The Daily Dose

Mission Accomplished

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.  Matthew 10:16

Have you ever dreamed about being a superhero?  Someone who rescues lost and hurting people?  Someone who comes on the scene at just the right moment in time to pull others out of trouble and give them hope again? 

In today’s reading, Jesus sent His disciples to rescue the lost sheep of Israel.  The way Jesus explained the mission to he disciples made it pretty clear that it was going to be a tough assignment.  He told them that they would be persecuted, delivered up to councils, scourged in their synagogues and brought before kings and governors.  He wrapped up the details of the journey by saying they would be hated by all because of Jesus’ name, but to endure through it all to the end, then they would be saved.

This does not sound like good news to me, but if I take a closer look at the text, there is a couple subtle words of His message to keep them inspired along the way.  First of all, He told them that they are going out as sheep among wolves.  Even though this is a frightening picture, He explained that they could be smarter than the wolves and still be harmless as doves.  By their subtle clever methods, they would be able to gather some lost sheep without even being noticed by the “wolves” waiting to devour them.

Next, He encouraged them that when they are brought before their persecutors, don’t worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will speak in them.  Lastly, He assured them that the covered things would be revealed, and the hidden will be seen.  It will all be clear and plain to them at just the right moments.

My question in this part of Jesus’ ministry has always been:  Why would they want to go after He told them about all these awful things that could happen?  However, after reading it this morning, it reminded me of something out of a spy movie.  It is like when the hero gets the mission they are told: Here is your mission.  If you choose to accept it, there will be dangers and troubles along the way.  You will have to go out among wolves that want to destroy you.  You will be brought before councils and kings.  But don’t worry about that, your advocate will let you know what to say to them.  Even your family members may rise up against you and you will be hated by all people because of the name you are doing the mission in.  But hang in there until the end and you are guaranteed to accomplish what you have been sent to do.  Now, having changed my perspective, it sounds pretty exciting!  Just like in the theatre, The leading role gets to save the day, or in this case bring others to the Savior.

So now comes the most exciting part!  You have actually been given a mission too!  If you choose to accept it, you can be guaranteed there will be troubles and dangers along the way.  It is an important mission intended to rescue many people.   Stick with your mission and the One who sent you, so your mission will be accomplished, and you will be able to rejoice with Him in the end.

Today I want to encourage you to accept your mission.  Go before your Heavenly Father and tell Him you are ready to go.  Wait for your instructions and prepare for the dangers ahead.  Watch for the warning and be wise to the traps of your enemy.  Do not be afraid when you are confronted, the Holy Spirit, your divine Commander, will give you the right responses.  Then endure, press on and continue until you have successfully rescued the ones assigned to you.  It will be exciting, and you will have some troubling times along the way.  But it will all be worth it because it will be the greatest adventure you have ever been on and at the end you will be able to say: “Mission accomplished.”

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 10:16-26

16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.

18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;

20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.

22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.

23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

 

Freely give

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8

I’m sure we all remember the plans of our lives that got cut short in the year 2020.  As news of a pandemic pummeled our country and abruptly shut it down, many became shut in by fear.  Only a short time later, the entire nation was caught in the upheaval of an ethnic conflict.  Then came the climate disruptions all over the world.  There were floods, cyclones, Hurricanes and wildfires threatening all around us.  Right in the middle of this great worldwide turmoil, I was praying in a church meeting that had gathered for prayer.  I asked the Lord: “Lord, the world is such a mess, how are we as believers and the body of Christ ever going to be able to make a difference in the chaos?  How are we going to bring your love to a world gone mad?”  I heard the answer in my heart almost immediately.  I know it wasn’t an audible voice, but if I had been alone, I might have thought it was.  It was probably the clearest and quickest answer I had ever gotten in my life.  He said:

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.  Freely you have received, freely give it to others!”  Wow!  I knew this was a scripture, so I immediately looked it up to see who had this direction in scripture.  Here it is in today’s text, Jesus, giving the authority to do these things, to His disciples.  Jesus told His disciples to reach the lost sheep of Israel by touching their infirmities in life.  If they are sick, give them health.  If they are diseased, give them cleansing. if they are dead, give them life.  The disciples had received these things freely and should give them to others the same way, expecting nothing in return.

My heart felt hope almost immediately.  He was telling me; I could make a difference just by giving to others the things that I had already freely received from Him.  I have been given new life, I have been given forgiveness, I have been given freedom from my past and I have been given divine protection from harmful things around me.  I have been given the promises of God!  Now I freely share these with others every opportunity that He gives me.  It’s not that I make a spectacle of myself to get the message of salvation out. But it is that I love people with the love that God my Father has given me.  If they need healing, I pray for them.  If they need financial help, I give to them or help them secure income.  If someone needs a place to stay, I invite them into my home.  Whatever the need, I do what I can to let them know they are important to me because they are important to God!

Today I want to encourage you to freely give what you have been freely given.  Don’t hold back because of fear that you will not have enough for your own needs.  Your heavenly Father knows what you have need of and takes care of you.  Be that disciple of Jesus that gives the love of God to everyone He brings into your world.  Let all other people know that they are valuable to you because they are valuable to God!

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 10:5-15

 5 These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts,

10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.

11 “Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out.

12 And when you go into a household, greet it.

13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

15 Assuredly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city! 

Ask for the Nations

Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.  Psalms 2:8

 I had a lot of time this week to think about this Psalms 2.  I know that it is a prophetic chapter about Jesus and there are many references in it about Him and to Him.  I found the beginning part to be comforting and it even makes me chuckle a little, because no matter how much the nations of the world rage and the people plot against God and His Anointed, my heavenly Father is not worried about it.  He sits in the heavens and laughs at their futile efforts to make progress against Him.

What I meditated on the most was the scripture that I selected for the key verse of this chapter.  I realize that it is speaking to the King of kings, but it says: If you would ask me for the nations, I would give them to you as your inheritance, even to the ends of the earth.  Basically, He is saying I would give You the world if you asked Me. 

Again, knowing that He is talking to Jesus because the next verse says that He will break the nations with a rod of iron and dash then to pieces like a potter’s vessel, I wasn’t sure that I could apply this verse personally.  As I thought about it, I imagined what I would do with the nations.  Why would I ask for the nations.  I considered economies and governments.  Certainly, I would want them to be ordered of God if I were in charge. 

But then I had a different thought.  What if I asked for the salvation of the nations.  Would He give that?  What if I ask to reach the nations with the message of salvation and the good news of God’s love for all people.  It was a totally new perspective and I let it marinate for a while.  How can I touch the world with salvation?  Then I realized, I am already doing many of the things like: supporting missions and sending people on mission trips.  Posting a daily blog that feeds a message of encouragement and salvation on the world wide web.  Now I am looking for ways to reach not only the world, but also to my neighborhood and town.  I am living life beyond me and I hope you will too.

Today I want to encourage you to join me in starting to pray about reaching the world with the gospel message.  Ask your heavenly Father for the nations.  He is big enough to get them for you.  Begin to pray bigger and ask for things beyond your own needs.  Ask for opportunities to send people, ask for finances to fund mission in other countries.  Ask for the words and faith to talk to others in your daily life about God’s love and provision.  Most of all, ask for a willing heart to share to good news whenever the opportunity comes. Expand your world view today from your world to the world!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 2

1 Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,

3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.”

4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall hold them in derision.

5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath and distress them in His deep displeasure:

6 “Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.”

7 “I will declare the decree: the Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You.

8 Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”

10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Prosper

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalms 1:3

It is hard to believe that we have gone through the entire New Testament in the Daily Dose blog. I have to say, for me at least, it has been truly enlightening.  I can honestly say I have a deeper understanding now.  For the rest of the year, I will be writing the Daily Dose through the book of Psalms.  I will continue to look at the journaling series on the weekends to mix it up a little. 

In Psalms 1 we are given a powerful secret of prospering in life.  Actually, it isn’t a secret, it is right out there plainly written for all who will look at it.  It is amazing to me that this passage isn’t followed by more people since it is safe to say that the majority of people in the world want to prosper and have success in all things, myself included.  Let me list out the simple instructions written here so that we can get a better understanding of how to live a prosperous life.

1. Do not take counsel from ungodly people
2. Do not walk on the same path with sinners
3. Do not be a scornful or mocking person
4. Make God’s Word your greatest joy
5. Run to it and meditate on it day and night.

This really doesn’t seem like a hard list to live by, yet how many people actually are?  As a Christian and as God’s people, it can actually go without saying that we do not take counsel from ungodly, unsaved people.  How can they accurately advise when they do not have an understanding of Faith in the Lord Jesus and the power of God’s word in prayer to change circumstances.

Certainly, our best friends should not be people who are not walking after the things of God.  Those influences will pull you further from you relationship with Him and cause you to walk in a different direction than what He has planned for you.

A scornful and complaining person is not the person who is delighting in the Lord and therefore cannot expect to be in tune and walking out the plans of God.

Lastly is to delight yourself in the Word of God and meditate it day and night.   This is where we miss it the most.  It seems like when we have time to run to something, it is to social media, news, television or some other extra activity that we enjoy doing.  However, you will not find success in those things.  It is time to start running to God and meditating His Word.  Not just memorizing it, meditating on it.  Spend time thinking about it and letting the Holy Spirit minister it to you until you gain a more enriched understanding of how to follow God’s word and God’s plan for your life.  Yes, prayer in important, but immersing yourself in God’s word is the most effective way to make His ways your ways.

So today I want to encourage you to start following the direction of God’s word given in Psalms one.  Take an assessment of your closest friends and confidants.  Who do you go to when you need advise or encouragement.  Are they Christian friends that talk about the way of the Lord with you or are they people who make all the life decisions based on the circumstances surrounding them.  Next, make a plan and follow it on how to spend time meditating a portion of God’s word each day.  Even if it is just for 5 or 10 minutes, it will make a big difference and transform your life.  You may be thinking I do not have 5 or 10 minutes of free time each day, I am way too busy.  If that is the case, then look for pockets of time where you scroll through the news or check your social media posts.  Set those things aside for a time until you make God’s Word your first stop and build a desire to know His ways more.  He created this world so it is safe to say that He knows how to be successful in it.  Start digging into God’s Word today and I promise you will never regret it!

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 1

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

3 He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

He was called

Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.  Matthew 10:4

Today’s scripture says that Jesus called Judas to be one of His disciples.  Judas just didn’t sneak into the group and one day Jesus looked up and said, “Where did you come from, you son of perdition?”  No, Jesus knew exactly who Judas was and even that he would one day turn Him over to the guards.  However, Jesus didn’t change His plan because of what He knew about Judas.  The call on Judas’ life was there from the beginning and stayed there until the end of his life.  If Judas had come back to Jesus or the other disciples after betraying Him and repented, he would have been forgiven just like we are today.  It doesn’t matter how many times we mess up or what we do, if we repent and turn away from sin, there is always forgiveness for us.

Today, every person has a call on their life, but not every person steps into that call.  Some get distracted and some think they aren’t good enough.  Some even think it is beneath them to maybe step away from something they have done their entire adult life to step into God’s planned place for them.  The fact is, it is our responsibility as God’s family to seek out that place in the body where we belong.  Maybe it is where we are right now, but maybe it is someplace else. The good news is that you can know and when you get into that place, there is a grace that covers you that will be evident for others to see. (1Cor. 12:11)

The thing about Judas was that he was in his called place operating in his gift.  You would think that he was in a safe place, safe from temptation and safe from evil.  But sin came to him even there and it was able to knock him off the course of being one of the disciples that turned the world upside down after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. (Acts 17:6) 

This is what we need to be on guard against always.  Of choosing the weights and sin that can lure us away from the call of God on our lives.  After you have pressed in and stepped in to your place of grace, it is still a place where you need to keep your relationship with your Heavenly Father intact.  In fact, you may need to press in a little closer to Him by spending quiet time and worshiping Him, to ensure that you do not get too busy for Him.  It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of ministry and if you are not careful, that activity can take the place of the special time you used to spend in His presence.  Then is where you will find yourself facing choices you never should have been exposed to in the first place.

Today I want to encourage you to seek out and follow Him to your called place.   Ask Him to make the path there plain and clear.  If you are already in that position, press into Him closer than you ever have before.  Use your free time to worship and talk with Him.  Don’t let the enemy lure you away with distractions like social media and even financial gain.  Trust God to empower you to be a force for the kingdom of Heaven within your call today.  If you do fall down, don’t stay down.  Quickly repent and follow the Holy Spirit back to your appointed position.  Turn you focus to helping others so that they can find their place along the way too.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 10:1-4

 1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 

You are a laborer

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

Have you ever wondered how to pray for lost family and friends?  Have you ever prayed “Lord, save them, please” over and over again with no noticeable results?  In today’s scripture reading, Jesus told His disciples exactly how to pray for unsaved loved ones.  He said to pray to the LORD of the harvest to send out laborers.  So, your prayer for the lost could sound something like this:  Jesus, Lord of the harvest, send out laborers to my lost friend __________.  Send that one person across their path that they will hear and listen to.  Send those into their life that will love them into your Kingdom and if I am the one, show me how to love them in a way that they will want to step into an eternal and personal relationship with you.

Which brings me to my second point, you are a laborer.  Maybe you are not the one that can reach your friend or family member, but you can be a laborer that someone else is praying for.  Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send you to people who others are praying for their salvation.  Pray for those you can love, encourage and lead into the Kingdom of heaven.  Ask Him to keep you aware of those in need of help and prayer.  We are all here to help each other out, so always be looking for people you can reach out to because someone somewhere is praying for their salvation.

Today I want to encourage you to remember as you go into your day that you are a laborer.  Labor together with the prayers of your brothers and sisters in the Lord.  Pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer to reach into the lives of your loved ones and pray for yourself to be a laborer to reach the loved ones of others and support other laborer.  The harvest truly is plenteous, and we are the laborers who need to go out there and bring them in.

Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 9:27-37

 27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”

29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”

30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.”

31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country.

A Mute Man Speaks

32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed.

33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like this in Israel!”

34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the ruler of the demons.”

The Compassion of Jesus

35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.

37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

 

The End

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20

I remember the first time I learned that Jesus was coming back to get us.  I was only twelve years old, and I got to say, I wasn’t quite ready for the news.  Even though I was so young, I was pretty serious about my faith.  I was also very sensitive to the thought of the lost and dying world around me.  However, that still did not prepare me for the revelation of the Lord’s return.  At first I was frightened to think about it.  Mostly because it was beyond the natural order of things.  But after some time of processing the idea, I couldn’t help but think, I just wasn’t ready for it.

As I grew older, I think I pretty much put the realization out of my head.  In the back of my mind, I knew the truth, but I took the mind set that it was for some time far in the future.  Little did I know that the world can be an ugly place and that I was being consumed by its deceptions.  My mentality of wanting to delay the event of His coming because I thought there were things in life that I wanted to enjoy first, was way off track.

These days I am excited about the fact that my Lord is coming to get me and rescue me from this fallen world.  I have enjoyed some of my life but I also have a lot of regrets.  Had I known back then what I know now, I would have had a totally different view on the subject.  Now I am looking forward to the day I meet Him in the clouds and get to be with Him for all eternity.  I know the reason is because my faith has been built up in that area.  The more I study God’s Word and press into Him personally, the more I look for the day that He will call me to be with Him.  He is my best friend, and He is the desire of my heart.  Of course, I love my family and friends, but I don’t have to choose one over the other, I can be with both forever.  When I do my part in this life to love, encourage and lead the people around me to God’s love and salvation, I get to take those lives with me into His presence for ever and ever.

Today, we are finishing the book of Revelation, and the last two verses tell us our focus as we end this prophecy.  The Lord Jesus Christ told John that it is a sure thing that He is coming quickly, and even though it has been nearly 2000 years since that promise was given, you can be sure it will happen in the twinkling of an eye, fast.  There will be no time for last-minute decisions.  So, while you still have time, cultivate a deeper relationship with your heavenly Father and your Savior, Jesus.  Press into Him and learn to love His appearing for a great reward as the apostle Paul wrote about in 2 Timothy 4:8. Trust me, you don’t want to be left here as the things in this book unfold.  So, turn every area of your life over to Him and when the trumpet sounds, you will have nothing to be afraid of.

Today I want to encourage you to long for the day of Jesus return.  Think about spending eternity with Him and what a wonderful destiny it is.  Make God’s kingdom your treasure in this world and begin walking in His direction and on His planned path for your life.  Don’t let fear and inhibition keep you from stepping through every door He opens in front of you.  Complete your assignment here in this world so that when you meet Him in the air, you will be confident in His appearing.  If you have never received the gift of salvation, do it today.  We are promised in His word that when we call on Him, He will answer us.  Pray this salvation prayer today and Jesus will come into your life and into your heart and change you from the inside out.  Trust Him today and you will never have to be afraid of anything again.

Pray:  “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace and salvation. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death. I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Forgive me of my sins and guide me as I follow You. Thank You for Your love and mercy. Amen.”

Embrace this journey of faith and experience the transformative power of knowing Jesus personally. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:20-21

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Happy 4^th of July!

If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19

Today and tomorrow, we will finish up the book of Revelation and I got to say, what a joy it has been walking through each chapter day by day.  I think I mentioned at the beginning that I was apprehensive about going through this book and writing something about it each day.  Mostly because I didn’t want to try to explain everything that this book reveals, because I don’t understand everything that it says.  But that is ok! It is the truth about any passage your read in the God’s holy Word, you don’t have to understand it all at one time, but simply focus on the message the Spirit of God is giving you from that passage for today. Going through the apostle John’s vision, verse by verse, has revealed that there are truths to be applied to everyday life in each section of the book. What a blessing it is.

In today’s key verse, there is a warning.  In fact, both verses 18 and 19 contain an exhortation to not add or take away anything from this prophetic book.  A curse is added to anyone who adds to it and a part from the Book of Life is taken away if anything is taken out of the words of revelation that was received.  Also, one of the reasons I was hesitant to write about these things.

So, to start the wrap up of the book of Revelation, I want to apply these warnings to our life today.  For sure I would strongly recommend that you do not add or leave out anything that was shown to John as you consider and even share about the book of Revelation.  I would even take this a step further and give an admonishing not to add or take away from the purpose of your life.  This of course will require a bit more attention to how your behave each day.  To be constantly aware of what your assignment is for the day and to not be distracted by the things going on around you to take you off the path of His plan for you.

Seriously, when was the last time you checked in with your heavenly Father to make sure you are walking out each day according to His plan and purpose for your life.  Do you start your days worshiping and fellowshipping with Him and getting the details for the steps?  Have you given priority to and preference to the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life and are you listening to and following wherever He leads?

These are some serious questions, and they can no longer be ignored.  As you pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers, make sure you are going out into your mission field whatever that might be.  Whether it is taking food or clothing to the homeless out on the streets or volunteering to help others in your community.  Maybe it is serving and encouraging others or giving funds and supplies to ministries around the world.  Whatever you have been called to and whatever mission you have been created to live out, be vigilant to ensure that you complete, down to the last detail, all that He has for you to be a part of.  Then when you are done in this life, you will be able to enter into His presence knowing that you completed your assignments each day here in this world.

Today I want to encourage you to take an assessment of the ways you are following God’s plan for your life.  Start with your quiet time with God each day.  Are you diligent to get in His presence and receive His plan for the day or at least the next steps you need to take?  Maybe your are meeting with Him in the evening or before bed to get details for the next day.  Are you writing these things down so that you don’t forget the direction in the morning.  Are you journaling and making notes about the interactions and encounters you have with your Father so that you can go back and remember all that He has spoken to your heart about the struggles you are facing in life and the barrage of distractions that hit you on a daily basis?  And most of all, is your heart’s desire to do the will of your Father in heaven or to make yourself problem free and comfortable while you are on this planet?  Start today to make a plan going forward.  First of all, ask Him for the desire to walk closer with Him and to go through each door He opens in front of you.  It seems like that craving should be automatic, but the truth is that it can get buried under the activities and material things that this world offers.  Determine today to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and then He will add all the things that you need in life to get your mission accomplished.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:18-29

18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 

19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Not by works

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work.”  Revelation 22:12

It is clear in scripture that we cannot be saved by our good works even though most people generally have the idea that if they do enough good things it will outweigh the bad actions.  However, it just isn’t the case.  God’s Word plainly tells us in the book of Titus and other places that it is not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.  It is very clear that there is no way that we can save ourselves no matter what we do.

Yet, there is good news about doing good deeds.  Today’s scripture says that there are rewards for the things we do here in this world.  I am talking about anything that we do to help advance God’s kingdom, will go with us into eternity.  Not just the lives that we have helped to lead into the kingdom, but also the good things we have done to influence lives for heaven or support the ministries that are bringing souls in.

Jesus said in Matthew 5 that we are to let our light shine (the light of the good news of God’s love and salvation) so that others can see our good works and glorify God in heaven.  Let me be clear here.  We do not do good works for the approval of people or to be noticed or promoted, but rather for loving people.  We are working and laboring together with the Holy Spirit of God to encourage people to walk closely with our Father so that all people will complete down to the last detail every assignment on their life.

I would like to point out that there is also a sense of urgency in today’s passage.  Jesus said, “I am coming quickly.”  It is a promise, but it is also a warning not to waste our time here in this world because we don’t know when He will come and He gives us the opportunity to maximize our effectiveness as an ambassador of heaven by following the Master’s plan for our lives, everyday of our life.  Yes, I know this passage was written close to two thousand years ago, but all that tells us is that we are closer now than ever before in time to His return. Don’t waste another day.

So today I want to encourage you to do goods works for others.  Not so that God will love you more and not for the praise of other people, but for the purpose you were given breath.  Come along side friends that are struggling in life, pray for those who need salvation and have other needs.  Give to those who are lacking or to missions around the world and invite others to your small groups and church services.  Ask the Holy Spirit today to lead you to those who need your love and compassion and when you see them, don’t look the other way and ignore the chance to impact a life for eternity.  Instead, run to that person with open arm and let them know there is a Father and Savior Who loves them and wants to rescue them no matter what their circumstances are.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-17

12 “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 

15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”

17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

It’s not over yet

Then the angel said to me, “These words are true and can be trusted. And the Lord God, who gives his Spirit to the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must happen very soon.” Revelation 22:6

These words are true and can be trusted!  We would say this about the entire Word of God that has been written out and preserved for us to hold on to until our Lord comes back to get us.  Certainly, the historical events recorded in God’s Word can be verified and trusted to be true.  This promise here in Revelation chapter 22 is specific for the book of Revelation or the revealing of our future with our Savior.  We can absolutely believe everything John wrote in this book and everything that he was shown from heaven will come to pass.  We can trust that John wrote the details out that our heavenly Father wanted us to know and understand for the time we are in this world.  We can also believe that one day we will be with Him in all His glory and see the beauty of heaven and all its splendor.

However, today we are still here in this world, and we do have a purpose for being here right now at this time.  God has a plan to wrap things up in this world and He has included each one of His people in that plan.  He has a role for us to play.  Not because He needs us so much, it is because He loves us so much.  His plan included giving His people the authority to share His message of love for all people. What a great honor it is to walk along side God’s Holy Spirit as He leads you and points to your purpose each day!

Here’s the really good news, you are in the right place right now.  You can follow Him today into the purpose He has for you.  His plan is that you walk day by day with Him on assignment and mission to love and reach the people you are with.  Whether a word of encouragement, an act of kindness or sharing the good news of God’s salvation provision through the blood of Jesus, there is always work to be done.

Here’s the thing: We have not been deployed in this world for the allotted time we are given to go out and do whatever we feel like doing or not doing.  We are here for a reason and that is to be a force for our Father on this planet.  If you believe you have become a Christian simply to get yourself and maybe you family into heaven, then you are missing out on the joy of living out your purpose.  Maybe you think, I served for years in the church in my younger years, not it is time for the next generation to do the work.  The truth is, even if you are not in an active position in your local church, you need to be on mission in your neighborhoods, your employment and your social activities.  Serving in the kingdom of heaven is not done in the local church alone. Ministry is done where ever you are in life. We are here until we leave to serve others and pour resources into saving souls from eternal separation from the One who created us.

So today I want to encourage you as you read through this passage in Revelation 22, consider what are you doing right here and now to advance the kingdom of heaven.  Please be praying each day for laborers to go out into the field because the harvest is plentiful.  We live in some of the darkest times in history and the world is looking for a Savior like no other time in history.  Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborer and also ask whose life you can impact today with God’s goodness and love because it is the goodness of God that brings people to repentance and to the saving knowledge of Jesus.  Turn your life completely over to Him today and enjoy the greatest adventure ever as you walk out your mission with Him in the remaining days you are here in this world. It is a wonderful thing to learn and read about the days to come in eternity with our heavenly Father, but this life is not over yet, so keep pressing on, intentionally adding to your treasure in heaven by winning souls. The only thing you can take with you when you leave here is other people.

Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-11

6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place.

7 “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things.

9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” 

10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 

11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.”