Missions Pulse episode 39: Jimmy Shaw

You don’t have to be Billy Graham to share. The Gospel, volunteerism is not biblical; obedience is, a long obedience in the same direction, responding to the need with compassion, and giving God a chance to move mightily through you

Missions Pulse 039: Jimmy Shaw

1024 576 David Joannes

On this episode of Missions Pulse, David Joannes interviews Jimmy Shaw, founder of Project Doxa, an organization committed to pioneering Gospel partnerships and equipping ministers and missionaries in strategic locations around the globe.

Jimmy shares enlightening thoughts about a long obedience in the same direction, faithfulness to God’s call, short-term mission trips in Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and a score of other countries.

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A lot of Christians have a fear of sharing the Gospel. You don’t have to be Billy Graham to step out of your comfort zone. But you do have a role to play in shining the light of the Gospel. Small steps of obedience reveal the glory of God in remarkable ways.

Jimmy Shaw that there’s a difference between volunteerism and obedience. The Bible does not present us with volunteerism. In the famous words of Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered but a command to be obeyed.” We don’t think through that grid very often. “Many people think that missions is optional,” Jimmy says. But we have a responsibility to obey the commands of Jesus to “go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.”

Eugene Peterson, the interpreter of The Message Bible, wrote a book titled A Long Obedience in the Same Direction. That theme is a powerful one for Jimmy Shaw. He recently became a runner and has seen the metaphor first hand. He accepts the reality of where he is. He prepares himself for painfully slow incremental progress. The race is a daily one but God’s grace is always there through the process.

We are so trapped in the dimensions of space and time. But God sees beyond this realm. The process of transformation is the process of discipleship. God is great at laying the groundwork and framework for the advent of His Kingdom. Things might not make sense now, but your life affects eternity.

Is your posture one that says, I will respond to the needs around me in the same way that Jesus responded? The needs of the world stare us in the face all the time. How do we respond to such needs with the compassion of Jesus? When you reflect on what it means to receive grace you can give grace easier.

We’re always looking at other peoples’ lives, thinking, Yea, it must be nice. We always think the grass is greener on their side. We don’t see the same breakthroughs or miracles or meaningful experiences that they see. But Here’s the catch: Are we giving God the right to do what He wants? Are we poised and ready in the perfect position for Him to use us in remarkable ways too?

 

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Have you ever wondered what makes a missionary tick? What are the underlying motivations of those who cross cultural, geographical, and linguistic boundaries for the sake of Jesus Christ? What compels them to take such extreme measures and why do their actions still inspire Christians worldwide? In The Mind of a Missionary, David Joannes challenges you to find your role in God’s glorious Kingdom narrative. He draws upon history, psychology, life experience, and powerful storytelling to reshape your perception of God’s unique plan for your life. Purchase this book at Amazon today.

 

Links mentioned in the show:

https://www.projectdoxa.com/