I recently had the privilege of hearing a message from a pastor who is a missionary in China with his young family. I wanted to share with you part of the pastor’s message:
[Tweet “Going Beyond means not being content”]
Going Beyond means not being content with the status quo, but instead being intent on looking beyond where we are right now. Going beyond requires three things:
- Remember–go back to the beginning and remember where you were and who you were, before you accepted Jesus as your Savior. What has God already done in your life? Never forget!
- Intentional–Lift up your eyes to look around you at the world. Not just your world that you see around you, buy try to see more of what you don’t normally see–what is happening outside of your surroundings?
- Engage–Don’t just gawk at the world pointing out all the faults you see …Do something about it. You were meant to be the solution by …
- Learning about the issues
- Praying for the world
- Giving of your resources and time to make a different
- Going into the world wherever it is that God leads you.
[Tweet “Be the solution to share Christ”]
Warning–
[Tweet “Going beyond requires sacrifice”]
Going beyond is going to cost you! There’s always a sacrifice involved, but isn’t that what being a Christian is all about?
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!Philippians 2:5-8
I would love to hear where God is calling you to “Go Beyond.”
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Hi Janet: So often we are hesitant to take a step of faith when God has always promised us that His grace is sufficient. I have been struggling with moral and ethical issues at work, and I just simply disagree with many of the business practices. While none of it is illegal, much of it slips through legal loopholes, and disguises itself as acceptable business practices. This has created much turmoil in my life, and both my husband and I have decided that I must make a change. It is difficult to leave a secure, well-paying job when my family depends solely on my income. But God promises us His perfect provision. Please pray for me and my family as we make this transition. God Bless you. Heidi
Lord please guide Heidi and her husband as they make these decisions and bless their desire to live solely for you. Help them Go Beyond the norm and give them peace that you will provide for their family. Amen
Thank you for sharing. I am reminded to step out of my boundaries & pay attention to what God wants me to be aware of & what kind of action I may need to take! Our world is changing so fast & I believe we need to be a part of God’s plan…action comes to mind!
Yes in deed action is what we’re called to take as Christians. My new book Forsaken God? Remembering the Goodness of God Our Culture Has Forgotten is all about how we can do that. So glad God is nudging you out of the comfort zone Sharon. Thank you for your openness to the voice of God in your life.