Who will go?

Last week:

Jesus is Lord

Talked about the 40%/60%

We cannot wait for someone else to do the work.

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

We need a paradigm change.

Focus today is on an important question: Who will go? Matthew 28:20 says to “Go, make disciples.”

Who is this directed towards?

Isaiah 6:8–9 ESV

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” And he said, “Go, and say to this people: “ ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’

We must both change our actions and our mindset.

This is not just a mindset change it requires an action change.

You can’t think your way into a new way of acting. You must act your way into a new way of thinking.

Time to stop talking and time to start doing!

We are all missionaries.

Time to act like it.

It’s easy to leave it to the “professionals”.

“That’s why we pay you the big bucks!”

Here is the challenge: I don’t know your friends, neighbors, family members, work colleagues, your sphere of influence.

You are the best person to go to them.

Ephesians 4:11–12 ESV

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Notice: saints, are doing the work of ministry.

We are all commissioned to go.

Worries:

Don’t know what to say.

Don’t know how to answer hard question.

We have more available to us today than the Apostles and the early church.

Who will go? You must go!

Teachers Prayer

Heavenly Father,

As our teachers, administrators, staff and support staff begin to prepare for a new school year tomorrow, grant them an abundance of Your wisdom. Prepare their hearts to welcome and love our children, and may we make sure to show them love and respect in return. Give them grace as they help students who aren’t thriving, courage to say what needs to be said, the discernment on how and when to speak love, and strength when they feel weak. When they feel frustrated, unheard, or unseen, remind them that no moment goes unnoticed by you - let them feel Your presence. Thank you for all of the small - yet incredibly important ways they will impact lives every day.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the gift of learning they share with our children. Bless them, Lord, and may they see even just a glimpse of how their faithfulness will forever impact generations to come. Help them to hold on to 1 Corinthians 15, to be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in your work, so that they will remember that they do not labor in vain. Guide them in your ways so that they may guide others.

Amen.

Students Prayer

Father,

We pray for wisdom for every student. Help them as they listen to teaching and complete their homework. Lord we pray for students as they encounter teachings, philosophies, and theories that are contrary to your word. Protect their hearts and minds. Help them to be beacons of light on their campus. You have given these kids all the talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts they need to follow Your plan for their lives. Lord, help them use those gifts to serve You first and others second, so that Your will is accomplished in their lives. Lord, fill their lives with trusted teachers and advisers who can lead them toward You and Your promises. Help them turn to you as they learn and grow so they can lead fruitful and prosperous lives.

We pray the students would show proper respect for the authorities you have placed over them and recognize all authority comes from you. Help them to speak and act in a way that is respectful of all teachers, administrators, and other school staff.

Send your Spirit upon these students and fill them with your wisdom and blessings. I pray that they may devote themselves to your word and draw ever closer to you.

In Jesus name,

Amen