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Live as Citizens of Heaven “ Above all , you must live as citizens of heaven , conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ . Then , whether I come and see you again or only hear about you , I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose , fighting together for the faith , which is the Good News ” ( Philippians 1:27 , NLT ).
Many times , I ask myself the question , am I committed enough to share the Good News ? As individuals , we sometimes don ’ t realize how often we miss the opportunities to witness . Coming back from Sturgis , Jane and I stopped at a gas station to get something to drink . When we pulled up , there was a couple on a bike . We pulled up and started talking . We had a good talk , and I asked if they would like their bike blessed .
They said yes , so we got a sticker out and prayed for them . While we were praying , two more bikes pulled in . Jane was still talking to the first biker , so I went over and started a conversation with the other bikers . We found out that they were bringing home the man ’ s father ’ s bikes because he was not in good health . So , I prayed for them and his father and blessed their bikes .
It was a great opportunity . Jane and I were blessed to meet them . After a few more words , we got on our bikes to head out . As we left , I noticed a new bike in the parking lot . We were already pulling out and running late , so I didn ’ t stop or
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go back . As we went down the road , I heard God ask me , what about the other bike ? Wow , that hit me . I asked myself if I am committed to sharing Jesus with everyone . “ So let ’ s not get tired of doing what is good . At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don ’ t give up ” ( Galatians 6:9 , NLT ).
After about 40 minutes and three bikes , I stopped looking for opportunities . We were tired , had already traveled several miles , and had over 100 left . It was hot and looked like it was going to rain . Yes , we blessed three bikes and prayed for four people , but there were more who needed prayer . Did I get tired , or did I just say it was good enough ?
As I rode along , I realized I needed to check my true commitment to sharing the Good News . I needed to ensure I didn ’ t allow myself to be ok with good enough .
“ Work willingly at whatever you do , as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people . Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward , and that the Master you are serving is Christ ” ( Colossians 3:23-24 , NLT ).
I share this story because I believe we all experience this . We get busy , or we let life get in the way . Worse yet , we get in our minds that we are going to our chapter meetings , and we attend fellowship events . What more do we need to do ? Good question . Paul says it best .
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A Living Sacrifice to God “ And so , dear brothers and sisters , I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you . Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable . This is truly the way to worship him . Don ’ t copy the behavior and customs of this world , but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think . Then you will learn to know God ’ s will for you , which is good and pleasing and perfect ” ( Romans 12:1-2 , NLT ).
So don ’ t get discouraged when you miss the opportunity to share and don ’ t get tired . We need to keep going and keep looking for those divine appointments .
“ I have fought the good fight , I have finished the race , and I have remained faithful ” ( 2 Timothy 4:7 , NLT ).
Keep the faith and stay committed . Your rewards will be in Heaven .
Jay and Jane Wilber oversee the North Central Region as National Evangelist .
CMA
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23⎪NOVEMBER 2022⎪www . cmausa . org |