email : Webview : Duane Brooks - Every Day with Jesus

December 21, 2018

Isaiah 49:6-7
he says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
    to restore the tribes of Jacob
    and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
    that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This is what the Lord says—
    the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—
to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation,
    to the servant of rulers:
“Kings will see you and stand up,
    princes will see and bow down,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
    the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

New International Version (NIV)

                What are your plans for 2019? Sometimes we settle for less than God desires for our lives. I have lived long enough to thank God for not answering my small requests. Have you?

                As Israel returned from exile, they were concerned primarily with Israel. This was not bad, but it was less than God intended for them. As God addresses his servant Israel he stretches their plans to fit his. “It is too small a thing for you just to restore Israel,” he says. God always wanted Israel to be a missionary nation so that the whole world would come to know him.

                Often I hear Christians say, “Let’s just focus on our own area. Why be involved in international missions? There is so much need here.”   Isaiah’s words help us. Our God is the God of the whole earth. He still wants all people to know him. So in the New Testament, he commissions us to make disciples of all nations.

                This is why we cooperate with missions partners who go to the ends of the earth. In addition, our city is so international that we can share Christ with hundreds of language groups right here. Or we can settle for less. Let’s not settle for less than God desires. As William Carey put it, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.”

Pray with me:

Father, forgive us for settling for something smaller than you desire. Remind us again of your unlimited power to accomplish your unlimited plan of making disciples of all nations. Show us your bigger picture so that we may fulfill your whole purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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