Isaiah 61 gives us an amazing depiction of God’s heart. Reading this depiction should stir us to act out his love for the most heartbroken and lost in our communities. 

God is always drawn to the least among us

Throughout the Bible, we can see God giving His attention to the humble and afflicted. From Moses. who could not talk properly, to Gideon who was the least of his tribe, key figures such as David, Peter, and Mary were used even though they were the least. Even the entire nation of Israel was a heavily persecuted nation, yet God called it His chosen people.

These examples and more echo clearly the sentiments in Isaiah 61. If we truly want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we will then focus our attention on what He is focused on: the brokenhearted, humble, and afflicted. To continue in His good work is to get to the core of His love. 

Selfless love

The reason why God is drawn to the weakest is because that is the way to show true selfless love. When you love someone who has no way to repay you, the love you show them is a love that seeks nothing in return. There is no distraction of wondering when they will return the favor, and there is a special sweetness that comes with the freedom of knowing that they cannot do anything for you in return and your gesture to them is simply a way of blessing them.

Human love almost always seeks something in return. Romantic partners receive love back from each other. Friends benefit from having similar hobbies and interests. Children love their parents, often resulting in their parents giving them financial aid.

God shows a higher love than that, In turn, he invites us to also show that higher love. That love is called agape, and it is a love that loves simply because it is capable of loving. It is a love that continuously gives and expects nothing in return. It is this love that led Jesus to the cross and that is continually offered to us all by our Heavenly Father. It is the perfect love from the perfect One.

Selfless love can only come from Him 

It is impossible for us to show this selfless love to the afflicted out of our own deciding. We are prone to always find a payoff from showing love. For the love we show to truly be selfless, it needs to have Christ as the center. We can only discover His agape for the brokenhearted when we realize He has agape for us. When we each take a personal moment to acknowledge His love, thank Him for it and embrace it, He fills us with a love we never could have known, and, by His grace, can start to show this selfless love for others.

God’s promises

In Isaiah 61, God gives us some powerful and very specific promises that can fill us with hope. These promises center around favor and comfort. They focus on restoration and justice. Through the detailed description of these promises, God makes it clear that He will set right what is wrong.

There are two sides to this. First, things are not as they should be. If they were, God would not need to promise this restoration and justice. Second, He is the one who makes things as they should be. We step out in faith to fulfill the great commission, but at the end of the day, He is the one who fixes the situations we encounter.

How to live out Isaiah 61

The best way for us to start living out Isaiah 61 is to start turning our attention to who is identified in the chapter. In our daily life, we should actively ask ourselves who around us is mourning and brokenhearted. Who’s life is in ruins, and who’s in need of justice? These are the people we need to reach out to.

When we reach out to them, you may wonder what we say to them. Often there are no words that we can say that will make their circumstances easier. But what we can share with them are the promises God gives us in Isaiah 61. Often desperate people just need hope, something to cling to and help them not give up. Sharing God’s promises can give them this strength because the truth of God pierces the depths of our souls and awakens our hope if we allow Him to awaken us inside. People in dire situations often embrace this offered hope with open arms.

Conclusion

Serving the broken-hearted is the greatest service we can experience. Serving them does not need to be daunting. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our simple gestures can be used by our God to pour selfless love and hope into their souls and refresh their resolve to keep going, since God carries us through it all.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Worship always gets elevated with music. Whether we can sing in tune or not, we can all benefit immensely from singing to God with enthusiasm. What is it about singing in worship that God values so much?

You may not fully realize it, but God has already provided answers to this question in the Bible.

Here are five powerful reasons God loves for us to sing in worship:

1. You Glorify God When You Sing

In the Bible, singing is not just a suggestion. It’s actually a directive from God:

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:18-19)

God’s people are not only invited to sing; God also commands us to do so. It is one of the many expressions of worship that He has graced us to enjoy, and when we do, we are fulfilling God’s command!

True obedience, deep roots in the Word, encouraging others, fighting Satan and sin, persevering, and finding delight in God bring honor to God, which is everyone’s primary objective and purpose.

Singing has a special way of pulling together your heart, soul, mind, and strength to focus wholly and completely on God. In an age of distraction, singing captures all of our senses and directs our attention to God.

2. You Plant Deep Roots in the Word When You Sing

As Colossians 3 tells us, we are instructed to allow the Word of Christ to inhabit us richly, and one way is to sing in worship. 

The Apostle Paul invites us to let God’s Word dwell entirely in us, and then he informs us how to put that mandate into practice—by teaching and singing!

Singing is one of the two primary ways God’s Word richly resides in us.

Singing is a command, but there is a promise attached to this command: if we do as the Word says, we are assured that the Word of Christ will dwell in us richly, which is what we should desire as believers.

3. You Strengthen Yourself Spiritually When You Sing in Worship

We often think of singing solely when we’re pleased and things are going well. However, Acts 16 mentions singing for strength in times of difficulty. What do Paul and Silas do while imprisoned unjustly for the sake of the Gospel? 

“But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.” (Acts 16:25-26)

There was something about singing as a vehicle of Paul and Silas’ prayers that brought God’s very presence into that prison, loosening the bonds that held them. There is power in prayer and in worship, and the Bible shows us that worship amplifies that.

4. For the enjoyment of being in God’s presence

Some see the idea of serving their god as a burden, a strenuous obligation to fulfill out of fear and obedience. The wonderful news for Christians is that we serve a God who has made our burden light and who wants us to enjoy being in His presence, as well as the presence of fellow believers. 

Nearly every major celebration of life involves singing. Birthdays, bar mitzvahs, and weddings involve singing. These events typically use singing to celebrate the blessing of the subjects of the event, born out of joy for the occasion. 

Fellowship in God’s presence is also an occasion for celebration. We celebrate because He fills our hearts, minds, and lives with joy. Make a joyful noise to the Lord! (Psalm 100:1)

5. To help us memorize His promises

God instructed His people to write down His promises and hang them in their houses. These were to be reminders. The reason we need reminding is that we can be forgetful of what God has done, especially when we face difficult times.

A proven strategy for helping people remember details is by putting the information into songs. When we learn songs about God’s goodness and, especially when our children learn these songs, we create a lasting memory to encourage us when hard times hit us.

Conclusion

The Apostle John provides a glimpse of eternity in Revelation 7:9-10, when a vast multitude of people from every beautiful tribe, race, and language sing before the Lamb, 

“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

Eternity is waiting. Will you be among the enormous multitude that no one can count on that day, singing the Lamb’s song and shouting his praises? Singing is an integral part of our worship of God, and we are all invited to sing along.

Do you desire to grow in your own personal discipleship and walk with God? To help promote the Good News of Jesus Christ, Global Disciples trains local leaders in hard-to-reach areas. Contact us if you’d like to get involved with Jesus’ Great Commission to the unreached.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

If you are a Christian, you’ve undoubtedly heard John 3:16 multiple times. In fact, this is the verse we, as a body, usually quote when sharing the Gospel with others. 

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

However, “Jesus loves you” is not just some cliché we should say when preaching and demonstrating the Gospel. This simple term has such a profound effect on our salvation and eternal destination. 

Out of Jesus’ love for us, the eternal, all-powerful Son of God left Heaven and chose to be limited to a mortal body. He chose to live like a man, just like us, to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). 

Because Jesus so loved us, He died a sinner’s death on the cross, even though He was sinless, to be the ultimate offering and sacrifice that we may make right before God.

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The Bible is full of verses showing that Jesus loves us unconditionally and eternally. He would die on that cross even if it were just for you alone. Such is the love of Jesus for you and for me. 

God’s love is unchanging, steady, and unwavering. Despite our shortcomings, sin, and tendency to drift away from God, God’s love calls us back to Him. God’s love is constant, healing, soothing, and a source of safety in a world where giving and receiving love is often fleeting and conditional.

The Bible reminds us that God’s love is constant, unchanging, and unconditional. Because there is no comparison, God’s love cannot be compared to human relationship love. 

Psalm 136:26 says, “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.”

Thus, when we declare “Jesus loves you,” it needs to come from a heart of faith and boldly shared out of love for the eternal destiny of others as well.

It’s more than a slogan or something you wear on your shirt. It needs to be demonstrated by how we live and treat others.

If you’ve ever reached a moment in your life when you don’t know how to find peace anymore, having tried every promise of the world and still remain empty, it’s probably because you have not allowed Jesus Christ into your heart to fill the empty hole that only He can fill. No accomplishment, act of service, or romantic relationship can fill that hole.

This need is not something that can be ignored. Either you realize your desperate need for God and embrace Him, or you hate how His truth exposes your own sinful nature and try to run away from Him. The fact that we have all sinned and desperately need Him in our lives is a fact that cannot be altered. Rather than trying to change this eternal truth, we can just embrace the cure.

God is the only one that can fill this hole

God created us because He loves us. He gave us free will because it allows us to respond freely to that love. 

Jesus’ life was His way of saying, “I love you.” We can trust Him with anything, even our love. When you tell someone that “Jesus Loves You,” it’s the same as saying that “God is on your side.” 

“Jesus Loves You” is a significant term many well-meaning believers use as a simple and quick way to encourage, exhort, and empower others. 

The Bible says this, 

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

The power of the Gospel is available to “those who believe.” This powerful statement can change lives, impact generations, and draw people closer to God. Moreover, there needs to be physical evidence of this good news in your way of life. 

John 1:14 says,

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

Jesus Christ is the Word. He wants to dwell among us, be part of our lives, and have communion and a loving relationship with Him. Whenever we declare His Word and Him to others, the Word can also become alive in them, dwell with them, and become a living, breathing experience.

A love that loves to love

What makes God’s love different from our love is the selflessness of His love, known as agape. Agape loves for totally selfless reasons. We love because of how the person we are loving makes us feel, or because of how much joy loving them gives us. No matter how selfless it may seem, the love we show almost always has a hidden benefit for us. God’s love is pure agape – His love is not driven by what He gets out of it. He simply loves because He is love.

With all this in mind, the way we love others is by letting God use us to show love to others. A simple gift, a small note of encouragement, or words of encouragement can change someone’s life when it’s led by the Holy Spirit. Listen for His leading, and then do the simple act that He is calling you. It is as simple as that.

The world desperately needs salvation, wisdom, hope, freedom, real peace, love, and much more! All this can be found in Jesus alone.

The next time you declare this statement, “Jesus Loves You,” let your faith be the fuel behind it, see how it brightens someone’s day, and introduce God’s amazing love to those God sends your way. 

Learn more about compassionate discipleship through Global Disciples Canada. We aim to multiply the disciples of Jesus Christ and spread His Good News by educating leaders in some of the most remote places in the world. Contact us and join us in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ worldwide.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

If there is one idea in the Christian life that many people struggle to understand, it’s repentance.

Yet, it is the key to connecting with God and finding a life of freedom. Repentance is about realizing that we do not have the strength within ourselves to live a holy life, that we will never be able to obtain that strength through our own means, and that we are thus in desperate need of Jesus Christ, Who does have that strength and Who draws near to a broken spirit (Psalm 34:18).

You may wonder how we can start praying with an attitude of repentance.

Below is a brief outline that will hopefully help you approach prayer in a way that will change your life.

The humility of a few words

Ecclesiastes 5 tells us to approach God with few words and rather go before Him to listen than to speak. This is because we need to be aware that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that He is infinitely more loving, kinder, and trustworthy than we are.

Our words to Him come from our imperfect perceptions and hearing what He has to say to us first allows us to receive perfect instruction from the ultimate architect of creation. While God absolutely loves to hear our every thought, feeling, and concern, we are reminded that it is far better to first listen for His loving voice, rather than beginning our prayers with a list of requests and demands.

Repentance of our sinful nature, rather than only one sin

A preacher once wisely said that it is not so much each individual sin that we commit that needs to be listed in our prayer, but rather the much wider concept that we are sinful by nature.

In other words, rather than listing each sin committed throughout the last week, we can rather confess to God that our thoughts, actions, and emotions are naturally drawn towards the sinful and that we cry out for His help to be transformed in our thoughts and actions so that we can live more holy lives. Even the greatest missionary of all time struggled with sin (Romans 7:18-25) and cried out to God for help in living a pure life. 

The joy of repentance

When you think of repentance, you may imagine yourself whipping your back and beating yourself down about how sinful you are.

The good news is that repentance is much, much more joyful than that. Yes, our sin is horrific. Our tendency to do evil is to be despised. But the simple reason why repentance is more joyful than self-loathing is that your attention is on Christ’s perfection and forgiveness, rather than your own shortcomings.

The difference between the agony of loathing yourself and the joy of true repentance is that true repentance keeps your focus on God, not yourself. You are only a point of reference for seeing why God is worthy of our praise. You are not the focal point. Look to Him, and you will experience true joy and freedom!

The reason why focusing on Christ gives us a joyful perspective of repentance is because all of our sins, which come with a penalty of death, have ALREADY been paid for by the horrific death of the perfect, sinless messiah, Jesus Christ. His sacrifice paid for our sins (John 3:16).

It is our choice

The gift of Christ dying for our sins is a free gift. However, like any gift, it needs to be received. We are invited to accept the gift of Christ’s forgiveness, but until we receive it, it does not become part of our story. The key to accepting this gift is our own repentance. It is only by acknowledging our sin that we can see our need for a savior and embrace the gift of His salvation.

How to pray

With a better understanding of what repentance is and how it applies to us, we can look at how we should pray. Jesus’ disciples asked him directly and he gave them a detailed prayer to use in Luke 11.

An important part of this prayer is the phrase “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.”

In order for our repentance to be effective, we need to choose to forgive others that have wronged us. Knowing that everybody has sinned and we are all in need of salvation can help us to forgive others. Forgiving others is not an emotion. We may be struggling with anger, bitterness, or disgust at how someone else has treated us, and choosing to forgive them may not relieve those emotions, at least not immediately, but we still need to make the decision to forgive them.

Speak it. Declare it. Ignore your feelings for a moment and make the choice to forgive, so that you can live in freedom. You forgive so that you can live in freedom, regardless of whether or not the other person accepts the forgiveness offered to them.

When you pray, declare out loud for yourself that you realize you cannot earn God’s glory, you need God’s forgiveness through the death of His son Jesus Christ, and you accept Jesus into your heart. Invite Him to live in your heart forever, so that by His strength you can pursue a life of holiness.

Conclusion

Repentance is traditionally seen as an agonizing self-despising, but it is actually intended to be a joyful experience, where we see our own shortfalls and embrace Christ’s perfection to set us free from our own sin.

When you see repentance in that light, you can eagerly find more things in your life that you can confess to God as stopping you from obtaining His glory, and find joy in the truth that Christ has set you free!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you want a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

In politics, different government officials fulfill different roles. Presidents and prime ministers act as the head of state. Finance ministers draw up a budget for government income and expenditure.

Ambassadors have a very significant role. They represent the country in a foreign land. While a president may be the head of a nation, meeting with heads of other nations, an ambassador is the representative of that nation in a foreign country. 

The Bible calls us ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). This means that, while He intercedes before the Father for us (Romans 8:34), we represent Him, bringing the kingdom of God to those around us who do not know Him yet. 

When we become Christians, we take on the responsibility of sharing the good news with others. This should be our primary focus and personal joy. As followers of Christ, we ought to be consumed with a zeal for thinking up new ways to share the Gospel.

Disseminate the True Gospel 

The central message of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ came to earth to rescue sinners. Our role is to help others find their way to Christ. We cannot lead people to make the right choice; we can only point them in the right direction and, with hearts filled with love for them, try and convince them why Christ is the answer to their deepest hunger and emptiness.

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way

Jesus says that His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). This means that we don’t need to exhaust ourselves to the point of burnout trying to find the right way to evangelize. Simply reaching out to others, telling them that God loves them and sacrificed everything for them, is a great start. The Bible and involvement in a Spirit-led church and community are also vital as people navigate the nuances of their faith.

Negative experiences with Christians are a significant factor in many people abandoning their faith. When discussing matters of faith, it’s best to do it with an open mind and a kind heart.

If you approach others with kindness and the desire to share your beliefs, you could find that they are more receptive. 

The Importance of Everyday Conversations

Sharing your beliefs openly and honestly in everyday situations is vital. There’s no need for a manual or blueprint for sharing the Gospel. The question, “Can I talk to you about Jesus?” can be an icebreaker.

Don’t assume anything about someone who avoids conversation with you. You can’t pressure someone to talk to you by raising your voice or trying to force them to.

Establishing credibility with others is essential before they open up to you meaningfully. Your patience will be rewarded.

Integrity is Recognized and Esteemed

Preaching to others is where some believers’ true colors start to show. They become “spiritual” and never question anything, worry about anything, or commit sins.

A person with such a high level of spirituality apparently cannot accept that they have a lot to learn about the perspectives of those who are not like themselves.

Sadly, not enough Christians today dare to tell it like it is. Some people are fearful that others will judge them negatively if they tell the truth.

Honesty is generally regarded as admirable. Christians gain more credibility when they stop seeing individuals as numbers or “sinners” and start treating them as whole beings.

What You Know Is What You Can Share 

As you grow in your own faith, take time to consider how you can share the exciting things you discover with others. A vast majority of Christians have not put enough thought into their faith. If you read the Bible, pray, and learn about Christianity, you’ll realize that you, too, have a lot to say about God and the Good News.

Persevere and Think about the Long Term

An evangelist’s message should constantly focus on God’s grace and love, which resulted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Christians need to remember that evangelism is not a one-and-done job. Trust that God will rescue those you care about as you try to convince them that Jesus is the way.

Conclusion

It may be highly satisfying to serve as an ambassador for Jesus and share His Good News with people. Remember that you are a representative of Jesus Christ and His message. Sharing your faith with others, engaging in missionary activity, and living a life that exemplifies Jesus’ teachings are all effective ways to further the spread of the Gospel.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. 

We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and practical training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. 

Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Good news has to be shared! An engagement, a new job, a grandchild on the way, a cancer-free report from the doctor, and so much more—we just have to tell others about it.  

We see this every day as Global Disciples—those we equip around the world are sharing the Good News of Jesus with least-reached people. As they report on the amazing ways God is moving to reach people, it’s good news we have to pass along to you!

Did you know you can also help share the Good News? By becoming an advocate with Global Disciples you can play your part in Jesus’ Great Commission to least-reached people.

Advocates are simply people who speak or act on behalf of another person. An advocate for Global Disciples is someone who talks about us, shares our stories, and introduces our mission to people who aren’t yet connected to us.    

When you get excited about what God is doing through Global Disciples, don’t keep it to yourself. Take a few minutes to talk about it with a friend or pastor, a local business person, or someone in your circle of influence. Help them learn more and perhaps connect with one of our team.

You don’t have to do it alone. In several parts of Canada, advocates are working together to raise awareness and develop support for Global Disciples Canada. We can work with you, answering questions and providing resources, to build relationships and connections.

These are a few suggestions; look for ways to creatively make the most of opportunities as an advocate.

You’ll find tools you can use at globaldisciples.ca/join-the-misson/advocate or contact our team at info@globaldisciples.ca to talk about becoming a Global Disciples Advocate. 

Advocates are highly valued strategic partners, building connections between Global Disciples and people who share our passion for reaching the least-reached with the Good News of Jesus.

Don’t keep the Good News to yourself! Become an advocate—it’s an extraordinary way to influence others and invite them to participate in what God is doing in the world today!

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

As the new year begins, what will you be praying for? In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus provides us a pattern of prayer that we could all follow.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.

As I pray, I begin by worshipping our Father God as Creator and Lord of the universe. Our all-powerful and all-knowing Father knows us completely yet still loves us. And welcomes each one as a son/daughter! I enjoy taking time to bask in that reality—in his perfect and unconditional love.

Then comes this line: Your kingdom come…  

Lord, may your kingdom come in my life, in my thoughts and in my attitudes—and my motivations. Father, I am so easily distracted and so quick to feel frustrated or impatient. Holy Spirit, I need you to help me keep my eyes on Jesus—to see the world as He does. I want to be more like you, Jesus! To love as you love, to be moved by your compassion, to serve as you served…

Lord, may your kingdom come in my relationship with my wife and our kids, and our grandchildren. I want to represent You to them, to have my words, my responses, my actions and interactions to be more like you—more like you in my character, in the tone of my voice, in how I spend my time…

And Lord, may your kingdom come in their lives! I long for each one—my son and our daughters, and their spouses, and all their children—to love you with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength! From generation to generation until you return, Jesus, may they be sold out and fully surrendered to you! I’m believing for that. I’m crying out for Your Glory…

And oh Lord, may your kingdom come in and through the ministry of Global Disciples. Father, thank you for every member of our team around the world. They each are amazing gifts to this ministry and in my life. You’ve put this team together in such a masterful way. You’ve brought just the right people at the right time, though not always as quickly as I had hoped. You have done us well Jesus, so well!

As I walk around my neighborhood, Lord, may your kingdom come here where you’ve planted us, where we live. I get so busy going here and there, that sometimes I feel like a real failure as a witness for you here, Jesus. I want everyone in this neighborhood to know you. Some do, but many don’t. Oh Holy Spirit, I need your strategies and your love for each one imparted in my heart. I want to be compelled by your love, not guilt driven—but convicted of the importance of my witness here.

I started with one phrase of a prayer burning on my heart, to see your kingdom come. There’s so much more I didn’t get to! I wonder if you didn’t expect that would happen, Jesus, when you gave us this sample prayer. Amen.

Where do you want to see God’s kingdom come in your life? In your family? In your community or church? In your business or labor or education? In your sphere of influence or the broader world? Then pray that, today and through the coming year.

And this year, as you pray “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). 

– Galen Burkholder, CEO/Founder of Global Disciples

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Christmas! It’s a day we look forward to all year long. Yet, it’s more than just a day, more than a story of the baby in a manger, with shepherds and stars and angel choirs.

The birth of Jesus was the beginning of something the world had never seen! He modeled life for all of us—perfectly! And He sacrificed His life to save us from our sins—to save all people from their sins—so that each and every man, woman, and child can have a personal, life-transforming relationship with God.

The birth we celebrate was only the beginning of a mission we carry on today. Jesus, the baby worshiped by shepherds and kings, grew to teach and challenge and call others to follow Him. To build His kingdom.  

To those who saw and listened, Jesus never built a church building. No glorious temple. No well-tuned school, organization, or institution. He traveled with little more than his clothes on his back and shoes on his feet. He sometimes “had no place to lay his head.” Even his grave was borrowed. It was hardly the making of a Kingdom.

When Jesus returned to heaven, having accomplished the mission of eternal life to all who believed, he left nothing behind. Nothing…but people.

Just people. Men like Peter and John and Matthew. Women like Mary and Martha. Ordinary people—nothing to make them stand out in a crowd.

Except that they had walked with Jesus. Listened to Jesus. Put their life on the line to follow Him, and to live out His teaching.

Only people. Like you and me. Like the millions around the world who’ve heard the story and received the message of Jesus in faith. Those who continue to step out and follow Him, no matter where or what the cost. This Christmas, remember the blessing you have in knowing Christ. And join those who continue to build His Kingdom by sharing the Gospel with those still waiting to join us in this glorious story!    

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian missions organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Praise and worship are two significant words found in the Bible.

They both refer to our expression of adoration for our God and Father, yet have significant differences.

Understanding these can give you a great opportunity to learn to connect with God, through His Son, in a new and exciting way.

In Christian circles, praise and worship typically refer to singing. While singing definitely plays a significant role in expressing praise and worship to God, the meanings are even deeper than merely singing.

Praise refers to lifting God up. It is the joyful recounting of what God has done for us. Praise and Thanksgiving go hand in hand as thank God and offer appreciation for who He is. Praise is the acknowledgment of all the wonderful, righteous deeds of God. He is worthy of praise (Psalm 18:3).

Praise can be presented as an uninhibited, overflowing, joyful, and even boisterous recounting of the goodness of God.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heavens.
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to [the abundance of] His greatness.
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with tambourine and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flute.
Praise Him with resounding cymbals;
Praise Him with loud cymbals.
Let everything that has breath and every breath of life praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
– Psalm 150:1-6

Is anyone among you suffering? He must pray. Is anyone joyful? He is to sing praises [to God].
– James 5:13

Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits
– Psalm 103:2

Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our [gracious and majestic] God;
Praise is becoming and appropriate.
– Psalm 147:1

O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us lift up His name together.
– Psalm 34:3

Worship refers to humbling ourselves to God and is costly. We are made to Worship and the question is not whether we are going to Worship or not but rather who are what are we going to worship? Worship is the act of losing yourself in the adoration and admiration of another. To truly worship we need to be in a place of complete submission to the will and word of the Lord. Worship carries a weight of reverence and awe and throughout scripture is often coupled with the act of bowing our heads and kneeling as a physical representation of surrender to who God is and submitting everything in our lives to His authority (Psalm 95:6).

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
Tremble [in submissive wonder] before Him, all the earth.
– Psalm 96:9

Jesus replied to him, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’”
– Luke 4:8

My [only] sacrifice [acceptable] to God is a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart [broken with sorrow for sin, thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.
– Psalm 51:17

Ascribe to the Lord the glory and honor due His name;
Bring an offering [of thanksgiving], and come before Him;
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.
– 1 Chronicles 16:29

But a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
– John 4:23-24

In daily church life, songs that are more upbeat are typically referred to as praise songs, while quieter, more reflective songs, have come to be called worship songs. This is likely because during faster, louder songs to the Lord, we dance, raise our hands and often look up (similar to how the ancient worshippers did – 2 Samuel 6:14-22).

By contrast, when the music is slower and quieter, we may tend to lower our eyes (even closing them), bow our heads, and kneel. It is rare for a worshipper to dance excitedly during a slower worship song.

It is true that these are not absolute rules. Many worshippers bow their heads, kneel, and deeply reflect on Christ during upbeat songs. Conversely, it is not unheard of for some worshippers to jump, dance, and shout during a slow worship song. Indeed, many worshippers will look up when the music is slow and reflective.

Surely the reason why these two terms are used in this way is that the typical way for believers to behave during faster songs is with an attitude of praise, while the slower melodies bring a sense of worship. Either way, the similarities between these two styles of connecting with God is far more significant than their differences.

Whether we are praising God in our music and lives, or worshipping Him, both praise and worship serves the purpose of drawing us into His presence, helping us to become aware that He is there and how much more significant He is than the problems we currently face in our lives.

Through lifting Him up and lowering ourselves, we are bringing every part of our lives, physical, mental, and emotional, under His authority as we declare with our voices and actions that He deserves all honor and praise as we pour our adoration onto Him.

While praise and worship are both done during singing to Jesus Christ, they should be done with everything we do in life. Far more than simply singing songs, we should make our every action an act of praise and/or worship to God Almighty.

The Bible tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

Our praise and worship involve us connecting with God.

While we can tend to go about our daily lives, either giving occasional thought to Him or, even worse, no thought to Him at all, living a life of praise and worship helps us to make Him a frequent part of our lives. We may not always succeed at doing this, but deliberately praising and worshipping Him as often as we think of it makes a significant impact on our mission to submit all that we have to Him.

Some simple tips can help us to bring praise and worship into our daily lives. Firstly, we can deliberately take on an attitude of thankfulness in situations that we encounter (Phillippians 4). Choosing to thank God for what we have and what we face leads automatically to praise.

Secondly, talking to Jesus like the real friend He is, not just with please and thank you, but talking to Him about our favourite food, our likes and dislikes, what we would like to do that day, and how exciting the soccer game was, reminds us that He is with us in everything we experience.

Finally, examining ourselves and what we do, asking the very important question, “Does this honor God?” builds a habit of praise and worship. Doing this, and making the necessary changes to make sure every part of our lives does honor him, helps convert our lives into acts of praise and worship.

When Christians talk about praise and worship, they typically mean the fast and slow songs during the church service. However, these songs and how they are sung are only an outward expression of the complete act of worship, which is done inside of us and how we live.

Praise and Worship is an attitude of the heart. It is possible to do all the religious outward motions yet miss the whole point of what praise and worship actual mean.

Giving complete control over to God is the goal, and honoring Him is the path to that goal.

Are you interested in a discipleship-focused, church-planting organization in Canada? Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time when many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!

Evangelism should be the lifestyle of every disciple of Jesus.

Compassion toward all human beings is part of our calling and enables us to see the lost through the eyes of Jesus to lead them to Him.

Evangelism is preaching the Gospel and taking care of new believers to lead them into maturity.

We can better understand Evangelism and Compassion and how it relates to the Church and our lives by exploring the following;

The last commission that Jesus gave to His disciples prior to His departure to heaven is known as the Great Commission.

It is recorded in Matthew 28:18–20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46-47, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8. This is called the Great Commission because it comes from the greatest Person who was given supreme authority; it is great because of its size that covers the entire world; it is great because of the time period given to finish the work—until the end of this earth; it is great in its importance because one’s response to this command will determine that person’s destiny of hell or heaven. It is the most important and urgent message that every human being needs to hear.

Jesus Christ is the one who gives this commission. He introduces Himself as the one who holds the supreme authority. The supremacy of the Lord Jesus is mentioned in Matthew 20:18: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on Earth.” It is the declaration of the greatest winner. We who go out to fulfill this commission should be convinced of the power and authority of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). We, His Church, have received this power (Ephesians 1:18-21); we have to exercise this power and authority in fulfilling this mission (Acts 13:6-12). We travel, preach, teach, and fulfill all of the commands of Jesus with this authority. We are authorized to proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Luke 8:1).

Why do we need this authority?  While fulfilling the Great Commission, we are entering Satan’s domain. He is the ruler of this world, the god of this age. The whole world lies in his grasp. We are attempting to snatch souls from him, and we have no power or authority to do so apart from Christ. Satan will not let them go without a fight which, in our own strength, we are utterly incapable of winning. We can’t compete in that arena with fleshly weapons.

The eleven disciples are the initial recipients of this commission. There cannot be the argument that they will be the only people. The work continues until the close of this age. Even after the eleven disciples died, the Gospel did not reach the end of the earth. The work cannot be done through just eleven people. The book of Acts records that many people who were not the original eleven (like Paul, John Mark, Luke, and Silas) were also part of the work. They were commissioned by the Holy Spirit to do this work. Today, this commission is handed over to us, but we often need to be assured that it is for us. We must remember that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is an appointment for this mission. We must call this Gospel our Gospel (2 Timothy 2:8). Sometimes it is dangerous to fulfill the commission without this personal conviction (Acts 19:13-16). As mentioned in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still commissioning each of us to fulfill this task (1 Peter 2:9-10).

This commission is great in size and purpose. We are commissioned to preach to all the nations (the people groups of this earth). No one is to be left without hearing the Gospel. It also covers a time span to the end of this age. The second coming of Jesus is very much connected with the fulfillment of this task (Matthew 24:14).

The task includes preaching to the whole world. Everyone has to hear the Good News of the Lord Jesus and make a decision. We are commanded to baptize the believers in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. This includes teaching the new believers everything that Christ taught us. The goal is to make disciples of all nations. Each and every activity of disciples of Jesus should be a partial fulfillment of this command.

The incarnation of Jesus was to inaugurate His everlasting Kingdom that consists of all peoples who put their trust in Him. The ultimate God wants to see everyone from every nation, tribe, people, and tongue come to worship Him (Revelation 7:9-10). God does not want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). Even those who do not accept this Gospel will one day declare Jesus as the Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

“I will be with you . . . even to the end of this age.” Unlike any other human authorities, the unusual promise this Commissioner gave is that He will be with us. We go out with the presence, promise, and power of Jesus. “I will never leave you” is the promise of Jesus (2 Timothy 4:17; Mark 16:20).

Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, stands with us to guide us, protect us, and strengthen us. He always wants us to be co-laborers with Him (1 Corinthians 3:9). The awareness of the presence of the Lord with us should help us to lead a personal life of integrity and holiness. Constant walking with the Lord Jesus will help us to grow into His likeness (Ephesians 4:15).

What would it cost us? The primary call of Jesus was to come and receive (Matthew 11:28-30). But those who decided to follow Him must make a serious decision (Matthew 16:24-25; Mark 8:34-36; Luke 14:26-27). When we decide to go into all the world, that will involve our whole lives (Luke 10:3). Jesus is the best example of one who gave His own life for others, and the followers are expected to become martyrs if needed. The fulfillment of the Great Commission would cost everything that the saved ones possess on earth. The history of the church is filled with stories of those who laid down their lives for the cause of fulfilling this commission. It is worth investing anything and everything that we have for the kingdom of God.  Jim Elliott said, “He is not a fool who gives up all that he cannot keep with him forever to gain something that he can keep with him forever.”

What is the reward? God accepts whatever we respectfully offer to Him. He does this to return it to us as a reward. He wants whatever we do in fulfilling this Great Commission to be rewarded. Jesus promised that even one glass of water given in His name would be recorded and rewarded (Matthew 10:42). The reward is in both this world and in the eternal life to come. Jesus reminds us of many eternal rewards we receive from Him (John 12:25-26; 2 Timothy 2:12). The Bible advises us to consider our great reward (Hebrews 11:26; Hebrews 10:35; Hebrews 12:16). 

Everyone who invests their time, energy, material blessings, influences, and God-given talents for any activity in the kingdom of God will be rewarded. It is not just a salary or a payment but a reward. Somebody once commented that those who fulfill this great commission receive a great (huge) commission!  Those who build God’s kingdom on earth will be part and parcel of this Kingdom. Jesus, the coming King and the Judge of the whole creation, is going to establish His everlasting kingdom. Those who invest in this generation will reign with Him forever. If we love Jesus, we will keep His commandments, especially the Great Commission. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “No eyes have seen, nor ear heard nor mind can imagine what God has prepared for those who love him.” The final Day of Judgment will reveal our reward (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).

Even after 2000 years, the Great Commission given by Jesus our Lord is still incomplete. Let us commit our lives to see the fulfillment of the heart cry of Jesus accomplished. Think of Jesus blessing the five loaves of bread and two fish, and His feeding of the five thousand. He calls us and gives us the bread and the fish in our hands. What shall we do? We feed the people in the front rows. Everyone who sits in the front rows receives the food several times. Those who are sitting in the back rows are still waiting. Those who received the living bread, the Gospel, are receiving it again and again while the unreached remain unreached. What will be the feeling of Jesus who blessed and gave the bread to all who are seated?

We need to make disciples and finish the work in our generation.

Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!