Prayer will change your life for good.
Yanick came in, walking with crutches. His legs, twisted and useless from birth, held his weight long enough to move his crutches one step forward. Then another. His friend had insisted he come to this meeting to be prayed for in the name of Jesus.
Born in a Muslim village in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yanick had never met a group of Christ-followers. It was a small group.
Yanick was surprised to see several people he recognized. They talked about knowing Jesus, and a man taught from the Bible.
Yanick’s Story
Then someone asked Yanick if they could pray for Jesus to heal his legs. “Of course!” he agreed, but he nearly laughed at the question. After all, he had been born like this.
A short time later, Yanick walked out of the meeting carrying his crutches! And in the following days, he and many of his family and neighbors came to know Christ.
God does the impossible when we pray!
We hear stories like Yanick’s all the time. Miracles like this are quite common in places where people have never heard the Good News of Jesus.
Prayer And Global Disciples
As Global Disciples, we want all we do to be conceived, birthed, and carried out in prayer, believing that God transforms both our lives and the lives of others through prayer.
Transforming prayer takes us from self-centered, wish-list praying into a passionate pursuit of Jesus.
As we pursue intimacy with our Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit transforms our minds and reorders our priorities.
The Holy Spirit softens hearts, opens minds, and draws people into a relationship with Jesus.
Through prayer, God removes the blinders that keep people from seeing the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4). Prayer is foundational to any evangelism or mission effort.
Prayer, Fasting & Commitment
We regularly practice prayer and fasting within Global Disciples and with our partnering churches and programs.
On the first Friday of each month, our staff, leadership, and the programs we serve in 71 countries, are asked to fast and pray for the people and trainings affiliated with Global Disciples. It’s been our pattern now since we launched in 1996.
We facilitate prayer teams sent to areas with little Gospel witness that need spiritual breakthroughs. God has honored those intercessors as they stand in the gap on behalf of people isolated from the Good News of Jesus.
Prayer Transforms!
Some on our Global Disciples team set alarms on their phones for 9:38 A.M. and 9:38 P.M.—a reminder to ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers (Matthew 9:38). We ask for Jesus to fill us with his compassion for the lost.
In prayer, your lives and ours are transformed as we delight in being co-laborers with Christ in the mission to which we have been called together. What an honor! May we continue to grow in prayer and see God doing immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine for His glory (Ephesians 3:20).
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Jesus Christ is a central figure in Christianity. His mission on earth was to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and perform miracles to demonstrate his divinity. One of the most significant aspects of Jesus’ ministry was his willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Throughout the Bible, there are many notable moments where Jesus showed compassion, healing, and provision to those who came to him. These stories are important not only for their miraculous nature but also for the message they convey about the character of Jesus and his mission on earth.
a) Jesus Lends A Helping Hand And Heals a Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)
In Mark 2:1-12, Jesus heals a paralytic who is brought to him by his friends. The story takes place in Capernaum, where Jesus is preaching in a crowded house. The paralytic’s friends are unable to get him through the door, so they remove the roof and lower him down to Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus tells the paralytic that his sins are forgiven and then commands him to rise, take up his bed, and walk. The man is immediately healed and walks out of the house, to the amazement of the crowd.
This story is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates Jesus’ power to heal physical ailments. The paralytic had been unable to walk for a long time, and his healing was a miraculous event that showed the crowd that Jesus was not just an ordinary man. Second, it shows Jesus’ compassion for those who are suffering. He could have simply forgiven the man’s sins and left it at that, but he chose to heal him as well, showing that he cared about the man’s physical well-being as well as his spiritual health.
b) Jesus Lends A Helping Hand and Feeds the 5,000 (John 6:1-15)
In John 6:1-15, Jesus feeds a crowd of 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The story takes place near the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus is preaching to a large crowd. As the day wears on, the disciples become concerned that the people will be hungry and suggest that Jesus send them away to find food. Instead, Jesus tells them to gather what food they can find, and he blesses it and distributes it to the crowd. Everyone is able to eat their fill, and there are even leftovers.
This story is significant for several reasons. First, it shows Jesus’ generosity and provision. He could have sent the crowd away hungry, but instead, he chose to provide for them in a miraculous way. Second, it demonstrates Jesus’ supernatural power over nature. The fact that he was able to feed so many people with so little food is a miraculous event that shows his divinity. Finally, it shows the disciples that they can trust Jesus to provide for their needs, even in seemingly impossible situations.
c) Jesus Lends A Helping Hand And Calms the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus calms a storm that threatens to capsize the boat he and his disciples are in. The story takes place on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus and his disciples are crossing to the other side. Suddenly, a fierce storm arises, and the disciples become afraid for their lives. They wake Jesus, who rebukes the wind and the waves and commands them to be still. The storm immediately calms, and the disciples are amazed.
This story is significant for several reasons. By rebuking the storm, he demonstrates that he has power over even the world’s most chaotic and unpredictable elements. Second, it shows Jesus’ compassion for his disciples. He could have simply let them face the storm on their own, but instead, he chose to calm it and save their lives. Finally, it shows the disciples that they can trust Jesus even in the most frightening and uncertain situations.
d) Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)
The story of Blind Bartimaeus is a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ healing power and compassion. Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who cried out to Jesus for mercy as he passed by. Despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him, Bartimaeus persisted in his cries for help. Finally, Jesus called him over and asked him what he wanted. Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus then healed him, saying, “Go, your faith has healed you.”
The healing of Blind Bartimaeus was not only important for him but for the witnesses as well. They saw firsthand the power of Jesus’ compassion and faith. Jesus didn’t just heal Bartimaeus physically, but he also restored his dignity and sense of worth as a person. This healing also served as a reminder that Jesus came to heal and save all people, regardless of their social status or physical condition.
e) Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-44)
The story of Lazarus is one of the most well-known miracles of Jesus. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus, and when he fell ill and died, Jesus wept and then raised him from the dead. This miracle was important not only for Lazarus but also for his sisters and the mourners. They witnessed the power of Jesus’ love and compassion and saw that death was not the end.
The raising of Lazarus also foreshadowed Jesus’ own resurrection, which would come just a few days later. This miracle was a powerful reminder that Jesus had power over death and that he came to bring new life to all who believed in him.
f) Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17)
The story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is a powerful example of his humility and service to others. In this story, Jesus is preparing for the Last Supper with his disciples when he removes his outer robe, ties a towel around his waist, and begins washing their feet. Peter protests, but Jesus tells him that unless he allows Jesus to wash his feet, he has no part with him.
This act of service was important not only for the disciples but for all readers of the Bible. It was a reminder that Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and that true greatness comes from humility and service to others. This act also served as an example for his followers to follow and emulate.
Conclusion
The stories of Jesus lending a helping hand are significant for believers and non-believers alike. They show the compassion, love, and humility of Jesus, and they serve as a reminder of his mission to heal and save all people. These stories continue to inspire and guide believers today and serve as powerful witnesses to the truth of Jesus’ message. As we reflect on these stories, may we be inspired to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, serving and loving others with the same compassion and humility that he demonstrated.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are hoping to undergo Christian disciple training or are simply looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us find peace, clarity, and guidance. One prayer that is particularly helpful in times of uncertainty and change is acceptance. This prayer can help us surrender to Gods will and trust that everything will work out for our highest good.
In this article, we’ll explore the prayer of acceptance. And share some tips on how to use this prayer to find peace and surrender to the Gods will.
Understanding the Prayer of Acceptance
The prayer of acceptance helps us let go of our attachment to outcomes and surrender to Gods will.
The prayer of acceptance is not about giving up or resigning ourselves to our circumstances. Instead, it is about finding peace and trust amid uncertainty and change. We can let go of our fears and worries and trust that God will work everything out.
Examples of Acceptance Prayers from the Bible
The Bible provides many examples where God answers in the prayer of acceptance. In Psalm 37:5, David says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” This is a great example of prayer of acceptance.
In Luke 22:42, Jesus says, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
This is another great example of prayer of acceptance because it shows Jesus’ willingness to accept God’s will, no matter the cost.
Another great example can be found in Philippians 4:6-7.
Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Aging
Contrary to what our culture of marketing would have us believe, there is no anti-aging cure-all. Every day, we get older. On a positive note, as a Christian believer wisdom should increase with age.
Negative Emotions and Events
Life can be messy. Births, deaths, moves, divorce, breakups, job loss, being downsized, physical or mental restrictions, and being subjected to abuse. We are frequently left with no choice in many circumstances.
Denying, grieving, becoming angry, and resisting are all normal emotions. However, clinging to these negative emotions can only lead to more misery.
The Past
Romans 15:4 (NIV) states, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
The scripture tells us that we should not dwell on the past but learn from it. While it’s necessary to remember our beginnings, we cannot allow errors, mistreatment, or injuries to interfere with the here and now. Accept Gods grace and forgiveness and move forward.
Using the Prayer of Acceptance in Your Life
If you’re facing a difficult time or a significant change in your life, the prayer of acceptance can be a powerful tool to help you find peace and surrender to the divine will. Here are some tips on how to use this prayer in your life:
- Find a quiet, peaceful space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and take a few deep breaths to calm yourself.
- Begin by thanking God for all the blessings in your life. This can help shift your focus away from your worries and fears and help you cultivate a sense of gratitude and abundance.
- State your intention for the prayer of acceptance. This can be as simple as saying, “Lord I surrender and trust that everything will work out for my highest good.”
- Visualize yourself letting go of your fears and worries. Imagine yourself releasing them into the universe and surrendering to the divine will.
- Repeat the prayer of acceptance to yourself or out loud. This can be a simple prayer, such as “I accept what is, and I trust that everything is unfolding for my highest good.”
- Allow yourself to feel the peace and surrender that comes with the prayer of acceptance. Let go of any resistance or attachment to outcomes, and trust that everything will work out.
How to Deepen Your Practice–Tips to Remember
If you want to deepen your practice of the prayer of acceptance, here are some additional tips:
Practice Gratitude Regularly
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can help shift your focus away from your worries and fears and cultivate a sense of abundance and positivity. Take time each day to reflect on all the blessings in your life and express gratitude for them.
Be Mindful during Meditation
Mindfulness meditation can help you cultivate a sense of presence and awareness, which can help you let go of your attachment to outcomes and surrender to the divine will.
Journal about Your experiences with the Prayer of Acceptance
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you deepen your understanding of the prayer of blessing and reflect on how it impacts your life.
Seek Support from a Spiritual Community or Mentor
Connecting with others who share your beliefs and values can help you deepen your practice of the prayer of acceptance and find support and guidance on your spiritual journey.
Final Thoughts
The prayer of acceptance can help us find peace and surrender to Gods sovereign. We can find comfort amid uncertainty and change by letting go of our attachment to outcomes and trusting that everything is unfolding for our highest good. If you’re facing a difficult time or a significant change in your life, try using the prayer of acceptance to find peace and surrender to the divine will.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church.
Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today! You can also talk to us about prayers in the Bible for your peace and acceptance.
As disciples, we invest time in Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. These are all crucial elements in deepening our connection with God. However, there is another equally important aspect of discipleship that can sometimes be overlooked—our emotional well-being. Emotionally healthy discipleship combines both our spiritual and emotional growth. This creates a more holistic approach to developing as followers of Christ.
Global Disciples is committed to training leaders in least-reached communities to multiply disciples of Jesus Christ. And spread His Good News.
We must recognize the value of emotional health in nurturing strong, resilient disciples. People who can effectively navigate the challenges of life, both as individuals and as members of faith communities.
Emotionally healthy discipleship is an essential resource for spiritual development. It provides practical guidance and support in maintaining emotional balance while deepening our relationship with Jesus.
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of emotionally healthy discipleship. We’ll learn its importance in fostering spiritual growth, and practical strategies for cultivating emotional wellness within faith communities.
We can build healthy relationships, fostering resilience and stability while remaining deeply connected to God.
By adopting emotionally healthy discipleship practices, faith communities can become safe spaces for people to openly share their struggles. We can learn from one another, and grow closer to God. Investing in our emotional health allows for the development of authentic relationships and a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace
Components of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship
A well-rounded approach to discipleship must consider both the spiritual and emotional aspects of our relationships with God and one another. Emotionally healthy discipleship incorporates several key components such as:
Self-Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness is essential for emotionally healthy discipleship and requires an honest examination of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. As disciples, it’s important to acknowledge our emotions, understand the underlying factors that contribute to them, and recognize their impact on our relationship with God and others.
Developing emotional intelligence enables us to better manage our emotions, empathize with others, and communicate effectively. To cultivate emotional intelligence, invest in strengthening your ability to recognize and regulate your emotions, empathize with others, and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.
Healthy Boundaries
Maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for emotional well-being and strong relationships in faith communities. Boundaries protect us from emotional exhaustion and help us establish a balance between personal needs and our commitment to serve others.
Explore your boundaries by identifying areas where you might be overextending yourself or disregarding your emotional needs. Establish clear limits that honour your priorities, and ensure you are also respectful of the boundaries set by others.
Emotional Resilience
The development of emotional resilience is a vital aspect of emotionally healthy discipleship. Resilience helps us navigate difficult circumstances and maintain our emotional balance during times of stress, loss, or disappointment.
To build emotional resilience, focus on strengthening your faith and trust in God, seeking support from your faith community, and cultivating healthy coping mechanisms to handle challenges. Developing emotional resilience enables us to serve as effective witnesses for Christ, even in the face of adversity.
Authentic Community and Connection
Fostering authentic community and connection within faith communities provides an environment where disciples can share their struggles, vulnerabilities, and emotional challenges openly, without fear of judgment. This supportive atmosphere encourages growth, healing, and transformation, as well as increased empathy and understanding among believers.
Promote authentic connection by creating safe spaces that encourage open dialogue, active listening, and mutual support. Establishing an environment of trust and empathy will help your faith community build strong, life-giving relationships.
Strategies for Promoting Emotional Health in Faith Communities
Implementing emotionally healthy discipleship practices within your faith community requires intentionality, effort, and ongoing support. Here are some practical strategies for fostering emotional health among disciples:
1. Encourage Open Discussions About Emotional Health: Normalize conversations about emotions by regularly addressing these topics in sermons, Bible studies, and small group discussions. Highlight biblical examples of emotional vulnerability and encourage believers to share their experiences and feelings openly.
2. Incorporate Emotional Health into Leadership Training: Equip leaders with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary to prioritize emotional health within their ministries. Teach leaders to recognize signs of emotional distress and ensure they receive adequate support and training to navigate these challenges.
3. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources: Partner with professional mental health providers to offer support, counselling services, and educational resources that address common emotional challenges faced by disciples.
4. Establish Support Groups: Create safe spaces for individuals to come together and share their emotional struggles with like-minded believers. Support groups can provide an environment of understanding and mutual encouragement, fostering strong community bonds among disciples.
Cultivating an Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Culture
Emotionally healthy discipleship involves a commitment to nurturing the emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals within our faith communities. By prioritizing emotional health and implementing intentional strategies to promote emotional wellness, we can create an environment that supports the growth, healing, and transformation of believers.
As we cultivate an emotionally healthy discipleship culture, our faith communities become stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to navigate the complexities of life, all the while drawing closer to God and growing in spiritual maturity.
Conclusion
Emotionally healthy discipleship is essential for fostering spiritual growth and resilience within faith communities. By integrating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, healthy boundaries, emotional resilience, and authentic community connection into our discipleship practices, we create an environment conducive to emotional well-being and spiritual transformation.
By actively promoting emotional health and implementing practical strategies within our faith communities, we can support one another as we develop deep, authentic relationships, broadening our understanding of God’s love, grace, and truth and growing into resilient, effective witnesses for Christ in a challenging world. Emotionally healthy discipleship is not only a worthy goal but an essential component of a thriving, dynamic faith community committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
As followers of Jesus Christ, we know the power and importance of immersing ourselves in Scripture. The Bible is God’s living Word, His direct communication with us, and an endless source of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance. To make the most of our time spent reading the Bible, it is valuable to begin with prayer.
Its an intentional act that can help us prepare our hearts and minds to receive God’s teaching.
This blog post is designed to guide the benefits of prayer before reading the Bible.
We’ll also give practical advice and examples to help you connect and cultivate a receptive heart for God’s Word.
Global Disciples Canada is dedicated to training leaders living near least-reached communities to be disciples of Jesus Christ and share His Good News.
An essential aspect involves equipping believers with the tools and resources necessary to grow and deepen their faith.
We believe that prayerful engagement with the Bible can help transform lives, providing individuals with valuable insights into God’s character. And empowering them to serve as effective messengers of His love and truth.
When we approach the Bible with a prayerful attitude, we acknowledge our dependence on God. We actively engage our hearts and minds with the text, allowing it to take root and nourish our spirits. In doing so, we can better understand God’s message and discern how it applies to our unique circumstances. And ultimately we’ll see spiritual growth and ability to embody Christ’s teachings daily.
In the following sections, we will delve into the importance of prayer before reading the Bible. We’ll explore the benefits of this approach, and suggestions for crafting heartfelt prayers that will draw you closer to God.
These insights will enrich your understanding of God’s Word and enhance your experience with it.
The Significance of Prayer Before Reading the Bible
Prayer is a crucial element of the Christian faith, serving as our direct line of communication with God. When we pray before reading the Bible, we prepare ourselves spiritually and mentally to receive God’s teachings. Praying before study allows us to:
1. Invite the Holy Spirit: Invite the Holy Spirit to join us in our study and help us understand His message.
2. Acknowledge our Dependence: Humility is essential to our spiritual growth. Through prayer, we acknowledge our need for God’s wisdom, grace, and direction. We recognize that we cannot fully comprehend His Word without His help.
3. Cultivate an Open Heart: Prayer lets us quiet our minds and focus our thoughts.
Sample Prayers for Opening Your Heart to Scripture
Consider incorporating one or more of the following elements into your daily invocation:
1. Acknowledge God’s Presence: Begin your prayer by greeting God and acknowledging His presence with you. Express your gratitude for His loving guidance and the opportunity to study His Word.
Example: “Heavenly Father, I thank You for this opportunity to spend time in Your Word and for Your loving presence that surrounds me as I read.”
2. Ask for Discernment and Understanding: Request that the Holy Spirit fills you with wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you read, enabling you to interpret the text accurately and apply its teachings to your life.
Example: “Lord, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would take the lead as I study these Scriptures, granting me discernment and understanding so that I may glean the wisdom that You have for me.”
3. Express a Desire for Transformation: Affirm your desire for God’s teachings to effect positive change in your life, shaping your thoughts, actions, and relationships in alignment with His will.
Example: “God, I ask that Your Word would be like a seed planted deeply within my heart, taking root and transforming my thoughts, actions, and relationships, so that I may be a living reflection of Your love and grace.”
4. Pray for Others: In addition to personal growth, Bible study also enables us to offer support, guidance, and encouragement to those around us. End your prayer with a petition for God’s wisdom and guidance in your interactions and relationships with others.
Example: “Father, as I grow in my understanding of Your Word, equip me with the tools and wisdom needed to be a beacon of Your truth to those around me. Help me to live out Your teachings in all aspects of my life.”
Incorporating Scripture Verses into Your Prayers
To further deepen your prayer life and enhance your connection to God’s Word, consider incorporating relevant Scripture verses into your prayers. By including passages from the Bible, you reaffirm the divine authority and power of these words, allowing them to impact your mind and heart in a profound way. Below are some Scripture verses that can be integrated into your pre-reading prayers:
1. Psalm 119:18 – “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”
2. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
3. John 16:13 – “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
Creating a Habit of Prayerful Bible Study
To make the most of your time spent in God’s Word, aim to establish a daily routine that combines both prayer and Bible study. Dedicate a specific time and place for your devotional activities, engaging with Scripture and prayer in a focused and intentional manner. As you deepen your connection with God through these daily practices, you will find that your faith, understanding, and spiritual growth are significantly enriched.
The Power of Prayerful Bible Study
Prayer before reading the Bible is an essential practice for cultivating a receptive and open heart to God’s teachings. Through prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to guide us in our study, acknowledge our dependence on God, and express our desire for personal transformation.
Using sample prayers, incorporating Scripture verses, and establishing a daily habit of prayerful Bible study, we can experience growth in our faith, develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word, and lead lives profoundly impacted by His love and truth. Feel free to visit Global Disciples Canada’s website today.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near to reach least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet, Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
A Biblical Vision of Worship
The prophet Isaiah had a vision of worship in heaven. In Isaiah 6 we read:
“Th seraphim called to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah was convicted of his sin. “Woe to me!…For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” A seraph touched his lips with a coal, cleansing his sin and guilt.
Then Isaiah overhears a conversation in the heavenlies—the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” Isaiah replied, “Here am I! Send me!”
When we come to the Lord in fervent worship and seeking prayer, we draw close to His heart, just like Isaiah did.
We experience healing and transformation. God will give us His burden for the lost and His commissioning and empowerment to go.
A fresh emphasis on worship.
Three years ago, we at Global Disciples felt the Lord leading us to initiate a fresh emphasis on worship.
Many newly-planted churches wanted to understand how to worship. So, we created regional training days where carefully selected worship leaders gather with our regional staff. Our goal was to multiply a movement of trained worship leaders who are sound in character and, anointed by the Holy Spirit. We wanted to give them skills to lead and equip others in fervent, anointed worship.
Over four days, we explored what it means to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23)
We minister within the local cultural context and language. We teach worship leaders to write songs based on scripture. And we teach them and to train others too .
We look at what the Bible says about praise and worship. Then we seek the Holy Spirit’s anointing to lead others into God’s presence. Isn’t that what we all long for? To be in His presence, to enter into the Holy of Holies, to find grace, forgiveness, healing, and life.
Worship leader training in the DRC.
In many regions, worship leaders immediately go and train other worship leaders. In December in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we held a powerful worship leader training event.
This group has hosted six self funded worship leader trainings since then!
Volunteer-led Worship Leader Trainings also took place in Brazil, Zambia, Malawi, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Kenya, Zambia, Rwanda, India, and Nepal.
People have been healed filled with the Holy Spirit at these training days, with people committing their lives to Jesus too.
A woman walking by a church in Kenya heard the worship, came inside, and immediately surrendered her life to Jesus because she encountered God’s presence.
At Global Disciples, we want to go deeper in fervent worship, to better know our incredible God whose great love propels us into His mission for the lost.
–Tim Bentch, Global Disciples Worship Leader
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective training and coaching strategy, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Repentance is changing the mind and heart regarding a past action or attitude and turning away from it in favor of a more righteous path.
It typically involves an acknowledgment of wrongdoing, regret for that wrongdoing, and a commitment to avoid similar actions in the future.
But where can we find out more about repentance in the Bible?
In this blog, we’ll explore 5 Bible verses about repentance that every Christian should know.
1. James 1:14
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”
We all face temptation, whether to do something wrong or something we know isn’t good for us. The verse reminds us that temptation is a part of life but that we have the power to resist it.
Each of us must sincerely desire to change our hearts and minds about our past actions and attitudes. We must be willing to acknowledge our mistakes, admit our guilt, and ask forgiveness from our gracious God.
It’s worth reminding ourselves that temptation can come in many forms. It can be anything from a desire for money, power, or fame to an urge to do something wrong or harmful. With the help of God, we can stay on the path of righteousness and lead a life of faith and obedience.
Whatever your desires are saying to you today, know that you have a savior whose love is greater than the temptation you are facing. He WILL give you a way out!
2. James 4:17
“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is a sin.”
The verse reminds us that it’s not enough to know what is right and wrong. We must act on our knowledge and do what is good.
As Christians, we must use the knowledge and understanding we have been given to further God’s plan and do what is just in HIS eyes. This verse is a reminder to pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s prompting & to look out for opportunities to do good wherever we can. We must use our knowledge to further God’s plan and do
3. Ecclesiastes 7
“A good name is better than precious ointment…”
We’re living in a day when reputations can be inflated and created overnight. With the rise in social media and celebrities seemingly everywhere, its tempting to think that building a good name can be done instantly. But scripture reminds us that building a life of legacy & impact takes persistence and hard work. And it takes time.
Let’s not be in a rush to win the popularity stakes and forget that Jesus is looking for the “perfume” of obedience and integrity.
4. Ecclesiastes 7:20
“For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.
Nobody is perfect. Even the bible admits that! No matter how hard we try, no one can live a life free of sin. Therefore, we aim to live life fully with the best intentions.
The truth of this statement is sobering, but it’s also important to remember that it doesn’t mean we should give up on trying to be good people. Instead, it reminds us that we should strive to improve and learn from our mistakes, and rely on the grace of God to continue to perfect us until we are all that He created us to be.
5. Psalm 51:5
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and my mother conceived me in sin.”
The verse is a reminder that sin is a part of the human condition. We are all born with an inclination toward sin and wrongdoing, reminding us to recognize and confront our sinful nature.
It also serves as a reminder that even though we may have been born into sin, we can still make positive choices and pursue a life of righteousness. We must be willing to recognize our faults and seek forgiveness for our sins to be reconciled to God.
What Does Repentance Look Like?
a. Recognize Mistakes
The first step in repentance is recognizing our wrongs and accepting responsibility for them. It means acknowledging that our actions, words, or thoughts were wrong and that we are accountable for our behaviour.
b. Accept Consequences
We must be willing to accept the consequences of our actions and be honest about our mistakes. We must also be ready to forgive ourselves and move on. The second step in repentance is to make amends, which means doing what we can to repair any harm caused by our actions.
c. Make Amends
We must be willing to apologize, make restitution, and take whatever steps are necessary to rectify the situation. It also involves being willing to forgive others and asking for forgiveness in return. The final step in repentance is to commit to doing better in the future.
Why Should People Repent?
We each should repent because it is a way to restore relationships and heal hurt feelings. It is also a way of recognizing that we are all imperfect and that mistakes happen. Repentance can help us learn from our mistakes, grow as individuals, and become better people.
Finally, repentance can help us build a stronger relationship with God by acknowledging our wrongdoings and seeking His forgiveness. Repentance should fuel people to become better and commit fewer mistakes as possible moving forward.
A Prayer of Repentance
Here’s a prayer of repentance that you can pray today:
“Heavenly Father, I come to you to ask for forgiveness. For things, I have done wrong through neglect or weakness or even wilfully. For the things I have neglected to do & the opportunities, I have missed. Thank You that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I can be forgiven. So I receive your forgiveness right now. Help me today to walk in the power of Your Spirit. In your Sons precious Name. Amen”
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
As Global Disciples helps equip people to share the Good News of Jesus with those who have not yet heard it, we often hear stories that sound like a page ripped from the New Testament.
In fact, when this story came from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), it sounded like the account of Simon, the magician in Samaria, in Acts 8.
A Magician Named Bauma Meets A Greater Power
Lets read about a magician named Bauma. He was described as a “dangerous witch doctor for 20 years.” A group of disciple-makers, trained through a Global Disciples partner program in DR Congo, came to Bauma’s community to preach the Gospel of Jesus.
Bauma wanted to test them. So, as they preached publicly, he sent evil spirits against them to block them and any miracles they may try to do.
Consequently, after the preaching, Bauma saw that—in spite of his best efforts—many people received Christ as their Savior!
So, he went to the disciple-makers and said, “You people! I see that your power is stronger than mine. Tell me what kind of power is able to block mine from top to bottom?”
The disciple-makers answered, “Our unique power is the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Bauma Meets The Lord
Stunned, Bauma said, “I need your Lord too.” Wasting no time, he dropped to his knees. The disciples laid hands on him and prayed with him. And Bauma, the witch doctor, received Christ as his Lord and Savior. His life was changed and redeemed in that moment.
But the Lord wasn’t finished yet.
The disciple-makers met a woman who’d been unable to walk for three years. She heard the Gospel and put her faith in Christ for salvation. When the team prayed for her, the Lord delivered her and she was able to walk again!
A week later, in conversation with Bauma the ex-witchdoctor, they discovered he had been the one to curse this woman. God released them both from the bondage of Satan’s power, and gave them healing and freedom.
There is no God like our God; no power greater than the life-changing, freedom-giving power of Jesus Christ. And He invites us to join Him in sharing this Good News to people who so desperately need it.
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
Tripura was raised in a Hindu family in South Asia—along with his two brothers and a sister.
When he first heard the Gospel from a local pastor, Tripura put his faith in Jesus Christ. That Good News has changed his life!
His pastor connected Tripura to a local discipleship-mission training started with the help of Global Disciples.
Tripura said, “This training was very important for me to experience Jesus in my heart. And it was a wonderful privilege to share the Word of God with least-reached people.”
During outreach, Tripura was part of a team that went to share the Good News of Jesus in several villages where there was no Christian presence or knowledge of the Gospel. He was part of leading 4 people to faith in Christ and helping to baptize them.
Sharing New Life In His Village
In one village, Tripura and his team came up against a spiritual battle. He said, “We felt that an evil spirit was working there. The people worshiped idols and one girl was captive to a demonic spirit. The local witch and magician had tried to help her, but they failed.”
The pastor of the team told the girl’s family that he and Tripura and the others could pray for the girl—that in the name of Jesus, she could be set free! So, her father gave them permission to pray.
Tripura said that after praying, the girl was unconscious…and they were afraid! “But we put our faith in Jesus Christ. And after a few minutes, she woke up and asked for food. She was delivered. I thank God for that! She and her father accepted Christ—and two neighbors saw this and they also put their faith in Jesus!”
Sharing The Good News Leads To Life Change
Not only has his life changed, but Tripura is now helping others find new life and spiritual freedom in Jesus Christ. He is eager to continue sharing the Good News of Jesus.
Tripura said, “Please pray for me, that God may help me to be useful in His glorious Kingdom!”
Will you pray for Tripura, and the thousands like him who are taking the message of Jesus to those who are waiting to hear it for the first time?
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!
With great excitement, Obed said, “God’s vision, and my vision too, is to see each and every person have the opportunity to choose and follow Jesus! It’s on my mind when I pray, when I sleep, when I’m awake. I always ask God to help me share with others.”
As Global Disciples, that’s our vision too.
In fact, Obed is one of the church leaders we equipped to develop and direct discipleship-mission training in his home country of Rwanda. He embraced the vision with enthusiasm.
Obed continued, “Since I started training disciple-makers, I’ve seen a great transformation.
Obed Embraces The Vision
In the first year, we trained 15 disciple-makers and 270 people came to faith in Christ during our outreach. In the second year, 14 were trained, and another 200 people came to Christ. This year, so far, we’ve seen 150 people come to Christ.”
Obed says, “It’s not the same as other trainings—it changes our lives!”
He talked about meeting a witch doctor who had 2 wives, and 6 children. But because of his witchcraft, five of his children had died, and then one wife left him. His only living son had gone mad, he was running around naked. While the boy’s mother refused to let Obed and his team talk to the witch doctor, but a neighbor introduced them.
Obed Shares The Good News
Obed said, “We told the witch doctor we had heard of his troubles, and we came with Good News. He had heard the Gospel but feared that if he turned to Jesus, the evil spirits would destroy him.” The witch doctor mentioned a shrine and said that if the Christians would burn it, and he wasn’t harmed, then he would put his faith in Jesus.
Obed said, “So we burned the shrine, God healed his son, and the man came to Christ. And as a result, many others also chose to follow Jesus!”
No wonder Obed is so passionate about sharing the Gospel and fulfilling this mission. He’s seeing lives transformed by Jesus Christ and disciples multiplied every day.
First posted on https://globaldisciples.org/get-to-know-us/about-us/blog/
Global Disciples Canada is a Christian mission organization that trains local leaders living near least-reached communities to multiply disciples for Christ. One-third of our world hasn’t heard the Good News of Jesus. Yet. Global Disciples refers to these as “least-reached” people, and fewer than 10% of all missionaries work among these groups. We live in a time where many of these people are within reach of a local church. Through our simple and effective strategy of training and coaching, believers share the Gospel in their own nations and cultures. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations,” and we’re committed to doing just that. If you are looking for a Christian mission organization to partner with to become a better disciple and help make disciples, connect with us today!