Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 29, 2014
Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place. Nehemiah 3:1
More than any time in the history of the church, contemporary Christians are blessed with time and money to resource other believers. Homes can be built or rebuilt after a natural disaster. Aggressive forms of agriculture can be taught, orphans can be educated and adopted. Christian schools can be funded and churches can be planted. Modern technology provides for creative ways to share Christ with non-believers and disciple believers. Organized service projects work!
Where is Christ calling you to organize a service project? Perhaps like Nehemiah, the Lord may lead you back to the roots of your ancestry whose place of worship needs repair. Moreover, their faith may be almost extinguished from a generation apathetic toward Almighty God. When you show up with an organized team to serve at their point of need, you may be just what they need to get going for God. A simple service project can propel people toward faith in Jesus Christ.
Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Start in prayer. Ask God who He wants you to bless and how He wants you to organize a mission work. Maybe you challenge an already existing small group or Sunday School class to come alongside you to serve for this brief season. Just ask the Lord to give you six or eight committed souls, even as many as ten or twelve to dedicate their skills and gifts to serve. Recruit a co-leader who supports you administratively. Schedule prayer times, trainings and an overnight retreat to bond with one another and to prepare for the mission work. Each one can do their unique part.
Set a date for the needs are great. Procrastination will never produce a perfect time to organize a service project. Don’t be preoccupied by what others more qualified should do, instead ask the Holy Spirit to fill you for what you can do. Better to be available with less experience, than be over qualified and uninvolved. Look for groups like 410 Bridge, http://www.410bridge.org who can help you if your church is not engaged in mission projects. Yes, God blesses organized work!
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Acts 10:19-20
Prayer: Heavenly Father, use me to organize a service project that moves men and women toward You.
Related Readings: Isaiah 49:6; Psalm 67:2; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 16:9
Post/Tweet today: Set a date for the needs are great. Procrastination will never produce a perfect time. #organizedmissionwork
Blessed by these readings?: pray about giving a donation, click… http://bit.ly/KArLE5
Check Out Boyd’s 12 devotional books over the past 10 years … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Free eBook when you sign up 5 friends for the free email devotional… http://bit.ly/1hNvIe8
© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com
Comments are closed.
I just got back from Nicaragua in December. My husband is getting ready to leave Friday for 10 days. Next year I will be able to go. It has gotten to the point that we are willing to give up our vacation time to go where we have been called. Lord willing in 3 to 5 years we will relocate there permanently. I have been given so much and yet when I saw first hand it changed my heart. My heart beats for the widow, orphan, the poor in this country. I ask for prayer for the team going down. They are looking at building 3 houses. And the beauty is we get the locals involved to boost their community. In the love of Christ we go. The biggest impact? In December I was thirsty. Me Gringo. And a lady whom my husband had built a relationship with gave me a fresh coconut to drink. She was selling them on the street. I went to pay and she waived it off. She lives in a shack. Needs the money and yet gives to me..my heart beats for this…God has called I must answer…
Dear Faith~
What a blessing it is to read your reponse to the devotional “Organized Service Project”. Your service, as well as your husband’s service, is such an example of serving others in the name of God. Your willingness to go to Nicaragua and serve those in need is a reminder to all of us of what it means to “Follow Him”. I loved how you ended your letter “God has called I must answer”. I am awestruck by your faithfulness and obedience. And in return, look how you and your husband are being blessed! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
Can I ask a favor? Will you keep in touch with Wisdom Hunters and let us know how your journey continues and where all God takes you. We will be anxious to hear!
Again, thank you so much ~ what a blessing you are!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne (gwynne@wisdomhunters.com)
Gwynne Maffett
Wisdom Hunters