“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me” (Philippians 4:10).
The early church recognized that among its members were those whom the Lord had blessed with certain unique gifts, one of which was going out to share the Good News to the “uttermost parts of the world.” The story is “in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon.. Lucius ..and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:1-3).
From there on started an old tradition where a church sends out some among its own to distant parts to share the Gospel. It is of course only obvious that those who go out to the mission field need resources to enable them carry on with the task. Paul once wrote to the Philippians “for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need” (Philippians 4: 16).
Sometimes though this aid was not forthcoming; but it did not mean for Paul to abandon his ministry. He looked for means to survive. Thus he noted to the church in Thessalonica, “Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). At certain point he teamed up with a couple, Aquilla and Priscilla, “and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them” (Acts 18:3).
Just as it were then even today there are those among us whom the Lord has called to share the Good News, near and far. Some of these work in churches, para- church organizations or are out without the cover of any particular organization but solely dependent on aid from God’s people wherever they be. On occasion they send out news reports of their work. But like the Scottish missionary David Livingstone (1813-1873), who due to long absence from home was once thought dead in Africa, there are times when no news is forthcoming.
It is called upon believers to support these missionaries, as the Lord enables. This could be by sending them notes of encouragement and regularly upholding them in our personal prayers. If they happen to visit back home on sabbatical let us open up our homes for their refreshment and to receive the mutual blessings of their blessed work on the mission field.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I thank you for the work of missionaries, out on the field, and I pray to support them, as you provide, for your kingdom’s sake, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
