November 1: CELEBRATION

Believe it:

Jesus said: “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:7,10

Live it:

We can learn three lessons from today’s text.
1. Evangelism is a celebration. Celebration is a better term than “effort” or “campaign” or “crusade.” What we are really doing in an evangelistic festival is uniting ourselves with the joy of heaven when a sinner repents. Only the devil takes exception, and since it bothers him, he wants it to bother you, too. Don’t listen to him. Cheer up!
2. We celebrate what God has done. It’s indeed true that God uses human beings to share the good news, but it’s God’s work to bring conversion. We are celebrating the work of God in conversion—His success. We should focus on the miracle of conversion, which God alone can do.
3. God changes all kinds of people. Remember the first day of this season of prayer: we began praying for people in the following three categories:

·         In Jerusalem—people close to you in proximity and relationship

·         In Judea—acquaintances, but not deep friendships

·         In Samaria—persons hostile to the gospel

Share it:

Write down the names of the people who want to be baptized, for whom you will pray and serve as a spiritual mentor and friend.

My prayer today: for steadfastness in Christ

-Pray that every baptized person will remain steadfast with Jesus, as part of His body in the church.

from God’s City, My City