Coffee Devo | A Testimony of Lives Changed Through Discipleship
Coffee Devo with Pastor Jim Halstead features a powerful testimony from James of Living Faith Church (C&MA) in Princeton, Illinois, following a weekend of ministry with Go & Tell Ministries. Hear how practical, Bible-based teaching encouraged believers to grow in their faith, gain confidence in sharing the Gospel, and embrace Jesus’ call to make disciples. This testimony highlights the lasting impact that Scripture-centered discipleship can have on individuals and local churches. At Go & Tell Ministries, our passion is to equip Christians through Scripture, relatable stories, and simple biblical teaching so they can faithfully live out the Great Commission and become disciples who make disciples. Whether you’re a church leader, ministry volunteer, or believer seeking to grow in your faith, this testimony offers encouragement and a glimpse into how God is using discipleship training to strengthen His Church. Go & Tell… The Story of His Glory!
Coffee Devo | Finding Rest in God’s Presence
Coffee Devo with Pastor Jim Halstead invites you to experience the peace that comes from resting quietly in God’s presence. In Psalm 131:2, David writes, “Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child with his mother, Like a weaned child is my soul within me.” This beautiful picture reminds us of complete trust, contentment, and security. Just as a child rests peacefully in a loving parent’s care, God invites us to find true rest in Him. In today’s fast-paced world, our hearts can easily become filled with worry, stress, and endless distractions. Yet God calls us to quiet our souls, trust His timing, and rest confidently in His faithful care. When we surrender our fears to Him, we discover a peace that cannot be found anywhere else. Is your soul restless today? Have you taken time to be still and trust the One who knows your every need? This short Christian devotional encourages believers to slow down, deepen their trust in God, and find lasting peace through a close relationship with Him. At Go & Tell Ministries, we create Bible-based resources that combine Scripture, stories, and simple biblical teaching to equip Christians to share the Gospel, grow as disciples, and make disciples who make disciples. Go & Tell… The Story of His Glory!
Let Your Light Shine (Matthew 5:16) – From the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Have you ever stood at the foot of a mighty lighthouse, feeling the breeze and hearing waves crash against the rocks? Let’s explore what it truly means to let your light shine before others in the spirit of Matthew 5:16. Lighthouse Inspiration: Seeing the Gospel Through a Beacon St. Augustine lighthouse makes me think of Matthew 5:16: ‘In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your Father in heaven.’ In the same way that lighthouse is used to save people’s lives from crashing against the shore.” When you see a lighthouse – it stands tall, steady, and bright – you can’t help but notice it. It cuts through the darkness and fog, offering guidance and hope for ships at sea. That’s exactly how Jesus calls us to live. Whether we realize it or not, our faith – our “light” – has an impact. Like a lighthouse, we have the power to steer others away from danger, helping guide them toward the safe harbor of God’s love. “Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”– Matthew 5:16 (NIV) What a straightforward call, but also a huge challenge! If we think about it – lighthouses are never turned off. They shine, even if nobody’s around. As followers of Jesus, we are called to shine with the same consistency and hope. Even when it feels lonely or unnoticed, our Lord sees our light. Living the Gospel: Praying, Studying, and Sharing So what does it look like to “shine your light”? 1. Study the Gospel To be a beacon, you have to be grounded in something solid – like how every lighthouse sits on a firm foundation. For us, that’s the Gospel. Dig into God’s Word daily. 2. Pray Boldly Prayer lights a fire in our soul, just like the lamp atop the lighthouse. When we ask God to shine in us and through us, He expands our reach. 3. Share the Gospel The lighthouse wasn’t built for itself, it’s built for the lost ships. We have incredible news to share with the world: Jesus saves. Sometimes sharing is just telling your story, or inviting someone to church, or sending a text saying, “Praying for you.” “Let your light shine. Our lives are the first Bible some people may ever read.”— Pastor Jim Ways to Share: 4. Make Disciples Invest in others by walking beside them on their Jesus journey. It can be a friend, a family member, or a small group at church. Remember, discipleship is about relationships, not perfection. Keep Your Light Lit: Practical Tips for Everyday Living Don’t Let the Fog Dull Your Light Some days are cloudy, rainy, or foggy, life is like that. You might feel small, tired, unnoticed, or weak. Remember, the light doesn’t depend on the weather; it’s steady because of the source. Stay plugged into Jesus; the true Light of the world. Reflection Questions Encouragement for the Journey You are not alone as you walk the shoreline, shining bright for Jesus. He is with you – guiding, filling, encouraging, and helping you stand firm. “The lighthouse stands whether anyone sees it or not. In the same way, let your light shine – not for your own glory, but for your Father in heaven.” May your week be blessed. Keep shining brave and unafraid. And if you ever wonder if it matters, remember: someone may be depending on your light today to find their way home to God.
Finding Joy in Everyday Life: Living for God’s Glory in the Simple Moments
Scripture Reading:First Kings chapter 4:20: Have you ever paused with a warm cup of coffee in your hands and realized that even ordinary moments can be gifts from God? God delights when His people enjoy the life He has given them. From meals shared with loved ones to conversations over coffee, everyday moments can become acts of worship and opportunities to reflect God’s glory. In a world filled with stress, pressure, and endless distractions, this message is refreshing. God never intended life to be lived without joy. Instead, Scripture reminds us that happiness, gratitude, and fellowship are part of His good gifts to us. So grab your favorite cup of coffee, slow down for a moment, and let’s explore what it means to live joyfully for God’s glory. Joy in Everyday Life “The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore; they ate, they drank and they were happy.” – 1 Kings 4:20 What a beautiful picture of God’s blessing. People gathered together, shared meals, enjoyed fellowship, and experienced happiness in everyday life. Their joy wasn’t rooted in wealth or success alone – it was rooted in God’s goodness. Sometimes Christians believe being spiritual means being serious all the time. But the Bible shows us that joy and celebration are also part of God’s design. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 says: “There is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live, that each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil. This is a gift of God.” God gives us ordinary joys as reminders of His love. God’s Gift Is Ordinary Joy Many of life’s greatest blessings are simple: These moments may seem small, but they matter deeply to God. When we slow down enough to recognize His goodness, gratitude grows in our hearts. Joy is not something we should feel guilty about – it is part of living in God’s presence. Why Does God Want Us to Be Happy? Joy Reflects Gratitude Enjoying God’s gifts with thankful hearts becomes an act of worship. Every meal, every conversation, and every moment of rest can point us back to Him. Joy Is a Testimony When Christians live with peace and gratitude, it shows others the goodness of God. Joyful believers reflect the heart of a loving Father. Relationships Matter to God Shared meals and meaningful conversations strengthen relationships and build Christian community. Living for God’s Glory “Church, let’s go and tell the story of His glory.”God’s blessings are not only for our enjoyment, they are opportunities to point others toward Him. Living for God’s glory means recognizing that even ordinary moments belong to Him. Whether you are working, serving your family, helping a friend, or sharing coffee with someone, your life can reflect God’s goodness. Practical Ways to Live for God’s Glory Be Thankful Daily Start each day by thanking God for simple blessings: Gratitude changes the way we see life. Share Your Story Your testimony does not need to be dramatic to matter. Sometimes the most powerful stories are the simple ones: Do Good While You Live Ecclesiastes reminds us to “do good while we live.” Small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Invite Others Into Fellowship Hospitality creates opportunities for encouragement and connection. Sometimes a simple meal or cup of coffee can open the door to meaningful conversations. Bible Reflections on Joy Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” True joy comes from God’s presence. John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Jesus wants us to experience abundant life ,not just survive, but truly live. Genesis 1:31 “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” God delights in His creation, including you. Simple Ways to Enjoy God’s Everyday Gifts Here are practical ways to embrace joy in daily life: A Truth Worth Remembering “One of the great gifts of God is enjoying the life He’s given us as we live for His glory.” This truth changes how we approach daily life. God is not distant from ordinary moments – He is present within them. Why This Message Matters Today Modern life often leaves people exhausted and constantly striving for more. Many Christians feel pressure to do big things for God while forgetting that He also calls us to enjoy His presence and His gifts. Pastor Jim’s devotion reminds us that joy matters to God. The Christian life is not only about sacrifice – it is also about gratitude, fellowship, peace, and delight in God’s goodness. When believers live with genuine joy, the world notices.
Go & Tell Ministries May 2026 Newsletter
Coffee Devo | Go & Tell: Sharing the Gospel with Honesty and Trust
Welcome to another edition of Coffee Devo, where we take a moment to slow down, reflect, and talk honestly about following Jesus in everyday life. Today’s conversation comes from Kyoto Congregational Church in Jamestown, New York, featuring insights from Pastor Jim and Steve, a recent attendee of the Go & Tell Evangelism Workshop. Whether you’re a new believer or someone who’s been walking with Christ for years, this is a timely reminder: sharing the gospel isn’t about pressure – it’s about truth, trust, and transformation. Honest Conversations: What Evangelism Really Means Evangelism isn’t always easy. Sometimes, when we witness to others, we get so eager for them to accept Jesus that we rush through vital steps. Here’s how Steve explained his biggest takeaway from the recent workshop: “The main thing that convicted me today was when we’re witnessing to others and trying to lead them to Christ that sometimes we are trying to force people into saying the salvation prayer instead of letting them realize that they need to see their sin for what it is first so they realize why they’re repenting and wanting to accept Jesus in their life.” This is an honest moment many of us can relate to. If we’re not careful, evangelism can turn into a checklist – rather than a personal journey, where each person feels the weight of their decision and truly understands the grace that God offers. Letting the Holy Spirit Work: Why We Can’t Force Salvation Here’s some truth – no matter how clear we are, or how good our intentions, we can’t transform someone’s heart on our own. Pastor Jim reminds us: “We are called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. But also the Holy Spirit is called to convict, to lead people to repentance of their sin, to open up their ears, to hear their mouth, to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” It takes both our willingness to share, and the Holy Spirit’s power to open eyes and soften hearts. Three Things the Holy Spirit Does: If you’ve ever tried to lead a friend or a stranger through a gospel conversation and felt pressure to see “results,” you’re not alone. Good news: It’s not on us to save people. Our job is to tell our story and God’s story. The rest? That’s in God’s hands. Try These Simple Steps in Your Next Gospel Conversation: The Gospel Breaks Through in Word and Deed It’s pretty simple. We are called – everyday, in whatever place God puts us, to “go and tell.” That doesn’t just mean sharing a gospel track or a quick prayer and moving on. It’s how we live. It’s how we love people honestly. “Church. We need to go and tell. Let’s share the gospel of Jesus Christ and make disciples.” What does this look like? Evangelism is not an event – it’s a lifestyle. Jesus’ Example: Compassion Comes Before Conversion In John 4, when Jesus meets the woman at the well, He doesn’t rush the conversation. He engages her, listens, and reveals truth with compassion. He doesn’t manipulate the moment – He ministers within it. Let’s follow His example: For Every Believer, Not Just Leaders This message isn’t just for those with the “gift” of evangelism or for pastors behind a pulpit. It’s for every follower of Jesus. Our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces are full of people searching for hope. Why We Struggle With Evangelism Let’s be honest: But God uses ordinary conversations to do extraordinary things. If you keep showing up, listening, and speaking about the difference Jesus makes, He’ll use you. What NOT to Do: Avoiding “Forced” Faith Steve’s insight is crucial. When we lean on formulas or try to “close the deal,” people may say yes, but don’t really understand what they’re saying yes to. That isn’t saving faith. Instead, aim for: Key Scriptures for Honest Evangelism Let’s root this approach in the Word: “We are called to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. But also the Holy Spirit is called to convict…to open up their ears…to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Being Part of Someone’s Story Not every conversation leads to immediate transformation, and that’s okay. Sometimes you’re planting a seed. Other times, you’re watering one already planted. Either way, your role matters. Remember: Take the Next Step You don’t need to have all the answers to begin. Start small: You are called to go and tell.
Don’t Leave Your Song Unsung | Coffee Devotional
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 man is 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.“ What song has God placed in your heart? Are you using your gifts, your testimony, and your life to point others to Christ? This short Christian devotional encourages believers to embrace God’s calling, live with purpose, and boldly proclaim His goodness so that the “song” He has given them will bless others and bring Him glory. At Go & Tell Ministries, we create Bible-based resources that combine Scripture, stories, and simple biblical teaching to equip Christians to share the Gospel, grow as disciples, and make disciples who make disciples. Go & Tell… The Story of His Glory!
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