Make a difference in the time God gives you in this life. You may ask, "How?"
For one thing, you can pray for people you know who are going through things; pray for the salvation of your unsaved family members and friends. Talk with them about Jesus, and how He has changed your life. The difference He has made in your life. Prayer is so powerful and makes such a difference in people's lives. Prayer, prior to talking with people, can also pave the way to form meaningful relationships before they begin. Seeing the results of God's answers to your prayers is faith building. They may not be immediate; they are in God's time. It may not be what we asked for, but God knows what is best for all of us.
You can serve in your local church. Volunteer to do something in your church. There are many places in church where you can serve. Ask someone who is already serving; ask the pastors in the church where you would be most helpful. If God gives you something to do that is not already being done, talk with the Pastor and see about getting it started.
In Matthew 28, Jesus gives what is called the Great Commission. We are to "Go," and share the Gospel.
Matthew 28:18-20: 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
It is our duty as Christians to go and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ! He sacrificed Himself in our place so that we could be forgiven of our sins, by the shedding of His blood. The Bible says without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 9:22: In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (NIV)
We are to go and share the Gospel. That is the command Jesus gave us before He ascended to heaven, where He sits at the right hand of the Father and He makes intercession for us.
Acts 2:34: For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand..." (NIV)
Hebrews 7:25 - Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (NIV)
We all have neighborhoods and neighbors. A lot of us go for walks in our neighborhoods. There are many neighbors we do not even know yet! We might know those on our block, but maybe we have not gone beyond that. As we go for walks, if someone is out, we can begin a conversation with them and start to get to know them. We can ask them if they have a church home, and if they do not, we can ask them to visit our Northwood Church. We can build relationships with our neighbors.
God is good. He loves us. He has done so much for us; why wouldn't we serve Him? Out of our love for Him, and our gratitude for what He has done for us, is a good reason to start serving Him. I encourage you, as part of the Body of Christ - also known as the Church Body, to seek God in prayer; to look for where He is working, and join Him in that work. If we all do our part, it will not be an overwhelming task for anyone. We will all be working together for His glory, as the Body of Christ.
God bless you! Thanks for taking time to read this devotion!
Vicky Conklin-Johnson
Prayer Ministries Director