Make A Difference

The number devotionals in this book!

The number of times readers have completed the 7-day free reading plan on YouVersion at Bible.com 

Number of devotional books Ken has been a part of since MAD.

The number of books of the Bible used in this devotional book.

In a culture that is overwhelmed with choices and yet riddled with “slacktivism,” here is a refreshing voice giving us a clear direction and the incentive to move. Our current generation needs a book like this, helping shape the way they contribute to society, and providing practical ways to do so. This is the book for the person who dreams, desires more, cares about change, and wants to actually make a difference. – Ben Stewart, Director, Unchartered International

The life-breath of our day should be spending time with Jesus so that we can make a difference in this world in which we live. Too many times, though, we push Jesus off like he’s a vagrant: “Maybe I’ll see you on Sunday and throw some money your way, Jesus.” Our attitude stems from an apathetic belief that displaced and broken people  don’t really matter, and a lethargic belief that Jesus is passive.

However, Jesus is not passive. He’s passionate and he’s proactive. And he doesn’t want us to be lethargic about him or apathetic about people any longer. He wants to change us, and he wants to change the world through us.

Since I was a kid, Jesus has been active in my life. That doesn’t mean I always noticed it. In fact, there were several moments where my focus was distracted and my steps were jumbled and my actions made the wrong kind of impact. But I’ve come to learn that Jesus has been intentionally seeking to change me every single day so that I can intentionally make a difference in this world through him.

A blob is a soft nebulous mass. I don’t want to be just a blob. Blobs who only think about doing something if they feel like it are letting the world down. A disciple, however, is a learner. Our world needs fewer blobs and more learners of Jesus—people who are actively seeking him in a catalytic relationship, searching for his life around every corner and in every person.

My prayer is that this book will help kick you into that world-changing gear where God operates. This earth needs more people pursuing their radical God-created potential. People like you. It’s a mess out there. And you have been called by God to take initiative, to do something about it.

Make a Difference helps you walk with Jesus and gives you encouragement to see the opportunities you have to deliver restoration where there is desperation. Through daily reflections (sometimes quirky, sometimes serious, hopefully always deep), verses, prayers and “Difference Maker” challenges, I want you to discover ways to daily grow closer to Jesus and be spurred to make a difference in others as a result.

Oh, and note this: Many times when the Bible verses in this book say “you,” it is plural. So even though this is a personal devotional book, remember that you are a part of a larger “you,” a network of others who actively follow Jesus. In fact, you can go to my website (where, over the  years, some of these daily entries originated) to find organizations and people who can help you follow through with many of the Difference

Maker challenges in this book: http://www.kencastor.com. It’s your calling. It’s your turn. It’s your time. You can do it. Make a difference.

A blob is a soft nebulous mass. I don’t want to be just a blob. Blobs who only think about doing something if they feel like it are letting the world down. A disciple, however, is a learner. Our world needs fewer blobs and more learners of Jesus—people who are actively seeking him in a catalytic relationship, searching for his life around every corner and in every person.

My prayer is that this book will help kick you into that world-changing gear where God operates. This earth needs more people pursuing their radical God-created potential. People like you. It’s a mess out there. And you have been called by God to take initiative, to do something about it.

Make a Difference helps you walk with Jesus and gives you encouragement to see the opportunities you have to deliver restoration where there is desperation. Through daily reflections (sometimes quirky, sometimes serious, hopefully always deep), verses, prayers and “Difference Maker” challenges, I want you to discover ways to daily grow closer to Jesus and be spurred to make a difference in others as a result.

Oh, and note this: Many times when the Bible verses in this book say “you,” it is plural. So even though this is a personal devotional book, remember that you are a part of a larger “you,” a network of others who actively follow Jesus. In fact, you can go to my website (where, over the  years, some of these daily entries originated) to find organizations and people who can help you follow through with many of the Difference Maker challenges in this book It’s your calling. It’s your turn. It’s your time. You can do it. Make a difference.

LIVE DIFFERENTLY

Try filtering everything you do today through this earth-shattering concept: Who you are  on the inside is much more important than who you make yourself to be on the outside.

The modern Western culture spends more money on outward beauty than half the world spends on food. This pursuit of unattainable beauty standards is worthless. Skin will wrinkle, muscle will weaken, and hair will gray. And while it is right and healthy to take care of your body, it is even more valuable to invest in those things that can mature and strengthen over time, such as wisdom and skills, character and reliability, loving relationships and faith in Jesus.

Peter, the brash disciple who lived everything outwardly, eventually grew inwardly mature enough to give some great insight. His words were directed to wives who, because of the culture’s wrong standards, tried to impress their husbands in all the wrong ways. Peter’s words could apply to most everyone in our society today.

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

1 P E T E R 3 : 3 – 4 – Dear Jesus, beginning in my heart, transform my life to reflect your beauty. Amen.

Difference Maker – Go a full day without looking in the mirror. Notice how the strong the  temptation is to be self-conscious, and how conformed to the addiction of “looks” our society has become.