Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

After the Resurrection Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples. Even with His physical presence, some doubted.

How often do we experience the presence of the Lord and we too doubt. When we are in the presence of the one true God we should be awestruck. We should know the Lord is worthy to be glorified. We should worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth. We are called to raise our voices to the Lord; we are called to lift our hands and praise the Lord; we are called to dance before the Lord. We should be filled by the Holy Spirit with exuberance and joy.

The Year 2007 may not have been the best of years for you. But always remember, our trials will lead us back to God, to His mercy and strength. Our trials push us to grow in the Lord and make us better disciples. As a disciple we are called to reach the lost; to go fishing for men, women and children. If I’m going fishing I need the right bait and lures. I need to cast my net upon the waters. God could send people directly in to the Church.

However, often is the case that we are called to not just sit in our pews, but to go out and reach our neighbors, friends, relatives, co-workers and others to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to them.

We are called to teach obedience to the Lord. Always a reminder if we ourselves are obeying everything the Lord has commanded us to do. Discipline stems from the word disciple. I must be an imitator of Christ. My behavior, actions, attitudes and tongue must reflect and be modeled after Jesus. There is no other name but the name of Jesus. Even when it is difficult we must be obedient. It is pastors, elders and church leaders who provide the example-to go out from the “synagogue” just as Jesus did and seek and save the lost.

It’s great to have bible studies and prayer meetings, but from these we are all called, actually commanded to say “Yes Lord” and to go forth by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is always with us “to the very end of the age.” Jesus is with us through the trials and tribulations.

When we pass through “raging waters” Jesus is there; when we go through the “fire” Jesus is there.

Keep going forward in Christ. Know that you are covered by the righteousness of the Lord; know that you are protected by the Lord. Be willing to say and do whatever the Lord is calling you to do!

Get past yourself and make disciples of people. Don’t worry about your needs, for we are blessed by the Lord whether we are in surplus or whether we are in need. The Lord is our provider and he is calling us to “baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Believe in The Lord Jesus and you will be saved.” Now go out and teach, reach and save the Lost. Amen.