Spreading The Gospel

PresbyCan Daily Devotional

Matthew 9:37-38 – Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (NIV)
Mark 16:15 – He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (NIV)
John 20:21 – Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." (NIV)
I was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on this cold -44 degrees Celsius morning, from a fellow brother in Christ Jesus, who called to say hello and to say that he is receiving his PresbyCan Daily Devotional, but that he hadn't seen anything from me recently. This call made me stop and think about the numerous similar questions I have been asked recently: "Have you stopped writing?" or "I haven't heard from you for a while."
Over the past few months, I have not been sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in print, not because I don't love Him, but because I have been working for God in other ways. God often changes our assignments when He sees other things that we need to do for Him. With His grace and mercy, we can always do more for Jesus if we stay focused and on track, while spreading the gospel as we do His work and everything else in between.
1 Peter 3:15-17 – But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (NIV)
What I have come to realize is that when I took time out from spreading the good news in print to God's people who are looking and waiting for the message from the gospel, they miss receiving it.
Christians must not take time out from spreading the good news to everyone who needs to hear the Word of God because:

• Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)
• Proverbs 4:23 – Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. (NIV)
• Romans 15:4 – For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (NIV)

What have you previously been doing for Jesus Christ that you have not done for a while? "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)
Prayer: Gracious God, help us to serve You with our whole being in more than one way. We can do this with Your help and in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!