Pay It Forward

” . . . ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.” (Colossians 1:5b)

Can you remember the first time you heard the Good News? I’m thankful for my Christian heritage. I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t exposed to the love and grace found in Jesus alone. On two distinct occasions, Good News changed my life. As a little girl, I knew I was a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing Jesus to be the way, truth, and the life, I asked Him to come into my heart. Yet, I wasn’t too keen on making Him my Lord. I was stubborn and resistant to do things God’s way. Yet, doing things my way brought me to dead-end roads time and time again, so as a young adult upon hearing more Good News of God’s healing and transformation, I said “Yes” to Jesus once again and surrendered all to Him.

“This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.”  (Colossians 1:6)

Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He commissioned His disciples to “go into all the world and make disciples.” It’s a commission for every believer! We’re to pay it forward in essence! Because our lives have been changed by this Good News of God’s wonderful grace and love, we MUST go and tell others. It’s too good to keep it to ourselves.

Living missionally takes some practice though. In a busy world, where we’re constantly being reminded to “hurry up,” we forget the importance of slowing down. In a time when technology captivates our every attention, we forget to look at the people around us. Scripture tells us the eyes are the windows into the soul, but in order to really see the depth found in others, we must stop and intentionally look. Face-to-face conversation is needed to make the deeper connection.

After being here a year at YWAM Tyler, I’ve been convicted lately of daily bumping shoulders with people yet not really knowing them or even caring to know them. Bumping shoulders and gazing into eyes are two different postures. One is easy really, the other not so much because it requires sacrifice and vulnerability. Many around us need Good News, and I don’t believe that’s just limited to unbelievers. There are people in our church pews, workplaces, and family cook-outs who need to be reminded of the truth of God’s wonderful grace.

Let’s not forget how hearing Good News changed our lives. Let’s pay it forward, by making the deeper connections and sharing Good News with the ones God has put in our path.

Prayer Points:

Audrey’s Immigration ~ Please continue to pray for Audrey’s citizenship to be finalized. We were reminded of the importance of her having this legal recognition this week. At present, we’ve been having a hard time getting an appointment with the Dallas immigration office. Praying for an open door and divine appointment with the right person to help us get this finished.

Molly’s New Adventure ~ Molly leaves for Seattle in 3 weeks. We are praying for God’s provision for her needs to take this step, and for His guidance upon arrival to the right job and to good, godly friends that will be a positive influence in her life.

Automobile Needs ~ Recently, we’ve been having to spend some money on fixing our one car. The black Ford Fusion is approaching 200,000 miles, and its systems are beginning to need some TLC, which can be rather costly. Praying for provision to keep this one running, as well as provision for another car when the time is right.

Joy ~ Lastly, Richard and I are recognizing more than ever, we have but one life to live, and we’re really convicted it’s important to enjoy it. We’re asking Jesus to help us cherish the moments. In Him, our joy is complete. The cares of this life can some days be very heavy, but our Lord is able to handle them. Pray that we’ll continually cast all upon our Lord and trust Him to take care of us.

Your prayers make a difference dear friends. They’re like Aaron and Hur, who lifted up the arms of Moses in the midst of the battle. Without them, Moses could have never endured. Without you all standing in the gap for us, loving us from afar, and supporting us, we could not do what we are here.

We love you so much! Keep paying it forward!

Amy

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