Good Morning Called, Prepared, Sent, Guided, Follower of the Way! Amen! So be it Lord! Come use us well! May we be earnest as we follow Jesus and His Way! Amen!
I wasn't planning to share much except some reminders from a few of our devotionals today. God has called us, commissioned us, empowered us and sent us to grow His Kingdom on earth. That is why we are here and daylight is definitely burning! God has great plans for you and us today--every day. Choose well as you walk with Him for such a time as this!
In our pastors and disciples huddle this morning the Great Commission was shared from the Message translation. Ponder this in prayer and conversation with God and some friends and contemplate through the devotionals below what God has planned for you and what you are going to do about it. We all have a custom role in His Good News Delivery Co. Step boldly into your part! Experience all the fullness of your faith and what God is doing and has planned for you and rejoice! Shalom!
Great Commission:
Matthew 28:16-20
The Message
16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.
18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”
Charles Stanley:
UR: Good Gifts
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! - Matthew 7:11 (NIV)
Three-year-old Kate had spent a day with me the previous week, and she delighted in the strawberries I had given her as a snack. When I picked her up again, her first words to me were, “Do you have strawberries?” I told her I didn’t, and I watched her eyes cloud and her smile fade. I quickly added, “But I do have oranges and bananas.” Kate’s eyes brightened, and she excitedly exclaimed, “Yeah, I like those too!” Kate enjoyed the oranges and bananas as much as she had enjoyed the strawberries.
This sweet interaction with Kate made me ponder our responses to God. We often ask for blessings and hope to receive the same gifts we were given before. But God may have a different gift in store for us. Do we respond positively to God’s good gift or do we wish for something else?
When we pray, we should be open to the gifts that God has for us in the present. James tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (Jas. 1:17). God has a variety of gifts and blessings to offer, and each one may be different than the last. We can anticipate them all with the excitement and joy of a child.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Loving Father, thank you for the many gifts you have given us in the past. Help us to be open to the good gifts you are giving us today. Amen.TWFYT:
Praying for your pastor guide. (I shared this before but have been praying this for Sarah, me and over you as shepherds of the Lord. Please join me over the next few months in praying these daily. Thanks! God hears and our prayers are powerful and effective!
