God's Heart... My Part

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him! - Psalms 67:1‭-‬7 ESV

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.- Acts 13:1‭-‬3 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.- Philippians 4:10‭-‬15 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.- 1 Timothy 2:1‭-‬7 ESV

Chris Brown (WEC International)

We are happy and joyful about God blessing us. But we need to keep going after verse 1, the blessing is so that God would be known. If we love God, we want to love things that He loves. God loves us. But His love is not restricted to one people, one nation. God loves people from every tribe, every nation, every tongue. 

If the nations are on God's heart, then how are we doing? 4.24 billion people don't know a single Christian. This is the current state of things. Knowing God's heart, what is our part in this?

Go, be sent. - Acts 13:1-3

We can be sent to share the gospel. Some may be called to go for the rest of their lives. But others may only be there for a short time, 3-4 months. They can use their skills for that time to further the mission.

Share the trouble of those sent - Philippians 4:10-15

Paul received financial support, but that is not his primary point. Paul was touched by the church sharing the burden of trouble. He appreciated their concern. So it should be with us. Love our missionaries and share their burdens.

Pray for the world and salvation - 1 Timothy 2:1-7

We should read the news and pray through it. Consider the crises and unrest happening around the world as an opportunity for the gospel. Consider if God is calling you to go.

Go, be sent

Visit short term

Willingness to go long term

Concern for those sent

Comfort and emotional support

Give financial help

Pray

Read the news prayerfully

Pray for those who have been sent by your church