Tag: missions

Devotions, Mark 2

Jesus is hanging out with “those people” again!

Have you ever felt like an outcast or maybe left out by a group of guys or girls you thought were your friends?  If so, do you remember how you felt?
 
Most likely you didn’t feel a bunch of hugs and kisses.  Neither did a guy named Levi. He knew most people didn’t like him.  So when he met Jesus, he was blown away by what Jesus asked him.  Take a look!
 
 
THINK:
  • What do you think Levi was thinking when Jesus asked him to “follow me and be my disciple”?   (Why me?…amazed…but thankful…sensing love?)
  • Who are you most like in this interaction? (Crowd, Levi, other disciples, religious person, other sinners). Why?

A Life Changing Invitation

Did you notice the reaction Levi had?  He did not just say “thanks Jesus for choosing me”.  Instead he threw a dinner party and invited a bunch of people over to celebrate.   
GUT CHECK!…. Are you that excited about Jesus wanting to be in a relationship with you?
I think if we are honest, all of us can loose sight of the incredible reality that the God of the universe wants to be with us.  He is that crazy about you and me!  As amazing as this is, we must understand something though:

When Jesus calls you it is not just so you can break free of the disease of sin in your life and enjoy the love of God in your life.  It is ALSO an invitation into the Rescue Mission.  

 
Jesus wants us to join Him on mission in a purpose driven way that is empowered by His Spirit.
Are you living like that?
 
ACTION: Who might you reach out to today with the spirit of Jesus’ love that others may wonder about you: “why is he talking/hanging around him?”
PRAY:  Jesus forgive me for not celebrating your love for me like I should.  I’m amazed that you continually choose me and want to be with me.  I want my life to look like yours.  Help me.  Empower me by your Spirit so that I can join you in the Great Rescue Mission to help others know Your love.
Devotions, Psalm 51

Missions In Your Mess Up

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What is that sin that you keep falling into? In what area of your life do you feel you have blown it so bad that you don’t see how any good can come out of it? Are you feeling hopeless with the depth of your sin or what others sins have done to you?

Take heart….because you are not alone. In fact God holds up one man in particular as “a man after His own heart” but yet he is known as one of the biggest screw-ups of all time too.

READ: Psalm 51:1-17

David commited two horrible sins. Namely sexual sin and murder. But, did you notice what he said? Consider these questions: Who did he say he sinned against? What did he ask God for? What was the attitude of his heart?

Beyond admitting his guilt and beyond a heart of repentance and humility, we see another amazing thing happen. It is interesting that in the midst of David’s horrible sin, there is a spirit of missions. David’s desire was for God to use his “mess up” to help other people to move out of the dark places and sin in their own lives. And because of David’s repentance and humility, he answers David prayer.

So can God use your “mess ups” and a sinner like you and me? You better believe it!

**Below is a link to a great audio clip that is from John Piper. If you are struggling in sexual sin (or any other for that matter), listen to the short clip and let it minister to your heart.**

Why Sex Is Not the Root of Sexual Sins (Episode 396) #askpastorjohn