Dear DSI Brothers,
A happy and blessed New Year to you from all of us at Global Advance!
I pray this will be your most fruitful, most fulfilling year yet serving Jesus. May we choose today that, by God’s grace and His enabling Spirit, we will walk in sync with His will for each of our lives. Let’s resolve to put Jesus first in everything this year, even though persecution will likely intensify. May we love the triune God more and know His love more this year than ever.
May we make wise, biblically-informed choices this year. May we forgive those who have wronged us and “bless those who curse us” (Matthew 5:44). After all, unforgiveness is like a ball and chain, limiting our forward progress. Unforgiveness carries its own sentence – it forces our point of reference for life to be in the past rather than in the present and the future.
May we be evangelistic people, lovingly sharing the Good News of Christ. May we be hopeful people, contending in faith-filled prayer for a mighty spiritual awakening. With our arms wrapped firmly around today’s opportunities, at the same time may we be “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
When David Livingstone applied for missionary service, he was asked where he would be willing to go. Livingstone replied, “Anywhere, provided it be forward.” This year, let’s go with Jesus wherever He leads. Without question, that will be forward!
"'On to victory! On to victory!'
Cries our great Commander, ‘On!’
We’ll move at His command
We’ll soon possess the land
Through loyalty, loyalty,
Yes, loyalty to Christ!"
–- Elijah T. Cassel
Gratefully redeemed,
David Shibley
A WORD FOR THE MOMENT / Warren Weirsbe
“Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.”
FOR PRAYER
Persecution is increasing across the globe. Violence against Christians is becoming a daily event in India. Al Shabaab has conducted violent attacks in northern Kenya, and northern Nigeria is very dangerous for the believer. Brazil has just sworn in a president who is not a friend of the gospel. Pray that believers all over the world would shine more brightly than ever in these dark and dangerous times.
As we begin this year and bear in mind the words of Dr. Shibley, let us pray for the grace to move forward into the future without the weight of missed opportunities, our own shortcomings, or any unforgiveness in our hearts. Brothers, pray for grace – the Divine enabling to live righteously and accomplish all He has called us to.
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