NEW MISSION
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 (NLT)
Tony Evans wisely once said, you can be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good, or you are so earthly minded that you are no good. This is such a rich thought. We are called to live with one foot in each world. If I’m all in this world, I have lost sight of the next world. I have lost sight of the Kingdom. If all I do is try to pull away from this world and shelter, I cannot be the light that God has called me to be. God doesn’t need us, but we are His plan. Think about it: you are God’s plan to reach the world around us. God has strategically placed you exactly where you are to make a difference.
God’s mission isn’t just for the elite or all-stars; it’s for everyone! Acts 1:8 is a missional invitation for every man, woman and child. There is no greater purpose than to live for Jesus. We often think we must quit our jobs to travel around the world or work at a church full-time, which isn’t true. God has placed you exactly where you are in your jobs, neighborhoods and families to impact those around you. To shine your light everywhere you go! May you awaken to the call that God has on your life. May you awaken to the purpose God has given you to be a light for Him where you go!
I’ve noticed sometimes we talk about impacting the world. I love the heart behind this, but honestly, it feels a bit overwhelming to do that, and sometimes these thoughts can paralyze us. I have now shifted my thinking. God has called you and me to impact our world. He has placed me where I am, so I will simply impact those around me. I’m not going to spend hours, days, and months wondering how I can impact the world; instead, I will impact my world. Every trip to a grocery store, every walk around the neighborhood, every trip to my kids’ school events, and even a trip to the DMV can be an opportunity to live out the love of Jesus. It’s not always easy, but it’s not complex. You are called to love God and people!
APPLICATION: Look for opportunities in front of you today to be a light.
PRAYER: Ask the Spirit to give you spiritual eyes to be a light to those around you. Ask Him how you can shine that light on them. Ask the Spirit to place someone on your heart!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?