Bishop Wills' Life Journal Entry for April 23, 2008 -- Our Assignments

S: Matthew 10: 5-6 (The Message)
Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick………Vs 10 You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment…..

O: Many people want the renewal and growth of our church. The renewal of the church will begin when each of us goes out to be with lost people.

A: Most of the time the people in the church feel if only we had the right minister. Or the Pastors feel if only they had the right church. If both groups get their way then things will be better and our churches can grow. There is some truth in that way of thinking.

As I read the words of Jesus this morning I am aware a lot of people, including me, think if we only get the right match with the church and pastor then things will go well. This is a partial truth. When the right pastor is matched with the right church, then the church and pastor can enjoy this time of renewal and growth.

While what I have written above is true, Jesus says clearly each of us has a part to play. Jesus tells me to go to the lost and confused people in my own neighborhood. He also tells them to bring health to the sick.

This morning I am struck by these words so clearly spoken by Jesus. I know of a church in which a group of its members are doing exactly that. They go in teams in the neighborhoods around them. They pray before they go up to the door. If someone is home they ask if there is anything they can pray for that person and family. If the person says, “yes”, then they pray for that family and bring back to the church the prayer needs of that person and family. People in the church actually pray for these confused and lost people.

What they are finding is if the people have a church home, they thank God and do not go back. They are finding as they pray for people, new persons are beginning to show up each week at church. Their church has begun to grow!

What is happening this church has touched me deeply and I have asked to go with a team one Saturday morning. This morning Jesus affirms what each of us can do and should do if we are followers of Jesus.

P: Father, thank you for today. Thank you for the inspiration a group of people are making in one of our churches. So many thought this church would die, yet by your Holy Spirit, new people are beginning to come to this church because these people have taken your Son seriously. Thank you for the gift they have brought to me. May I have the courage to join with those who seek the lost, confused, and often sick people of this world. Love, Dick

Y I give up any feelings that the Lord will not honor our obedience and especially my obedience :in following Jesus