Friday, September 30, 2016

Deserting Offense

Lucille’s place of worship was having a special program and invited her neighbors to the event.  On Sunday they arrived with Lucille at the church and followed her down the aisle to the front of the sanctuary. 

After the service the couple noticed that their friend was somewhat upset, but didn’t pry as to ascertain the reason for her change in behavior.  Later that week when they were visiting their elderly neighbor Lucille revealed her dilemma. 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India; Mandalay, Myanmar Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria Limay, Central Luzon, Philippines Balanga, Central Luzon, Philippines Mosta, Central Region, Malta Ħal Luqa, South Eastern Region, Malta March, England, United Kingdom Redcar, England, United Kingdom Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, United Kingdom Belgrade, Serbia Qormi, Central Region, Malta Dinajpur, Rangpur Division, Bangladesh Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand. 

USA Russellville & Van Buren, AR; Julian, CA; Maple Lake, MN; Sunrise, MS; Timberlake, NC; Pahrump, NV; Fort McKinley, Northridge & Trotwood, OH; Chambersburg, New Castle & Fayetteville, PA; Sioux Falls, SD; Blount Beach, TN; Edinburg, TX; Vernal, UT; Pearisburg, VA. 

I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to be Discipled by Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.

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Songs of Offense 

It didn’t take long before Lucille let the couple know why she had become so distant during their Sunday visit. 

“It was those songs.  I don’t see why we can’t stick to the traditional hymnbook for the song service. 
 
We have that other building for the contemporary worship services, so they should sing those songs over there if they want to and leave our service as it’s always been.  I hate those songs!” 

Well, apparently this had been bothering Lucille for a while, but for some reason she spilled the beans to her friends that didn’t attend her church.  It seemed like as good of a time as any for the couple to voice their opinion on what they had just learned. 

After a few minutes of running down a list of questions as to why Lucille didn’t like the new songs, it was clear that she was offended by the song leader’s selections.  This led the young lady to ask her neighbor one more question. 

“Would you say that singing the Psalms is scriptural or any passage in the Bible for that matter?” 

Of course you can surmise that Lucille agreed without question.  Then the woman went on in her dialog about songs in a place of worship. 

“Did you know that song you said you hated was directly quoting passages in Psalms?  Those songs that you are so offended by were written based on verses in the Bible.  To say you hate them is saying you hate the Word of God.” 

Even though Lucille didn’t like the songs, she changed her tune when it came to the songs her church incorporated into their rather “traditional” services.  She accepted that the Word of God trumped the custom of man that was regulated as church doctrine. 

Two Thousand Plus Years 

It’s funny how things that we grow so fond of tend to turn into traditions whether or not we realize it.  Song selections, church carpet, flashing lights, black walls and torn jeans seemed to have made their way into our sanctuaries.  Even after 2,000 plus years, Jesus’ so called “disciples” and followers are finding new ways to become offended among themselves. 

Stepping back into our disciple forefather’s lives, we read how Jesus became a bit ticked that His first twelve men let offense override His teachings.  In studying the Word of God this week I was amazed at how much the disciples still doubted and questioned what Christ was teaching.   

Can We Have Some More Please? 

The mass feeding of the five thousand was over, so the Master left the disciples and the “diners” for some one-on-one time with the Heavenly Father.  All alone Jesus departed across the sea and disappeared into the desert.  (See John chapter 6)

Catching up along their journey, we are led to believe that the disciples had come to terms with Jesus truly being the Son of God after they witnessed Him walking on water (apparently the miracle feeding didn’t totally convince them).  It has only been a short time since that event and now it looks like unbelief is making a comeback in their thinking; this time it came when Jesus was ministering to the multitudes about Him being the Bread of Life. 

Although He had dismissed the people and escaped for some private time, they hunted Him down like wolves on a chase for food until they found Jesus.  It was during this occasion that the Lord revealed their true colors as to why they really followed Him. 

By now the disciples were reunited with Jesus in the Temple in Capernaum, and heard the conversation He had with the “groupies” that wanted the Lord to believe they were true followers.  Calling them on their actions, Jesus spoke to the people about seeking Him as the true meat and bread they needed in order to enter into Heaven. 

“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with Me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs.  You’re only here for the food!”  (John 6:26 NLT emphasis mine) 

Responding to what Jesus said, they requested that He perform more miracles so they would believe by giving them bread every day as God did Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness.  Instead of granting their requests for miracles, Jesus explained that in order for them to have eternal life and do the will of God, they would have to believe on Him as God’s Son sent from Heaven. 

Jesus replied, “I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.  But you haven’t believed in Me even though you have seen Me.” (John 6:35-36 NLT) 

When they heard what Jesus said they were confused as to what He meant by being the “Bread of Life” they needed to obtain eternal life. Making a claim that He was sent from Heaven as a type of manna really sent them into a boil. 

As Jesus spoke in the temple directing the people to the Bread of Life for salvation, the Jews started murmuring among themselves over Him saying He “is” the bread that came down from Heaven.  "How can He say that He came down from Heaven?  He's Joseph and Mary's boy and we know both of them."  (vs. 52) 

With the crowd now being agitated, Jesus was about to make another statement that would open the door to offense among God’s people. 

Disciples Go MIA 

Jesus knew what they were saying and went into one of the toughest to take messages in the Bible.  It's about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. Many people freaked out when they heard it.  To clarify it a little better here, the Amplified version says in John 6:53 that unless you appropriate, take to yourself His life (the bread) and the saving merit of His blood, you can have no life in you. 

 
Beginning at John 6:60 we read how the latest disciples that joined the first followers said that this message was hard, weird, strange, offensive and unbearable. They basically said, "Who can be expected to listen to such teaching that goes against anything we’ve ever been taught in the synagogues."  

These are the same people who were miraculously fed (loaves and fish), had seen the sick healed, the blind receive sight, and demons cast out. Yet they were offended by His words.  When Jesus saw that even His followers got caught up in the murmuring He wasn’t about to let it go and said,  

"You're offended at this?  What will you think if you see Me rise to where I was before.  I have been speaking to you from the Spirit who gives life, but some of you (and I know who you are) still don't believe or trust and you don't have any faith in Me." 

At that moment many of the new disciples left and didn't follow the Way of the Master anymore. They were actually offended by what they had heard because it was different and not what they were traditionally taught each week from previous Rabbis.  

Was this about to cause more doubt and unbelief among the rest?  Watching the people walk away because of offense, Jesus said to the original disciples, "Are you twelve going to desert Me and leave too?"  

Peter, who appeared to have been the self-appointed spokesperson of the bunch, uttered what he assumed the other eleven believed: "Who are we going to turn to? You have the words of eternal life and we are sure that You are Christ the Son of the Living God (regardless to what we’ve traditionally been taught, learned or have done in the past)." (vs. 68-69 emphasis mine) 

Would this finally put an end to complaining, doubting, murmuring and offense among and with the disciples?  Could they handle breaking tradition in the synagogue to allow the Word (Jesus) to take precedence so more souls could be brought into the Kingdom of God? 

Singing the Message 

I have to admit that some of the things that are taking place in the churches today are really pushing the envelope when it comes to true worship the way I’ve been taught.  This goes for the message as well as the music. 

However, something I’ve learned as a worship leader/pastor that wasn’t taught in the church is that music is a key component when it comes to inviting the Holy Spirit into the service.   When we sing the scriptures we are literally singing the message of Jesus.   

Singing passages of the Bible is a sure way to have Rhema Fire from Heaven fall on the people, so that the message is received into the hearts of mankind.  In order for this to happen we have to break away from how we traditionally do things as we think they should be done, in order to receive the Spirit of Favor for worship. 

Understanding the Rhema Word of God 

The disciples that Jesus first led had no problem with the scriptures being sung. 
 
Many of the passages in Psalms were set to music and they sang them during times of worship.  King David knew that singing God’s Word causes favor to fall on him, because God acts on His own promises. 
 
No, the disciples offense didn’t come from lyrics (logos word meaning written of God), but from the rhema or spoken word from Jesus (Son of God) revealed through the Holy Spirit. 

Though the Greek word rhema does not appear in non-Greek Bibles, Matthew 4:4 gives us an example of its importance. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rhema) that proceeds out of the mouth of God."  Jesus later confirms this in John 6:63 when talking to the disciples about their being offended and not believing what He spoke: "The words (rhema) that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." 

There are so many things that divide the Body of Christ that it stops unbelievers from coming to know Jesus.  Are you in any way contributing to the numbers of the lost through the spirit of offense?  The beginning disciples drove people away from Christ with their murmuring, bickering and offense over the teaching of Jesus.  Have you done the same through some other means of offense? 

This Week’s Challenge:
Deserting Offense 

If you’re a Christian no doubt there is something that has offended you when it comes to traditional things being done in the church.  It’s time to desert offenses that cause the Spirit of God’s favor to leave us so that we can get on with our discipleship classes with Jesus. 

Perhaps you’re one that questions every doctrine that comes down the pike, or always has an opinion on whatever is being taught from the pulpit.  Then maybe you don’t have a problem with the message as much as you do with other things that are taking place in your place of worship, such as the new music being introduced to the congregation. 

Jesus instructed that if they aren’t preaching against the Word of God we are to let people alone and let Him sort it out His way.  If it’s something we don’t like or understand we don’t have to participate in the act, but we surely aren’t to pick our fellow believers apart.   

This week’s challenge would be a good time to do some internal searching.  Is there something that has come across your path from the Word, a message at church or even a song that has truly offended you?   

So many times when we have an issue of offense, we wear our thoughts on our faces.  A frown, a scowl or even a tense look lets others know that we are ticked off and not happy about something.  If you have verbally vented your frustration publically through murmuring, your attitude may have contributed to modern day desertion of Christ as the early disciples did.   

Murmuring and offense are forms of unbelief and don’t make for good discipleship students.  If unchecked they ultimately turn to hate just as we learned in Lucille’s case.  She allowed it to be a stronghold in her life that ruled the way she dealt with things she didn’t like or understand.  Jesus talked about this behavior in the last days, which we are in at this time. 

“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” (Matthew 24:10 NKJV) 

As you search yourself this week grab a Bible and dig in to the scriptures to find the offense that’s causing you to sin, and read how Jesus said to handle it.  Instead of staying offended get rid of it and continue to follow Jesus. 

As I was finishing this writing my husband chimed in with an unconventional suggestion for this week’s song, which he proceeded to sing to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands.”  Although it won’t make the top 10 list, is a bit overboard and corny, it captures our point about allowing church tradition to steal favor from our lives. 

If you’re offended and you know it smack your head.

If you’re offended and you know it smack your head.

If you’re offended and you know it

Then your face will surely show it

If you’re offended and you know it smack your head. 

Has this offended you or will you desert those feelings and allow the Holy Spirit to bless you with favor for your journey with Jesus?  Embrace this message and never let the traditions of man usurp the authority of the rhema Words of Jesus Christ. 

If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, favor the Word of God over church tradition! 

Check out my new book progress this week.  

“Tradition of mankind cancels out My favor.”
Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

... and yes the word "discipled" isn't a word used by the world, but that of believers. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

What’s New This Week: Click on the photo or link.

The Bait of satan by John Bevere
 
The Bait of satan:  Living Free From the Deadly Trap of Offense
with DVD by John Bevere
 
 

Maybe you don’t know the Living God that I know, but would like to have this kind of favor in your life also.  Click on the above tab “Tell Me” for more information on becoming a child of the Savior.

Content and Image Copyright from Favored1. Do not copy. 
Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Gateway Bible.
Image credit: Google Images or Dreamstime Creative Common License if not specified.
Image:  Church Building  Psalm 96:1  Bread of Life  John 6:60  Rhema Word
Disclaimer Notes: Results may vary due to lack of belief.

Deserting Offense, How to Deal with Offense, Discipled by Jesus, Discipleship, Disciples of Jesus, Daily Favor Blog, Favored1, Christian Living, John Bevere, Bread of Life, Rhema Word of God, Logos Word of God

Friday, September 23, 2016

Two by Two

It began in the late 90’s when my husband and I volunteered in a food ministry each Wednesday for almost ten years.  He cooked the main meals and worked in the distribution end, while I worked in the kitchen making desserts, packaging the meals and then did the clean-up.   

Teams usually went out in pairs to deliver food parcels designated to people on the needs list.  On one occasion that I remember quite vividly, my husband ended up making his rounds alone, but that was okay since the people on his list that week were elderly men.   

At the end of the day, hubby had one extra package and quart of homemade chicken soup (what I call “stoup” because when he cooked it was more like a stew than soup).   He was determined not to return to base without distributing all he set out to give.  We’d soon find out how he tried to achieve his goal. 

Welcome new friends this week from:
See if your city/state/country made the list. 

New on DFB – Cape Town South Africa; Bridgetown, Saint Michael, Barbados; Elhovo, Yambol Province, Bulgaria; Ethiopia; Arrah, Bihar, India; San Pawl il-Baħar, Central Region, Malta; Ħal Luqa, South Eastern Region, Malta; Myanmar; Shagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria; Mariveles, Central Luzon & Tarlac, Central Luzon, Philippines; Kikinda, Serbia; Uganda; Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Mazabuka, Southern Province, Zambia. 

USA Evergreen, AL; Magnolia & Mountain Home, AR; Mesa, AZ; Fresno & Turlock, CA; Cape Coral & Century, FL; Tinley Park, IL; Yeoman, IN; Metairie, LA; Crow Wing & Tower, MN; Duquesne & Koshkonong, MO; Hattiesburg, Sunrise & Pelahatchie, MS; Cedar Rock & Pine Hall, NC; Bridgeton,  Vineland & Trenton Gardens, NJ; Pahrump, NV; Rotterdam, Suffolk County & Milford, NY; Seagoville, TX; Reedville, VA; Sequim, WA; Huntington, WV. 

I am so happy for your visit and hope that you come back each week to participate in the weekly challenges.  God has been faithful and we expect His favor to abound in the lives of those who chose to be Discipled by Jesus on Daily Favor Blog.
You are welcome to leave comments or prayer requests below.  All are private. I would love to hear from you and how Daily Favor has worked in your life.  Contact me by leaving a message in the box at the bottom of this week’s post.  

Don't miss out on this week's challenge (below).
Read updates from Fay,  Q & A or other sections. Tell Me About Jesus

Not Quite What Jesus Had in Mind 

We’re not sure how it happened, but somehow my husband was one up on quarts of soup when it came to his route. Doing his best to find a “home” for this extra meal, hubby did something unusual by turning onto a busy main street in town hoping to find someone that could use the meal.   

Driving slowly down the old town street you could see that it was filled with pedestrians moving about, going from store to store on each side of the road. 
Scouting the sidewalks He spotted an elderly lady who was hunched over, pulling a wheeled cart loaded with bags and who knows what else.  Her appearance and behavior might lead anyone to believe she was homeless, and perhaps would welcome a hot meal. 

“Aha”, thought hubby, “there is someone who could use this".  Pulling into to the nearest parking space, he scrambled to grab the food from the backseat of the car hoping to catch the woman before she vanished.

Keeping her in sight hubby ran as fast as he could calling out, “Ma’am … Ma’am, I have something for you.”  Well … he got her attention.  Turning around she took one look at this man chasing her and dashed off in full speed ahead fast as she could. 

That didn’t stop this persistent disciple as he continued on his journey to “feed the hungry” in the name of Jesus.  Shouting as he ran down the street he only had one thing in mind.  He went on to tell me the details of his adventure. 

“I wanted to get this food to her so I took off running, chasing her down the street.  As I was running I noticed my reflection in the storefront windows and realized that people were watching this “Wildman” chase an old lady down the street. 

Reality kicked in superfast causing my running shoes to come to a complete stop, before I turned around to go back to the car.  The last I saw of the little lady she was still running as she turned the corner at the last building on the block.”

There was no way I could keep from laughing as I pictured my husband running down the street waving a jar of soup as he tried to flag down that precious woman!  What a sight it must have been for all his onlookers.  I can imagine the stories that have been shared about it over the years.  Call it an inkling, but I doubt this is what Jesus had in mind when He sent out the disciples on their first mission alone.   

Turn Me Loose

By now Jesus and the disciples were on their third Galilean tour for making the circuit of the surrounding towns.  The twelve men He had chosen had watched Jesus heal, cast out demons, bring people back to life along with listening to His way of life sermons for believers. Through all of this the followers noticed the compassion of Jesus was never ending. 

Although the disciples were learning at a rapid pace, there was still a problem.  Jesus, as a man, couldn’t be everywhere all the time.  What was the point in training people if they didn’t learn to do things for themselves?  

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel
of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and
every disease among the people.” (Matthew 9:35 NKJV)  

Even with Jesus healing all He came in contact with and winning souls for the kingdom, it wasn’t enough.  There were too many to reach.  His love for the lost was so great that He asked the disciples to pray that God would stir the hearts of people to have the same desire as He did in fishing for men.  Do you think they realized He was also referring to them? 

It was time for the disciples to go out into the deep all by themselves taking on more responsibilities for the soul harvest.  Why now?  What caused Jesus to turn the disciples loose?  Matthew 9:36-38 tells us what happened. 

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples: The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” 

Sending the Twelve – The Marching Orders 


The time had come for the disciples to step out in faith and test the waters by putting what they had learned into action.  For the first time Jesus would give the marching orders and equip each team with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to do what they’ve only witnessed from Him.  

It was their time … their “for such a time as this” moment for each of the new followers to come into their own ministry.   

Prepared for Action

Making sure that each disciple had what they needed, being thoroughly prepared the Lord sent them out to do the work of God without Him tagging along to see if they were doing the job right.  In other words, you can be sure these “green” servants of God weren’t packing soup for distribution along their way. 

Jesus gave them power against demons to cast them out, heal sickness and disease and spread the message of their Master coming to save souls.  They were sent out as teams, two by two to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal.  This was the plan and purpose for gathering them in the first place. 

Provision for What Has Been Received 

Up to this point Jesus provided for them.  They didn’t need to stretch their faith, beg for a meal or take a second job to pay the bills.  It was time to see if they had what it takes to be a true disciple and follower of Christ. 

This is where I think many believers miss it when it comes to evangelism or pastoring a flock.  When the Lord sent the men out, it was their job.  He told them not to take provisions, extra clothes, money to buy things or even to make reservations at the town inn.  These things were to be provided by those who received or benefitted from the calling or “work”. 

In this age many people in full time ministry have to hold down a job to provide for their families.  That’s not what God intended. 
Preaching or teaching the gospel message with laying hands on the sick is their job, and according to Jesus they should be well compensated for it.  They too are “worthy” to be paid for their work as He stated in Matthew 10:10b, for the workman is worthy of his meat.” 

As they traveled with the Lord each disciple experienced the blessings and favor Jesus received from the people as He ministered to them.  They were given food, lodging and money for their expenses not because Jesus asked for it, but because of the grateful hearts that received the message He preached.   

God took care of Jesus, because Jesus followed the plan of God.  If you really thought about it, why else would Jesus need to keep a treasurer with Him to handle all the money and take care of their traveling expenses?  Jesus gave Judas Iscariot the responsibilities of hiring boats (He didn’t use Peter’s or the Zebedee’s ships), buy food or provisions for them or the needy, pay bills and take care of things that had to do with finances.   

No, this was the true test of whether or not they believed God would take care of them as He provided for Jesus’ ministry.  Their task was hard and required heaps of faith.  Christ informed them it wasn’t going to be easy and that there would be people who would go against them in many ways, even to the point of death. (Read Matthew 10) 

His Advice, Shake It Off 

There was no sugar coating what it would be like for the disciples to carry on the ministry of the Lord.  He made it plain that He was sending them out into a world that wouldn’t always receive the message they were spreading, and at times it would get downright mean, ugly and hateful. 

Headquarters final instructions may have sounded something like this: 

In teams of two I’m sending you in different directions to share the message I have taught.  I send you out as innocent lambs among wolves.  You aren’t to become the wolf, but to remain harmless as doves even when things get rough. 

I say this because you will be hated, turned in or arrested and persecuted, but as you have witnessed, so was I.  Don’t be afraid.  God will take care of you on this journey as He did for Me.  For some, your very own families will turn against you, but remember this, I won’t.   

When you approach the towns and people, don’t force the message down their throats.  If they refuse to receive it, move on to the next city and shake off the dust on your feet as a measure against them.  Let Me judge them.  They will be sorry they refused to listen to what you had to share. 

With having received their orders Jesus sent the first disciples outside of their own cities to spread the gospel and to heal the sick.  Why was it important that they serve outside of their area?  Do you remember what happened when the Lord tried to do miracles in his hometown?  The Bible tells us that not much happened, because the people couldn’t get past thinking that “this is the carpenter’s son.” 

Jesus knew the disciples wouldn’t be received well in their own towns based on what the community knew about their personal lives.  Their effectiveness to minister would be similar to His when He went back home. 

“You’re a what?  Disciple?  What’s that?  Aren’t you that fisherman who lives near the shore with that brother who is always in trouble?  I know who you are.  I used to fish with your Dad and he’s no angel.  Why should I believe what you’re saying?”  Get the point? 

This is still true for today and rare that individuals become ministers in their own area. It does happen, but not as often as you may think.  Strangers would receive the message of salvation more readily than those that they grew up with or even their own kin.  Thus another good reason to “go ye into all the world” as Jesus instructed. 

Go Two by Two 

As a young Christian I witnessed how to disciple from my mother, and not once did it involve running down a street with a quart of soup.  Every Thursday night several men and women would gather at our church to be sent out in teams of two just like Jesus did with the first disciples, to evangelize the surrounding towns. 

The teams would consist of two females or two males. If there was an uneven number the teams would go out in threes, two females and one male.  One woman would never be teamed with two men.   

After prayer, each team received instructions on whom to visit and given direction not to overstay their welcome.  A time preference was under one hour, but never more than that if possible.  For the most part the radius for sharing the message of salvation and inviting the people to church was about thirty miles.   

Something I learned from my mother was that she didn’t need to wait until Thursday to “go and tell” the good news.  Throughout the week Mom would call a friend, and with a meal or gift in tote the two would set out on their mission to serve Christ. 

This Week’s Challenge:
It’s Time … Serve Outside Your City 

My husband’s youthful version of what a disciple looks like was his own interpretation of how to carry out the ministry of Christ.  In other words, “get ‘er done!” 
For the rest of us, we had a good laugh at what “NOT” to do.  You can be sure none of us ever took that particular example to heart.

The discipleship challenge this week is to evangelize outside our own city or town, sharing the gospel message of the Kingdom of God.  Pick a specific day and time to do this.  Ask a Christian friend to go with you to the next town specifically to share the message of salvation.   

Follow the examples of how to do this given by our teacher Jesus, and from what you’ve learned here.  Since we are practicing how to be “discipled by Jesus” (not Paul or the other disciples), as guides use the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which outlines the works of Jesus when He walked with the first disciples.  This includes not going out in mixed pairs unless you are a married couple.  Besides, if the group is large there will be too much “me” talking and not enough witnessing. 

Remember you are not on a social call, but on a commission as a disciple.  Before you set out on your journey of evangelizing to the lost and hurting, make sure you have prayed asking the Lord to lead, guide and direct your steps, mind and mouth. 

You only have two things to achieve:  

1 - Tell them about the salvation message of Jesus and that He loves them.  Sharing a brief version of your journey to Christ makes it more believable for others to receive what you are saying. 

2 - Address the healing issues in their family.  Don’t get into anything else on this first visit. 

When you arrive at each location discuss the purpose of your visit and if they would let you share how you came to know Jesus as Savior.  If they receive you, ask if they have any prayer requests or “needs” and then pray with them about their concerns at that time.   

Leave them with a gift of helpful information that may answer some of their questions about Christianity.  Then invite them to your church or one that is near their house, only be sure it is one that preaches the same message as Jesus.  For those who don’t want to be bothered, thank them for their time and be on your way. 

As we progress through the scriptures we learn about the squealers, the haters and the backstabbers who wanted to bring harm to the disciples.  After all they were about to meet up with some wolves; but let’s not forget those who became lambs. 

Team by team excitedly reported back to Jesus on their excursions and what happened as they ministered to the lost.  Once they were all together Jesus had one question for them.  “Did you lack anything?”  No, they replied … not one thing. 
God had provided for them as He did for Jesus when they took heed to their instruction when being discipled by the Master. 

The favor promises of God’s provision for modern day disciples still holds whether you are sharing the good news in the next town or across the globe.  As Jesus did, so do I … so send I you.  

Go … be the disciple you were “born again” to be.  Love and live the journey you were made to take, knowing Jesus has equipped you for all you were meant to be and accomplish for Him. 

“And He said unto them (us), go into all the world and preach
the Good News (gospel message) to everyone.” 
(Mark 16:15 NLT) 



If this article has encouraged or helped you, please consider sharing it by using the social media icons provided at the end of this post. 

Until next time, the favor of God goes with you! 

“Go, tell of me and receive My favor for the journey .”
Jesus Christ 

*Unless noted, the names in articles are changed to protect the individual(s) privacy. 

Note: Emphasis is given in some scriptures to show clarity or understanding and is not to take away from the inspirited Word of God. 

When used, the words satan or devil are not capitalized deliberately, because we give him no place in our lives. 

... and yes the word "discipled" isn't a word used by the world, but that of believers. 

Disclaimer: Article information is not meant to be used as treatment for mental or physical issues, but geared toward spiritual awareness. 

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Scripture reference was taken from the New King James Bible Version provided by Bible Gateway.
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