What are we doing for others and God’s Kingdom amidst recent calamities?

Amidst the myriad of disasters that have befallen humanity in recent times there still appears to be a lack of seeking of Jesus as Messiah among those not directly affected by these calamities.  It seems some are willing to go to these places and help, and even many more are willing to give their money to aid those who have been devastated.  But what about those who remain?  Are they seeking God in the face of what is happening elsewhere on our planet?  What are we doing to spread the Word of the Lord to those among us?  Maybe we need to be reminded what Jesus said would be the signs of the last days?  Let’s read His very words in Mark 13.5-8 (emphasis mine):

⁵ Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶ Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. ⁷ When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. ⁸ Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. ~ Mark 13.5-8

How can we ignore God’s mandate to go and tell others about Jesus, especially during these latter days?  While it is needful to give to those in distress in other places and to tell them about Jesus, it is also essential to tell those around us about Jesus before calamity befalls so they too may be eternally prepared.

When is the last time you talked with someone about Jesus who was not a Christ-follower already?  If Christians are truly going to make an eternal impact for the Kingdom of God then we must speak up now, especially in times such as these.  We need to utilize the crises and ask simple questions like:

1)    What kind of preparation have you made for potential calamity?

2)    How would you handle life if you suddenly lost everything?

3)    In what or who do you put your daily hope and trust?

These simple questions are not meant to elicit fear in others, but they are simply to be a bridge to help others think about what has been reality for so many and what one day may be reality for them.  I am sure you can think of other questions to ask that will move the conversation to Jesus, so jump in and let’s spread the Gospel of Jesus and the eternal hope we have in Christ to others so they too may believe!  Remember Jesus said:

³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” ~ Matthew 9.37-38

Remember, we are Jesus’ workers!

The Importance of Praise

We place a high priority on worship, for we know that the Bible instructs us to praise God and often! In fact the New International Version of the English Bible uses the term "praise", or a variation of it, 420 times in 361 verses. For comparison "worry" is mentioned 13 times in 12 verses, "complain" and its variations are only mentioned 19 times in 19 verses, and "sadness" is only mentioned once. So let's take our cue from God's Holy Word and praise the Lord! Won't you join us and allow God, through the rich experience of praise, to minister to you by changing your life and enabling you to encourage and care for each other as all of us put our faith into action.

The Best Times Of The Day To Praise Are:

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. ~ Psalm 5.3

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. ~ Psalm 55.17

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. ~ Psalm 63.6