Inspiration and Resources for the Week Ahead

This call Jesus gives in John 20:21 is an invitation to join him in what he started.  "As the Father has sent me, I am sending you," Jesus tells his frightened disciples.  He enters into their fears, and speaks peace.  He enters into their broken worlds—the mess of sin and the harsh realities of life—and sends them into the broken worlds of the people around them.

It's the same for you and me.

We must respond to this invitation.  We can respond with prayer.  Prayers are essential to the work of the gospel.  In fact, Paul petitioned the church in Ephesus, saying, "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." (Ephesians 6:19-20). We can join Paul in this wonderful prayer—that our missionaries around the world can fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

We can also respond to the call as God's people.  God calls many to full- or part-time ministry.  Throughout Scripture we see many individuals whom God called to vocational ministry.  If you've been called, might I suggest that you answer the call—do not run from it.  While not everyone is called to full- or part-time ministry, all of us have been called to share the gospel, to witness to the power of the resurrection, to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and visit those in prison.  If we open our hearts to God, we will hear God calling us to some form of service for him.

We also respond to this invitation with our resources.  The truth is we've been blessed in order to be a blessing.  By sharing what God has given us, we are able to partner with those whom God has called.  Through our faithful giving, missionaries can go to places that you and I cannot go.  We can give generously because we serve a generous God.

Have you considered what you can give for Faith Promise this year?  I challenge you this week to be praying how God would want you to give.  Remember, this is not a calculated pledge.  Rather, it is a promise that is made by faith—knowing that God will do far greater things than we would if we hold onto it.

Have a blessed week!
​Pastor Michael