In order to “engage with community and world” we have to be a people who are ready to obey. Read the Bible account about Ananias below. Can you imagine Ananias’ objections to what the Lord was asking? “You want me to go to a perfect stranger? Go? To a murderer of Jesus’ followers like me?” How would you have reacted? What would you have done?
“The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.’
‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’
But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord–Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here–has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (Acts 9:11-20).
Let’s unite in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to help us be a people ready to engage no matter what the Lord asks and no matter what the cost. Like Ananias, our one act of obedience can change the world.
May 9-15
As we look to our General Conference being “a resourcing event to bring about revival and renewal for the church” let’s continue to pray for Ministry Group #4. They are to help the church reach the goal Every Place: Engaging Community and World (Impacting “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth”). As you approach these times of prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to:
- Help us to make the right choices so that we spend time in the Word.
- Help our spiritual “ears” be open to listening for and hearing God’s instructions.
- Help us not fear what the Lord asks of His church and, as the first believers experienced, that He would work His boldness in us (Acts 4:29-31).
Monday – May 9th Prayer Task: “Creative Missions”
There are numerous ways to gain access to, make contact with and serve new people groups: microeconomics, education, medical relief, music and drama.
Read: Acts 17:16-21
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about the creative programs needed to enter closed countries and pray for those things to come true in our church.
Tuesday – May 10th Prayer Task: “Language Acquisition”
Effective communication requires that missionaries become skilled in using the heart language of the people in teaching, counseling and worship.
Read: Acts 2:1-8
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about what it will take for our outreach efforts at home and abroad to minister in the local language and pray for those things to come true for our church.
Wednesday – May 11th Prayer Task: “Cultural Relevance”
The gospel is relevant in all places at all times. But Christians must know how to show its relevance within the culture, just like the Apostle Paul did in the following text.
Read: Acts 17:16-17, 20-23
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about what missionaries and even local churches must do in order to show relevance and pray for those things to come true in our church.
Thursday – May 12th Prayer Task: “Generous Funding”
There is more than enough money among our people to fund 2 to 3 times as many missionaries. The challenge is inspiring sacrificial giving in a culture that prioritizes financial security.
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about what is required for people to be financially countercultural and pray for those things to become true for our church.
Friday – May 13th Prayer Task: “The Obstacle of False Religions”
In order for the gospel to be preached and received it must confront the power of false religions — everything from materialism to Hinduism — in any country.
Read: Acts 19:23-31
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about what it takes to confront false religions and pray for those things to come true in our church.
Saturday – May 14th Prayer Task: “Effective Information Networks”
How can churches send, how can people pray, give and go unless they know the challenges and victories of missionaries?
Read: Philippians 2:19-24
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about what is necessary for information to be exchanged effectively and pray for those things to come true for our church.
Sunday – May 15th Prayer Task: “Empathy & Identification”
The most effective evangelism occurs through incarnation — when missionaries climb inside the culture and conditions of the lives of those they serve.
Read: Acts 20:32-35
Pray: Ask the Spirit to guide you in thinking about what it means for people and churches to fully identify with those they intend to serve and pray for those things to come true in our church.
Giving the Lord More of Your Sabbath: Take time today and pray also for those serving in special ministries in your community and our nation as well as those missionaries your conference sponsors.
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