Read the following Bible verse several times:

Romans 9:1-4a
“I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites”

Having read this verse several times, what is God saying to you?

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Answer these questions:
In these verses Paul is talking about his burden for the Jewish people, who have rejected Jesus as the Messiah and Savior. How does he describe:

• His burden for them?
• What he would be willing to have happen to himself if it would mean their salvation?

He writes that he would accept being “accursed”, which means being “separated from Christ” if it would guarantee the salvation of the Jewish people. What are you willing to give up so others can be saved?

After answering these questions, write or verbalize a personal prayer to God.

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Praying for our church:
We are seeking God’s wisdom for dealing with five specific challenges our church is facing.
Today please pray for God’s wisdom in dealing with the following challenge.

• How do we direct more of our resources (people, time, money, events, ministries) to evangelistic efforts that target those in our community who are unchurched and could be assimilated into our family of faith?

Praying for our Capital Campaign:

• Ask God to give us (including yourself) a burden for the lost that is so heavy we are willing to make great sacrifices for evangelism and church growth.
• Ask God to help us (including yourself) love lost people more than we love ourselves.
• Ask God to help us (including yourself) to love lost people more than we like money.