Scripture

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

Observation

Jesus provided very clear and easy to understand instructions to His disciples upon the completion of His earthly ministry. He told them and all disciples that would follow Him in the future to “go make disciples.” That is His “Great Commission” and that is our mission as believers.

Application

Every Christian is called to make disciples. Making a disciple begins as we introduce people to Jesus and then begin to lead them on the same journey of faith that we ourselves are on. As we continue to learn, we teach. As we continue to receive, we give. It is the greatest privilege and joy of the Christian life – to invest our lives in the lives of others. As we obey this simple command, God’s purpose for us becomes clear.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me. Thank you for the many people who have taken time to invest in my life over the years. I will obey your command to go and make disciples. I pray that you would direct my steps to encounter those whom you would have me reach with your love and truth. Show me who you have already placed in my life that I can invest in. Thank you for inviting me into your mission of making disciples of others. What a privilege! Thank you God. Amen.

Scripture

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7

Observation

As Christ-followers, we live our lives and make decisions based on who God is and what God says rather than by what we see, hear, and feel.

Application

It is so easy to make decisions based primarily on what we see and feel. It is good to have an understanding of what the economists say, the doctors say, the politicians say. It is also good to look at the Wall Street Journal and the 5 o’ clock news. However, since we have a heavenly Father that loves and provides for us, His children, we do not have to live and make decisions based on what we see around us. That is limited and often discouraging. We are free to simply listen to God (thru the Bible and Holy Spirit) and obey. To walk by faith.

Prayer

Father, help us to live and walk by faith and not by sight. Speak to us today and by Your grace we will obey. Amen.

Scripture

For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

Observation

The Apostle Paul was aware of the fact that it was God’s grace that changed him from a persecutor of the church into one of its greatest leaders. In response to that work of grace in Paul’s heart he “labored…abundantly” to build the church he had once tried to destroy.

Application

It is only by God’s grace that we are able to contribute anything of eternal significance to those around us. Thank God for His grace that changes us and makes our lives a blessing to others. When we genuinely encounter His grace the natural response is to give of ourselves for the advancement of God’s kingdom and, as a result, the betterment of others. Thank God for His amazing grace!

Prayer

Jesus, I am so grateful to you for your amazing grace that still changes lives today. I am grateful that you changed me from a God-hater to one who is overwhelmed by Your love and grace. I love you God because You first loved me. Strengthen me to do Your will, my God. Work in me that which is pleasing in your sight. I believe You will. I love You God! Amen.

Scripture

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31

Observation

Paul recognizes that anything that he accomplishes is from the strength and wisdom that God has given him. Because of that Paul makes sure that when he boasts about accomplishing something great it is because of who God has made him, and the power of the Holy Spirit working through him.

Application

I want to accomplish great things in my lifetime that helps establish a legacy for Christ. I understand that if I accomplish greatness for Christ, then it is through His power and I will boast in Him.

Prayer

Father, I want to accomplish great things for you, because when I do I know others will come into a personal relationship with Jesus. I also ask that as I accomplish greatness for you that I continually boast in you as the source of anything that I do.

Scripture

Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10:52

Observation

Jesus and His disciples were journeying out of Jericho when they heard the voice of a man crying, “Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me!” To the protest of many, “blind” Bartimaeus continued to cry out to Jesus. Jesus full of mercy and grace stopped and healed “blind” Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus would not let anything get in his way of getting to Jesus.

Application

The first words out of my mouth when I need a miracle should be “Jesus.” I need to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit inside of me and not the voices of the negative crowd outside of me. Whatever is impossible, God wants to get involved. Jesus is never too busy to respond to our cry and He will go out of His way to answer our prayer. I may have a difficult time seeing through my circumstances but if I have faith in Jesus, He will give me vision for my journey!

Prayer

Lord I trust in You and pray that I keep my focus on You. Thank you for always hearing my cry and letting me know that You are always there for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture

“I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 21:13

Observation

Paul understood that going to Jerusalem could possibly cost him his life. However, he was totally committed to fulfilling the purpose that God had placed before him. He was not going to be distracted because of the potential danger that was before him.

Application

There are times in life that I must count the cost of fulfilling my God-given purpose. Just like Paul, I must embrace what God has called me to despite the challenges I may face along the way. I understand that the cost I may pay now can now compare to the lives that will be impacted for Christ if I follow God and the purpose he has for my life.

Prayer

Father, thank you for trusting me with the great purpose of reaching people and building lives. I ask that you would give me the grace and wisdom to pursue and fulfill your purpose for my life with everything that I have.

Scripture

“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24

Observation

This is the Apostle Paul speaking to the Ephesian leaders of the church where he had ministered. Paul considered life nothing unless he used it for God’s work. What he put into life was far more important to him than what he got out of it. Paul was single-minded in his purpose for life after his salvation experience, and his most important purpose and goal in life was to tell others about the life-giving salvation in Jesus Christ (see Philippians 3:7-13).

Application

Which is more important to you – what you get out of life, or what you put into it? We can often feel that life is a failure unless we’re getting a lot out of it: recognition, fun, money, success. But true men and women of God focus on life’s real purpose, the one great task God has given all of us who believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of our lives: telling others about Christ and helping others grow in their relationship with him.

Prayer

Lord God, I ask that You might impress upon my heart and spirit Your true purpose for my life, and that I might fulfill all You have called me to do. May my purpose align with Yours, and I ask that You would give the single-mindedness to complete the purpose You have given me for my life.