More in 2024

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20

The title page for a devotional that I received for January was “More in 2024.” What an incredible goal for the new year. Right from the beginning it encourages the reader to set their heart and mind on the things of God and to develop a heart of passion for the lost.

Shortly after receiving the devotional, I received my Facebook yearbook, and as I looked through the photos I was reminded of the excitement that came with the Look Up Tour that took place in September. Seeing the hands of hundreds held high in worship to God and watching as many came forward to recommit or give their lives to Christ for the first time was a thrilling experience.

Just thinking about it brought back the awe and wonder of how many lives were changed for the better because they had heard the message of salvation and chose to accept it.

Today I was surprised to read the obituary of a sweet friend who passed away. I looked back over texts we had shared in October when she was getting baptized. What a wonderful day! What an even more glorious day it was when she went home to be with Jesus. I can’t tell you how much peace it gave me to know exactly where she is, with the Lord.

I also received a message this week that a distant family member had passed away and sadly, I didn’t have that same peace of knowing for sure where she is. God only knows.

These two situations were stark reminders of how important it is that we share the message of mercy and grace with everyone. Salvation through Christ gives us the privilege to live for Him while on earth and to live with Him in heaven for eternity.

Think about how many people need the hope, peace, and love that Jesus brings, and then ask yourself, “How many more in 2024 can I share Jesus with?”

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field”. Luke 10:2

Christ is asking if we are willing to go and make disciples and I pray our response is, “Here I am Lord, send me.”