Friday, May 3, 2013

May 4, 2013

 "Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.  He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:1-2
 
Many people, especially in our day, overlook the importance and effectiveness of small things done consistently over time.
 
This year I am challenging my people to each one commit to reaching one person for Christ during this year. I am asking them to accomplish this by doing things they already do within their normal daily schedule. But they will do them intentionally and focused on a particular person who needs to know Jesus.
 
The first simple thing is prayer. Praying is something done every day but prayer will now include intercessions for salvation. Here's how praying for their salvation works:
 
Pray II Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
 
According to this verse it is God's will for your unsaved friend to be saved and not perish.
 
Pray I John 5:14-15 - "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him."
 
These verses remind you that when you pray according to God's will you know that He hears that prayer and will answer.
 
Praying Scripture is always a powerful way to prayer. When you are interceding for a lost friend you want to pray as powerfully as you can.
 
If you have been praying for the salvation of a friend or family member, incorporate this way of praying and see how God works.
 
This is how our people will be committing to pray during this next year as we launch Each One Reach One!
 
Is there someone you should reach?