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When Your Family is Your Mission Field

4/10/2015

17 Comments

 
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Right before Jesus ascended to heaven, He commissioned His disciples to share the Good News.  He promised them that they would receive “power” to witness.  Shortly after, the Holy Spirit descended upon them on the Day of Pentecost, and we see the disciples beginning to walk in the truth of this promise.

Today, are you walking in the reality of this promise?  Do you read that passage and think, “Wow, look at what God did there in the book of Acts,” and then close your Bible and doubt that will ever happen in your life?

Are you scared to share? 

Maybe you are like me. You didn’t grow up in a home where the Bible sat on the coffee table.  Maybe when you started walking with Christ the people closest to you didn’t respond with joy, but instead wondered if you had become a bit of a Jesus freak. 

The fact is that I am a Jesus freak.  Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and because of Him, I have forgiveness and healing and peace.  If I am going to be freak about anything, it’s going to be about  the Savior who gave it all and then conquered sin and death because He loved me so much. 

I also have the power of the resurrected Christ abiding inside me.  I don’t need to fear what my family will say if I share the Gospel with them.  I need to surrender my weakness to my God and ask Him to help me to speak the Truth in love. 

If your family is your mission field, you must

  • Live authentically – Your love for Jesus might be the only Bible they will read.

  • Pray fervently – Don’t ever give up interceding for your family.  Fight for their salvation on your knees.

  • Share your story – Ask God for windows of opportunity to share your conversion story with your loved ones.  Write out your story in advance (keep it concise!), memorize it, and practice sharing it with someone you trust so that you are ready if /when the opportunity arises.

  • Invite them in – Use the gift of hospitality and open up your home to your family.  Invite them to your church’s Christmas program.  Share resources like books, devotionals, and blog posts with them that point them toward God’s plan of redemption. 

Recently, I had a sweet older relative who became very ill.   Her health had declined slowly over a three year period after a cancer diagnosis.  We visited her in the hospital and prayed for her healing.  I called her daily and told her we were praying.  We purchased her a Bible as a Christmas present.   I spoke to her gently about the importance of making her peace with God and asking for forgiveness of sins. 

Ten days before she passed away, I had a divine appointment with her in her hospital room.  We prayed on our way to the hospital for a chance to speak with her again about where she stood with God, and when we arrived at the hospital, I had a sweet fifteen minute window alone with her before the rest of the family arrived.  

My aunt assured me that she was ready to meet the Lord, and that she was praying every day on her own.  She seemed incredibly at peace about her destiny, and I believe that right now she is in heaven rejoicing in the presence of her Savior. 

My prayer for you as you read this article is that you will not allow fear to keep you from fulfilling your calling to be a witness.  May you be strong in the power of the Lord and rely on His mighty strength for the work. 

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About Lyli

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Lyli Dunbar loves teaching.  For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room.  She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on her personal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.

Sharing this over at these awesome blogs

17 Comments
Amanda Jones link
4/10/2015 06:29:18 am

Amen and Amen, what a great article!

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/12/2015 06:21:36 am

Thanks, Amanda. Go boldly, sister! :)

Reply
Karen
4/10/2015 08:00:14 am

Amen! I live a life kinda like this! Thanks for the great article/

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/12/2015 06:23:06 am

Thanks, Karen. It's good to know that we are walking this road together -- that gives me courage. Blessings :)

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Beth link
4/13/2015 12:29:45 am

I'm so glad you had that brief window of time to talk to your relative before she died, Lyli. What an amazing gift you were a part of--ushering her into the kingdom of God! I'm glad you're a "Jesus Freak!" That's the only kind of freak to be!

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/14/2015 12:54:24 am

Beth, I know that you are praying for several of your family members. Praying with you today. Blessings

Reply
OIlsAccording2Meredith link
4/13/2015 07:40:18 am

Hi! What a great post. I shared your post on Twitter and G+. I think it is a concept that brings honor and value to SAHMs like me. I consider my family and marriage my first ministries. They are my priority so it makes total sense that I'd stay home and focus on them. God has blessed our family greatly so I can only assume I'm fulfilling his will for my life in this season. Blessings to you~

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/14/2015 12:53:35 am

Meredith, thanks for sharing this article. May the Lord give you great wisdom and favor as you raise your littles for His glory.

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Kristin Hill Taylor link
4/13/2015 09:18:46 am

Oh, Lyli - thank you for sharing this. I became a Christian in high school and most of my family members still aren't Christians. I had a sweet experience with my mom over Easter weekend when she went to church with my little family of four because she wanted (in her own words) "to experience something different" from the Catholic church she goes to out of obligation. I pray the something different is God moving in her life and she opens herself up to relationship with Jesus. Your post encouraged me to keep doing what I can do but let God do what only he can do. Thank you for that. xoxo

(I'm really glad I linked up next to you at SDG!)

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/14/2015 12:51:02 am

Praying for your sweet mama, Kristin! Hugs

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Cathy link
4/13/2015 12:57:08 pm

Beautiful post. We can do so many little things to share Christ. Love your ideas. I often share books with others who may not be open to talking about the Lord. It's a blessing to be able to do these small things. Wonderful to hear about your aunt being ready to meet the Lord as well. God bless. : )

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/14/2015 12:52:28 am

Yes, we have given Rick Warren's book Purpose Driven Life to several family members. It's such a great book, and it walks right through the Gospel and discipleship step by step.

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Pamela link
4/14/2015 03:54:27 am

My eyes filled with tears when I read about your aunt. And I was convicted thinking about missed opportunities. I was raised with the Bible on the coffee table (and read every day) yet still there are those who have chosen a different way. You've encouraged me to be in tune to the divine appointments God gives to me.

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/17/2015 06:55:53 am

I always beat myself up about missed opportunities, but then I remember that God is working in ways that I cannot see -- I am praying daily for my loves. Someone else might lead them to Jesus, but I am fighting on my knees.

Reply
dawn link
4/14/2015 03:57:49 am

Thank you for these encouraging words. This is a practical, beautiful post about being missional in our own homes. Visiting from #RaRalinkup

Reply
Lyli @ 3dlessons4life.com link
4/17/2015 06:54:19 am

Thanks for stopping by to cheer for us as we love our families to Jesus, Dawn.

Reply
Lisa Smith link
4/20/2015 08:23:39 am

Lyli, thank you for this encouragement!!!

Reply



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  • Home
    • Ministry Resources for Women >
      • Beholding Him Freebie
    • Contributors
    • Statement of Faith
  • Blog
    • Ministry >
      • Evangelism {Win}
      • Discipleship {Build}
      • Living Missionally {Send}
    • God's Word >
      • Bible Study
      • Prayer
      • Devotionals
      • Bible Studies
      • Apologetics
    • Relationships >
      • Marriage
      • Singleness
      • Dating
      • Family
      • Friendship
    • World >
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Internet & Social Media
      • Politics
      • International
      • Science Revealing God
    • Life >
      • Image & Idenity
      • Health
      • Fashion
      • Food
      • Organization
  • Bible Study Resources
  • Prints
  • Stickers
  • Quiet Time Journals
  • Courses
    • Discover God's Calling
    • Women's Ministry Training Promo
    • How to Study the Bible
    • Women's Ministry Training Course
    • Growing in Your Faith Mini Course
  • Retreat
  • Video Bible Studies
    • Matthew
    • John
    • Galatians
    • Philippians
    • Know your Purpose
    • Creation Reveals
    • Ministry
    • Heart Growth
  • You Are Unshaken Book
    • Unshaken Groups
    • You Are Unshaken Launch Team
    • You Are Unshaken Paint Party
    • Unshaken Freebies
  • Shop