Dave’s Monday Blast – September 10, 2018
The persistence of BAD NEWS calls for persistence from those who would make and share GOOD NEWS. The scales desperately need to be balanced, and I think J.J. Watt, NFL Player of the Year and Pro Bowl Defensive Star is doing just that. Watt has been a powerful force behind reconstruction efforts in Texas after Hurricane Harvey. To date, his fundraising efforts here-to-fore have generated $41.6 million dollars. Those dollars have rebuilt more than 600 homes. Twenty-six million meals have been distributed and ten thousand patients have received medication. 420 community children’s centers have been constructed to help meet enduring challenges in the aftermath. The truth is, the needs persist long after the headlines stop.
Pastor Jim Denison shares the following three life principles for followers of Jesus:
1. If God has called you to do something, do it until it is done. God’s word instructs us: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). We are all quick to offer initial resources in times of need but often fail to follow through on promises. It’s the second month which proves that commitments made in the first month were sincere. And it’s the ongoing commitment to service that often leads people to trust the Lord we serve.
Where is God calling you to persevere in serving others today?
2. To maximize your impact, maximize your influence. The Lord chose Paul, who grew up in a Gentile city, to be His apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). He chose Peter, Jesus’ lead disciple, to lead the church to admit Gentiles (Acts 11:1-18).
God has entrusted you with a platform of influence as well. What are your spiritual gifts? What education, experience, and other resources do you bring to your Kingdom assignment? How can you maximize your relationships and influence for Jesus?
3. Seek the Spirit’s direction, then follow His lead. Your Father wants you to be with Him in heaven so much that he sent His son to die for your sins (Romans 5:8). And yet, He has left you on this broken, fallen planet for at least another morning. The reason is simple: He has more for you to do.
His Word is clear: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). There are people you can influence uniquely. Every sunrise is God’s invitation to a life of significance through service.
