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Local MissionsFest
Daily Devotions for March 3-7
"And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8b
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We are serious about reaching the world--both globally and locally. Yesterday, you heard about God's heart for the broken. You also learned about some of the ways WBC is reaching the world living in the PRD (the People's Republic of DuPage). We hope you were inspired Sunday and that these devotionals continue to speak to your heart about how you can join what God is doing in our communities.
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MONDAY, March 3
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The book of Isaiah tells of God allowing Israel's destruction. The demise happens because of the Israelites' disobedience. In Isaiah 58, God speaks to the people about where they went wrong. Read Isaiah 58:5-7.
The Israelites fasted to demonstrate their dependence on God. How does God describe the kind of fasting the people did?
How does He describe the kind of fasting He wants in verses 6 and 7?
To God, prayer is not enough on its own. God expects action as well. What kind of action does God ask of us?
What about you? Is praying, going to church and reading your Bible simply a ritual? Or, is it combined with God-inspired action?
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TUESDAY, March 4
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Yesterday we looked at Isaiah 58:5-7. God expects more than religious ritual. That is important, but without action it does not mean much to God.
Read Isaiah 58:8-11. How does our action, combined with prayer, Scripture reading and worship, bring God glory? How does our witness to the world grow? What are God's promises to us?
Do we want to see God's light shine through us? If we do, then feeding the hungry, providing shelter and bringing justice to DuPage County should be important to us. As you read through the Local Impact brochure from Sunday's bulletin, are there some ways in which you hear God calling you to get involved? Do you know of some other needs close to you, perhaps in your neighborhood or workplace, where you could act?
Spend the rest of your time today praying God would open your eyes to new ways you might serve. You will be amazed at what He shows you.
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WEDNESDAY, March 5
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Read Deuteronomy 10:17-18. Who does the Lord take care of? What does He do for them?
How do you think He does this? Does food and clothing just appear for those who need it? Will those who do not have shelter suddenly find a place to live?
Read Deuteronomy 10:19. Who does God use to take care of the alien? God has always wanted us to take care of the aliens, and the poor. As Christians, we are God's people, and He has always wanted His people to do act in His name.
Where are the aliens living among you? Do you know of some children who are fatherless and need help? Are there widows near you who could use an extra hand? These are the people close to God's heart.
Pray that God would show you who to help this week.
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THURSDAY, March 6
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Read Matthew 28:19-20.
Jesus reminds the people in His day about God's commands in a previous day. Jesus has commanded us to go out into the world. We are to be His messengers and His hands and feet.
How can we proclaim God's promises? Who in your life badly needs to hear about Christ's love for him? Spend some time praying for this person(s) right now.
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FRIDAY, March 7
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This week we have read about God's heart for the needy--the hungry, poor, alien, widowed, fatherless and homeless. God wants us to act. It starts with a small step; perhaps spending a day of service at CareFest on May 3 (you can sign up for that at the end of March) or going to an enter:mission (the next one is March 15--sign up online today). There are many other opportunities. Look through the new Local Impact brochure.
Pray that God will show you new opportunities to bring light to the PRD. Read through John 15. How can we be obedient to God by loving each other? If we can learn to love each other, we can learn to love those who don't yet know Jesus.
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Chris McElwee
Local Impact Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
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