Dear God, my Father, today I return to the pages of Your Word, where You gave clear instructions on what Your Church should be. As You go, make disciples. Baptize them. Teach them to DO all that I have commanded.
I search the Scriptures and I cannot find a single charge to build elaborate cathedrals or fund sprawling programs. The mandate was simply to GO and to DO.
So I must ask, Lord: Have we lost our way? Have we replaced personal evangelism with polishing the brass on the gates of a country club? I don’t know what to do with this itch I cannot scratch—this burden that won’t lift.
Please lead us, Father. Lead me to a group with whom to worship and witness—a people more focused on accountability for the task of being Jesus in the marketplace than on maintaining the Club. Let us stop leaving the going to paid professionals and start answering the call ourselves.
Make us missionaries in our own neighborhoods again. Restore the sent church.
I ask this in the strong and matchless name of Jesus, my LORD. Amen.
Verses for Today: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." — (Matthew 28:19-20)
"The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied." — (Acts 9:31)
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" — (Romans 10:12-14)
Reflection: The "Country Club" vs. The "Base Camp"
This distinction is vital. A Club is where people gather to enjoy amenities. A Base Camp is where soldiers gear up before going back out onto the mountain. Many modern churches have forgotten they are supposed to be Base Camps where they learn battle skills and then go out to fight the good fight..
