Encouragement for Today - December 20, 2012
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December 20, 2012
How to Stay Home and Change the World |
"And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]." Mark 16:15 (AMP)
When I was sixteen I wanted to change the world for Christ. I'd just begun my relationship with God after being introduced to Him at a youth retreat. Soon afterward, I started attending a missions-minded church. They told stories of people in far off lands who needed to hear about Jesus.
My plan was to someday go far away and help. Maybe I'd take clean water or medicine or teach them a new skill. But more than anything, I wanted to tell people about the Lord, introducing them to the God I loved and the Bible I couldn't put down. That was my plan ... or so I thought.
Instead, today I am a work-from-home mom with a limited budget, a used computer and yet an unchanged desire. I still want to change lives with the love of Christ. Thankfully, He's shown me I don't need to leave home to do that.
And you don't either. We can change the world from our very own homes. All we need is a little money, a mouse to click and a desire to tell the Good News. Then, we can be part of the charge in Mark 16:15 to "Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]." We women can band together and pool our resources to tell the world about Jesus.
How do I know this is possible? For the past eight years, I've served God through Proverbs 31 Ministries from my home. And God is doing exciting things through this ministry.
Just this past year we impacted the lives of over 500,000 women daily through our Encouragement for Today devotions. We also celebrated with over 4,000 women who made first time commitments and gave their lives to Jesus through our events and online ministries. The staff in our tiny office also responded to over 10,000 prayer requests and counseled thousands of women in crisis and intervened to stop suicide attempts, divorces and more.
I get to be a part of what God is doing by serving and my own personal donations. And along with me, so does everyone who gives something to Proverbs 31 Ministries.
We value every gift and giver. The ones who give hundreds ... the ones who go without lattes each month and share their saved $25 ... the ones who donate $5. Yes, even $5 makes a big impact.
We might not be building wells to provide clean water, but we give women stuck in sadness or sin hope of a life in Christ.
We might not be dispensing medicine, but we point women to the Healer who can make their spirits whole.
We may not be teaching basic life skills such as planting and harvesting, but we teach needed skills such as how to study the Bible, forgive and mend a friendship, strengthen a marriage, and connect with children.
Do you want to change the world by offering hope, help, and even life, from your home? We'd love for you to join us. When we give our collective "littles," God transforms them into a big movement that will alter lives both now and for eternity.
Dear Lord, thank You for the countless blessings You give me every day. Food. Shelter. Family. Friends. Please take my little, transform it with Your touch, and use it to bring more people into Your Kingdom as they experience and respond to the Good News of Christ. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Will you join us in serving Jesus as we seek to change the world with His hope, right from your very own home? Our staff, speaker team and board of directors has created a matching gift fund. Click here to find out how your donation can be doubled.
Visit our website to see a simple way you can be a crucial part of the Proverbs 31 Ministries team and impact another person's life for God ... for good.
Reflect and Respond:
When did you first hear of the Good News of Christ? Who told you? How did they share it with you?
What real needs do you see in the lives of women around you that you can meet?
Power Verses:
John 20:21, "Again Jesus said, 'Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'" (NIV)
© 2012 by Karen Ehman. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
