Evangelism..Craig Denison Ministries

 Evangelism

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

In response to knowing the heart of God we are called to share the wonders of his invisible nature with a world in desperate need of him. God has chosen to use us to reveal himself. He’s filled us with the Spirit and empowered us to proclaim the good news of salvation and restored relationship with our Creator. May you discover this week that you were made to share God’s heart. And may you find joy and passion in God’s longing to use you in powerful and unique ways.

Scripture:

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15

Devotional:    

The idea of evangelism has always been terrifying to me. Going up to someone and interrupting their day to tell them about Jesus, no matter how real and good I know him to be, has never been comfortable for me. But you can’t read Scripture and escape God’s command to share the gospel. You can’t read through the New Testament and discount the reality that the disciples gave themselves entirely—to the point of death—that the world might come to know Jesus.

Verses like Mark 16:15-16 couldn’t be more clear. Jesus commands us, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Evangelism is meant to be a part of our normal lives. It’s not just for the few. It’s not just for pastors or the intensely extroverted. It’s for you and me.

When I assess my own heart I discover that my fears related to evangelism are entirely selfish. In fact, I don’t know if I could do something more selfish than hold back the one hope for the world just to protect my own image. Jesus is clear in Mark 16:16 that those who don’t believe in him will be condemned. It’s like I contain the cure for a deadly disease and rather than sacrificing my image to love them by sharing the one cure, I just let them continue to suffer.

In pondering my own heart I realize that the way to engage in evangelism isn’t fixing myself; it’s getting over myself. Is my image really so important that it’s worth condemnation for another? Are the opinions of others really so important to me that I would withhold from them eternal, abundant life with a God who loves them relentlessly and perfectly?

I am made to share God’s light. I have been commissioned by my King to go out and share his heart. It’s time that we obey God’s command in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Sure, people might think I’m weird. Sure, it might be a little awkward. But God is after the hearts of his creation, and he’s called me to help. May we be those who set aside our pride, seek humility, and love others whatever the cost. May we be so bold as to set our eyes on heaven and sacrifice this life for the sake of eternity. And may the world change around us as we humbly and courageously proclaim the goodness of our heavenly Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s call for you to engage in evangelism.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

2. What are your fears in regard to evangelism? What holds you back from telling others about the good news of God’s unconditional love?

3. Take time to humble yourself before God and others. Ask him for grace to love others above yourself. Set your eyes on him and open your heart to receive his affection.

In Jesus’ conclusion of the Great Commission he tells his disciples, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Our power for evangelism is that God is with us. He doesn’t send us out alone. His love, power, and presence are fully available to us when we seek to share the gospel with others. When you tell others about Jesus, don’t speak of him as if he’s not with you. Don’t pray as if he doesn’t move and work miracles. Instead, share the reality of God’s nearness with a world that needs to be touched by a revelation of his love. May you be empowered to share the gospel with someone today that they might come to know the power and presence of God.

Extended Reading: Matthew 28

Starving Our Scarcity Mindset..LYSA TERKEURST

 Starving Our Scarcity Mindset

LYSA TERKEURST 

“These were his instructions to them: ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.’” Luke 10:2 (NLT)

Have you ever wondered if there’s any need for you and the dreams tucked in your heart when there are already so many successful people out there?

I totally understand.

Several years ago, I remember pouring out all the best words I had through pixelated letters-turned-pages-turned-book proposal. I tucked my heart and dreams into a purple OfficeMax binder and hoped for the best.

That summer, I gave my proposal to several acquisition editors. For months after sending out my proposal, I dreamed about the day some publishing house would say yes.

I can’t tell you the number of afternoons I’d stand at my mailbox, holding my breath, praying there would be good news inside. When the rejection letters started coming, I tried to keep up the hope that surely there would be one positive answer. I just needed one publisher to say yes.

Soon, I’d received a no from all but one publisher. And when I got that final rejection, I felt so foolish for thinking I could actually write a book. My dream was nothing but a sham. I had no writing skills. And I must have heard God all wrong.

At the same time, I had other writer friends who were getting different letters from publishers.

Amazing letters.
Dreams-come-true letters.
Letters that turned into book contracts.

In my better moments, I did the right thing and authentically celebrated with them. But behind the scenes, there were hard moments happening inside of me.

Moments where I felt like my friends’ lives were rushing past me in a flurry of fulfilled goals, new opportunities, and affirmations of their callings from God. It seemed the world was literally passing me by. On the inside, I just kept thinking, Ouch — that means less and less opportunity for me … even though, on the outside, I declared, “Good for them.”

I wrestled, and I processed.

And I decided to get still. But this stillness wasn’t passive. I actively had to make the choice to reject the fears that said I’d been left out and left behind. And I had to starve my scarcity mindset of thinking that opportunities had passed me by altogether.

Then I could see new and life-giving possibilities. Maybe I wasn’t ready yet, but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t ever be ready. Now was the time to stop looking around and start focusing on becoming the best writer I could be. And eventually, I wrote something worth publishing.

Looking back on that season, this is the nugget of wisdom that sticks with me: Her success does not threaten yours or mine. When a sister in Christ does well, we all do well. All tides rise when we see her making this world a better place with her gifts.

When I finally started believing this, my stillness turned into readiness. And that was over 25 published books ago.

Even if your dream isn’t book writing, let Jesus’ words in Luke 10:2 sink into the deep places of your heart today: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

And this is where we have a choice to make.

We can look out and see the unlimited, abundant opportunities God has placed before us. To create. To write. To try. To grow. To serve. To sing. To be and become. To harvest for Him.

Or we can stare at another person’s opportunity and get entangled in the enemy’s lie that everything is scarce. Scarce thinking. Scarce supply. Scarce possibilities. And we start seeing another person's creations as a threat to our own opportunities.

Oh, friend, there is an abundant need in this world for your contributions to the Kingdom — your thoughts, words and artistic expressions — your exact brand of beautiful. Know it. Believe it. Live it.

Lord, thank You for reminding me how You created me on purpose and with purpose. I don’t have to live this life feeling threatened by the success of others. Today, I’m asking You to bless the women around me who are doing what I long to do. Stir even more hearts with a deep passion to make You known. And continue to settle my heart with the truth that this world really does need my exact brand of beautiful. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Walking in God’s Protective Light..Jessica Van Roekel

 Walking in God’s Protective Light

By Jessica Van Roekel

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:4-6 ESV

As a child, I remember the overwhelming sense of watching light be exchanged for darkness, driving through a tunnel that seemed endless. The rock walls cast eerie shadows as the headlights tried to pierce all the way through the darkness, but they would only reach so far before the blackness swallowed the light. I kept my eyes on the end of the tunnel where the speck of light grew bigger and bigger and breathed a sigh of relief when we drove out of the tunnel and back into the light.

Journeying through life can feel like taking a long road trip over hills and through valleys, around and through mountains on a narrow two-lane road. There are no side roads or alternate routes, just one way through. Along the way, we may stop to take in a vista and marvel at the beauty of what God has done. Perhaps we are forced to pull over because of a blown tire to repair. After each pause, we return to the road and our journey, never knowing what’s around the next corner.

Following Jesus doesn’t equate to a trouble-free life. The Bible doesn’t say a blessed life is a difficulty-free life. In John 16:33, Jesus said to take heart because we will have trouble in this world, and that we have the promise (in Psalm 23:4-6) of God’s presence. He is with us in every season, joy, sorrow, and hardship.

The shadow of death may look like unanswered prayers, disappointment, discouragement, persecution, or depression. In those moments, we can find comfort in God’s presence and protection. He is with us, so we don’t need to fear abandonment. It’s tempting to believe God says, “I’ll see you on the other side,” and then leaves us to walk through the dark tunnel alone. In reality, he stays by our side.

We discover our greatest comfort in God’s presence. He walks beside us. He goes before us and beckons us onward. He comes behind us and protects us. His rod symbolizes his strength, power, and authority. He strengthens us through the shadows, empowers us to walk through trials, and has the ultimate authority over what we encounter. His staff brings us close for comfort and rescues us from trouble. We can be reassured of God’s love and guidance, and we trust him to bring us through the darkness into the light once again.

God cares for the needs of his children and is bigger than any force which conspires against us. There is an enemy wanting to destroy our soul and an ungodly society surrounding us, yet God sustains us in every way. He sets a bountiful table of his joy, peace, goodness, and hope in the presence of our enemies. He gives us everything we need to live and enjoy his presence. Because of his presence throughout our life journey, we will receive his comfort, guidance, and help.

We may face a dark tunnel, but Jesus is our light. He stays with us and gives us the courage to walk into the valley of the shadow of death. No matter what happens, we can trust the Good Shepherd to work through our circumstances for his good and his glory. We shine in the darkness because of his presence. Our steps of faith are guided by his hand, and we can trust his heart toward us.

Intersecting faith and life:
If you find yourself in the darkest of places, remember that God is right beside you. He longs to comfort you with his presence. Fix your eyes on him, let him help you hold sorrow and joy, and trust him to bring you through. Baby steps of faith grow into steady faithful strides. Stay close to him and let his light guide you.

Further Reading:

• Romans 8:31-39

The Struggle to Rest..Jennifer Waddle

 The Struggle to Rest

By: Jennifer Waddle

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. - Genesis 2:1-3

I was raised by hard-working parents who set a good example of what it meant to have a strong work ethic. Even today, as they enter retirement, both of them can work circles around me. Unfortunately, I didn’t automatically acquire my parent’s diligence.

I still remember the summer when I was fourteen and decided that sleeping until noon and watching soap operas all day was the best plan ever. Until…my dad had enough of my laziness and set an alarm for nine a.m. Not only did he set an alarm, he gave my brother and I a list of chores to complete before he got home. He even got creative, as one day, he had us move a stack of lumber from one end of the yard to the other. Then, the next day, he had us move it back!

A strong work ethic is something to be valued, and is mentioned many times throughout the Scriptures. But what about rest?

“For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day.”

Nowadays, it isn’t so much that people struggle to work hard, it’s that they struggle to set their work aside. Think about how many times we bring our work home with us, spend weekends on projects, and even lose sleep over our jobs. There is a definite struggle to stop working and enter into a time of much-needed rest.

Interestingly, it’s been proven in certain cultures that nap time, even during the workday, is highly productive, not only with job performance, but for peoples’ sense of wellbeing. God created us to work hard, but He also intended for us to take a break when needed and to devote one day of the week to rest. It’s not complicated. But for so many of us, we simply don’t know what it means to switch gears and take a full day off.

Nowadays, it isn’t so much that people struggle to work hard, it’s that they struggle to set their work aside. Think about how many times we bring our work home with us, spend weekends on projects, and even lose sleep over our jobs. There is a definite struggle to stop working and enter into a time of much-needed rest.

Interestingly, it’s been proven in certain cultures that nap time, even during the workday, is highly productive, not only with job performance, but for peoples’ sense of wellbeing. God created us to work hard, but He also intended for us to take a break when needed and to devote one day of the week to rest. It’s not complicated. But for so many of us, we simply don’t know what it means to switch gears and take a full day off.

A Prayer for Leaning into God’s Equipping..Heidi Vegh

 A Prayer for Leaning into God’s Equipping

By Heidi Vegh

“Walk by faith, not by sight.” - 2 Corinthians 5:7

It is always disheartening to feel as though I have reached a significant point in my journey only to ask, “Now what, Lord?” God has put a desire in my heart to write for Him which I cannot calm. I wrestle and fight, clawing for direction or insight. God tells me to listen, watch, do the next thing, and wait. He reminds me not to worry about the future, but to wait on Him. Obediently, I try my best to research, learn, write, pursue, listen, follow …and wait. I choose to trust Who is leading me, even when it feels like walking with blinders on, and I can’t see the results of my efforts. God gave me the desire, but it is up to me to put the work in. A work He promised to equip me for! 

The road can be long and precarious, and often we don't know the destination …but God does. He will equip us when we don't feel capable or worthy of His calling on our lives. Our job is to do the work He has assigned us and wait for Him to clear the way. I am learning to take each day as it comes, trusting Him to lead and guide my steps. I plant my roots in His ways and His truth. I am overwhelmed with all the roads I could veer off onto, but He quietly reassures me He will guide me. I feel dwarfed among thousands of Christian writers, but He gently tells me He will help my voice reach who it is intended for. It may not be the masses; it may be one. It may be tomorrow; it may be years down the road. We read in Philippians 2:13 

“For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

God did not call us to something big only to leave us hanging. He is not reliant on our human ability to pick the right road. He works within us. It is our job to rely on Him instead of ourselves. Even when the road ahead of us is full of fog, we can keep our eyes on Jesus to keep going. We can trust Him with each day, task, and notion to do things for Him. 

Let’s pray:
Lord, You have placed a desire and calling on my life. I have heard Your voice and know the direction You want me to go. However, I am overcome by discouragement. I can’t see the road ahead and need Your strength to keep moving forward. I need Your sight, Lord, and Your leading. Forgive me, Lord, for taking hold of things that do not belong to me. Forgive me for striving in my power to try and manifest things that were never intended for me. Help me to see clearly what You have for me. I surrender my calling to You and place it in Your capable hands. Reveal and inspire me with Your Holy Spirit. I trust You to equip me for all You want me to do. You did not call me to do Your will because of my ability but because of my willingness. Take my worry and strife and turn it into glory-filled work. Give me discernment when I start to go down the wrong path. 

I rebuke the enemy and the distractions that he is placing in my path. I pray for strength against laziness or complacency. I come against the lies that enslave me, telling me I am not good enough, I don’t have what it takes, or that I will never get to where I want to go. I stand firmly on the truth and promise that You are with and will never leave me. I surrendered all my heart's desires and ask You to lead every moment of every day. Thank You, Jesus, for Your everlasting love, and the many treasures You have stored up for me. 

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” Philippians 2:13

In Your Name, we pray, Amen.

Seeking Guidance: The First Step..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Seeking Guidance: The First Step

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 John 1:8-10

By forsaking the broad worldly way, believers have chosen a narrow path (Matt. 7:13). However, we’re not wandering blindly on it. The Holy Spirit is our guide. He directs our steps toward new opportunities and offers discernment so we can make wise decisions that keep us on course for God’s will.

It is the nature of this journey that we have to stop often and seek guidance. God is pleased to respond to earnest requests for direction, as He wants to keep His followers in the center of His will. But I’ve discovered that many Christians wonder how to pursue divine guidance.

Seeking God’s direction involves a pattern that begins with cleansing—in other words, the first place to look is at ourselves. Ask, “Father, do You see anything in my life that might interfere with my understanding what You are saying?” Sin shuts down the guidance process: it strangles the power flowing from the Holy Spirit and thereby clouds our judgment (1 Thess. 5:19). First John 1:9 tells us that God cleanses unrighteousness when we confess our sins. The Bible also contains a clear warning for those who refuse to relinquish a rebellious habit or attitude—the Lord does not hear their cries (Ps. 66:18). As He brings to mind problem areas, lay them before the cross.

Cleansing is actually woven into the entire process of gaining divine guidance. God brings sin to our attention as we’re equipped to deal with it. So on the way to receiving His clear direction, we may revisit this “first” step often and in that way can experience a time of rich spiritual growth and renewal.