reflections

9/09

Seized by and Seizing a Great Mission “Ask of me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.” Psalm 2:8 Amplified This verse discloses God’s heart for world evangelism. All the people groups of the world are intended to come under the rule of Jesus. There is a promise of inheritance if we “ask” and go forth. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissions us to make disciples in all people groups. Finances and laborers are needed to seize the gospel opportunities and needs of this millennium. Have you considered offering your skills and abilities in ministry to North America or elsewhere? What about a major investment of finance into world evangelism? About one-fifth of Jesus’ recorded words were about money. He knew we are apt to fall in love with it. He challenged us to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matt. 6:20). The Apostle Peter also talked about the only lasting investment in I Peter 1:3-5, “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade - kept in heaven for you.” God has entrusted us with possessions. The ones we try to hold onto we lose. What we let Him have control over we keep for eternity. I am challenged to use the resources God has given me to make a difference. David Livingstone said, “I will place no value on anything I have or may possess except in relation to the kingdom of Christ. If anything will advance the interests of that kingdom, it shall be given away or kept, only as by the giving or keeping of it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe my hopes in time and eternity. May grace and strength sufficient to enable me to adhere faithfully to this resolution be imparted to me, so that, not in name only, all my interest may be identified with His causes.” Thank you for your investment in the kingdom. Know that your labor of love is making a difference in the lives of many. Continue to press forward to apprehend that for which you have been apprehended. Shalom, Pastor Jay T. Francis