Devotion #16

CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ works through each individual member of His body to accomplish His unique vision for New Covenant Bible Church.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Matthew 28:19-20

This verse is New Covenant’s heartbeat. We who have crossed the line of faith have been given the authority through the Holy Spirit to deliver the message that transforms lives. We are commanded to teach what the Lord has taught us. And the great news is that He is with us always!

Each day I go into the world—into my neighborhood. I meet with friends, family and others as Women’s Ministry Director. Each day I have the option to live on mission if I embrace the opportunity.

In The Saving Life of Christ, Major W. Ian Thomas writes, “To be in Christ—that makes you fit for heaven; but for Christ to be in you—that makes you fit for earth! To be in Christ—that changes your destination; but for Christ to be in you—that changes your destiny! The one makes heaven your home—the other makes this world His workshop.” I now look for ways to join what God is doing in His workshop to draw people to Himself and to know Him more deeply. We are privileged to be on mission with Christ.

Take a moment and reflect on opportunities to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to live on mission. Look out! You may see and experience God differently!

If you have not done so yet, please open your Journey Guide to the corresponding devotion in the Reading Journal section. Journal your thoughts in response to the questions found there, spend some time in prayer, and take a couple of minutes to review this week's Memory Verse.

-----

Today's Author

Pat Rieck

My name is Pat Rieck. I was born and raised in a farming family in northeast Iowa. I enjoy animals, sports, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. One such opportunity took me away to live and work overseas for 13 years (six years as a teacher in international schools and seven years serving as pastoral church staff). The Lord brought me back to the United States and to Iowa in September 2002 as the Women’s Ministry Director to work with a great staff team here at New Covenant.

Something most people do not know about me is that I have generally said that I enjoy other people’s pets rather than owning one myself. That statement is still true, except that I now own a mini labradoodle. I have joined the ranks of the dog walkers in the neighborhood and have acquired the responsibilities that go along with that. I am surprised with what fun it has been, even through this winter!

Comments

[Tye Male]

Great devo Pat!

[Lyndee Crow]

I love the idea of being in a workshop as it keeps the idea that God is still working on me as well. He is with me always, what a comfort!

[Mark Eades]

"but for Christ to be in you—that changes your destiny!" To have a destiny changed by God to honor God WOW! This is a powerful thought and one that each of us must really think and pray through. Our lives are not ours.

[Renee]

Pat
What wonderful excitement and enthusiasm you conveyed with your devotional!
The theme reminded me of a quote I read recently by Ruth Bell Graham. She said Heaven was her home, earth her business address.

[Richard Kramer]

There was a time in my life when the command to “…go and make disciples of all nations…” was meant only for missionaries in foreign lands and not for me here at home. Then one day the word “go” was explained to me to mean, “as you go”. This dramatically changed the message to include me as a disciple maker when I walk my dog in the neighborhood, like Pat, or when I am at work or deal with family matters or be at church…
It was all “Greek to me” until Greek explained it all to me.
Thanks Lord.

[James Wartian]

This passage often reminds me of Joshua 1 where God promised He would be with Joshua to empower him to carry out what God had commanded. I have found it to be true. The times when I have most felt God's power and presence has been in the midst of being obedient to His command to make disciples of all people groups.

[Erin Bird]

I tried posting this yesterday, but it didn't go through and then I didn't have time to come back to it. But I thought it still important enough to post.

During the Sr. High Winter Retreat this past weekend, the speaker said that every day 125,000 people come to Christ, 10,000 - 20,000 in China alone! God's command (which we've nicknamed the Great Commission) is being accomplished! Isn't that exciting? My prayer is that we see not only this command being filled out all over the world, but in Cedar Rapids as well.

[Christine Luebe]

Pat,
Thanks for sharing your heart! What a great reminder that God gives us so many moments to walk with others in His name but we need to "embrace the opportunity" to do it. It's so easy for me to get caught up in daily living--some of it not so fun--and forget that my living must be purposeful--not selfish. Thank you Jesus for your gentle reminder to "Go!"

[Angie Nowak]

I could read your devotionals any day. It always helps me relate scripture to my everyday life. Thank you so much for using your talents here on earth!