“With prayer and fasting they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23b, NLT)
“We try to reflect on what people said to Jesus during His time on earth and how misunderstood He was. We don’t even begin to measure up to Him in trying to identity with the people He came to reach, but we’re beginning to sense His being “despised and rejected” (Isaiah 53:3, NIV). Even though He made great efforts – the greatest – to reach them, not all welcomed Him.
Prayer: Father, encourage missionaries to persevere in bringing the lost to Christ. Allow their moral and upright lives to be seen as they love others in the name of Jesus. Increase their love for the people groups around them, even during persecution. Amen. “
(from Voices of the Faithful compiled by Kim P. Davis, page 206)
Today I am joining … Spiritual Sundays and Scripture & a Snapshot and Open Sunday Thoughts .
I love you focus lately on missionaries and outward thinking. It is such a necessary reminder to us all to do more than just live our ordinary days. Thanks for sharing on the #sundaythoughts link up.
Thank you, Jamie. I need to be reminded to do more outward thinking. I want to look outward and see who God would have me to notice. It is so good to join you each week.
I’m joining you in your prayer for missionaries. In addition, may we who call Christ Lord and Savior increase in our love for the lost… no matter what people group they belong to. (I’m visiting for the first time from the Open Sunday Thoughts Link-Up!)
Yes, I so agree with what you added – may our love increase for the lost, no matter their group. We are called to love all people. Grateful for the visit, Wendy!
I think so often of our missionaries – especially those far away from loved ones and often far away from fellow Christians on difficult foreign fields. I pray for their ministries, but also that they will cling to the Lord to keep from falling.
You make such a good point, Julie. And may we pray that they not get disheartened and give up. So much to pray for our missionaries in these days we are living. Blessings!
I’m thankful for the faithful missionaries I’ve known over the years and concerned that they are not being replaced at the same rate at which they are retiring.
Thanks for your continual outward focus here, Joanne. We need to be in prayer for those of other nations and peoples and languages.
Michele, you have opened my eyes to another way to pray. You are right – they are not being replaced by the same rate. May God raise up a generation willing to go where He leads. Blessings!
Thank you for this reminder to pray for the gospel to be spread, to pray for those who spread it, and to be one who shares the good news.
You said it well, Elizabeth!
I often forget to pray for those who are actually ministers and ones who are entrusted with the job of spreading the gospel. Not an easy task in this world of late. Amen to your prayer that they persevere. We are all called to spread the gospel if given the opportunity when it arises, but still what a job considering even Jesus sometimes had those who refused to hear or understand. Thank you for a great reminder, and so enjoy your photo with the hands. 🙂
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Perfect timing, as I am praying this week for friends leaving on missions around the world next week and a reminder for my mission field right here. Amen!
Jennie, yes – this is a time of year when so many groups will do missions. May we be faithful to pray for them!
And missionaries definitely need perseverance with their mission. The scripture I was studying today says, “Do it all with the strength and energy (and love) God gives you.” An awesome reminder for all of us. I clicked over from Spiritual Sunday linkup, will definitely return. God bless you.
What a wonderful Scripture to pray for missionaries. But also for ourselves. May we do whatever He puts before us with all we’ve got. So grateful for your visit!