Acts 16:1-5
One of the greatest experiences in my life was a mission trip to Ukraine. Admittedly, I responded with a forceful “no way” when asked to consider going. The excuses, which were all valid to me, were plentiful in my mind; My four children ages 6-11 can’t be without me for 18 days, I don’t know how to speak Russian or Ukrainian, our finances or lack thereof won’t permit me to go, I don’t know enough about the Bible, I could never make a difference, . . . and this is just the short list. My husband encouraged me to go and prayed for me through it. Before going, there was quite a bit of preparation to do. I needed a passport, cultural training, planning the two-week kids’ camp game plan, airline tickets, raising financial support, spiritual preparation, and more. I had to get ready!
God has called all believers to go and make disciples of all nations, yet there remain thousands of people groups around the world, near and far, who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. Living on mission isn’t just for “missionaries”—we all have a role in sharing Christ to the ends of the earth; whether it’s sharing with someone 2 feet away, 2 houses away, 2 miles away, or 2 continents away. Emmanuel provides our church with a great resource called RightNow Media, which has an encouraging and helpful study titled, Mission in Motion by Claude Hickman and Todd Ahrend, teaching and reminding Christ followers to rediscover our God-given purpose in life and examine ways that each of us can be involved in God’s great mission. I urge you to check it out.
In today’s reading in Acts 16:1-5, we find Paul recruiting Timothy. Paul wanted to work with Jewish communities, so he circumcised Timothy to avoid causing offense. Paul focuses on discipleship, and his decision to recruit Timothy shows his commitment to mentoring and training others to help them grow spiritually and get them ready for future ministry. It is important to prepare, and we should be ready to change plans and follow God's guidance, even if it means going in a different direction than intended. May we be like Paul and allow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives and then be obedient to that leading. We have much to learn and glean from young Timothy, who loved the word of God. This love was important because God was going to ask Timothy to teach the Bible a lot. If Timothy didn't love the word, he'd never have been up for God's task.
Paul was ready. Timothy was ready. Hearts were ready to receive the message. Today I am reminded that God has given us everything that we need. He has equipped us. Are we ready? Are you ready? Are you a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ, ready to make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to prepare a new generation of leaders? Are you ready to unite the church without compromising the gospel, AND defend the integrity of the gospel without sacrificing the unity of the church? Get ready and go!
One of the greatest experiences in my life was a mission trip to Ukraine. Admittedly, I responded with a forceful “no way” when asked to consider going. The excuses, which were all valid to me, were plentiful in my mind; My four children ages 6-11 can’t be without me for 18 days, I don’t know how to speak Russian or Ukrainian, our finances or lack thereof won’t permit me to go, I don’t know enough about the Bible, I could never make a difference, . . . and this is just the short list. My husband encouraged me to go and prayed for me through it. Before going, there was quite a bit of preparation to do. I needed a passport, cultural training, planning the two-week kids’ camp game plan, airline tickets, raising financial support, spiritual preparation, and more. I had to get ready!
God has called all believers to go and make disciples of all nations, yet there remain thousands of people groups around the world, near and far, who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. Living on mission isn’t just for “missionaries”—we all have a role in sharing Christ to the ends of the earth; whether it’s sharing with someone 2 feet away, 2 houses away, 2 miles away, or 2 continents away. Emmanuel provides our church with a great resource called RightNow Media, which has an encouraging and helpful study titled, Mission in Motion by Claude Hickman and Todd Ahrend, teaching and reminding Christ followers to rediscover our God-given purpose in life and examine ways that each of us can be involved in God’s great mission. I urge you to check it out.
In today’s reading in Acts 16:1-5, we find Paul recruiting Timothy. Paul wanted to work with Jewish communities, so he circumcised Timothy to avoid causing offense. Paul focuses on discipleship, and his decision to recruit Timothy shows his commitment to mentoring and training others to help them grow spiritually and get them ready for future ministry. It is important to prepare, and we should be ready to change plans and follow God's guidance, even if it means going in a different direction than intended. May we be like Paul and allow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives and then be obedient to that leading. We have much to learn and glean from young Timothy, who loved the word of God. This love was important because God was going to ask Timothy to teach the Bible a lot. If Timothy didn't love the word, he'd never have been up for God's task.
Paul was ready. Timothy was ready. Hearts were ready to receive the message. Today I am reminded that God has given us everything that we need. He has equipped us. Are we ready? Are you ready? Are you a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ, ready to make passionate disciples of Jesus Christ? Are you ready to prepare a new generation of leaders? Are you ready to unite the church without compromising the gospel, AND defend the integrity of the gospel without sacrificing the unity of the church? Get ready and go!
Posted in Devotional