Category: YouVersion App

The Job of an Ambassador

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

Becoming Like Christ (YouVersion Daily Refresh)

Scripture tells us that we who belong to Christ are now ambassadors for Christ. As ambassadors, we are tasked with two things: the mission of God and the character of Jesus.

The goal this passage sets out for us sounds pretty simple: to become more and more like Jesus in the way that we act, think, and feel, and to also accomplish the purposes that God has for our life. We are tasked to accomplish the work of God in the way He wants it done, following the “word of truth,” or the Bible.

As Christians, we should strive to be like Christ. We want to have the same mind and attitude that He had. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15 reinforces that mindset about our character. In the midst of a culture that is grumbling and fighting, act like Jesus.

In this letter, Paul tells Timothy not to be ashamed of his past, but instead to let his past be a testament to how Jesus has changed his life. Your past is part of your story, and it’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s a way that you can show others how Jesus changed your life.

The best way that we can continue to be transformed by Jesus is to continually seek His truth in Scripture. As we engage with Scripture and the Holy Spirit, our mind, heart, and hands are changed to be more like Christ.

How can you be more like Christ today? Think of a few small steps you can take to begin to shift your thinking and action towards the mission of God or the character of Christ. Ask God for His help as you seek to follow Him daily.

My Thoughts

I was so happy to hear that Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas and a wonderful Christian, was tapped to be the ambassador to Israel. Since he is a staunch and vocally active supporter of Israel, I knew that he would be the perfect candidate. When I read today’s Daily Refresh, I realized once again that I am already an ambassador. What struck me as fresh or information that I hadn’t thought a lot about was that my job has two aspects to it.

Just as Mike Huckabee will represent the United States to the nation of Israel, I represent Christ to a lost and dying world. There are a lot of people who are afraid right now, terrified of the “orange man” in power who has the potential to disrupt their happy existence. My sister has been ranting online to me for days now, sending me articles about how we are about to lose our social security and the dictator in power is deranged. I have chosen to ignore her rants and to answer calmly about other topics, like health and current well-being of herself or family members. I figure that the best way to calm her storm is not to take part in it but to focus on blessings instead. To me, that is the best way I can represent Christ to someone determined to not believe or trust in Him.

The other part of my job is to fulfill His mission of telling others. I am not great at that, but I work at sowing seeds whenever I am prodded by the Holy Spirit. I know I can do better so I continue to strive to hear the Spirit’s voice and to know what to say and when to say it. I don’t want to offend, but I do want to commend others to the Lord and let them know that He is just waiting for them to open the door to their hearts.

Today is a busy day for me since I go to see my neurologist and have him check on some issues I have been having, like recent migraines and the effect of bass/percussion on my brain. I hope that I will be able to sow seeds while I am out and about and that I will be a good representative of Christ, representing love and hope rather than doom and gloom and despair. There is a lot to worry about, but I choose to count my blessings instead and let God handle the worrying part.

I hope your day is blessed with a fruitful day of being a good ambassador, wherever you go and whatever you do!

Depend on God’s Power

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

A Way Out

Life is full of difficulties and challenges. Especially as Christians, our desire to follow God’s paths for our lives can sometimes go directly against what our culture tells us to do. Living according to God’s way can be particularly difficult because of various temptations that might cause us to get distracted.

1 Corinthians 10:13 acknowledges that we will all experience temptation. It also does not promise that all of our temptations will be easy to overcome.

But it also says that God promises to be faithful to help us through whatever temptations we face. God will provide a way for us to escape every temptation. God will strengthen us so we can endure through trials.

God has given us instructions and a pathway for right-living in His Word. Everything that we need in order to live a healthy, godly life is included in Scripture.

Paul, the author of the letters to the church in Corinth, cautions his readers not to be prideful in their spiritual life. When we are prideful, we can falsely believe that we’re immune to temptations. But when we’re prideful, we are actually most susceptible to fall into temptation.

So rather than being arrogant, we should be humble. We ought to depend on God’s power rather than our own. It is only through a growing relationship with Jesus that we truly find the strength to endure trials and temptations.

If you find yourself caught in temptations, draw near to God. Ask Him to give you His strength so that you can endure. Make it a priority to strengthen your relationship in Him through reading God’s Word and praying to Him. Never forget that God always provides a way for you to escape temptation. He is always faithful and always with you.

My Thoughts

Sometimes, I am like a child stomping my feet and declaring my independence when what I really need is to lean closer into God. Temptations come daily. The temptation to watch a show on TV that is not wholesome but everyone says it’s really good. The temptation to accept doing a book review on a book that is not Christian but it has good ratings and the author is well known. The temptation to choose to spend time on a device instead of with God. Sometimes I win and sometimes I lose, but always I set out to win. The thing is that none of us can win the battle against temptation on our own. We have to depend on God’s power. We have to ask the Holy Spirit to lead us out of temptation and He will. But we have to ask and depend, not go our own way heedlessly of His warnings.

Be Aware

On By vickleaIn Scripture, testimony, YouVersion App2 Comments

The Presence of God (YouVersion Daily Refresh)

The writer of Psalm 27 is intentionally focusing on one of the most important aspects of our spiritual life. Throughout Scripture, we learn about the importance of the presence of God. 

It is in the presence of God that we find strength and hope (Psalm 27:1). It’s also in God’s presence that our enemies lose their power over us (Psalm 27:2-3).

In Psalm 27:4 the writer of the Psalm expresses his desire to dwell within the house of the Lord, to gaze upon God’s beauty and be in His presence in the temple. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was primarily within the temple. But through spending time with God, the Psalmist found hope and restoration for his soul.

Thanks to Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to the temple. His presence is now available to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers. We now have access to God’s presence at any time.

Just like the writer of the Psalm desired to dwell within God’s presence, we also should desire to be with God as much as possible. It is in God’s presence that we find hope, joy, beauty, and the restoration of our weary souls.

It is important that we spend time with God each and every day. We can do this through regularly reading Scripture and reflecting on what we read. We can also spend time in prayer, talking to God about what is happening in our life. Another way to spend time in God’s presence is to simply be aware that He is with you through your daily tasks each day.

My Thoughts

To be honest, I used to go through my days vaguely aware that God was walking with me throughout the day. These days, as my health concerns increase and my days and night are all mixed up from lack of sleep, I am constantly aware that God is with me. He is with me when I awaken in the morning and my first thought is to thank Him for giving me some rest. He is with me as I count out the meds, use my nebulizer and cough my way through another day. I keep thanking God for each breath He has given me.

Last night I got to do an online chat with our daughter and grandchildren. What a blessing to see their smiling faces and to hear their voices! I could see God working in each of their lives and I felt so peaceful as I listened and participated in the celebration of Tyler’s birthday.

There are so many things that I have to be thankful for, but the one that stands out is that God is right there beside me. He knows my frustration at not being able to attend church in person since I have to stay near meds that help me breathe. He has been wrapping me in warm hugs of encouragement and love. I don’t like not being able to go out but I do like feeling God’s presence so close to me that I whisper His name and can almost audibly hear Him say, “I am right here.”

God is good, all the time. He is present, all the time. Sometimes we are more aware of His nearness, just when we need to feel His closeness to us, He shows us. I don’t know how to explain it other than the peace and calm that comes when it is totally unexpected, like a wonderful surprise that you knew was coming but you didn’t know when it would arrive. The expectation of God’s presence is awe-inspiring, but the awareness of His being there all along is nothing short of glorious!

Asking for Wisdom

On By vickleaIn Admonition, promises, Scripture, testimony, YouVersion App3 Comments

Wisdom for Life (YouVersion Daily Refresh)

Wisdom is a key aspect of maturity. We often think of growing into maturity as we get older and gain more knowledge, but growing mature in wisdom transcends age. Wisdom grows when we learn to apply our knowledge to everyday choices and situations.

James, the brother of Jesus and writer of the book of James, talks about the process of growing in spiritual maturity in James 1:1-5. He tells us that anybody who seeks wisdom should simply ask God for it, and God will give it generously to anyone who asks.

Growing in spiritual wisdom happens when we use our knowledge of God, the world, and ourselves, to make right decisions about how we should act, live, and talk as Christians. It’s as we get to know God better that we grow in His wisdom and are equipped with the knowledge we need to live abundant lives that honor Him. In this way, wisdom comes from our relationship with God.

Nobody needs to lack wisdom because God offers it freely through a relationship with Him. As we seek Him and His wisdom, He gives us opportunities to practice it and grow in our trust in Him. And as we trust Him with our choices, we begin to see wisdom flourish in our lives.

So what will you do to cultivate wisdom in your life? The first step is to ask God for help. When you humbly come to God and admit your need for Him, He will generously give you all the wisdom you need.

My Thoughts

Growing up, I cultivated a lot of knowledge. This was mostly due to a demanding mother who insisted that I had a higher than average IQ (she had each of us tested) so she demanded absolute perfection from me. A “B” on a test brought severe consequences, so I quickly learned to apply myself to receive all “A’s” at the expense of friendships and acceptance by my peers. They came to me for help with school work but not real relationships. Coupled with my health problems with asthma, I was mostly a lonely child. Attending college didn’t help a lot since I was still mostly a loner, but I applied myself to do well there, too. Getting a “C” in my first math class there almost destroyed me, but I persevered and accepted that I was not as smart in all subjects as my mom insisted I was. When I was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa my senior year, I was understandably proud but also bewildered about how I got there, since it was supposed to be an organization for well-rounded students and all I did well was study. Or at least that is what I thought of myself. Looking back, I realize that in my quest to do well in college, I had taken on jobs, leadership positions (a junior counselor to freshmen and the president of the Spanish House among others) but I didn’t consider them activities but responsibilities to help others. Anyway, I graduated from college and went on to become a teacher.

It was in my first year away from home in a small apartment in Smithfield, Virginia, that I encountered someone who told me all about Jesus. I became a Christian and started seeking more than knowledge. I wanted wisdom from God and found it in His Word and in talking with other like-minded believers.

I discovered that wisdom is God’s gift to help us know when to speak, when to be silent, what to say in various situations and to always be aware that we are representing God. That is a very simplistic definition but it is one that I have tried to cultivate. Wisdom has helped me to deal with a non-believing family member who scoffs at my beliefs, particularly since I have had multiple health issues. How can a God who loves me watch me have a debilitating stroke or struggle to breathe with my asthmatic condition? My reply comes from the wisdom of knowing and walking with God. He didn’t cause my problems but He does walk with me through them. Wisdom urges me to be silent when I see others struggling with the responsibility of a special needs child. My book knowledge says that there is a better way, but my wisdom says to pray and be silent and let God show them the way. You see, wisdom is not always the loudest voice. In fact, it is rarely accompanied by trumpets sounding and the announcement that I alone have all the answers. Rather, it is a still small voice speaking in my ear and telling me what to say, when to say it or just to be quiet because God is handling things and doesn’t need my help.

For Such A Time as This

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Finding Your Purpose (YouVersion Daily Refresh)

The story of Esther is a powerful testimony within the Scriptures. It tells about Esther who risked her life in order to save the people of God from danger. Esther faced the decision between what was easy and what was difficult, and she chose the more difficult way because it was the right thing to do.

Esther 4:14 points out that Esther’s purpose in life was tied to this very moment. She was crafted and shaped by God in order to fulfill His purposes in her generation. She was placed in this unique situation by God.

While most of us might not be servants in the house of a king or queen, we all have difficult decisions to make in life. Every day we are faced with situations that have easy answers, and some that are difficult.

The story of Esther teaches us that God has gifted each of us for a specific purpose. Even though the journey isn’t always easy, God promises to be with us as we follow the path He’s called us to.

Additionally, Esther did not accomplish her purpose alone. She had the support of her community fasting and praying for her. Similarly, we cannot make it through life alone. We need the support of our community praying for us. And they need us in their lives as well.

Take some time today to think about your own story. How is it similar to Esther’s? Consider the unique purpose that God has created you for. Pray to Him for strength to make the right decision in life, and to persevere in following where He leads.

My Thoughts

God has been speaking to me a lot lately through His Word about His purpose for me and whether I am fulfilling it or not. I sincerely want to follow the path God has laid out for me, but I am very aware that sometimes I have strayed and not done as the Holy Spirit was directing me. I am trying to get better, but I am not there yet.

The book of Esther is a story of courage, but as has been pointed out to me in every devotional and in my own reading, the Jewish people at that time were far from God. The times were dangerous and they were facing extinction. Yet there is no prayer in the book, no mention of God’s name. Esther does ask the community to fast, but that seems to be out of desperation, and I hope, her faith, but that is not mentioned.

I need the courage of Esther when I venture into the sinful world today. Seemingly innocent things like a new Snow White movie are actually sin in disguise, roping in innocent children to believe in a society that is not part of God’s plan. I haven’t really been going into the world a lot lately since I have been really ill for a couple of weeks now. I did go to my specialist yesterday, and the receptionist got a little snippy with me. You know the type…just put on a mask since you’re coughing and answer my questions even though you cannot breathe well. I said a silent prayer for strength and did the best I could. I am thankful that I did not reply with snark, my usual response especially when I am not feeling well. But the Spirit checked me and I tried to be kind and polite in spite of her somewhat unreasonable and curt demands. Where do doctor’s offices find these people who don’t really like sick people anyway? The result of my visit was six new prescriptions for a lingering infection and a visit next week to start injections of a biologic that is supposed to help me fight infections before they get such a firm grasp.

Back to Esther. Esther depended on her community to support her. We each need to have a community of supporters. I have a small group from church that contacts me when I am sick, checks on me and my husband and generally helps when we need it. I have a friend in my online Bible study. We meet online, but we have met in person as well. She contacted me yesterday because she said I had been on her mind and she felt she needed to check on me. I updated her on my health issues and we both felt better for being a part of each other’s lives. My “go-to” person when I need prayer is our daughter in Pennsylvania. She drops whatever she is doing and prays and will even drive the nine hours to get to us if she knows we need her. So, who is your community of believers that you can call on in all circumstances, those with whom you can be brutally honest about how you feel and what you are going through? I encourage you to find someone and form a mutually beneficial friendship with each other and with God. Just as Heather knew without my contacting her that I needed prayer, your relationship with another Bible-believing Christian opens the door for the Holy Spirit to keep those lines of communication open.

Whatever time we are born into is the time God meant for us to be present. He put me here in the 1950’s until now for a reason. Every day, my prayer is that in some way I can represent Him well. Times are sinful, non-believers are angry. But that has not changed since the time of Esther or the time of Jesus. Be present. Be mindful of each day that God gives you to carry out His purpose. That is how you will one day hear, “Well done!”

The Light of the World

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion App4 Comments

So this is the week where we lost an hour of sleep and somehow have a longer day. I am not sure how all of that works, but one thing I do know. Jesus is and always will be the light of the world, no matter what time zone we are in.

Jesus gives His light equally to everyone. It is not His will that some should remain in darkness. That’s why He calls us to be lights to a dark world.

Knowing that Jesus is always there, shining brightly in and through us should give us the courage to tell others about His great salvation.

Think about this quotation. You don’t give to get, but receiving is a byproduct of giving. God started the whole process of light when He said, “Let there be light.” Think of all of the life forces that depend on light. God knew exactly what He was doing, and we need to be intentional about shining.

Prayer about Being a Light to Others (YouVersion Prayer)

Jesus, thank You for being the light of the world, and for giving us hope for an eternal relationship and life with You. Thank You for allowing me to represent You on earth, and for giving me the Holy Spirit to help me live a life that honors You. Each day, help me be a light in the darkness and draw others closer to You. Amen.

The Light of the World-Lauren Daigle

God’s Rescue Mission

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

The Lamb of God (You Version, Daily Refresh)

Have you ever waited a really long time for something important? Maybe you spent weeks waiting to see an old friend, for news about a medical diagnosis, or for someone to respond to a message you sent them.

In the first century, the people of God had waited hundreds and hundreds of years for the coming of a Savior. John the Baptist was sent to be the forerunner of that coming Savior. God planned for John to prepare the people for Jesus’ arrival, and call them back to repentance.

John waited his whole life for Jesus. He spent his days in eager anticipation of the coming of a Savior who would save his people. And on that day when Jesus did arrive, John the Baptist cried out in excitement.

John calls Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. In the old covenant, lambs were sacrificed on behalf of the sins of the people. Their sacrifices were a temporary means to restore a person’s relationship with God.

But Jesus’ coming heralds a new covenant between God and His people.

Jesus’ death is a sacrifice on our behalf, but one that is permanent and complete. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection pave a path for us to enjoy a restored relationship with God, and to live in freedom from sin. This is the new covenant that John the Baptist is describing—Jesus takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Take a moment this morning to thank God for the amazing gift that Jesus gives to each and every one of us. Because of Jesus’ faithfulness, we can walk in new life and enjoy a restored relationship with God. 

Think of one small step you can take to share this good news with someone who doesn’t know Jesus. This free gift is great news for every single person, and we are given the privilege of sharing it with everyone.

My Thoughts

One thing the speaker said this morning in the Daily Refresh really stuck with me. Man sinned and God launched a rescue mission. Instantly, a vision of “Mission Impossible” with all of the dating feats accomplished by the actors popped into my mind. God’s rescue is so much better because His plan is a perfect one. There is no Plan B because Plan A is all that is needed. Jesus came. He lived a perfect, sinless life and gave us a way to the Father. God Himself planned a rescue mission from the very beginning of time. That gives me chills and makes me so grateful for a God who loves so completely. In this season leading up to Easter, I hope you will all think about God’s rescue mission for you. What has He rescued you from? Maybe you thought your life was pretty good, but without God in it, there is no real life. He rescued me from eternity without Him. Let’s share His truth so that others can be ready to be rescued!

Keep Practicing

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, testimony, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

Daily Refresh, YouVersion Bible App, 3-07-25

When someone is training for a job—any job—they must eventually make the shift from studying to practicing.

The apostle Paul knew how important such a transition was, which is why—even while confined to a Roman prison—he recorded the following words for the believers in Philippi, Greece:

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬

Paul had taught them. Paul had trained them. Paul had loved them. And that’s why, from the isolation of a jail cell, Paul empowered them to live out what they’d learned.

Jesus, too, was passionate about His followers not just trying to look good or to sound good, but to do good—with a heart that genuinely wanted to glorify God. James, the half brother of Jesus, also wrote about not just listening to the Word, but doing what it says.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 
James 1:22-24 ESV

It’s one thing to know about something, but it’s an entirely different thing to put that knowledge into practice. 

The peace of God is a gift that He gives us. It’s something we experience as we draw near to Him by living in a way that honors Him. If we know His will but don’t do anything about it—that shows that we don’t really want to honor God. But if we do His will, then our actions illustrate that our identity is rooted in Christ. And our closeness to Christ allows us to experience His peace. 

Doing the will of God—not just learning about the will of God—unleashes the peace of God. 

So today, study what Paul taught and modeled (which is ultimately what Jesus taught and modeled). And then, ask yourself: “What is God teaching me about Himself, myself, and other people? How can I apply His teachings to my life?”

My Thoughts

I was never one to practice sports since I have had asthma my entire life. So, I didn’t practice any kind of ball or cycling or anything in order to perfect it. However, I did practice teaching for over thirty years. I still say I was practicing at my profession because I kept learning new ways to reach students. I saw through the years that not two students were exactly the same and all of them had unique strengths that I had to discover and help them to use wisely.

When I started my teaching career, there was a part of it called “practice teaching” or “student teaching.” In this part of my college program, I was supposed to be under the mentorship of an experienced teacher who would show me through her skills and techniques how to be a good, effective teacher. I had finished all of my coursework early and was eager to start my new career, so I signed up to do my student teaching during summer school in northern Virginia. The only problem with that scenario is that instead of having a mentor, the school system put me by myself into the classroom, no guidance, no hand-holding, none of what was supposed to be happening. My “mentor” was teaching French down the hall and I was alone teaching Spanish to first year students who had failed the class during the regular school year but were somehow supposed to learn enough to pass a year’s worth of work in a few months. I learned by doing, that’s for sure! My college professor/supervisor came to speak with me regularly. He was normally supposed to come every few weeks but he was arriving several times a week, knowing that I was on my own and might be having some problems. I don’t recall having a lot of difficulty, just a lot of questions that by the time we sat down to talk about what was going on, I was too overwhelmed to ask anything. I got stellar reviews and a great grade on my student teaching performance and the school system got a free summer school teacher. This is not what practice teaching is supposed to be like, and I don’t recommend it, but I did survive it.

Having said all that, I want to make sure you understand that you can learn by jumping headlong into things without practicing with someone wiser and more knowledgeable, but I don’t suggest it. There were a lot of gaps I found missing as I got into the profession itself, gaps that should have been covered when I was practicing. God doesn’t want us to have gaps in our walk with Jesus. He wants us to know exactly the road He wants us on and how to travel it, by reading His Word and following His example. Watch, listen and learn. Then do…that is what practice is. And when you get really good at it, you can then teach others what you have learned by being a good Christian example for them to follow.

Jesus Never Changes

On By vickleaIn promises, Scripture, YouVersion App6 Comments

Devotional from Daily Refresh, YouVersion Bible App

Unchanging

In an ever-changing, always-moving, constantly-shifting world, we can count on the unchanging nature of God.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the author of Hebrews said it like this:

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8 NLT

A title for the three distinct parts, or “Persons,” of God is the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And the Son—Jesus Christ—is the purest reflection of the Father, who never changes.

When you unpack the stunning mystery that is God made flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ, you’ll notice that He said audacious things like: “I and the Father are one,” (John 10:30) “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father,” (John 14:9) and, “Now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (John 17:5) 

John described Jesus as the Word: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

God said of Himself, “I the Lord do not change…” (Malachi 3:6) This unchanging quality is called the immutability of God. 

From generation to generation, God is the immovable rock where we can firmly plant our faith.

God cannot lie. He cannot be unjust. He’s always good. He’s always faithful. He’s fully perfect. He’s self-sufficient. He’s continuously steady and constant, enduring and everlasting.

If your world has been rocked, or if everything around you seems to be shifting, or if it’s challenging to tell what is solid rock and what is shifting sand, you can trust in, count on, and place your hope in Jesus. 

He’s not only your righteous Savior, but He’s also your unchanging God.

My Thoughts

I am not a person who likes change. Yes, I moved twenty-five times. But moving was hard for me. It always seemed as though I had just made new friends and off we went to a new place. I don’t even like to rearrange furniture. I put things where I like them to be and I want them to always be right there.

I like the definition of “consistent”: steady reliability. That is what Jesus has been to me. My world may be rocking, but He is my rock that doesn’t move. I can totally depend on Jesus to always be there. An overnight hospital stay? He is right there, in all of the hustle, bustle, testing and prodding. He is right there, keeping me steady in the rocking world. Bad weather pattern coming through? Jesus is right there, letting me know that He has not ever nor will He ever leave me, not even when the power goes out and it’s less than 30 degrees outside. When the noise in the church sanctuary is too much for my sensitive brain? Jesus is right there, comforting me when I am distresses about not being able to be around the others in the congregation because the bass and percussion reverberate too much for me. The bottom line is Jesus has been with me and for me most of my life. He is my shelter and my anchor in the storms of life. I cannot make plans and know with certainty that they will come to pass. But I can know for sure that even if they don’t, it will be okay because Jesus is there, right beside me, walking through the changes in my life. Other people will disappoint me. Things that happen in the world may scare me. But…Jesus!

Share the Hope of Jesus

On By vickleaIn Admonition, Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

YouVersion Bible App: Daily Refresh

The Mission of the Church

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, he spent 40 days on earth ministering to people and preparing His disciples for life without Him. Jesus planned on leaving earth and ascending to heaven, but before doing so, He gave His disciples a mission found in Matthew 28:19-20. We often call this mission The Great Commission.

The Great Commission begins with getting up and going to places where people need to hear about the good news of Jesus. This doesn’t mean you have to leave your country—there are people in your own neighborhood and workplace that need to hear the hope of Jesus.

The ultimate goal of the Great Commission is to make followers of Jesus. So as we go about sharing the good news of Jesus with people, we’re to show people how Jesus has changed our lives, and invite them to discover Jesus for themselves.

Jesus also instructs us to baptize new believers. Baptism is a symbol of someone’s incorporation into the family of God. It is their public display of their new faith in Jesus. Baptism is such an important part of the Christian life that Jesus made sure to include it in our mission.

It can be easy to think that making disciples and baptizing believers is the responsibility of our church pastors and ministry leaders. While those things certainly are part of every church’s mission, Jesus intended for every believer to be making disciples.

So take a moment to think about someone in your own life who helped you grow spiritually. Ask God to bring to mind someone you can help and disciple. Then, allow God to give you the courage to share the hope of Jesus with those around you.

My Thoughts

Chances are good that you did not just decide one day to become a Christian. Someone (a neighbor, a friend or a relative, or even a total stranger) sowed a seed in your life and God brought it to fruition. Where would you be today without Jesus in your life? I don’t even want to think about that possibility and I am so thankful for a new neighbor who made it her mission to tell as many people as possible about the saving power of the Lord. I was one of those people whose lives Verna touched for eternity. When you give money or food to the poor, that will help them for a little while. But when you sow a seed for Jesus, you could me affecting their forever destination. God didn’t ask us to make sure that everyone is saved. He just told us to go and tell. Is there someone you can tell today about what Jesus did and is still doing in your life? Pray and tell. Pray that the seeds you sow will fall on fallow ground. The salvation Jesus provides is not meant to be a well-kept secret…go and tell so that others may know.