Thoughts for Life: #3 God's Wonderful Plan for You

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel- God has great expectations for you and me. He has every right. The average person has more ability to influence others today than ever before. This especially true for Christians.

Evangelist Billy Graham has said he would rather be alive today than to have lived when Jesus was on earth. I fully agree. The average Christian can have a greater influence for God than the average Christian of any previous generation.(Google image, Praying man)

This is an exciting time in our history. More believers are living today than at any other time. Christ's church has spread into more areas of the world, praises God each week in more languages, and is witnessing to or is in contact with more people than ever before.

There are more gospel workers, more local churches, more Bible training institutions, more Christian organizations, and more missionary societies.

Through the tremendous media of radio, television, and literature we have the facilities to speed up God's work beyond anything we have yet known. We can reach the farthest nations more quickly, we can present the gospel in more languages, and we have the means to recruit and guide prayer for the whole world more efficiently.

We can reach our world, if we will. The greatest need is prayer. Without increasing the number of Christian workers or their financial support, we could see multiplied results if we would only multiply prayer.

Prayer is the greatest resource of the church. It is the most effective means of preparing the way of the Lord available to us as Christians today.

You yourself can influence more people for God and have a greater role in advancing Christ's cause by prayer than any other way. It is not the only thing you must do, but it is the greatest thing you can do. It has often been said,

The Devil trembles when he sees
God's weakest child upon his knees

If that is true, think what could happen if every Christian really took his prayer role seriously and began to pray regularly and specifically, uniting with thousands or millions of others, all praying for the same priority needs around the world. Are you willing to be a part of such a prayer army?

The Urgency of Your Prayer Now

God's timetable of the ages may be rapidly nearing the countdown toward Christ's return. God's great plan, for which He created the world and man, has been delayed and frustrated by the long reign of sin and Satan since Adam's fall.

But according to the Bible, the delay of Christ's return is not so much because God is patiently waiting for the world to repent as

because He is patiently for us to lead them to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

This is further emphasized by the fact that, of all the conditions and signs that must precede Christ's coming, perhaps only one remains to be fulfilled; "This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matt. 24:14).

Millions unreached by resident missionaries have access to the gospel through missionary radio. virtually every province and village in China has been covered in this way. Millions of others in Russia, Albania, and the Muslim lands are known to be listening to Christian messages, broadcast in their own language or in one that may be understood in part.

Delivering the gospel message to every human being is not enough, however. The crucial factor is assuring that the message will be understood and accepted. Prayer is the answer. The Holy Spirit is given as God's people ask (Luke 11:13).

Undoubtedly this is not only true when we ask for ourselves, but also when we ask for others. So the effectiveness of present mission efforts depends on our prayer, enabling the Holy Spirit to work in power.

In other words, the key to world evangelization, thus clear ing the way for Christ's return, may be your prayer and mine. If the main delaying factor is lack of prayer, do not be surprised if God makes special provision for prayer to be more effective today than ever before.

(Chapter one, pp.13-15, italics added)

Used by permission

of the Duewel Literature Trust, Inc,

Greenwood, Indiana

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Let's pray-

"Father-God, I thank You for the Body of Christ! We have been raised up to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus! I am a citizen along with all of Your holy people. I am so grateful that I am a member of Your family. Together, we are Your house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus, my Lord and Elder Brother.
You have joined us together in Him and we are becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Holy Spirit, help me think of ways to motivate others to acts of love and good works. When we meet together, give me words of encouragement, especially now that the day of Your return is drawing near, in the Majestic Name of Jesus." Germine Copland

Scripture References: Ephesians 2:6, 19-21; Hebrews 10:24-25

Today's Bible verses-

1 Corinthians (2:9) “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—."

James 1:2-4, (NIV) "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Today's quote-

~ Max Lucado- "A season of suffering is a small assignment when compared to the reward. Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of God . . .

Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end—the glory of God."

Words of wisdom-

~ As born-again Christians, we come before the throne of grace in joy and confidence, for we know that our sins are covered by the righteousness of Christ, our Advocate and Intercessor. The will and purpose of God is, that as agents in the winning of souls and the advancement of His kingdom on earth, we are partnering with Him.

Children—Precious in God's Sight
Dr. Dobson's February newsletter

Today's question-

Jesus humbled Himself to the Father's will, shouldn't we?

People normally do what they want to do, which often brings shame to the Lord. Christians need to seek the will of the Father and to find out what it is He wants them to do, as we're His kids and we need to reflect His characteristics.

Men, lean into Christ Jesus, to learn His will for you as a leader of your family and other responsibilities you may have. Serve others with the desire to honor and please the Father, and fulfill your purpose in life.

Husband, lay down your life for your wife and family by honoring and preferring them above others.

Single men, take care of the Body of Christ, serving through your calling and talents. Learn the power of work.

Dads, encourage your sons to work, as God is pleased with those who are willing to do His will through projects that need to be done in the home, church and community.

Wives, help your husband to accomplish what he believes is God's call on his life.

All ladies, learn to lean into Jesus and learn to simplify what you're called to do. Trust Him to enable you to be a good witness for Christ in whatever your calling may be, in your home or workplace.

Children, be submissive to those who teach, protect and guide you, so you'll show them honor and respect, which is of great value to God. You'll also gain advancement in building up your character.

List of recent sermons of CFC ministers. CFC Potsdam NY church has a live service at 10 am Sunday's and 7 pm on Mondays for shut-ins. If for some reason you can't make it to the church you usually attend, click on the above link, and still get fed!

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