Bible Reading: Mark 16: 15-18 MemoryVerse: Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 The Voice of the Martyrs’ an agency dedicated to missionary works once shared a testimony. Pastor Norbu Promila was pleased with the service as he preached to the tribal people in the mountains of Bhutan. Those gathered seemed especially attentive and open to the Good News. Then in the middle of the sermon, police rushed in through every door, stormed the stage, and forcibly grabbed Norbu. Pastor Norbu was thrown into prison and tortured, and the authorities ordered him to forsake his call to preach the gospel. He received massive head injuries, and when authorities finally let him go, there was permanent damage to his body. He returned home, where his wife and children were shocked at his bruised and bloodied face. Ten days later, he died as a result of his wounds. Pastor Norbu’s congregation in this hostile Hindu kingdom refused to give up on his mission works. Shortly after his death, they met together and called for volunteers to continue Norbu’s work among the tribe. Five hands went up, one of which was his wife. She answered God’s call to missions while also caring for her five children. She ministered faithfully while she and other workers have seen many tribal people won to Christ. God provided for her needs and her children’s. Mrs. Promila held fast to the knowledge that one day she would see her husband again and be rewarded for her faithfulness to Christ. What we do for the Lord is not just a job — it’s a mission. A mission is never about a single person’s responsibilities. It is focused on Christ and His kingdom. Even though someone at the helm of God’s work in a particular area may leave, the mission itself must never die. God’s work will never suffer labourers. It goes on forever to its completion. Those who are willing to undergo persecution for their faith teach us about the meaning of mission. They recognize that there are only two things that last till eternity – God’s work and human souls. When we are willing to invest our lives into missions, we will become eternally significant. In this fast pacing world, are you willing to go into missions even if it cost your life? It is not at all times that our faith delivers us from problems. Sometimes, our faith must be tried in problems even to the point of death. “And they loved not their lives even unto death” (Rev. 12:11c). Quote: The great commission is your greatest asset into the heart of God. Prophetic Decree: Your faith shall stand ever sure on Christ the Rock, in Jesus name. Prayer Focus 1. Jesus Christ, the One who died that I may live, I celebrate You. 2. My faith shall not fail me whether I am enjoying or suffering, in Jesus name. 3. I receive power to uphold the banner of Christ even till the end, in Jesus name. 4. Nothing shall separate me from the love of God, in Jesus name. 5. I receive power for conviction, conversion, signs, wonders and the miraculous even on the mission field, in Jesus name. 6. O Lord , help me to see my office, market place, school, etc, as my mission field, in Jesus name. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Proverbs 4-6 |