Recently a story recorded by the gospel writer Luke has been on my mind. Jesus had sent His disciples out into cities to engage people with a message of the kingdom while giving them power to work miracles (Luke 10:1-20). As they entered cities they found persons of peace. These were individuals who had accepted the message and welcomed them into their homes. After a period of time of engaging people they returned to Jesus filled with joy over the fruitful ministry and the amazing power they had over demons.
Over the last two months I have been doing much of the same thing the disciples had done; working at engaging anyone I can with the truth of Jesus and his amazing plan of building His church. Unlike the disciples, I often times get minimal positive responses and end up returning with a burdened heart and a defeated spirit.
What I find so encouraging about this story is Jesus' response to His disciples. He says nothing about their fruitfulness (or my perceived lack of fruitfulness) but rather corrects their reason for joy by stating, “do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” I need this, you need this, if you have your faith in Jesus' death and resurrection canceling your sin debt your name is part of the heavenly census! There is not a victory or defeat in this temporary world that can compare to the eternal home with your name on it.
If you are striving to live out your heavenly citizenship now I have a favor to ask you. There are 8,800 occupied housing units here in G-town and we want to do some community surveys at these homes. Will you help? It will involve what most people do not find enjoyable; but we already know what Jesus thinks of that…
Continue to pray for the following requests.
- That we can get the website up soon and that it will be a good tool for the church.
- Boldness for Restore church. We want this town to find and follow Jesus.
- That the community surveys will be a great tool in engaging people.