us to dwell. To dwell means to stay, to remain, to make a home. It’s not about visiting God when life gets hard or checking in on Sundays. It’s about building your life around His presence. Think about the comfort of coming home after a long day – the sense of safety, belonging, and rest. That’s the kind of relationship God offers you every single day. God’s shelter isn’t temporary. It’s constant, steady, and always available. Are You Truly Dwelling With God? It’s easy to assume we’re close to God, but honest reflection tells a deeper story. Ask yourself: Many of us only seek God in moments of crisis or during church services. But God is inviting you into something more – a daily, ongoing relationship where His presence becomes your resting place. Reflection Questions Take a few quiet moments to reflect: Write your thoughts down or bring them to God in prayer. Awareness is the first step toward deeper connection. The Battle for Your Attention There’s a powerful truth worth remembering: The Bible is the only book where the Author shows up when you read it. Every time you open Scripture, God is present – ready to speak, guide, and comfort you. But here’s the challenge: we live in a world designed to distract us. Common Distractions That Pull Us Away These distractions don’t just fill our time, they drain our attention and pull us away from the very place where we find peace. Spiritual rest doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention. How to Find True Rest in Jesus Real rest goes deeper than physical relaxation. It’s not just about sleep, downtime, or escaping responsibilities. True rest is found in Jesus. It’s the deep, soul-level peace that comes from knowing: This kind of rest is available to you right now – and it’s found in simple, intentional practices: Ways to Experience God’s Rest When you slow down and create space for God, His peace begins to replace your anxiety. Delighting in God Leads to Purpose Resting in God doesn’t make you passive – it transforms you. When you spend time in His presence, something begins to shift internally. You become more grounded, more patient, and more aware of others. And naturally, that inner transformation begins to overflow. When you delight in Jesus, you can’t help but share Him. Living It Out: Sharing God’s Love With Others Your time with God is not just for you – it’s meant to impact the people around you. Declaring the gospel doesn’t always mean preaching. Often, it looks like everyday moments of love and connection. Simple Ways to Share Your Faith Discipleship begins with relationship. As you walk closely with God, you’ll naturally help others do the same. Practical Steps to Dwell With God Daily Building a lifestyle of dwelling with God doesn’t require perfection – just consistency. Here are simple ways to make time with God part of your everyday life: 1. Start Your Day With God Before checking your phone, take a moment to connect with Him. Even a short prayer or a single verse can set the tone for your day. 2. Choose a Consistent Time and Place Whether it’s morning coffee, a quiet moment in your car, or before bed – find a rhythm that works for you. 3. Keep It Simple You don’t need a long routine. A verse, a prayer, and an honest conversation with God is enough. 4. Remember Who You’re Meeting The Bible isn’t just a book – it’s a living encounter with God Himself. 5. Minimize Distractions Put your phone on silent. Step away from noise. Give God your full attention, even if only for a few minutes. 6. Share What You Learn Let what God teaches you encourage others. Your growth can become someone else’s breakthrough. A Picture of Spiritual Rest Imagine yourself in a quiet, peaceful place – a valley filled with shade, gentle light, and stillness. You’re not striving, rushing, or worrying. You’re simply at rest. This is what it means to live in the “shadow of the Almighty.” God’s peace isn’t dependent on perfect circumstances. It’s available right in the middle of your everyday life. Conclusion: Choose to Dwell With God Today As you move through your day, remember this simple truth: God is inviting you to dwell with Him. Not just for a few minutes – but as a way of life. When you build your life around His presence, everything begins to change. Peace replaces anxiety. Purpose replaces confusion. Rest replaces striving. So today, make the choice to pause. Open your Bible. Turn your heart toward God. You won’t just find rest – you’ll find the life your soul has been longing for. What is one small, practical step you can take today to spend intentional time with God and what might change in your life if you made that a daily habit?

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell Ministries

Coffee Devo with Go & Tell by Pastor Jim and Diane. Diane shares how she learned to share the gospel on a Saturday morning and led her teenage granddaughter to faith that evening. goandtellministries #goandtell #evangelism #discipleship #TheStoryofHisGlory

Starting line and finishing line are not the same

Several years ago, I was in the Boston area to teach the Go and Tell Evangelism Workshop and to preach at Fairlawn CRC. I flew into Logan Airport and was happy to meet my church contact, Brandon. We had a great lunch together and talked about the Boston area. As we were driving to the church, he told me that we were near the starting line of the Boston Marathon and asked me if I wanted to see it. I told him I would love to visit this famous landmark. I was excited to stand on the starting line of the world’s oldest and best-known marathon. As I stood on the line, I thought of the passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: “Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we are incorruptible. I therefore run like that, not aimlessly. I fight like that, not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.“ Brandon told me he had run the race five times and talked about the training, hard work, and joy of completing it. The Boston Marathon usually takes place in the spring, on Patriots Day. Due to COVID, the race was held in the fall that year. I shared that I had a friend who ran in the Boston Marathon just a week ago. I shared how proud I was of this former college student who attended my church and ran track. I told him that Felicia is now a kinder- garten teacher in Michigan. When she ran the Boston Marathon, I followed along with her race progress on the official website, where you can write an encouraging note to the runners. I was blessed to read the messages from her students and school staff: “We are so proud of you! You are amazing! You’re doing great! Keep going—we are watching!” After the race, Felicia shared how awesome it was to receive so much support and encouragement that spurred her on to finish. I thought of the passage in Hebrews 12:1, which says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” I was able to stand on the Boston Marathon finish line the following day. As I reflected on standing on the starting and finishing lines of this great race, I realized something. One of the problems in the church today is that when people profess faith in Jesus, they think that the starting line and the finish line are the same spots. When we profess faith in Jesus, we begin to run the race for God’s glory. I think many Christians think that their salvation date is also the finish line. They believe they are saved, and eternal life is secure, but they neglect to run the race that is marked out for them for the glory of God. They live life in the way they want, but that’s not the race the Lord has for us. We are to live for the glory of God, and we are to run this race for Jesus. After we profess faith in Jesus, we are to live our lives for the glory of God. The Boston Marathon is exactly 26 miles and 386 yards, but we do not know how long our race for Jesus will be. It might be a race of a year, five years, 10 years, or 50 years, but we have a race marked out before us. The Scriptures tell us that there are going to be people who will try to discourage us from running this race. Galatians 5:7-8 says, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.” The Bible warns us that people will seek to hinder us from running the race and get us off the course that the Lord has for us. I just read a heartbreaking story about being led off the racecourse at the Quad Cities Marathon in Moline, Illinois, recently. The two marathon front-runners were about halfway to the finish line when they spotted a marathon volunteer cycling through the route. They both followed the volunteer, who mistakenly led both runners off the course. They were both automatically disqualified from the race, which is also a Boston Marathon qualifier event. I want to ask you: is anyone seeking to dissuade you from running the race the Lord has marked out for you? Are people discouraging you from reading the word of God, praying for others, praying for the lost by name, sharing the love of Jesus by your deeds and words, or discouraging you from meeting with other believers? The Bible warns us that the enemy will seek to keep us from finishing this race. Over the years, I have seen many people be led off the Lord’s course laid out for them. Are you running the race the Lord has for you, or has someone led you astray? I do not know how long I must run this race of life for the glory of God, but I do know that I want to finish the race well. As Felicia ran the Boston Marathon for the first time, her friends, students, and family encouraged her to complete the race. She said it was very difficult, but she rejoiced that she completed the race and was so grateful for the support she received from others. I want to encourage you to stay on course and keep your eyes fixed

No More Excuses: What the Parable of the Great Banquet Teaches Us About Following Jesus

Have you ever felt like you want to follow Jesus more closely, but something always seems to get in the way? The truth is, many of us live with good intentions but delayed obedience. In Luke 14, Jesus tells a powerful story – the Parable of the Great Banquet – that challenges our excuses and calls us into deeper commitment. This message isn’t just for a quiet devotional moment. It’s a direct invitation to examine our priorities and respond to God’s call in our everyday lives. The Parable of the Great Banquet: God’s Invitation Is Ready In Luke 14:16 – 17 (NIV), Jesus describes a man preparing a great banquet: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’” Picture it: the table is set, everything is prepared, and the invitation has already been sent. All that’s left is for the guests to come. This banquet represents God’s kingdom: His grace, His presence, and the life He offers through Jesus. The invitation is not partial or delayed. It’s ready now. “They All Began to Make Excuses” Instead of accepting the invitation, the guests respond with excuses (Luke 14:18–20): While these may sound reasonable, they all point to the same issue: something else took priority over responding to the invitation. Today, our excuses may look different, but the heart behind them is the same: None of these are inherently wrong, but when they consistently come before Jesus, they become barriers to spiritual growth. Why We Make Excuses in Our Faith Journey Following Jesus requires surrender. It asks us to: That’s not always easy. Often, excuses are less about time and more about reluctance to fully trust God. We delay obedience because it feels safer to stay where we are. But Jesus makes it clear: the invitation isn’t something to postpone, it’s something to respond to. The Cost of Discipleship: Carry Your Cross Right after the parable, Jesus gives a sobering challenge in Luke 14:26 – 27: “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” This doesn’t mean rejecting loved ones, it means putting Jesus first above everything else. True discipleship involves: It’s a call to wholehearted commitment – not casual belief. How to Stop Making Excuses and Start Following Jesus If you’re ready to move from intention to action, here are some practical steps: 1. Identify Your Excuses Be honest with yourself. What’s been holding you back from fully saying “yes” to Jesus? 2. Surrender Your Plans Proverbs 16:3 reminds us: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” God isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking for willingness. 3. Delight in Your Relationship with Jesus Faith isn’t just about responsibility, it’s about relationship. The more time you spend with Jesus, the more your desires begin to align with His. 4. Share the Invitation The servants in the parable were sent to invite others. We are called to do the same through conversations, kindness, and sharing our story. 5. Invest in Others Following Jesus isn’t meant to be done alone. Walk alongside others, encourage them, and grow together in faith. A Clear Call: The Invitation Still Stands The message of the Great Banquet is simple but urgent: God’s invitation is ready – but it requires a response. We can keep making excuses, or we can step into the life Jesus is calling us to live. Not later. Not when things settle down.Now. Reflection: What Is Holding You Back? Take a moment to pause and reflect: Write your answers down, pray through them personally, or share them with a trusted friend. The banquet is ready. The invitation is personal. Will you respond – or make another excuse?