Acts 20:24 NIV — However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Years ago, while doing a Bible study by Rick Warren, I was shaken to the core when he asked, “Who will be in heaven because of you?” Wow! What an important question to ponder. Take some time to read this devotion by Rick Warren. As you read, open your heart and mind to God’s message for you. What will be your response? How will you make an impact?

Who Will Be In Heaven Because Of You?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to spread the Good News. Continue to remind me of the urgency and importance of the Great Commission. Guide and direct my steps as I share Christ with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@pastorrickwarren 

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1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

You and I have an important job. Our number one job should be our ministry for Christ. We should be aware of and intentional about the impact we make in His name. The world tells us life is about getting ahead and making a name for ourselves, but as Christians our responsibility is to always point to Jesus. On this Think About It Thursday, spend some time listening to the lyrics of Only Jesus by Casting Crowns. Examine your heart and actions. Are you making an impact on the world around you? Do others see “only Jesus” in your walk and talk? How are you declaring “the praises of him who called you out of darkness”?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for moments when my words and actions are not pointing to You. Equip me to make disciples and to be worthy of being called a member of Your royal priesthood. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Matthew 28:18-20 MSG — Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

The Great Commission is a decree for you and I. Jesus directs each of us to “train” everyone we meet. We are mandated to take this commission seriously and spread the Good News in all that we say and do. Have you thought about the weight and seriousness of Jesus’ instructions? Are you intentional about ways to make disciples? How are you responding to the call on your life? What impact are you making to those around you?

My prayer is that others will see Christ in me in all that I say and do. Of course I fall short and must be sure to refocus when I stray from God’s calling on my life. Listen to Let Them See You by Colton Dixon to help you refocus on God’s call on your life.

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me for times I fail to realize the seriousness of the Great Commission. Help me stay focused and show me ways to make an impact for You. May others see You in me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Matthew 28:18-20 NIV — Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Place yourself in the shoes of the disciples at the time of today’s featured scripture. A whirlwind of events has just taken place. Jesus was arrested, tortured, crucified and died. Today’s scripture takes place just after the discovery that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb and the claims that He has risen from the dead. I imagine at this point the disciples are in such shock from the rollercoaster of emotions and events that they are just going through the motions trying to put one foot in front of the other. They recalled that Jesus had told them to go to Galilee and so they did. There, Jesus appeared. Imagine their surprise and awe in the moment. Jesus doesn’t make small talk. He cuts to the chase. 

This scripture is called “The Great Commission.” In this passage Jesus gives a directive and a mission for the disciples and for us. You and I are called to make disciples. How have you responded to your commission? How do you make disciples?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus’ resurrection. Speak to me today about ways You are using me to carry out the Great Commission. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Spend some time reading and meditating on the scriptures below. Compare the two versions. Write down some notes to guide your thoughts this week. Notice similarities and differences in the passages. What do you wonder? What connections do you make and what is your reaction?

Matthew 28 NIV

Matthew 28 MSG

Additional scripture:

1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

@biblegateway

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This week we will examine our impact on others. Listen to Different by Micah Tyler and ask yourself —  How am I making disciples for Christ? How am I being different?

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14‬:‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Come, he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus

Today I will continue sharing about, “we can’t wash feet when …” We haven’t been literally washing feet, rather sharing in the context of humility, the posture of our hearts, and the call to serve others. In thinking about when Jesus washed His disciples feet, we ourselves can’t wash feet when we are paralyzed in our boats. As most of you know our blog is called Water Walkers so that we can encourage ourselves and others to step out of the boat, wherever God is leading, even if it is something that is out of our comfort zone. Sometimes we are meant to stay in the boat with God. Often we are called to step out. Can you recall a time where you were paralyzed with fear and just couldn’t take that leap of faith? This doesn’t always need to be something grand, like going out of the country on missions. This could be talking to a stranger in the grocery store or inviting someone to church. 

In the song Oceans by Hillsong United, we know that our feet may fail at times. Good news, God never fails us. I encourage you to worship and really think about the lyrics: “Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would lead me. Take me deeper than my feet would wander.”

Where is God calling you to step out today? Maybe you need a little encouraging nudge. As you read today’s key verse and go to God in prayer, ask Him to give you strength and courage. Let’s pray.

Dear Lord, thank You for opportunities to step out of my boat for Your glory. I ask that when You call, I will listen with the strength and courage I need to step out. Here I am Lord, send me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.