4 Seasons "This Week" Missions
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 (NKJV)
Purposeful actions that encourage individual, spiritual, relational, and ministry growth in all areas of life,
creating a meaningful and lasting impact on both you and those around you.
Mission #1-The Time Capsule
Psalm 77:11 I will remember the works of the LORD:
surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
This week, ask the Lord to help you plan to preserve what He teaches you. Some people like to journal in a notebook, online, or on their cell phone. Some prefer drawing, painting, and photography. Some are blessed with a great memory for recall. Ask for guidance to create a simple time capsule to preserve your insights. Perhaps limit yourself to two or three sentences a day or a story each week. If you are prolific, then by all means, record every day!
Mission #2-Neighborhood Watch Prayer Warrior
Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
This week, walk around your block and pray for your neighbors as you pass their home. Perhaps you know their needs or you do not. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how to pray for them. You can walk past their home slowly as you pray. You might even pause to pray in front of their house. You can maintain your pace and pray as you go. Consider a neighborhood watch prayer walk several times during the week. Your neighbors will be blessed by your vigilance.
Mission #3-Non-Birthday Celebration
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
This week, ask the Lord whom He would like you to celebrate. It need not be their birthday, anniversary, or other special event. Ask God for insight and reminders of His gifts in their life. Will you call them, send a card, text, or invite them to share a cup of coffee with you? However you choose to communicate with them, encourage and inspire that special person by celebrating how their gift has blessed you.
Mission #4-Intentional Prayer Pause
Daniel 6:10 (excerpt) …And in his [Daniel’s] upper room, with
his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees
three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his
God as was his custom …
This week, incorporate intentional pauses in your day to focus on prayer and thanksgiving to your God. The prophet Daniel intentionally prayed three times in a day, morning-noon-night. Even if it is for five brief minutes, when we bow our knee to talk with God and offer Him the sincere love and honor due to Him, we will certainly experience Him. He may remind us of a scripture, impress our mind or heart with a thought, give us an instruction, show us an insight.
Mission #5-"Praise the Lord" Psalms
Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
This week, focus on some of the multiple reasons to praise the Lord! Begin each day by reading one or more of the “Praise the Lord” Psalms in your Bible. Suggestions include Psalm 111, 112, 113, 117, 135, 146-150. Explore in each chapter a personal application; be intentional to praise the Lord for His help and promise contained within the scripture. Write the verse on an index card or as a note in your phone and review it throughout the day, pausing to praise!
Mission #6-Plan to Smile
Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
This week, think about your story and the goodness of the Lord you have experienced. Find a scripture in the Bible that speaks specifically about your gratitude and joy in being God’s beloved child. Let the joy of the Lord shine forth. Plan to smile. Purposely smile while alone (check yourself in your mirror) and smile when you are around others. Your smile may open a door of opportunity to speak a “God bless you” to someone or simply may lift their day.
Mission #7-Reactions and Truth
Psalm 25:5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.
This week, consider your internal and external reaction to conflict. We long for peace in our world, relationships, homes, communities. Sadly, it is not always so. Our reaction may be angry combativeness or an unhealthy yielding to obtain peace at any price. God wants His truth and strategy settled in our soul. Ponder and apply these scriptures. Submit to God’s instructions. Isaiah 54:17, Ephesians 6:11-13, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, James 4:7, 1 John 5:4-5.
Mission #8-A Few Free Hours
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
This week, think about your family or those you consider family. Is there a specific need they may have that you can offer your assistance? Might they need help clearing out a garden or need a ride to an appointment? Perhaps they have worked long hours and a pre-cooked meal would bless them. Without overstepping, you may simply say “I have a few free hours this week, I’d love to help you with something. When is your best day?” Serve them as to the Lord!
Mission #9-“Shhh…” Yourself
Proverbs 27:9 Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
This week, watch for an opportunity to ”actively listen” to someone.
A beautiful young woman followed an instruction from the Lord. When hearing another person’s story or concern, she intentionally began to place her index finger over her own mouth, reminding herself to be quiet and simply listen. She is now a compassionate and focused listener who rarely has the need to cover her own mouth. This week listen more than you speak. Ask questions and identify expressed needs. Perhaps if you have a special scripture, share it. Make note of a specific need mentioned and meet their need from your storehouse.