Built for Mission

As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared in white robes! They said, “You Galileans, why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly and mysteriously as he left.” So they left the mountain called Olives and returned to Jerusalem. It was a little over half a mile. They went to the upper room they had been using as a meeting place: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James. They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:9-14 MSGFaithfulness to God’s mission should mark the life of a person who has given their heart to Him. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV1) Connected Together we are a formidable force and a strong witness for God and the beauty of His family on Mission.All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NLT2) AccountableReal conversations before a decision is made is the kind of accountability God calls us to. Take good counsel and accept correction, that’s the way to live wisely and well. We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD’s purpose prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 MSGLoyalty is Godly, but surrounding yourself with people who will empowering unwise or broken decision making can devastating to you and God’s mission.  Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18 NLTIf you have no real accountability in your life, or you only have a Nathan, then you’re likely to end up with a Bathsheba. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. James 3:17 NLT3) Focused Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him. Genesis 7:5 NLTIf your priority list for living comes from any source besides God’s word and will, your gonna miss on mission.4) HopefulBut those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLTMy hope is based on my confidence in God’s leading and faithfulness. 5) Fruitful Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:2 ESVThe life of the faithful will always bear fruit, even in times of drought and difficulty!