Modern Missionaries – Episode 150
Where are all the modern missionaries today? The Lord has taken people that I feel were the saints of the day, including Mother Theresa home. There are many pastors and preachers that are also enjoying their eternal reward. But, what about now when our world needs these modern-day and women, the prophets to share the good news and call the people back to Him.
Sponsor Media Angels, Inc. – One More Child book — A Few Minutes With God
Many of us have read countless stories of missionaries and the work they did in spreading the word of God to the people. It was important work because communication was limited. Travel was difficult, books were scarce and it took dedicated men and women with the fire of the Holy Spirit in their hearts and an overflowing of God’s love to put aside worldly comforts and to seek souls for the kingdom of God. Where are the people today with a zeal of Christ who are not looking at making a quick buck, or promoting a book, or getting thousands of views on YouTube? Is it wrong to make money? Of course not, a laborer is worth his wage, 1 Timothy 5:17-18 speaks not only to those who help those in need and preach but also pay.
And, I’m not above making money, in fact without funds from sponsors or selling my own books with commercials on this very broadcast, I could not bring you a podcast network the size this one has grown to be. But, sometimes I feel that it is hard to listen to the radio preachers or even the ones on talk shows because there is so much filler stuff – commercials or every other word is upselling a book or product. Does this make their work less important, no it doesn’t but those missionaries of God seem to be a thing of the past.
So, here is the challenge – some of you probably knew this was coming…the challenge is for those of us who have or feel they are working out their salvation (Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…”) we have an obligation, a duty to God to carry out His work. When the Lord left this world He ordained those who watched Him rise up to heaven he asked the apostles to spread his word. Matthew 28:19- “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…”
If we truly believe the Word of God is not only for those living at the time but for us now, the everlasting Word then we have hope. Salvation gives us hope and God’s desire for all of us, salvation is dependent on knowing the truth, but also acting on this truth, this knowledge and sharing it with others. It is not just for us, it is for all nations. Many people do not follow God because they have a misguided notion about what Christianity truly is — is it a set of rules and the “thou shall nots” or is it feeling and liberating and joyful? Do you fill the overflowing love of God in your heart from time to time that just takes your breath away? If not, maybe it is time to spend a few minutes with God – you probably knew I was going to say that! Sorry, I could not resist.
It is said that hell is a testimony to God’s respect for our freedom. Let me say that again – Hell is a testimony to God’s respect for our freedom. He will not force us to share the good news – to go to church to love Him and serve Him. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is not a dictator, He is pure love. Love knows no bounds, it blesses without discrimination and it fills our life with every good thing. How can we keep all of this inside of us? I’ve shared this before but I’ll share it again because while it is so simple it packs a wallop of truth. The best spiritual plan for evaluation is the simplest, I’ve learned! “Make a friend of Jesus, be a friend of Jesus, make a friend yourself, and introduce your friend to Jesus.” Simple.
We must recognize Jesus in our lives in all that we do and say and know that the Kingdom of God is at hand. While Jesus, in the physical left this earth, His Spirit is here among us. The light of Christ is within us but if we dull it with the worldly we can not be that light to others. God became man for us and he experiences everything with us. Remember the saying some time back, “What would Jesus Do?” It was on t-shirts, bracelets, and mugs. It even had an acronym, WWJD – but it is the truth of understanding that God is here with us always. I use to remind my children of this when we talked about movies or books, or the internet. What would you do if Jesus was beside you?
Well, He is – so if you are a missionary–a modern missionary, you have Jesus with You. We can show the love of Christ by breaking bread with others, having a meal, sharing a story, listen to the struggles and the pain of the feelings of loneliness or abandonment. Jesus will multiply our words like he multiplied the bread. Sometimes in life, we feel like we are on a voyage and the seas are calm, but at other times the sea is rough but we stay the course. If you can share a story of how you were able to overcome hardship with the help of Christ that is so amazing.
How are we feeding the hungry and clothing the poor? How are we volunteering our time or our resources? In some cases it is not your season, you have kids or obligations or duties and you do not have the resources or the time. In other cases, you may have the time as the Lord leads you. We can all be missionaries but we don’t have to follow we can forge our own path if God gives you the thought to do it. I remember seeing a young boy who watched the homeless shivering on the sidewalks and he wanted to collect blankets at home to bring them to the people. He not only did this, but he had started an effort that involved the entire town. This was one person, with the help and encouragement of his family that made a difference. The gospels are full of stories of Jesus tending to the poor but more so the poor of heart, those who were hopeless.
Pray friends, that the Lord leads you to become a modern missionary for him and for those who need your words of love and encouragement and support. These people may be in your very own family. I remember visiting my mother-in-law in the assisted care facility and my father-in-law had dementia. She suffered from bouts of loneliness. He was in a hospital-bed within her line of vision and day-after-day she watched as he had no hope of recovering. While she was able to go-to meals and talk to the other residents, it was understandably difficult for her to have hope, and struggle from loneliness. We can be surrounded by our family and still be lonely. Start within your family and work outwards and see what the Lord has in store for you.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Lord, you are pure love – fill me with your love so that it overflows and allows me to be an instrument of your hope, love, and joy for others. Help me to put you first in my life, fill me with hope and banish any negative thoughts and fears. Thank you for your steadfast love and I ask for the following prayer intentions. … Thank you and praise you, Lord and I pray this in your precious Name. Amen.
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