Wednesday April 17^th 2024

Today’s word is MISSION.

When we think of Christ’s directive to “GO” we often stop there. We focus on the going, and think of places far away. We think of preaching, or medical mission work, in places where the Bible and the written word aren’t available.

Did we listen to Christ when he said to go into Jerusalem? For those people that was home! It wasn’t a far-off land.

Jesus wants us to be on mission to – and in ministry with – the people in our own backyard, the people who live a few miles away, the people we see at work and school and in the neighborhood.

It isn’t ju st preaching – it’s healing and serving and feeding. It’s being real. It’s doing life.

Living our faith is a way of mission. Sometimes we try to “fit in” among those who are not believers, rather than trying to be different, WHY? We are different. We should allow ourselves to be seen as different from those who do not have Jesus in their lives. We also need to be approachable and willing to serve along with those who do not so that they can see the difference Jesus makes in our lives.

Do you know people who do not belong to a faith community? There is your mission field. Love them. Serve them. Serve alongside them. Answer their questions. Be a light on their path.

You are doing mission. And discipleship means being on mission.

 

Wednesday April 10^th 2024

Today’s word is BOLDNESS.

Sometimes it is necessary to step out of our comfort zone. Sometimes to speak up when we are unsure. And sometimes this requires stepping out and speaking up in front of people who might openly criticize or oppose us.

No one likes to be criticized – and though criticism and correction should be done privately we all know that there are some people who feel more powerful by doing it publicly. Being called out or corrected in front of colleagues or friends is embarrassing. It makes us look bad professionally. In certain instances it is a detriment to our position, career, or relationship.

I am thinking of the scripture where the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they spoke out about Jesus boldly.  In Acts 4, verse 31, we read “After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” [Take the time to read the preceding verses to get the setting.]

I am thinking of times when Paul was in jail – or threatened – and yet he spoke boldly about his faith and about Jesus and salvation. Look at Ephesians 6, verses 19-20 for instance: “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”

We may not find ourselves in such dire situations, yet we have to step out in boldness when others counter us about our beliefs. We must also temper that boldness with the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. For boldness alone can make enemies and get us in trouble. Boldness under God’s guidance can be a powerful witness.

So are there times when you have hesitated to step out or speak up? Are there times when you have felt the Holy Spirit nudge you to do or say something and you did not?

Pray for the guidance to know when to act and speak boldly. Let God do the rest.

 

Wednesday April 3^rd 2024

How was Lent for you? Did you fast? Did you pray? Did you contemplate?

How was Easter? Did you rejoice? Celebrate?

Today’s Word is CONTINUE.

Whatever you did during Lent that brought you closer to the Lord – continue it!

Just because the season of Lent is over doesn’t mean we stop praying the Psalms, stop contemplating what God is saying to us, or stop listening for his leading.

Just because Easter was Sunday doesn’t mean we stop celebrating The Resurrection on Monday.

Did you give up something for Lent? Was it an unhealthy food or a bad habit? Continue not eating it. Continue not doing it.

Did you set aside a special time to pray the Psalms? To devote time to prayer in general? Did you spend more time in Scripture? Continue!

Having used Lent as a time to prepare for the resurrection, let us continue to live in that resurrection mindset – preparing for the resurrection yet to come.

The Scripture that comes to mind is Hebrews 12:1.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Continue the race – keep going where God is leading you, doing what God has for you to do.

So what are you going to continue??