Global 40 Days of Prayer: Devotional: Day 13

DEVOTIONAL DAY 13 AUGUST 18, 2013 Intention: Half a billion Muslims in Greater Central Asia (between Turkey and China) are desperate to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.  How long do they have to wait? Scripture: Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." (John 20:20-23 NIV) Reflection: Today people are afraid to go to the really tough places as missionaries-to places that are in the news every day.  Places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and all the countries ending with ... 'stan'.  Humanly speaking it is understandable, but take a close look at what Jesus said to his disciples: 1.  Jesus met his disciples after He rose from the dead.  They rejoiced at seeing him, but were also clearly concerned.   Jesus quiets their spirits with "Peace be with you." 2.  They along with us are to be sent out in the same manner as the Father sent Jesus to earth-also to a rather dangerous place-so Jesus is sending us. 3.  We are not sent alone. Jesus breathed upon them and gave them the Holy Spirit. So it is with us too. 4. Most people stop with verse 22, but Jesus goes on to say something absolutely startling in verse 23. "If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." It sounds like Jesus is giving us the power to determine whose sins are forgiven!  It is true. Because Christians are not going to the tough mission fields of Central Asia, everyday Muslim's die in their sins.  We get to decide whether their sins are forgiven or not by simply staying home or ignoring what Jesus said about the church sending workers. Prayer: Dear Lord, please forgive us for being afraid of speaking to Muslims around us or not going to the Muslim world when you call us to go. We dedicate our life to you to use us however you wish. Thrust out more workers for the harvest of souls in the hard places of the world. Amen.   Continue in prayer using the 4 prayer points as the Lord leads you.  Four Prayer points:    *Pray for a worldwide outpouring of the Holy Spirit for revival and transformation of the nations of the world.   *Pray for a billion people to find Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. *Pray for an end to abortion and for God to turn back the tide of death and immorality that is sweeping the nations of the world. *Pray for a multiplication of prayer, praise and worship to God across the world as never before, to bring great glory to God. Today's devotional courtesy of: J Michael Johnson International Director of PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL serving the peoples of Central Asia  www.peopleintl.org E-mail me See us at: www.Dayofrepentance.org  STAY IN TOUCH