Monday, January 18, 2010

His Heartbeat


Flags from numerous countries display bold colors. Unfamiliar designs and symbols give rise to a vast number of questions. How is that particular country different from our own? How do the people make a living? What language do they speak? Table displays boast pictures and items from around the globe. Our church's annual Mission Conference. For several days this week, we will be taking a look at our responsibility to evangelize the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.


Missionaries from Morocco, China, Latin America, and other regions will present their ministries. Some have been on the field for years, others are just beginning the deputation process. All have a common goal: to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of another country.


Most church members will not find themselves on the foreign field. Financial support may be the easiest way to get involved in world evangelism. Sending others who are willing to go, when we cannot go ourselves. Prayer support is vital. As we pray for the missionaries we support, we begin to care about their needs and take a more active role in their ministry.


Christ's command still stands today, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15; KJV). The heartbeat of our Savior is clearly heard in the familiar words of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." These words echo in my ears as I contemplate the recent devastation in Haiti. No doubt there were people in that country who did not have the opportunity to hear the gospel. How tragic!


Devastation has a way of putting things into perspective. What is really important? Having a relationship with Jesus Christ. In light of this reality, what can I do to get His glorious gospel to others who have never heard it? I can give, and I can pray, and maybe, just maybe, I can 'go'...


Yesterday, as I listened to the compelling presentations of the missionaries, my eyes went once again to the colorful flags, each representing a different people group. I thought about the flag counter on my site that faithfully records each country my 'readers' represent. The internet is an amazing tool. It's mind-boggling that this one medium has exponentially multiplied the opportunities I have as a devotional writer to reach people in every part of the world.


Over the past seven and a half months, people from thirty-five different countries have visited my blog. I never would have believed it, had I not added the flag counter tool to my site. What an opportunity to share God's Word and point others to Him. Although I can't physically 'go' to each country, my words can 'go' across the internet to other countries and testify to His saving grace.


Have you thought about world evangelism? What is God asking you to do? Can you give? Will you pray? Maybe you can go? Seek Him today!

14 comments:

  1. Maria, this is a heartfelt post for sure. I pray, I give, but I have yet to "go". I do hope one day to "go" on a short mission trip. I'm not made of what it would take to do a long one, but a two-week trip would be very spirit filling I'm sure and help me to understand the needs all the more.

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  2. Eileen - I've not been on a mission trip either! Something I would love to do! A common theme I hear from all those who have gone, "It's life changing!" Oh, to have the heartbeat of the Master! God bless!

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  3. This conference should be interesting. We get too wrapped up in our lives sometimes - okay, at least I do! :) After returning from a mission trip to Guatemala, my husband made the comment, "God is not an American." Not that He hasn't blessed us here in America, but there is so much more of the world out there...really made me think.

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  4. Thank you for sharing, Maria. I have always had a heart for missions, but not necessarily the health. It use to get to me, but now I realize that I can inspire our children and maybe one day God will call one of them!

    I really liked the comment that Karen made about God not being an American. We can become so myopic in our understanding of who God works through!

    Have a great night!

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  5. I went on a short trip to Costa Rica two years ago, and it was one of the most important things I've done in my life. I'm actually scheduled to got o Haiti in 2011. What a lovely post, Maria!

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  6. Hi Maria -

    Obeying the great commission doesn't only mean going overseas. Our next door neighbors need Jesus. Our co-workers need Jesus. Our friends and family need Jesus.

    As writers, we have many opportunities to share the gospel. It's an awesome responsibility.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  7. You are a great inspirational writer! I believe that sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ is essential to our own salvation. It's something I don't do very well...although my husband spent two years in Columbia, South America preaching His word.

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  8. My husband went on his first mission trip a year ago this week to Haitti. Watching the devastation now with him, makes it even that much more real to us.
    Each time I write a piece, I hope I am sharing the God with someone.

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  9. Karen - Did you get to go on the trip to Guatemala with your husband? Sounds like he came away with an accurate view of people from all around the world - God loves each of us! God bless you!

    Michelle - I know God uses each of us in different ways, and much like Susan mentioned, we are to be 'missionaries' wherever God has placed us. Our families are the best place to start!! Blessings!

    Susan - Sharing the gospel IS an awesome responsibility! I absolutely agree that we need to share with our family and friends. In fact, I've heard it said that if we're unwilling to share the gospel where we are, we won't do it elsewhere.

    I'm excited to think that our written words can 'go' to other countries and impact people for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God bless you!

    Jessie - Welcome! Thank you for stopping by, and for the kind words of encouragement! Sounds like your husband had an awesome opportunity in Columbia. We have some missionary friends who are preparing to go to Columbia as well. God bless!

    Terri - Wow! I'm sure you and your husband must be deeply affected by the tragedy in Haiti. What a blessing that he had the opportunity to be a part of a mission trip to that country!

    It is pretty amazing that, as writers/bloggers we have such an awesome opportunity to share Christ! God bless as you write for Him!! :)

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  10. Heather - Were you scheduled to go on the mission trip to Haiti before the earthquake? What a great opportunity for your group to be the hands and feet of Christ! Your testimony to your Costa Rica trip being "one of the most important things I've done in my life," makes me determined to plan a family mission trip in the near future. Thanks for sharing and God bless!

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  11. It's so good to hear your heart for what is happening at your missions conference. We're in the midst of planning ours now. It's such a sweet opportunity for a church body.

    So glad to have you over at Come Have a Peace today. Would love to see you back.

    Blessings, Julie

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  12. Hello Maria, I really enjoyed your earlier post about tail wagging so I thought of you when a friend send me this. I know your post puts the emphasis differently but I think you will still like this. Go to www.wendyfrancisco.com and watch the little video God Dog. Take care. xxx

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  13. Love the flag counter. I'm thrilled that so many people of all nations can read your devotions. Keep posting them!

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  14. Raymonde - Thanks for the link to the video! I look forward to watching it! It amazes me that the Lord uses our animals to teach me so much! What an amazing God! Blessings!

    Jill - It's pretty humbling to know that your writing is out there for all to read. Appreciate your prayers that I'd continue to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and what He would have me to write! Have a great weekend!

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