Who is God placing on my impact list?

It’s a question I don’t re-ask nearly often enough.

“Life in Jesus moves us intentionally and passionately into the lives of our friends and neighbors, incarnating the missional heartbeat of God. As we listen to God, we discern which friend the Lord might be leading us to reach by proclaiming the Good News about Jesus. We will also rely on God to show us who we can support and teach as they follow Jesus.” –Life Mark Assessment

So, who is on your impact list?

Who has God placed in your life that seems open to a deeper relationship with you?

Who is ready?

Who is willing?

Who can you intentionally spend more time with?

A few weeks ago, we read Paul writing in his letter to the Romans that:

My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.    -Romans 9:2-3

His heart burned for his people, though he had been sent to the Gentiles.  My heart doesn’t often burn for my neighbors, or even for those in my family who don’t follow Jesus.  God has certainly placed me around my neighbors, and at least relationally with my family.

But do I intentionally spend time with them?

We’re approaching a new school year, and with that, some relational circles might shift for you.  Neighbors who were around all summer may go to different schools.  People you have been hanging around with may be involved in different sports.  With a new sport, or being around school more often, you will likely be around some different people.

Look for who you are around more often, and who might be interested in hanging out more regularly.

Pray for them by name, and ask for discernment, that God would show you who should be on your impact list.

And as you are intentionally spending time with people, ask that God would open doors in their heart and in communication, that you would be able to share about Jesus, whom you know, and love, and loves you and your friend more than we can imagine.

If Paul’s heart burns, imagine God’s heart.

Dear God, make our hearts burn for those who don’t know you yet, like your heart does.  Show us the people you are placing in our path, show us who is open, and who we should be more intentional about spending time with.  God, work on their hearts and ours, give us the words to speak when we are given the chance to share about you.  Heavenly Father, as you send us into the harvest, work through us to send out even more.  Amen

Be the catalyst in your home and in your neighborhood, and see what God does.

What are you doing?  What are you noticing?  Please let me know in the comments or via email: [email protected]