Never settle . . .

 As believers, we all always grateful for what God supplies and how He supplies. Yet we never settle for mediocrity in our plans, our efforts, or our lives in general. We are always to strive for greatness, yet to glorify God and not ourselves! Like the salmon, we will find ourselves swimming upstream and against the social grain more times than not. We are not to blend in and be invisible, but stand out for Him. 

I am once again reminded of some of most challenging verses in scripture:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. . . (Romans 12:1-4)

Never settle for less that what God requires . . always seek to honor Him! 

Have you been CONVICTED?

No, I am not asking you if you have ever been convicted and declared guilty of a crime, but have you ever been convicted concerning your values, your decisions, your relationships or even your soul?

What keeps us from making certain life decisions? If it is our friends, society, or political correctness, we are in severe danger spiritually!

Remember Caleb in the bible? Despite the circumstances, he remained convicted by his faith, not the situation!

Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.” Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13:27-30)

Despite the obvious challenges of those in the land, Caleb remained committed to the Word and commandment of God. Against the advice of the ten others, Caleb remained steadfast in his trust of God.  

What do we do when faced with giants in our lives? Are we convicted to stand on His promises or the fears of this world?

Are we communicating Christ within our culture?

As we go through life, our experiences play a major role. We can either be changed by our cultural environment, or we can be the change! How are you interacting with your culture? Can your friends, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, even those you interact with when shopping . . . can people recognize the Christ in you? Are you and I influencing the people and places we engage, or are we being changed? Is the culture eating up God's plans for your life? These are some serious questions as we navigate a challenging culture!

Listen to Paul's words:

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . (Ephesians 5:15-20)

We must be aware of the culture around us and not hide from it. As things get worse . . . and they will . . . we must be even more bold and seek to redeem the lost by our actions. People must see and witness the Christ in us. We cannot allow the culture to change us, but we must continue to communicate Christ to the culture in which we live!

Are we really content with things? God has us!

The grass is always greener on the other side . . . until we get closer and see all the green is simply crabgrass and clover! When we constantly examine others' situations, we can easily assume they have it better . . . better car . . . better house . . . better family. However, when we find out the details things become a bit clearer. God wants us to be content where He has us, because He has us!

. . . . I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

 What God has for me is specifically for me is for me, not you. What He has provided for you is for you and not me! I wish I could have learned this much earlier in life! As an athlete, I learned to compete, but that carried over in life. I competed for friendships, money, cars, homes, etc. I was always looking at others and what they had and would think, "Why me?" . . . even "Why not me?"

However, like Paul I am learning to trust God with whatever He allows. His timing is always perfect, as we found out recently with a vehicle. I am sill learning, but at least I am not jealous of my neighbors' grass anymore . . . I have enough green weeds of my own!!!!! 

Sight or Vision?

With our natural eyes, we can easily view God's splendor . . . a sunrise or sunset, the flow of the ocean's waves, the beauty of a flower, a baby's miracle birth, the smile of a child on CHRISTmas morning . . . a simple but spectacular images and expressions . . . of His glory!






Yet there is more . . . . there is more to be seen than from the naked eye! There is vision. While most of are blessed with eyesight, many lack vision today . . . God's vision for our lives! What is His will? What am I to do with my future? What is God up to with my children? Where am I headed?

Sight or vision? 👀

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;

But happy is he who keeps the law. (Proverbs 29:18)

If you really want to see clearly, you must seek God! 

 

 

We all must lead at one time or another . . .just know who we are following!

Imagine life without leaders . . . who would we follow? Yet we all must lead at one time or another . . . we just need to know who we are following! Everyone had a teacher, a mentor, or parent , or role model whom they followed. . . . Nelson Mandella, Dr./Pastor, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, President Barack Obama. Paul, Peter, and all the disciples followed Jesus! Even Jesus was led by the Spirit!

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
Who walk in the law of the Lord!
Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
Who seek Him with the whole heart!
They also do no iniquity;
They walk in His ways. (Psalm 119:1-3)

We all must lead at one time or another . . .just know who you are following!

Love myself?

 How can I love my neighbor if I cannot love myself? Many times we are harder on ourselves than we are even with strangers. We will gladly help others when we see a need. We will offer a cheerful word for someone who is feeling a bit down. We will even forgive a person who wrongs us. However, if you are like me, you find it hard to forgive yourself, encourage yourself, or even do the things you need to do for your own good . . . . get proper rest and exercise for instance!

Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-30)

While loving others may not be very convenient, loving ourselves may even bring about guilt! We do not want to be selfish and put ourselves first. I am not saying that. What I am saying is that we are no good to anyone if we are unhealthy mentally, physically or spiritually!

Indeed we need to be unselfish as we focus our lives upon serving God and others. Nevertheless, we must also be able to serve! AVAIL-ability is the greatest ability God has given to all of us. 

Take care of yourself so you can care for others!

Throwing shade or throwing a lifeline?

 We often hear that we are not to judge one another, yet in 1 Corinthians 6, Paul warns believers to settle matters within the Church quickly, as God will first judge us! How then are we to point our one another's sin? Galatians 6:1 lays it out:  

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Throwing shade or throwing a lifeline? As believers, we are to point out the sin we see quietly , not publicly! A one-on-one conversation is called for here. If an offender does not heed the advice, then we involve another believer and then even a church leader, (Matthew 18:15-20) but we never go public with intent to harm one another. After all, we too have our our own sin to deal with! Our goal is to seek repentance and forgiveness. . . restoration!

So are we to judge one another? Yes and not! Yes we are to call one another to accountability within the body of believers. No, we are not to judge the world (worldly/unsaved). God will do that! We are to do our best to lead them to Christ!!! 

However, our motive is always love!!! 💕

My way or God's Way?

If Jesus is the LIGHT of the world, then why do I try to forge my own path? If His Word is a LAMP for my feet, then why do I choose the wrong path so many times? My way or God's way . . . that is my daily struggle. What about you?

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%208%3A12&version=NKJV)

I can mark the times in my life when I have chosen my own path, either by shear ignorance or deliberate choice. I have gotten caught up with the crowd or simply decided to sin. The consequences are indeed memorable and many times devastating to myself and others.

Thank God for grace. Thank God for second chances and the millionth chance! The difference is that today, as I have grown, the pain of God hurting God and others while grieving His Spirit also grieves me deeply. Yet like Paul, many times I do what I should not do and do not do what I should. (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%207%3A15-20&version=NKJV)

Lord willing, we all are growing more and more like Him and sinning less and less . . . until that day when Jesus declares us SINLESS!

Am I a LIGHT?

"His word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path" (Psalms 119:105)

 It is easy to get lost in this world of chaotic day to day activities. We go through the motions day after day and soon fine ourselves smothered in darkness!

Today, let's take a moment to ask, "Am I a LIGHT?"

Am I representing Christ as I should or am I veiling His LIGHT to fit in this world?

We may be the only LIGHT others see. Do not hide it! Let the little LIGHT shine bright! Someone needs their way lit! 

We might just lead the to Christ....

Forgiveness . . .

 Forgiveness . . . . as the song says, it is "sweet sweet honey on our lips and like holy water on our skin". (https://youtu.be/AfY7CGU8sck) It is vital in relationships but also for the communities in which we live; neighborhoods, churches, and our world. Yes we all get hurt, but that hurt does not have to remain a festering open sore! Even if the offender does not offer apologies or repentance, we must learn to forgive and move on, for our own spiritual and mental well being. It cleanses the soul and soothes the heart!

 . . . .bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others].

Love covers a multitude of sin. As Jesus has forgiven us, we must also forgive others. We all know the model prayer . . . "as we forgive others"  (Matthew 6:12) So for His sake, let's make efforts to forgive . . . even ourselves! It will make us right with God and others, despite how we might be treated!

Encourage others

 God gave us community to walk alongside one another and encourage each other in our walk with Jesus. Even as we encourage someone who does not know Christ, it ay lead them to ask us questions. 

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

(Philippians 2:4 NKJV)

A simple smile, text, email, sticky note,  just a brief word can change someone's outlook on life. 

Look for ways to encourage someone today!

God must be at the center

In order for our neighbourhood community and these areas of our lives to flourish, God must be at the center, and our eyes, hearts and minds must be fixed on Him. He must be the foundation of our family, our neighborhood, schools, and yes, our churches!

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

 

God must be our focus in all we do or we cannot be successful. We must stay connected. It is never about you, me, or us....always God!

A safe, caring neighborhood

But God has combined the [whole] body, giving greater honor to that part which lacks it, so that there would be no division or discord in the body [that is, lack of adaptation of the parts to each other], but that the parts may have the same concern for one another. And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it. (1 Corinthians 12:24-26)

A safe, caring neighborhood ....imagine if we as believers would resemble that!

This is what God calls us to be for each other. God’s desire is to see us love one another and do life together--the good, the bad and the ugly. 

What if we took a step toward being part of community. 

World CHRISTians

Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19)

Whether it be through praying for the nations, financially supporting cross-cultural goers,  welcoming internationals, or actual serving in the field, we have the opportunity to model what it looks like to be a World CHRIStian to every believer in our lives, and inviting them to join us.

Be relational. Use resources. Stay humble! Join God at work!

Experience the difference!

 But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

A Cross-Cultural Goer is simply, one who is laboring to reach people of a significantly different culture than their own with the truth of Jesus.

As a believer, when is the last time you engaged....really engaged someone of a different culture? 

 What are we afraid of anyway? The worst that can happen is to be ignored, ridiculed, or or simply misunderstood.

Since God has commited to us this ministry of reconciliation, don't you think we should carry it out? We are to bring strangers to Him....friends who don't know Christ, yes, but more importantly total strangers!

Do this: make a short list of associates unlike you in language or culture and pray for opportunities to share the love of Christ

Watch God work! Get ready to experience the difference. 

So "GO" make disciples. Teach what you have learned and learn what you are taught!

He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den.”(Mark 11:17)

God is calling ALL people groups to His Kingdom. Our "houses" should not be so segregated on SONdays! It is our responsibility.....the people of God.....to reach out to those not like us and invite them in....neighbors, coworkers, and others we meet along the way.

One thing I encourage all believers to do is to invest in missions. Yes, pray. Yes, support. However, let me challenge you to GO! 

Go to an area unfamiliar to you. Learn the culture. Share stories. Learn the language. Eat the food. Most importantly, share about Christ! You will be surprised how much you can learn about yourself and your own faith! 

So "GO" make disciples. Teach what you have learned and learn what you are taught!

.

You will do well to assist them

Beloved, you are acting faithfully in what you are providing for the brothers, and especially when they are strangers; and they have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to [assist them and] send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. For these [traveling missionaries] went out for the sake of the Name [of Christ]... ( 3 John 5-7)

It is humbling to receive so much support in response to our plea to answer God's call to GO"! (Isaiah 6:8) This is the life God called my wife and me to some twenty-four years ago....whether serving near home or away from home. It is so amazing how God leads His people, even those who may not know Him, to share in the work by supporting us!

However, did you know you are honoring the Lord by giving? Did you realize you are sharing in the evangelistic work He does through us? Praise God for how He works in and through people to accomplish His will! 

Thank YOU! ❤🤗❤

Pray for us!

At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery. (Colossians 4:3-4)

To intercede is to pray to

God on behalf of another person; taking up the cause and joining in the struggle of another by advocating for and pleading on their behalf. It is what we did on Sunday of our mission trip in Puerto Rico....walking the neighborhood and praying for jobs, cancer, sorrows over Covid deaths and more. It is a privilege to pray on behalf of others!

How can I pray for you? Can you be praying for someone?