Three Thoughts from Missions Conference

As I mentioned on Instagram, this past week was the annual missions conference at our church.  This week is always a highlight and, as I hoped, my heart has been stirred.  Not simply about the tremendous need for worldwide missionaries and how I can better support and love those who are sent, but I was also challenged and encouraged about my personal “mission” – or fulfilling my daily purpose right here at home.  My brain is full, my notebook is full and my heart is full.

We had three missionary families with us – going to the Middle East, Fiji and Uganda.  They each shared their burden and their ministry through video presentations, testimonies and through preaching.  These are just a few of the highlights – and my applications – from my notes.

* Whether I ever serve the Lord internationally, or serve Him right where I am, I need to be prepared and ready.  II Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” is for all of us – not simply the preachers, teachers or missionaries.  I need to be studied.  In His word daily.  And not “just” reading the Word daily in order to check the box but to know it.

* There will always be a battle – our enemy will make sure of that.  It is so easy to think the (real) battle is a cultural battle, but the true battle is a spiritual one.  Trying to fight against our culture often seems hopeless and it tends to drain me and defeat me – physically, emotionally and mentally.  I need to be in the right battle – to be a spiritual warrior – and I do not need to live defeated.  No doubt, the spiritual battle is not easy and can exhaust me but knowing God gives the victory gives strength to press on and to stay in the fight.

* God is always at work and His word is always moving forward.  With or without me.  Oh, but I want to have a part.  I do not want to “simply coast into Heaven.”  Each year I get older, it seems I become more and more attached to my routine.  My schedule.  I’m not sure if age has anything to do with that but the need for routine seems to continually get deeper.  But I don’t want to settle into my comfort zone nor become too dependent on my routine.  I pray whenever or however God may lead me, or whatever He might ask me to do, that I will be ready and willing to obey.  To run to the task.  To be engaged.  And, to be “all in.”