WANT TO GO TO THE MISSION FIELD?

 I have often desired to go on an overseas mission trip. Do you realize that right where God has placed us in life, be it at home, an office setting, school, or elsewhere, if you know Jesus then you are a missionary for Him right where you are? In other words you are a representative of Christ, good or bad, and need to shine for Him and help others who need help.

When we go to church weekly it is not supposed to be for the sole purpose of feeling good and getting your spiritual tank filled for another week, but it is supposed to be to grow in Christ and learn how to serve Him throughout the week . Your assignment does not stop on Sunday. There are seven days in each week and each one is filled to opportunities to reach out to people around you.

Do you observe many people taking notes in church? The way to truly retain things is to take notes. Why do you take notes in school? To go back and study and learn so you pass your tests. There are a couple good pastors I love to watch on television and it is exciting to see their congregation eagerly soaking up each word and busily writing in their notepads they brought with them.

The heavenly test is much more important. To simply say you are a certain denomination and perhaps look down your nose at other Christian denominations is very judgmental. Leave the judging to God okay? I find it fun to study God's word. Many people find it boring. Maybe they find the Bible boring. Maybe they never truly asked Jesus to be their Lord and savior.

Mark 16:15(KJV) says 'And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Even your actions speak loudly. Are you careful to realize maybe people who know that you are a believer may be watching you to fail?

How are you doing on your personal mission field? Are you equipped to be able to reach out and share Jesus' love when needed? Are there areas of your life you need to have healed before you can really minister for Christ? Are hatred, anger, bitterness, backbiting, revenge, and other emotions getting in the way of you being an effective witness for Him?

Acts 1:8(NIV) is a favorite verse of mine which says 'And you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the Earth.'

Go now and be not afraid. Ask God to use you for Him right where He has you.

PRAYER: Today I hear you voice Lord through the word of God and I know you want me to be a good missionary for you regardless where I am geographically. Help me to not waste opportunities to share about you through my words and actions. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Click on link for an awesome song of worship.

http://youtu.be/hGr8as7pPBE

ARE YOU A 24/7 CHRISTIAN OR A CHURCH GOER?

What are you doing right this minute? Maybe you are in a coffee shop reading this or at work? Are you representing Jesus well in whatever you are doing? Does your light shine in the darkness around you? Just some questions to ask yourself.

There is a church in nearby Madison, Alabama that has a sign exiting the parking lot that simply says "You are now entering the mission field." Now that about sums it up. All of us who name the name of the Lord are missionaries in the little corner of the world God has placed us. It is not necessary to go overseas to be a missionary. There are many needy people right here. Look around you and see if there is a need you can meet in a hurting life. Get to know those around you. If you are working in an office somewhere do not chime in at the water cooler with all the other folks gossiping but instead let your light shine for Christ.

If you are blessed to get to be a stay home mom then your mission field is right there with your darling gifts from God. Do not beat yourself up comparing yourself to professional women thinking you need to be out there too. Your children are only home for such as short time you have such as small window of opportunity to impact their lives for Christ.

So around the clock in all of your waking hours no matter where life takes you your light should be bright for Jesus. Do not gripe, complain, worry, bicker, frown, judge, and get angry but focus on doing things to bring joy to others around

Is Sunday the only time you bring out the Bible or think about things of Christ? Do you desire to
change that? Ask God to place within you this desire for his word and the things of Christ. Be hungry for righteousness.

We are to be different than the world. 1 Peter  1:16 reminds us to" Be holy for I am holy." Does your life reflect the holiness of God? Matthew 5:16 says "Let your life shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Finally 1 Peter 2:12 says " Live such good lives among the pagans that , though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."

So there you have it? Do not just feel that you have arrived by checking the 'church block' on Sunday but go into the world the other 6 days sharing his love with others and above all do not forget to dust off that Bible and read it!!

PRAYER : I am so thankful for freedom in Christ.  I am  thankful Lord for the opportunity to freely go around different places impacting the world for you. Forgive me for any time I may have fallen short and did not set such a favorable example. In Jesus name. Amen.