January 2, 2023

This Week's Teaching | Prayers

Click image to watch

This Week's Teaching: Three Investments that Will Change Your Life

I believe that if you commit to sowing these three investments this year, they will reap greater love, joy, and peace in your life. Now, to be clear, these aren't "the gospel," but they are "of the kingdom." What I mean is, you won't find these three things commanded in scripture. But you can find them bearing good fruit in the lives of people who take them seriously. And "by their fruit you will recognize them."

When Paul was giving counsel about something in 1 Corinthians 7, he was careful to clarify which was the Lord's command and which was his own judgment. He said, "The Lord, not I," and "I, not the Lord." But he also said with confidence that he was speaking as one who by God's mercy was trustworthy.

​I hope you hear this in the same way. If I speak with any authority in this week's teaching, it's the authority of God's wisdom, even if not with his direct command. And I believe that, by God's mercy, the counsel is trustworthy. You will do well to make these three investments. 

I'll let the video explain the details, but the three investments are as follows:

1. Daily Scripture
2. Microchurch
3. Spiritual Direction

If you're already part of our X242 network, you're already doing the second investment. If you're not yet in a microchurch, do it! You will not regret it! And especially if you also do the first and third.

Blessings for 2023!

---

Prayers

Pray for the ministry of X242. Pray that in 2023 we are able to minister the gospel in new communities through the planting and encouragement of new microchurches. Specifically, pray for God to move in the following states where I believe there is a credible interest. Pray that a door to effective ministry would be opened, and that we would be positioned to respond well to it.

1. Arizona
2. Florida
3. Indiana
4. Kansas
5. New York
6. North Carolina
7. Ohio
8. Oregon
9. Pennsylvania
10. Tennessee
11. Virginia
12. Washington
13. Wisconsin

​
Also remember those among us who are sick and in need. May it be said of us that "there were no needy persons among them." In fact, already this week we've been able to help a widow with her pressing need. James 1:27 in action.

Amen!