O Father of heaven and earth, who is like unto Thee! You are God and there is no one like Thee, no one to be compared with Thee. Blessed be Thy name alone whom is worthy of my praise.
Thy kingdom come is a prayer we echo daily in our Lord’s Prayer but how many of us actually work towards its actualization, this question I believe should be answered personally. How do you aid in the propagation of the gospel?
Is usually easier for us to practice our profession than to spread the good news or aid those who are given into it. Some people go as far as criticizing those involved and they will never be involved, remember, Christ commissioned us to evangelism before His ascension, so it is not a function of choice but of duty. God will help us all, Amen!
In furthering the gospel, we are going to consider how our reaction either helps in furthering the kingdom’s work or hinders it.
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel. . . —Philippians 1:12
There are two ways to look at every situation: How it will affect you, and how it will affect God’s kingdom. The apostle Paul was always concerned with how his circumstances might aid the spreading of the Gospel. When he was unjustly imprisoned, he immediately looked to see how his imprisonment might provide God’s salvation to others (Phil. 1:13; Acts 16:19–34).
When he was assailed by an angry mob, he used the opportunity to preach the Gospel (Acts 22:1–21). When Paul’s criminal proceedings took him before the king, his thoughts were on sharing his faith with the king! (Acts 26:1–32). Even when Paul was shipwrecked on an island, he used that opportunity to share the gospel there. Regardless of his circumstance, Paul’s concern was how he could use his current situation to tell others of God’s good news of salvation.
Often when we encounter a new situation, our first thoughts are not about God’s kingdom . When we face a crisis, we can become angry or fearful for our own well-being, rather than looking to see what God intends to do through our circumstances. If we remain self-centered we will miss so much of what God could do through our experiences, both for us and for those around us.
Ask God to make you aware of how He could use your present circumstances to bless others. Perhaps someone around you needs to see the difference Christ’s presence makes in your life.
Are you willing for God to use your circumstances to demonstrate His saving power to those around you?
I had an encounter recently that challenged my faith in God, as much as can, I refuse to allow my emotions to rule my head and with the power of the Holy Spirit I overcome. Sincerely at first I refused to send this devotion to the lady in question because of the pervious encounter I had with the people in her unit before she joined (am sure the word is hitting them hard, so they requested that I shouldn’t be sending to them and I obliged) then something happened one day and I sent a copy of the devotion to her as what I devote myself as means of furthering the gospel after that I stopped. By choice she requested me to include her as one of the recipients, I was glad because if my attitude wasn’t attractive or my life is opposite of what I preach she will not be interested. So I praise God for that miracle despite all the troubles I went through, God triumphed at last. (Am sure she will be smiling reading this. My dear you made my day, may God reveal His words beyond written letters to you in Jesus name, Amen).
Research has shown that people invest their time and money where their interest lies. So, more often than not where your treasure is; there lies your heart. Consider further:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.—Luke 12:34
What you value most is your treasure. Where you spend your time and your money is your treasure. Whatever dominates your conversation is what you treasure. What others know you for is a good indication of what your treasure is.
Most Christians are quick to claim that God is their first priority. Yet often their actions reveal that their treasure is not God but things of this world. Some Christians find it difficult to discuss their relationship with God, but they can chatter easily about their family, friends, or hobbies.
Some find it impossible to rise early in order to spend time with God, but they willingly get up at dawn to pursue a hobby. Some find it difficult to give an offering to God but readily spend lavishly on recreation.
Some boldly approach strangers to sell a product, yet they are painfully timid in telling others about their Savior. Some give hundreds of hours to serve in volunteer organizations but feel they have no time available to serve God.
If you are unsure of where your treasure is, examine where you spend your available time and money. Reflect on what it is you most enjoy thinking about and discussing.
Ask your friends to tell you what they think is most important to you. Ask your children to list the things most valuable to you. It may surprise you to know what others consider to be your treasure.
Are you going to do that? Is for your spiritual edification, it will help you to set your priorities right and ensures your growth as well. A man of God once said, that a sinner in the church is still better than the one outside, as he or she listens to the words of God, one day the Spirit of God will do His work in such an individual; old things will pass away behold all things will become anew. Do you agree to that?
God bless you.
