Yesterday we discussed the division missions the Book of Ruth Chapter 2 talks about. Today I am following up with one final mission in the process of following God, divine appointments.
God wants to give you divine appointments. Today is one of those divine appointments. So, if you desire your life to be characterized by supernatural divine appointments, allow me to suggest the following points:
1. Be patient.
Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how. For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the head, then the full seed in the head. But when the grain is ripe, immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come" (Mark 4:26-29).
Church growth leaders state that the average person has about six or seven encounters with the gospel before coming to repentance and faith in Christ. In other words, conversion is a process (so is Leadership-today is an encounter but there will be a process). We are called to plant and water the seed, but it is only "God who gives the increase" (1 Cor. 3:7b). So, #1 be Patient.
2. Be praying.
The Bible instructs us, "Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving, while praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, wisely using the opportunity" (Col. 4:2-5).
Jesus declared, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He will send out laborers into His harvest" (Matt. 9:37).
We should pray for boldness and opportunities for ourselves and others to consistently share the gospel. Pray for Christians, especially pastors, to not merely preach about the trans-formative power of the gospel but intentionally engage in sharing it; and, pray for the salvation of loved ones, friends and associates to be convicted and turn to Jesus Christ.
3. Be prepared.
Scripture directs us, "Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear" (1 Pet.3:15).
Our Christian life is filled with God-given opportunities to share the gospel with the right person at the right time. They may seem like random encounters but in fact they have been carefully arranged by the Holy Spirit. Do we expect them, recognize them, and are we prepared when they come?
In the next 365 days, an average of 2.5 million Americans will die with a large percentage going into an eternity without Christ to experience the horrors of hell that Jesus described. "The love of Christ compels us" (2 Cor. 5:14) to evangelize these lost sheep for whom Christ gave His life.
In the remainder of 2019, we have choices to make.
Will we be bitter and walk away from those God brings us?
Will we be like the disciples, lay down everything and follow Jesus?
Will we press into those we know, understand and can teach us? Those who have more than we do.
Will you stay connected to those in your spiritual alignment or will you drift away (disconnect) because of the way they treat us; or because of something said, or perhaps not said?
Are you open to divine appointments?
Are you ready for divine connections?
Do you believe God has a divine strategy for you?
Are you aware of the His divine protection during your hard times, lean times, alone times, times of loss?
God wants to give you divine appointments. Today is one of those divine appointments. So, if you desire your life to be characterized by supernatural divine appointments, allow me to suggest the following points:
1. Be patient.
Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he does not know how. For the earth bears fruit by itself: first the blade, then the head, then the full seed in the head. But when the grain is ripe, immediately he applies the sickle because the harvest has come" (Mark 4:26-29).
Church growth leaders state that the average person has about six or seven encounters with the gospel before coming to repentance and faith in Christ. In other words, conversion is a process (so is Leadership-today is an encounter but there will be a process). We are called to plant and water the seed, but it is only "God who gives the increase" (1 Cor. 3:7b). So, #1 be Patient.
2. Be praying.
The Bible instructs us, "Continue in prayer, and be watchful with thanksgiving, while praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may reveal it clearly, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, wisely using the opportunity" (Col. 4:2-5).
Jesus declared, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He will send out laborers into His harvest" (Matt. 9:37).
We should pray for boldness and opportunities for ourselves and others to consistently share the gospel. Pray for Christians, especially pastors, to not merely preach about the trans-formative power of the gospel but intentionally engage in sharing it; and, pray for the salvation of loved ones, friends and associates to be convicted and turn to Jesus Christ.
3. Be prepared.
Scripture directs us, "Always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and fear" (1 Pet.3:15).
Our Christian life is filled with God-given opportunities to share the gospel with the right person at the right time. They may seem like random encounters but in fact they have been carefully arranged by the Holy Spirit. Do we expect them, recognize them, and are we prepared when they come?
In the next 365 days, an average of 2.5 million Americans will die with a large percentage going into an eternity without Christ to experience the horrors of hell that Jesus described. "The love of Christ compels us" (2 Cor. 5:14) to evangelize these lost sheep for whom Christ gave His life.
In the remainder of 2019, we have choices to make.
Will we be bitter and walk away from those God brings us?
Will we be like the disciples, lay down everything and follow Jesus?
Will we press into those we know, understand and can teach us? Those who have more than we do.
Will you stay connected to those in your spiritual alignment or will you drift away (disconnect) because of the way they treat us; or because of something said, or perhaps not said?
Are you open to divine appointments?
Are you ready for divine connections?
Do you believe God has a divine strategy for you?
Are you aware of the His divine protection during your hard times, lean times, alone times, times of loss?
Action Step:
I recommend you read Divine Appointments by Larry Tomczak. He is a cultural commentator of 46 years, Intercessors for America board member, best-selling author and a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com)
I recommend you read Divine Appointments by Larry Tomczak. He is a cultural commentator of 46 years, Intercessors for America board member, best-selling author and a public policy advisor with Liberty Counsel. His new, innovative video/book, BULLSEYE, develops informed influencers in 30 days (see www.bullseyechallenge.com)
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