January 2nd, 2024
Written by Kara Wallis
Matthew 28:16-20: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
I have found myself lately diving into books about missionaries telling their stories and life experiences on the mission field. They heard the call on their lives and said yes to go. They packed up their families and what they could, they left the only home they had known to go reach people for Jesus. To be even a little successful they immersed themselves in the culture. They learned the social rules of society. They learned a different language. They learned an entirely new way to dress. They learned to eat different foods. They listened to the people and their life stories. Some of these missionaries are in very dangerous places and they have to carefully consider every single decision they make.
Their journeys and our journeys are always first about the heart of God, His heart for us, and His heart for others. When we enter God’s heart, we experience His love and receive His invitation to share His love with others. We pray, we give, and we go, because we know God and what He’s done for us. We are embraced by Him and embrace His heart for others. One author said it like this, ”We are stripped of soul-deadening diversions and faith dulling self-sufficiency. In truth we lose our lives for Jesus and find our lives in Him. We walk in suffering and recognize the goodness and beauty of God. We are like those who have thirsted in the desert and have tasted the sweetest water. How can we live in a dangerous place? How can we bring our children into such darkness? We can and we do, because we know that Christ is with us.” I receive such inspiration and revelation from that statement. I see my own weakness with soul-deadening diversion and faith-dulling self sufficiency.
The Great Commission was Jesus’ final charge to His followers, including us. I want to ask you and myself is this our mission in life? This is God’s purpose for each of us and our families. It’s our purpose in our churches. It’s our purpose in our workplaces. It’s our purpose in our communities and neighborhoods. It’s our purpose in our world. As we reflect this month with it being Kingdom Builders month, ask God to show you what He would have you do and give to help make disciples of every nation.
Matthew 28:16-20: “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
I have found myself lately diving into books about missionaries telling their stories and life experiences on the mission field. They heard the call on their lives and said yes to go. They packed up their families and what they could, they left the only home they had known to go reach people for Jesus. To be even a little successful they immersed themselves in the culture. They learned the social rules of society. They learned a different language. They learned an entirely new way to dress. They learned to eat different foods. They listened to the people and their life stories. Some of these missionaries are in very dangerous places and they have to carefully consider every single decision they make.
Their journeys and our journeys are always first about the heart of God, His heart for us, and His heart for others. When we enter God’s heart, we experience His love and receive His invitation to share His love with others. We pray, we give, and we go, because we know God and what He’s done for us. We are embraced by Him and embrace His heart for others. One author said it like this, ”We are stripped of soul-deadening diversions and faith dulling self-sufficiency. In truth we lose our lives for Jesus and find our lives in Him. We walk in suffering and recognize the goodness and beauty of God. We are like those who have thirsted in the desert and have tasted the sweetest water. How can we live in a dangerous place? How can we bring our children into such darkness? We can and we do, because we know that Christ is with us.” I receive such inspiration and revelation from that statement. I see my own weakness with soul-deadening diversion and faith-dulling self sufficiency.
The Great Commission was Jesus’ final charge to His followers, including us. I want to ask you and myself is this our mission in life? This is God’s purpose for each of us and our families. It’s our purpose in our churches. It’s our purpose in our workplaces. It’s our purpose in our communities and neighborhoods. It’s our purpose in our world. As we reflect this month with it being Kingdom Builders month, ask God to show you what He would have you do and give to help make disciples of every nation.
6 Comments
Shalom.
Greetings from Holy Faith Church family here in Uganda.
I am blessed to be reading this at the just the beginning of the year 2024. This reminds everyone about the great communication of preaching the gospel at any or no cost. Really ready to risk everything including our lives for the gospel missions.
I am requesting the team of Vincent Revival Center to consider Uganda to as you plan for 2024 missions. Holy Faith Church is welcoming you and ready to serve God together as one team. God bless you all as we focus on the purpose of Missions.
Greetings from Apostle Asiimwe Emmanuel the founder and leader of Holy Faith Ministries Worldwide.
Shalom to you and your people!
I learned the above verses as a young girl in GAs (Girls Auxiliary) and it has always stayed with me. I feel I am a home missionary and have tried to train up children in the way they should go. I pray often for our missionaries as they spread the Good News of our Savior.
Good word Kara!
Great word Kara!!
Kara great word. Here at home the enemy wants to fear even taking care of our own country. I know I am not able to go but I sure do want to support the ones that are. 🙌ðŸ»ðŸ™ŒðŸ»â¤ï¸
I love the way you worded "When we enter God's heart". We become part of a divine blood line, and blood flows through the heart. Therefore, we enter the heart of God. Good word, Sister.