Live Dead Joy: 30 Days of Living and Dying with JesusSample

“Abiding for Others”

The best thing we can do in church planting among unreached people is to abide in Jesus. This is true whether we are a minister or a mother or a follower of Jesus who desires to make disciples. When we “stand before God for the people” (Ex. 18:19), we do more for those we seek to bless than any other frenetic activity or ministry on their behalf. Extravagant daily time with Jesus—in His Word and in His presence through prayer—is the single most productive thing we can do. It is the most effective way to bless others.

Moses was worn weary by the demands of life and ministry. His father-in-law, Jethro, told him something similar to what Jesus told Martha and everyone like her, “You are distracted with much serving, but one thing is needed” (Luke 40:40–42). When we stand before God for the people, several important things happen: (1) Those we lead and serve learn to rely on God for themselves; (2) Jesus gives us the wisdom for the “hard cases” (Ex. 18:26); and (3) we do not burn out but are able to endure (18:23). The long-term well-being of both ourselves and our disciples is predicated on our daily abiding—standing before the Lord for the people. When we abide with Jesus, we bless others.

A restored soul (Ps. 23:3) results from continually abiding in the house of the Lord (v. 6). Restored souls do not fall into sin or depression. A passion for holiness is only supported and sustained by a disciplined process of abiding. It is not emotion that keeps us pure, nor is it unrefined desire that keeps us from sin. Only the disciplined rhythm of a life consecrated to be with God morning by morning, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year—continually standing before God—keeps us from falling. We position ourselves for God’s protection by giving Him extravagant time each day. When this becomes our daily practice and priority, it is not only “the people” who are blessed—we, too, are preserved and sustained. Abiding in Jesus is the primary way we survive and thrive.

Praying for the Unreached:

Kashmiri Muslims of India

7,151,000

0.0% Evangelical

Plead that the Kashmiri will understand that hope for forgiveness and acceptance with God is only available through Jesus’ work on the cross (1 Corinthians 1:18).