Examining Service

When you’re asked to get involved in a service project, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Is it “SURE, I’d Love to,” or is it one of these three things:

- I Don’t have Time
- Someone else will volunteer
-OR-
- That’s Not what I do

Many of us revert to an early Moses or Jacob mentality, where we find ourselves fighting against God when it comes to service. We focus on our short comings to give us excuses not to make an effort. But if we look at the later actions of Moses and Jacob, we can see the convicting impact of all they did in our faith. So what’s the difference between these pillars of our faith and little old us?

In one word: Nothing

They were just as human as we are, had the same insecurities, same doubts, same worries, so how did they do it?

Well the church answer is faith, but we can break it down further into:

Reliance
Trust
-AND-
Prayer

Reliance, that God will provide the time and the opportunity to make an impact for God, and when I say impact that doesn’t have to mean the Hiroshima of revivals. But can often mean many small acts of faith putting a dent in the barriers that surround us.

Then there is trusting, that God values and will work through your efforts. At church on Sundays, I get so encouraged by a gentleman that sets up our pastor’s chair, table, and laptop. He is doing something so simple, most of us have no idea who he is, and yet he is instrumental to our pastor’s message. I know at times I would be lost without my notes or laptop, and I’m sure Pastor Gregg would say the same. So God works in that man every Sunday, and can do the same in you on a daily basis if you are willing.

And the last piece is Prayer, to ask and listen to His Guidance in our outward steps of Faith. EPH6:18 says , “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests with this in mind, Be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.
I hope you make the effort to pray in your daily lives.

God will give each of us the courage, ability, and often the energy to step out in service. We just need to be aware of the needs that surround us and be willing to step away from our insecurities.

I encourage you to examine your attitude toward service and the needs of the people in your lives. Because, if Moses never made the effort to examine the burning bush, our faith and our world could be in a different place.



Which of the three excuses do you struggle with? (You can answer with more than one)


What does that say about your reliance, trust, and/or prayer relationship with God?


Who encourages you the most in the act of service?



Other encouraging verses:
Ephesians 4:16
Romans 13:11-13
Philippians 4:13
Mark 12:41-44

Do you want a Donut?

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christensen, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christensen taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christensen tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christensen had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christensen asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him. "How many push-ups can you do?" Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christensen said. "Do you think you could do 300?"
Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christensen.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christensen said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the BIG, extra fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls.

Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the year, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christensen's class.

Dr. Christensen went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christensen then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?" "Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christensen put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christensen then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?" Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christensen asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups! , Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christensen came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?" Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?" Dr. Christensen said, "No, Steve has to do them." Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christensen shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?" With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups. Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christensen said, "Look! this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down . You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christensen started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christensen asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?" Sternly, Jenny said, "No." Then Dr. Christensen asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say
"No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christensen asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christensen started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christensen went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.> Steve asked Dr Christensen, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christensen thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christensen went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come." Professor Christensen said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?" Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christensen said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?" Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut." "Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?" Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christensen finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christensen went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"; Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you." Professor Christensen quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr Christensen turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?" Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christensen, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christensen, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task, and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work.

Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?" As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christensen turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into Thy hands I commend My spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid." "Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

Frugality is the Mother of Virtue?

Engraved in the façade of a building I see on my commute is the above statement. It struck me as an interesting saying to be on a bank building, but then I got to thinking about it and that’s a pretty sad little motto.

If virtue and purity come from money then why are the rich in the trashy headlines the most? Someone’s in rehab, someone’s caught drunk driving, so on and so forth. The very fact that the rich (in some cases) are not virtuous is how the papers make their money. SO how can we rephrase this statement?

COMPASSION is the mother of virtue
TRUTH is the mother of virtue
KINDNESS, SELF CONTROLL, insert any fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) and virtue, joy, grace, and righteousness result.

May you be rich in truth, hope, and make the source known, Jesus Christ!

Gethsemane

When I read or hear the Easter story one portion sticks to my heart and brings tears to my eyes; Jesus’ prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.

Have you ever been to Gethsemane? Not the actual garden in Israel, but the place Christ’s heart was on that night? The name Gethsemane means ‘oil press’ a place of squeezing oil from the olives. A place where ones soul is pushed, crushed, and pressed to its breaking point.
On the night Christ went to the garden he knew Judas had betrayed him, he knew Caiaphas would send him to Pilot, he knew the Roman guards would mock and torture him, he knew his own people would choose to free a murder over him, he knew how heavy the cross was, he knew every rock and stumbling point on the path to Golgotha, he knew how his body would ache for breath on the cross, he knew the bitterness of vinegar, and yet in those moments he prayed for YOU!

‘…I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.’ –John 17:23-24

He prayed for your hearts, for your life and for your soul. In the midst of the pain that would come his unending love made his heart long for you to know him. To know his love, and his desires for you.

It is heartbreaking and encouraging to know in Christ’s last breaths and final moments he was thinking of YOU!

“Father forgive them, they know not what they do.” –Luke 23:34

No matter how long you have been a Christian the time comes that we turn from God, if only for a moment, or one choice decision, but to go to Gesthemane and be broken and pressed with Christ is to know his heart was for you, and for all God’s children. Do not be afraid to be pressed on all sides, for Christ is the restorer, the forgiver, and the lover of our souls.

Launching Pad or Parking Lot?

Which would you say represents your walk with Christ? The sit and wait of a parking lot, or the passion and excitement of the launch pad?

Have you ever had an interview or a meeting to go to where you found yourself scared to get out of your car? So you sit there in you car waiting for the chance to get out of why you’re there. The rapture is about to happen or maybe they’ll call and cancel at the last minute, so you won’t have to get out of your car.

Probably something we can all relate to, but does it represent your faith too? Does fear rule your faith and hinder the passion and blessings God has for you?

Christianity can be a scary thing. The expectation of being perfect, and that every unbeliever is watching you. It’s pretty intimidating, BUT those are not the expectations of you but the expectations of God with you. God is the only one, who’s perfect, and we are still human, Christian or not, so mistakes and slip ups will happen. But it’s the faith and hope we find in God that separates us from everyone else. And this is something that is bigger than your sedan or suburban. So get of the car and out on the launch pad.

Now what does life entail on the launch pad. Does that mean I have to sell everything I own and rush off to the remotest spot in Africa or Indonesia? Well no, it means being ready to serve and be active in your faith.

When N.A.S.A. says they are going to have a launch, months upon months are spent in preparing before the shuttle even gets to the launch pad. Those preparations are for you to grow in your knowledge of God’s word and strengthen your prayer life and faith. Just thinking about launching into a lifestyle of love, forgiveness, kindness, self control is exciting, even if the ship never enters the final count down.

I encourage you to make your Christian walk like the N.A.S.A. space launch prep. You are meant to step our and serve the world in small or big ways so get out of the parking lot and embrace the passion and excitement of faith. This ain’t no spectator sport. J

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

SPRING CLEANING

Guess what ladies and gentlemen, it’s MARCH!!! And what comes in March? SPRING, you got it.

I always find it humorous that when spring comes around we feel the need to shake off the old and get into the new. We clean out closets, actually do a thorough cleaning job, and work on the landscape in the yard, just to make everything as fresh as the season.

And why do we do this every spring or so? Well when it’s all done, and the clutter is gone we get this feeling of great achievement. But how long does it last? Maybe a month, a week, a day. The clutter will return, and we will look forward to the next time we spring clean, because of that same feeling.

But what about spring cleaning your heart?

Have you ever thought about digging through bad attitudes, pessimism, fears, doubts, and bitterness to start fresh with God? Most of the time I don’t even realize when I’m holding on to those dangerous feelings. And yes these and many others are dangerous cause the cause us to push away from our reliance on God. They are the awkward moments in a friendship/relationship that you don’t know which way this is going to go.

If you take the time to sit down and talk to God about what’s going on in your mind and heart, HE WILL LISTEN! Can you imagine what kind of feeling would come with that kind of spring cleaning?

I find it invigorating, convicting, inspiring, and a relief to work through those things holding my faith back. A chance to step forward hand in hand with God to be affective for his Kingdom, the goal of all our Christian walks.

Have you ever thought about it that way? The goal of your life as a Christian is to know God, worship God, and spread God’s word.

I encourage you to take the time to spring clean your heart, and evaluate your relationship with God. It will be a humbling experience, but the peace that comes with holding tight to Christ is better than when you’re house has experienced spring cleaning.

I’m in a Box!

Who defines you the world, yourself, or God


If I were to ask you, who are you, what would be your answer? Would you pull out your driver’s license and read off your name, address, height, weight, date of birth and eye color? Or would you start to tell me about your family and your job?

Granted all these things tell me about parts of you, but it doesn’t tell me who you are. It is a troubling thing to try to define ourselves, because we often look to how the world wishes to place us in boxes to answer such a question.

It is humorous to jump on My Space or other blog websites and see the listings under ones profile. They want to know if you are single or married, if you have children or don’t have children, if you are educated or uneducated. These and many more are the labels we place on people, so that we may set them in a box, a stereotype, or a self made ideal of who this person may or may not be. It truly doesn’t seem fair, for these things are only a glimpse of who we are.

One box of the world cannot contain you, for you can be the doctor, the church-goer, and the mom or dad. But we often hold these individual titles so close to our hearts that when any of them change or are taken away we loose ourselves to the world. Doubt and depression sink in for we are hopeless without a box or title to define us. We struggle to regain ourselves to fit back in a box in order to feel valued in our society, but why when all these categories can be taken away.

Daily in the news, our neighborhood, and nuclear families we see things change. Laws and standards are changed with each passing year. Layoffs and lotteries change a person and those they care for. So why do we hold to these boxes to define ourselves? Why do we give these definitions so much value when we are told that “we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).

I know this seems like a depressing thought, but it’s not if your heart is in God’s box. Yes I’ve just told you not to place yourself in a box, but the difference is you can define yourself in this box. You don’t have to divide your time between the doctor box, the church-goer box, and the parent box. Christianity can be you definition.

If I were to walk up to you on the street and say I am a Christian, you would already know so much about me. You would know about my integrity, the condition of my heart, that I spend time in God’s word, and follow the example and teachings of Christ. Granted I’m not perfect, but you would know the standards I hold myself too. The standards in which I live, work, play, and hope to stand before God and hear him say, “well done good and faithful servant.”(Matthew 25:21)

What an amazing thing to hold that banner high, and know that your profession, your service, and your family can be part of Christ. And no matter the changes in your job, marital status, family size, or income you know who you are. You can take comfort in the God that knew you from before you were conceived. The God that knows your heart, your talents, your passions, your needs and concerns. He values every part of you. For no matter how we might choose to change the definition of ourselves, God does not change.

So in some ways God is what art portrays him as, an old man. An old man stuck in his ways, stubborn, knowing his way is the best way. Wanting you to grow strong, remember his stories and his love for you. God wants to be your definition above all things, so that he can bless your heart and draw you close in his arms.

If I were to ask you now, who are you, what would be your answer? Would you shout at the top of your lungs that you are a child of God? Or does the box of Christianity seem scary and unattainable?

But there is good news. The ‘Box’ of Christianity does not hold perfect people. It holds those that know they mess up, know they are a sinful people, and know if they repent they will be forgiven. It’s not an unattainable box, just one that requires you to sacrifice the things of this world for the blessings God can provide. And trust me he can overflow the box.
© 2007

A.C.T.S.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. –Philippians 4:6

In the last few weeks I seem to be surrounded by messages, sermons, and bible studies that highlight prayer. This is no coincident. There is a lot going on in my life right now, and the one place I need to go is often the last place I find myself; on my knees in prayer.

I am often amazed by the people in my life that are able to go straight to prayer without a tantrum or frustration. Though I’ve been a Christian for fourteen years now, going to God in prayer is a hard thing for me to do. It requires a level of faith that I have a hard time achieving on a daily basis. Sure I pray daily, but often I don’t take that time seriously. It is just a routine, an obligation to my faith, and that is what has shocked me about my prayer life in the last few weeks.

It’s amazing to look back over my life and see God pushing me to my knees. Not with happy moments at first, but a spinal disease, seizures, bad college grades, and persistent job loss have been the events to break down my stubborn and willful self. And each time, when I have no hope left, God lifts me out of it through amazing times of prayer. It was those times that I’m broken into so many little pieces that I felt so in tune with God.

OUCH! You know that realization really hurts a bit. Why can’t I be at that point of faith constantly? I can’t even imagine what amazing things that would do for my relationships, faith, and my writing. I think part of it is laziness, or the way my minds runs off on tangents in the most inopportune moments. But it is something I need to change, now.

How is your prayer life? Have you taken the time to evaluate your conversations with God? Take the time to have a real heart to heart with Him. Go past the superficial layers of prayer to the prayers, petitions and thanksgivings of you heart. He longs to hear you speak to him intimately so you can be at a place to hear his words for you life.

If prayer is a struggle for you, and you don’t know where to start of what to say, maybe this acronym will help.
Adoration – Praise God for who he is!
Confession – Tell God about the struggles and sins that have crossed your path
Thanksgiving- Thank God for all the things he has provided for you
Supplication- Let God know what is on your heart

This is not a perfect formula for prayer, because prayer is a personal thing between you and God. But this acronym is a way to get started. Take the time this week to sit down with God, get on your knees even, and don’t be afraid to shed a few tears. God will be there to lift you head and dry your tears with his loving hands.


Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for who you are, and the infinite patience you give to us daily. Your grace and love is never ending, and falls to your children no matter where our hearts often stray. Lord I ask for you to revel to our hearts the importance of prayer, and give us the faith and submission to come to our knees. Let our hearts be refreshed and encourage by time in your presence Lord, may prayer become our addiction and something we long for in our daily lives. Shed blessings and encouragement on your children, oh Lord. Amen.

Soul Ice Cream

A man took his children to a restaurant.

His six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.As they bowed their heads he said, "God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, the family heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"

Hearing this, his son burst into tears and asked, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?"As the man held his son and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at the young boy and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.""Really?" the boy asked."Cross my heart," the man replied.Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."

Naturally, the father bought his kids ice cream at the end of the meal. The son stared at his for a moment, and then did something the family will remember the rest of their lives.

The boy picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already."

The JOLT

Sin will take you farther than you ever thought you’d stray
Sin will leave you so lost, you’ll never find your way
Sin will keep you longer than you ever thought you’d stay
Sin will cost you more than you ever thought you’d pay!
-Anonymous


It takes a few times reading through this poem to feel the weight of its words. And the truth of what is says hurts a lot. Sin is one of those inevitable cycles we find ourselves in. We try to be a good person, but in the end we mess up somehow. We try and try in our own strength to conquer this sinful nature. Sadly there is no way for us to win on our own.

"...Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

But thankfully God’s love and mercy has given us a way to escape the cycles and pitfalls of sin through belief in the death and resurrection of Christ. Now this is one of those group hug moments that we all feel warm and fuzzy, but our belief in Christ doesn’t stop us from succumbing to the trappings of this world.

We are suppose to lead our lives after the example of Christ so that we may know that sin does not own our lives, but that doesn’t mean Satan won’t try to win you back to his team. Christianity doesn’t end the temptations of sin but it does give us great hope in Christ. For Christ washed away our sins, and made a way for us to approach the throne of grace with a repentant heart.

Even Christ was tempted in the desert. He spent forty days and nights in the wilderness with no food. Now I know how I am if I just skip breakfast, so I can guess that when Satan said turn this rock into bread Christ’s human stomach said, oh yeah, we can do that I’m starving. And how did Christ combat the temptation? He fought it with his knowledge of the word and character of God. And we can do the same in our own walks. God will never ask us to do anything that is against his laws or character, so the more we know and study God’s word we will be better equipped to fight off those temptations that seem to fall in a grey area. There are no grey areas with God.

Be encouraged that Christ defeated sin, and if you hold him in your heart and strengthen you mind in his words then he will be the one fighting two steps ahead of you in the war against temptation.

May you be Blessed and Encouraged!

THE SUNDAY JOLT- Vol. 6

This satellite photo amazed and almost scared me.

It you think about all the lights all over the world it is a beautiful picture, but then lets take a spiritual look at it too. If all the illuminated areas of the map were showing all the Christians in the world I see the picture differently.
If the lights are Christians than the darkness on the map is all the unsaved souls in our world. All the people that do not know the love of Christ. That takes up a lot more space than the light sadly enough.

Now I know a few cynics are saying well not all of those dark areas are inhabited. And to you I say, that is why this is an illustration and not fact. ;) But put the doubts aside and think of who you were before Christ, and how he changed your world. And then think that there are millions out there without that peace. Without that love.
Examine your hearts and life. Send your prayers to those men and women who are out there spreading the word of God. I have family in Cameroon, and to hear their stories is a great revelation of faith.

I am not say for all of us to take the next fight to the middle of nowhere. God has placed a mission’s opportunity before you whether you know it or not. There are hundreds of missionary organizations that need monetary support, and then there are the people you see on a daily basis.

They are you missionary field. It may not seem as daring or dangerous as China, or Cameroon, but facing the people that you see daily with the truth of Christ can be just as challenging and rewarding as catching a trip to the far ends of the earth.

Examine your heart for mission and pray to have the opportunity to share the love Christ gave to you.

The Sunday JOLT vol.5

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16

I know this is one of those over quoted verses in the Bible that people have come to the point of dismissing the meaning and passion behind them. But in this week of Valentines’ it was the first verse on the subject of love to pop in my head.

I know that your thinking why not the Love is… verse in first Corinthians? While 1Corinthians 13:4-7 is an amazing verse about love I believe that it turns back to this verse in John chapter three. Paul lists out the qualities of love as a reference of how to show the love of God, and it is amazing to think that God embodies all those things when it comes to us.

God is patient. Thank goodness because I know I’ve deserved a few lightening bolts here and there. And for God to know all our thoughts, actions, and motivations and still remain patient reveals a new level of his grace and mercy.

God is kind. In reading through Exodus and first and second Samuel the wrath of God is so evident that is hard to see him as kind. But even through the discipline he dished out, he always turned back to help them rebuild and move forward. To think of how many times we have taken his kindness in vain, and that he still wants to hold us tight in his arms.

Everything listed as a quality of love is part of the character of God. Because HE IS LOVE. He is the creator of love. The definer of love, and he knows your heart deeper than your significant other, and longs to lavish you with blessings and strengthen you heart

His ultimate show of love for us was the death and resurrection of his Son. This was a promise fulfilled, so that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. So that we can have an intimate relationship with him without the trappings of traditions. What an amazing Valentines gift given every morning, every evening, and with every breath. All that is required of us is to turn our hearts to him daily, and share the love he gives unto us to those that surround us daily.
May his love be revealed to you all this week and carried through the rest of your lives.

Be Blessed and Encouraged.

Define Your Christianity

Many times the biggest struggle for Christian teens is when they make the jump from High School to College. Over 50% of church-going teens fall out of faith when they step out on their own.

Why is that?

Well a lot of it has to do with teens not understanding or calling Christianity their own. Often parents have the good intention to take their kids to church every Sunday, and often in the teenage years it turns to dragging them to church. But just going to church doesn’t ensure the strength of faith one needs before going off on their own. Because if the parent is the instigator of faith when the parent is absent from the picture in a college situation the teens give up because the motivator isn’t there to ‘make’ them go.

So what’s the solution?

Teens need to learn to call Christianity there own, not just follow the trends or the pushing of their parents. And this is where a good strong youth group comes in. Teens are full of questions about their world, and the same should be true for Christianity. Pastors, and Youth directors should fuel and encourage the questions of their youth. Because that is the only way they are going to learn what their faith actually means to them, and the life ahead of them.

Knowing what the Bible says and what Christianity stands for is the only way to combat the trappings of our world. In Ephesians 6:10-18 is the famous ‘armor of God’ verse. Which includes:
· The belt of truth
· The breastplate of righteousness
· Feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
· The shield of faith
· The helmet of salvation
· The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Can you see it? The only active weapon we are equipped with is the word of GOD. And with any weapon you have to be trained in how to use it, and this training should begin at the very moment kids/teen/adults pray to receive Christ. That is when we sign on to be a part of the army of God, and if we aren’t trained and shown the faith and pride that comes with being a part of Kingdom warriors it is easier to defect and return to the calls and trappings of the world that surrounds us.

With anything you choose to believe you need to know as much as you can about it so that you can speak that faith to others, and feel strong along the battle lines.

If you look at the men and women of the United States armed forces you will see a trend of people getting tattoos of their company or outfit, etc. It is amazing to see that we want to ware the pride and commitment of being a soldier for all to see. The same is true in the army of God, but our tattoo is branded on our heart. Christ enthroned in our hearts is the symbol we bare to the world in our actions and words.

Are you branded for God? Do you wonder how to fight the world that surrounds you as a teen? Check out the website below, and know we are fighting for you, praying for you, and here to encourage you.

http://www.battlecry.com/

The Sunday JOLT vol.3

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”- James 1:5

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”- Matthew 7:8

The verses above are two that seem to frustrate many people of faith. We are told over and over to pray, ask God for the wants and needs in our life. When we don’t see a dramatic answer we think God isn’t listening, or is punishing us. But have you considered that you are asking the wrong question?

Because God is always listening, ready, and willing to share his love and provision for you. Granted if you ask to win a million dollars because the bank account is at 29 cents, and God doesn’t dish out the exact amount doesn’t mean he doesn’t care or know about the bills that will be coming next week.

God is an amazing, and knows your needs. He also knows the best way to help you and encourage you to grow closer to him. If it would benefit your faith and reliance on God to get a millions dollars, God would make that happen. But many times it is the process of climbing out of the ‘pit of despair’ on the strength of God is life altering, and of greater joy than money on a silver platter. You may be saying nope the silver platter would be better, but just listen to yourself for a moment. Don’t you sound like a kid not getting what they want? But when this situation came up in your younger years, your parents had the wisdom to help groom your character and perseverance. It’s the same with God. He knows best, and will do nothing to harm you.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your path straight.” –Prov. 3:5-6

But this doesn’t mean don’t ask. In God’s amazing wisdom he knew we, in our sinful nature, would struggle with pride. And in asking God in prayer we submit ourselves humbly before him to show willingness for his help, his aid, and his provision.

I know I struggled greatly with asking for help, control freak that I am, and that struggle affects my prayer life often. But it’s when I come before him broken, and wanting his glory in all things that I am able to see God work in amazing ways.

Try it. Try asking without agenda, without expectation, but with a heart for God’s will and glory, and see what he does inside your heart and in your life. It is a condition of the heart to ask for help, and great reward is waiting for those who put aside their pride and openly accept God’s will and promises for our lives.

May you be blessed and encouraged

TWEENY TIMES vol.2

This is one of my favorite pictures, because what you see in yourself is how you portray yourself to the rest of the world.
Your heart, your passion, your words and actions speak more of who you are than what is in the mirror.

And in Christ you have been given power. Power from the Holy Spirit and this isn’t earthly power like that of Donald Trump and Hollywood starlets, but a power and peace to know who you are. You are a child of GOD. That is who you are, and in that is your purpose.

Just that knowledge is worth so much more than anything in this world. If you took a poll of the wealth of the world you would see that it doesn’t out weigh those without money. But if you look closely at those of faith that are without earthly wealth; happiness and fulfillment still remain, because of who they are in GOD. They know and are content on their knowledge that it is GOD who provides, and GOD who saves, and GOD who loves them for who they are.

That is an amazing encouragement. We serve an awesome GOD. If you’re searching to find who you are in this world I encourage you to post a comment, and maybe together we can encourage and support one another in a world that thinks it can do without GOD

The Sunday JOLT -1/22

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”-Roman’s 15:5-6

Wow what a statement! Wow what a challenge!

I think this verse shows us the hardest parts of being a Christian; standing together for the Glory of GOD. My heart aches and trembles when people ask me what religion I am and expect Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, etc. My answer remains, Christian. Our own humanity has chopped up Christianity into little pieces that discredit one another and confuse non-believers to no end. It even confuses and frustrates me from time to time.
So what did Paul mean by a Spirit of unity?

He didn’t mean let’s all get together and agree with one another no matter what. But no matter the denomination we cling to, we shouldn’t discredit others that also hold to the truth of the Bible. The words of our mouths and the actions of our hands should magnify God.

I’m sure most of you remember Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I am from Houston, Texas so many of the victims of this storm found themselves on Houston soil. I had the opportunity to volunteer with Operation Compassion. An organization put together in the aftermath of Katrina by many churches and denominations throughout Houston. Let me tell you that was an amazing feeling. To see and be a part of God’s church moving as one body under the umbrella of Christianity instead of denomination-clicks.

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free…” [Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, etc.] -1 Corinthians 12:12-13

We all fall under the umbrella of CHRISTIAN that should be our marker, our banner to the entire world. That is what defines us, CHRIST. His body, his blood, his resurrection.
If we hold to that standard, and it’s not an easy one, then can you imagine what a force we would be in the spirit of unity all for the glory of GOD.

May you be blessed and encouraged!

The Sunday JOLT:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. –Romans 15:4

So how relevant is a book written just less than two thousand years ago. Well if we go by book sales, the Bible, year after year is on the best seller list, and has been for centuries. There are about one hundred million copies sold every year, in 3,000 languages. I think that might beat out Steven King or Nora Roberts.
But what makes the bible different than other ‘holy books’? Well let’s see…
The Book of Mormon was written by one man, Joseph Smith, in 1830. The Qur’an was written by one man, Mohammed, over the course of twenty-three years in the 12th century as an addition to the Torah (the Bible’s Old Testament). Those are just two examples. How does the Bible compare?

· It was written over a period of 1600 years. 1,400 BC- first century A.D.
· Written by more than 40 authors - kings, poor people, fishermen, poets, government
officials, teachers, prophets.
· Written in three languages.
· Written on three continents - Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Wow can you imagine forty authors from all walks of life, from different cultures and times of history sitting around to write one book with the same message? My husband and I have a hard enough time deciding what’s for dinner
The Bible is a book whose words speak to me on a daily basis, and even if I’ve read one portion before, I can read it again and receive new insights months or years later. Because it is more than a book, it is a window into the very nature of God, and his will for our lives. For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow...-Hebrews 4:12
And like the verse from Romans above says that the Scriptures are to give us hope. The Old Testament to shows us how God moves among ordinary people to make them extraordinary in His glory. And the New Testament to show us God is faithful to his promises, and will continue day after day. Because He is the same yesterday and today and forever(Heb 13:8).

May you be blessed and encouraged.

For more information check these sites out:
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/
http://www.greatcom.org/laws/english/flash/

http://www.lproof.org/