Advancing the Kingdom

At the beginning of March I often begin to look forward to the ministry of Rev.
Mike Keyes since we often have him in around this time of year. If you have
heard him speak you know Rev. Keyes is all about advancing the kingdom of
God in the midst of whatever attacks you may currently be facing in your life.
Rev. Keyes is obviously living this out with his outreaches in the Philippines.
How many of us are thinking on a daily basis about how we can advance the
kingdom of God? It is great to hear preachers talk about it. It is another thing
to have that at the forefront of your mind on a daily basis. Many people are
too caught up with the daily concerns of their own lives to be thinking about
what they can do to make a difference in someone else’s life. Jesus said in
Luke 9:23, “… If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross and follow Me.”

Many times the sacrifice needed to make a difference in someone else’s life
isn’t as difficult as one might think. A few extra minutes to encourage
someone, a smile to brighten someone’s day, an act of service to help
someone are all ways that we can do things daily to bless others. We should
be prepared to do more as the Lord instructs us, especially when it comes to
sharing our faith. First Peter 3:15 in the NIV says, “… Always be prepared
to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for
the hope that you have.” We should always be ready to share our faith
when the opportunity is presented. We also need to go out of our way
sometimes to make that effort.

Thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit who helps us to be a witness for
Him (Acts 1:8). As we spend time with God He gives us the wisdom, the
grace, the strength, and the boldness to be His ambassador in a lost and dying
world. I challenge you to think of two or three people that you can reach out
to over the next week or two and watch God work with you. What a thrill!

God bless,
Pastor Jeff