Let's Listen to His Call

"But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay." Matthew 28:5-6 ESV)

 

Christ wants more of us, more for us, than to just sit idly by and say, "I'm saved, so I'm good." He wants us to allow Him to wrap us up in the armor of His love and go fight for the lost, defend the defeated from the enemy by giving them the same weapons that we carry with us: the Word of God, the Love of Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit. The story is written, just yet to be lived out. We know that the war is won, but we still have the battle to fight. 

All of those in Christ know many who are lost and afraid to whom we can reach out. It is interesting that our churches' Easter services are so well attended by people who do not know the Lord. Could it be that the Holy Spirit has brought them to our doors? How many are only waiting for an invitation from someone to come and celebrate with them, but never receive it? They know something is missing, only not what it may be. The Spirit beckons, tugs at their heart, calls lovingly to them. We are His hands and feet, so it is up to us to lead the way. We cannot plant the seeds for the Father to tend unless we take action and start walking the path He desires for us. 

Let us start fighting right now. Begin by praying for God to give us strength, wisdom and faith as we join this battle. Pray for those we know who are still searching, or are so lost that they have given up and turned their backs on that love that chases them. We are empowered by God to bring that love and give it to others. And the supply is limitless.

This is my prayer:

Father, I am so thankful that you have rescued me; that you sent your Son to die for me so that I do not have to. Lord, I pray that you give me the strength and faith to step out and be a witness for you and show that through you anything and everything is possible. Give me the words and wisdom to share your love, to show that Jesus Christ is the answer and the way to eternal life in Heaven. Father I pray that you soften the hearts and open the minds of those who do not know you, so that they may hear and see the proof of your holiness. Send your Holy Spirit to speak through me and provide whatever words you want spoken. God, bring any who are seeking you to someone with whom they may hear the gospel. Please, let me be your hands and feet, a warrior in this eternal battle for the lost, to play a part in defeating the enemy who prowls this world. Thank you for the love you have shown me, and the life you have given me. I praise you and love you Lord. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

April 2015

For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Romans 10:13-15 ESV)

As we approach the celebration of Christ's resurrection, we remember the beautiful ugliness of what He suffered for us, taking on all of our sins, our suffering, our angst, our uncertainty and defeating death on our behalf. His suffering paid the debt we owed for our sin and our disrespect for the love of God. We celebrate His rising, proving He is everything that He told us He is . . . the Son of God. Our Savior and redeemer. 

Those who have given their lives to Christ and accepted His grace and forgiveness owe more to Him than thankfulness. We owe our lives, thoughts, actions, praise . . . our everything. By taking what is freely given to us through His life, death and rising, we also take on the charge He gave to His followers when He prayed to the Father as He prepared to be betrayed and sent to complete the task that God had assigned him, to be like Him and go out into the world and continue what He started in us. 

As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.  And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:18-19)

In our lives, on a day-to-day basis, as we interact in our jobs, on the street, within our own homes and families, we have the opportunity to present the gospel, the saving grace that is ours through Christ. How often do we let that time pass that cannot be reclaimed, where, rather than a turned head or harsh word, we could show kindness and love, the love that God shows us; the love that God has for every single person who is, was, or will be in this world.

 

Can our righteousness be so righteous that we are blinded to those who desperately need what we have to give? Are we so selfish as to hoard this gift, even though, in truth, as we give it away it is returned exponentially? It is true, the more we love and give, the more we receive. A very good friend of mine often says, "My cup's so full, I'm drinking from the saucer."

--Lord, let me remember what it is you have done on my behalf. Remind me through your Word, and by the Holy Spirit in me. Father, help me focus on you as I live out my earthly life in this world, and keep me on the path you have set for me. As the celebration of Jesus' resurrection comes, please, God, open up the minds and soften the hearts of those who do not yet know and put their trust in You, that they will come to You and realize what love and comfort really is. In Christ's name I pray. Amen