A Battle of "Wills"

Every Sunday, I used to come home from church service and immediately blog what was preached. I did this because not only do I love to write, but I often feel overwhelmingly compelled to share absolutely everything. Even though it’s good to blog the things that I learn, sometimes it puts more pressure on myself. I overwhelm my mind when I feel that I am “responsible” for putting everything out there; feeling that I am screwing up or making Him unhappy if I don‘t do His “will“ for me by writing every time I have the notion. I was scared that I was being wasteful of my gift; burying it in the sand like the wicked servant. 

I am well aware of the fact that I struggle with being “all or nothing”. Therefore, I have been a little “low-key” for a while. I still blog, but not as much as I used to. It’s taken a load off my shoulders as I’ve learned to just “be” a little more and blog when I’m overwhelming moved to do so; instead of blogging overwhelmingly because I feel that I always have to move! ;) Having balance and “going gray” is a good thing! Unless it’s a clear cut and absolute “thou shalt not” that God has laid out in His Word, you don’t have to be stressed about every little thing being right and wrong. Sometimes, things really aren’t that black and white. 

This is why I’m blogging the sermon today. I truly felt the undeniable nudge to share this time because David Shepherd’s sermon was about this very concept.  He talked about the fact that we get so caught up in God’s “will” that we stress out about everything and become so indecisive. I can totally relate to that! In fact, that was closely tied into my legalism/perfectionism problem that I was in heavy bondage to for many years. Every now and then, that kind of thinking still creeps up on me and I have to renew my mind (Romans 12:2) and remind myself that I don’t have to do everything “right”. David reminded us that our life and our outlook is directly determined by the kind of thoughts we think (I highly recommend “Battlefield of the Mind” , by Joyce Meyer. It’s a big help in dealing with transforming your mind and learning to have positive and Christ-like thinking. I read it in High School and am now reading it again). 

We put way too much stress on ourselves by over-thinking or thinking negatively. Our lives are the product of our thoughts. Most things are fairly basic and trivial decisions that don’t have to be agonized over, but we get so worried about correctness (or beating ourselves up over the “wrong” things) that we get too caught up in deciding rather than just living and being. That’s how it becomes all about “us” and we truly miss out on the fellowship and relationship we are meant to have with God. It becomes all about “law” and not grace. It’s like a sermon I once heard about being human beings rather than human doings. As David said, God didn’t say to seek His will, He said to seek HIM: 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. - Matthew 22:37-40 (KJV)

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. - John 6:29 (KJV)

When I was living in “right” world, I was stressed, fearful, and miserable because I was consumed with doing everything correctly and was scared that God would disapprove and be disappointed in me if I didn’t do exactly what I thought He wanted me to do. I totally missed the fact that He is a loving Father and not a stern dictator with a yardstick in His hand; ready to slap my wrist every time I screw up. The previous verses had been quoted to me many times before by people who cared about me and saw that I was exhausting myself with my legalism. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times people would pray over me and tell me “you are trying too hard” and I couldn’t understand what they meant because I thought I was supposed to give my all to please God and figure out His “will“ for me. Though, the simple truth is exactly what Jesus said: Love God; love others. Believe in the One He sent. Simple faith. Or, as I read in the book “Walking With Arthur”, just find the good that lies nearest and do it (It‘s an EXCELLENT book! Click here to read the review I posted a few years ago). If you’re so consumed with God’s “will” and your ultimate destiny, you will totally miss the “right now”. After all, each moment you live in the present is a stepping stone to where you will be in the future. It’s like a little card I have that says that God isn’t “I was” or “will be”. He is “I AM” for a reason.

As simple as it may seem, it took me a long time before any of this truly stuck. I lived in a persistent state of  perfectionism and condemnation for many years. In fact, it took me 3-4 years for this particular verse, that someone spoke over me, to truly sink in: 

To whom he said, "This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place of repose"—but they would not listen. So then, the word of the LORD to them will become: Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there—so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured. - Isaiah 28:12-13 (NIV)

By doing and doing, I was falling backward rather than moving forward. I was doing more harm than good to myself and being held captive in my own prison. How miserably exhausting! I didn’t realize that I was trying to live without grace and that it was for freedom that Christ had set me free so that I would never again be in bondage to another yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). Without realizing it, I was trying to earn my right to be saved when in all actuality, it had NOTHING to do with me and EVERYTHING to do with Christ and the price He already paid! 

So, what is “God’s Will” and what does it really mean to us anyways? David said it’s pretty simple. There’s His Will of decree; which are the things that are ordained, absolute, and cannot be changed. It cannot be undone and it is what it is. That is, His creation of the world, the plan of salvation, the fact that He is holy and just, etc. Then, there’s His Will of desire; which are the commands that He gives us. He gives us His Word and His Holy Spirit to show us how to live, but our own free-will can obey or disregard it. Then, there’s God’s Will of direction. It’s the character of our lives, His plan and purpose for us (which is usually pretty general; we don’t always know the specific details at every given moment), and who we truly are. Who we are and what we are meant to be isn’t narrowed down by our location, occupation, education, etc. The essence of who we are is hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3) and depends on the character that the Holy Spirit cultivates in us (Romans 5:3-5, Galatians 5:22-23). Money, status, and stuff doesn’t define you or give you character. Furthermore, you don’t have to be wealthy in order to be rich. True riches are in wisdom (Job 18:18, Proverbs 8:11). James 1:5 says that God will freely and generously give wisdom to those that ask. Though, as David pointed out, we truly need to have prayers of faith because the next two verses of James say that we won’t receive if we don’t believe. As David said, “We need to stop pleading with God to show us the future and start living like we understand that He holds the future.” Amen to that! It’s like a poster I once seen that said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” 

The bottom line is, quit worrying and start living! Trust and believe in the One God sent! Love God and love others. When you do that, you are truly doing the Will of God and abiding in Him (John 15:5)! There’s no need to “hyper-spiritualize”, as David put it. Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Stay connected to Christ on a daily basis by renewing your mind with His Word and keeping the prayer flow going! Then, you will make good decisions (more often than not) that are in agreement with the Holy Spirit, as you live moment to moment. Live in the “now” and trust that He holds your tomorrows! Each day is a gift; which is why it is called the “present”. Don’t miss out on the good you can do TODAY because you are wondering about your ultimate purpose. Those little things make up the bigger picture. Don’t waste those “little” opportunities to make a difference because sometimes, those are the ones that matter the most!

Grace and peace to all of you!! God bless you!! 

Crazy for Christ

Yesterday, Scott Kaehr preached the sermon. It was great! His heart really comes through in what he says because he’s passionate about God! In fact, he started out with this photo (and verse). It’s a picture of a space shuttle with the sun in the background:

Scott said that while a man made machine like the space shuttle is amazing, he is more amazed by the One who made that “big orange ball”. How about you? Do you know the One who made the sun? Are you awed by Him? I know I am!!

Scott said that even though God is bigger and greater than the sun, He still chose to humble Himself and come TO us! Jesus literally “moved into our neighborhood” and dwelled among us. What does that mean to you? If you need a weak comparison, think of a celebrity you admire. Now, imagine that he/she is moving in next to you. Wouldn’t you be thrilled that someone of such “importance” was going to be YOUR neighbor? That’s what Scott was trying to convey - only Jesus is much bigger, greater, and more important than any “celebrity” of any kind! Not only is He your neighbor and mine, but He’s everyone’s! Jesus is for EVERBODY!

Scott talked about how the blind man in Matthew 20:29-34/Mark 10:46-52 understood just how amazing Jesus was. He was captivated by Him and was desperate to know and be known by Jesus. He was sitting in a ditch and asked what was happening when he heard the crowd going by. When he was told it was Jesus, he started crying out to Him. The saddest part is, he was rebuked for it! Scott said he wondered who the people were that were telling him to be quiet. Was it the Pharisees? Jesus’ own disciples? They had to be blind themselves to not realize that Jesus wasn’t about the pomp and circumstance. He was all about being with and healing people like that blind man in the ditch.

Scott said he also wondered who the person was that brought the blind man to Jesus when He stopped and asked for the man to be brought to him. Could it have possibly been one of the people rebuking the man just a short while ago, or was it someone else? Scott said that he could just imagine the scene; disciples and people scrambling to be the one to bring the man to Jesus. “Here he is, Jesus. I am the one that brought him to you.” Scott talked about the prideful “pat yourself on the back” kind of stuff that we often do. He said it was something that he even struggles with himself.

Scott pointed out a few more things. One being that the first thing Jesus said to the man (which I have always found beautiful and amazing) is “What do you want me to do for you?” Scott said, “Has Jesus ever asked you that question?” Yeah, He sure has! It reminded me of something I read in the book “Prison to Praise” by Merlin Carothers. He said that he had had a vision of Jesus kneeling and saying that He didn’t want to use him (us) He wants (us) to use HIM! Anything that WE do for others, or that God does for us, is THROUGH Christ (Philippians 4:13). CHRIST is the one being “used”; not us! It’s not through “us” that God’s Will gets accomplished. It’s not Him using US, it’s US using HIM and HIS power and authority! CHRIST does the “doing”. All glory belongs to Him!

The blind man had been literally screaming for Jesus. He was desperate for Him. Scott even talked about the part where the Bible says he threw off his coat. Why? He didn’t want anything tripping him up. He was throwing off his old life and anything that could get in the way of him getting to Jesus. Jesus was all that mattered. He would stop at nothing; just like the people who tore the roof off a house to lower their friend down to Jesus so he could be healed. They were crazy for Christ! Are we?

Can you imagine being that blind man? Can you imagine the eyes of Jesus being the first thing you see when your sight is restored to you? That’s undoubtedly what that blind man saw! It’s what Scott saw, because he said that he was that blind man for a long time. He was sitting in the ditch, in the mud, until he finally threw off his coat and started screaming for Jesus. Can you relate? Are you screaming for Jesus to heal you? Are you throwing off everything that is getting in the way of you and Him? That’s what Scott invited us to do as he closed the sermon and many of us went up to pray. He came around to those of us who were there and asked if we had gotten what we came for. I know I did! I was hoping and praying that all I experienced in the past week would continue on forever. I was praying that the kind of peace and presence I felt last week would remain with me always and that I would learn how to blot out the distractions and stresses of the world.

Grace and peace to all of you! May you all throw off your coats and scream for Jesus! May you all find what you’re looking for. Christ has it, and He will freely give it to you! Come to Him!! God bless you all!!

**By the way, if you want to see this sermon (and I highly recommend it!), the video will be uploaded soon on YouTube!! http://www.youtube.com/user/MissionOfLIfe Last week‘s sermon is already on there, in various parts (since YouTube limits how long the videos can be)**

Are You Sandy Or Rocky?

Last week, Chad finished the “what’s so great about Jesus?” series. Throughout the series, he had been featuring testimonies from www.iamsecond.com . This time, however, he featured a testimony LIVE!! Life Church member, Rick Elwell, shared his testimony onstage about how he almost got a divorce, but that Christ brought him through his marital distress and restored him. Amen to that!!

Not only did we get to watch a live testimony (great job Rick!) but we got a great sermon too!! Chad talked about something I never really thought of before. He talked about Jesus and how He gave Simon the name Peter. Back then, Simon was such a common name. You had to be called “Simon son of…” in order for people to know WHO you were talking about lol! However, Simon wasn’t common. Just like all of us, we have purpose (and a calling). Jesus knew this. Jesus even gave Simon the new name of Peter in Matthew 16:17-18 after Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ.

It’s such a beautiful thing! Sometimes we grow up thinking that we are common and ordinary; much like Simon Peter thought. Ordinary man, ordinary job, ordinary life. Not so! God calls us to so much more! He made the distinction with Peter by giving him that new name. We know that Peter means “rock.” Chad illustrated the transition onstage with sand and a rock. Sometimes, we are unstable and unpredictable as shifting sand. But, with Christ, we are solid as a rock!

So, was that a done deal? Far from it!! Spiritual growth is a PROCESS! You don’t go from sand to a rock overnight!! In fact, that’s what was so great about Chad’s sermon. He used the life of Peter to show us that just like it was with him, so it is with us. Peter didn’t always act like the “rock” he was destined to be. It’s amazing to see his progress!! The letters that we read from him (and what we also read about in Acts) show a more disciplined, certain, and solid “rock” than what we see from him during the ministry of Jesus. So many times, we read where Jesus once again called him Simon (even after He named him Peter). “Simon” fell asleep when he was supposed to be keeping watch (Mark 14:37-38). “Simon Peter” drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest‘s servant (John 18:10). Jesus asked “Simon” in John 21:17 if he loved Him. On and on we see the journey (and sometimes back pedaling) of Simon/Peter. Yet, look how he ended up! It’s a process and a journey. Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter when He gave him a solid name. It was only the beginning! Likewise, we are also works in progress. He’s not finished with us yet!!

If we want to be able to progress in our walk with Christ, we have got to pursue Him with our whole heart (and allow Him to do the work in us). Like Chad said, “He’ll work it out.” ;) Amen to that!! Sometimes, that old name reminds us of the fact that we are acting like our old self; rather than the new self that we are meant to be. When he was acting like “Simon” hearing his old name likely reminded him of that. Those moments likely made him stop in his tracks and examine his actions. It can be very humbling, but what person doesn’t rethink their actions when they get a gentle rebuke/reminder? “Simon, Simon….“ or “Simon Peter….“ When your parents used your full name, didn’t that make you straighten up? LOL I know that when I would hear “Melissa Kay” that always made me stop and think!! ;) And, just as a parent disciplines the child they love, so God does with us (Proverbs 3:12). Refining isn’t always pleasant or pretty, but it’s necessary!!

Grace and peace to all of you!! It’s hard to transition from sand to rock, but it’s worth it!! God knows your true name (ask Him)!! It’s not common or ordinary, but precious and solid!! He knows who you are and who you are destined to be!! May you all bring glory to His name!! God bless you!!!

GREAT Input!

Today, Chad continued to talk about “what’s so great about Jesus.” It can hardly be fully explained in a sermon series because what’s so great about Jesus is the fact that there is SO MUCH that you just can’t explain it all!! He’s always so fresh and new! Every breath and every new day and experience is something great about Jesus. Like Chad said, Jesus isn’t contained in the pages of His Word; and for that matter, neither is the enemy. As explained in the last two blogs, both our ally and our adversary are very real. Though, like one of the gals on the worship team said today, we are bigger than the enemy because God is bigger than the enemy. And since the Holy Spirit is inside us, we already have the victory over Satan. We just have to believe that and claim the power and authority given to us by Christ!

Indeed, that’s the “great” part. That’s the stuff we’re supposed to be carrying in our heart and being filled with. Chad talked about Proverbs 4:23 in which Solomon tells us to guard our heart because it’s the wellspring of life. Chad said that the heart is a place of both input and output. The kind of things that get poured into your heart are the things that are going to spill out of your heart. Therefore, we must certainly guard it because not all that gets poured in are things that we want to pour out. We need to reject that garbage and take out the trash whenever the bad things want to pour themselves into us. Chad illustrated it as a vacuum cleaner. He mentioned that his kids are always seeking to absorb and suck in good input. He said those things are significance, security, acceptance, love, and praise. They are essential needs of every human being. If we aren’t getting enough of that (or are getting the opposite of that) our heart can get very messy. We can even get to the point where we close it off so that it doesn’t take anything else in; whether good or bad. Sure, you seal yourself off from negative stuff, but you also eliminate the possibility of accepting any good stuff.

Once again, Chad featured a testimony from http://www.iamsecond.com/ . A lady named Priscilla Nicoara talked about the kind of “input” that got poured into her heart as a child. Her mother never wanted her (and had had several abortions prior to her even being born). She said she was always reminded by her mother that she was never really wanted. She didn’t have any of those crucial elements of need in her life; no love, praise, significance, security, or acceptance. The only place she felt she had that was from her father who absolutely loved her. Then, when she was a teen, he died unexpectedly. It devastated her and she felt all alone. It wasn’t until a man invited her to know Jesus that she discovered just how loved, accepted, and wanted she was. She explained how she went from feeling like garbage to feeling like a princess when she realized that she was God’s child; that He adopted her into His family, loves her, and chose her. Amen!!

Priscilla learned to empty her heart of the garbage that was brought in and allowed Jesus to meet her deepest needs and fill her heart with good things. Isn’t that great?! Yes, it’s great - it’s Jesus!!

We are going to have a lot going in and out of hearts during our lifetime. So, we must be alert! We need to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and think on good things (Philippians 4:8). If bad input tries to get in (or if it’s already there) we need to reject it! We need to pour it out! We don’t want to be filled with that! It’s like if you have an empty stomach and you have the choice between drinking something good or drinking poison. Fill up on what is good. Drink that! Don’t drink poison!! Pour it out! Don’t accept it! Or, if you have, puke it out (sorry, don’t know how else to say it). ;) You can’t be filled with good things if you are contaminating your tank with the bad. Empty it out so you can be filled with real fuel!

Grace and peace to all of you!! I pray that you will be emptied of and guarded against bad input. I pray that you will be filled with God’s good and glorious outpouring of input into your heart and that it will spill out to others!! Jesus,….GREAT!! “Great” input!! God bless you!!

CrAZy About YOU!!

What’s so great about Jesus? Have you ever thought about that? That’s the current question that Chad began delving into last Sunday. Whether you’re a new Christian, mature Christian, or not at all, you’ll hopefully see in a very real and beautiful way what is so “great” about Jesus.

Above any other “god” or “religion” Jesus is a cut above the rest; not solely because the gospel is true, but because of His love and passion. It’s all about this point that Chad really drove home: He’s crazy about us!! Do you know that? He’s crazy about you!! He loves you and loves you deeply!! He sacrificed His own life for you and is (at this moment) preparing a place for you in heaven to join Him. He came once to save us and to spare us from condemnation (John 3:16-18) and is coming back AGAIN to take us home! Is there any other “god” that pursues like that? Is there any other “gospel” that speaks of such passionate love? Is there anything that promises and delivers like Jesus does? Is there any other that has sacrificed his life for you and is coming back for you (and that is WITH YOU in the meantime)? Jesus said He is always with us (Matthew 28:20). His presence comforts and sustains us in this world as we wait to be with Him.

You want to know how crazy God is for you? Consider the story in Luke 15:8-10: “Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”

The last verse is the kicker; about how there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Think about that. Someone is rejoicing like crazy in the presence of the angels. That someone is GOD Himself!! The Father in heaven is celebrating like CRAZY when a lost one is found!! He is CRAZY ABOUT YOU!!! It doesn’t matter if you have been lost a little while or a long time. Whenever you come home, there is rejoicing! He loves you; and it’s an amazing and passionate love like nothing else!! Unconditional, sacrificial, beautiful, perfect love!!

How do you feel about knowing that? Is it hard to take in for one reason or another? Maybe you feel like what Chad described as he held up a t-shirt; the dirtiest shirt he said he had seen. His son was wearing it one day and he commented about the filth. His son brought his arms inside his shirt, flipped it around, and put his arms back through the sleeves. So often, we do the same thing. Our lives are filthy. No matter how much we flip it around, or even turn it inside out, it’s dirty. How are we going to clean it? “We” can’t. The shirt (us) needs to be washed. Who’s the launderer? Jesus. His blood (detergent) washes and purifies that shirt. Ah, a clean shirt! Doesn’t that feel good?!! Chad said Jesus is just like a clean shirt. Indeed, He makes all things new!! Your life can be a clean shirt!! Come home! Surrender the “shirt.” Let Him wash it! Don’t be ashamed by the filth. He welcomes you and rejoices over you no matter how “dirty” you are! Every single one of us needs a clean shirt, and Jesus is there to provide it. That love on the cross is what washes us!

Isn’t that a beautiful and refreshing thought? Or, are you still not convinced? Is the idea of God’s craziness for you just plain foolishness in your mind? 1 Corinthians 1:18 says that the gospel is silly to those that are perishing but POWER to those who are being saved. Two perspectives based on two different choices; salvation/life or condemnation/death. If it’s foolishness to you now, know that it’s not too late to make a new and better choice; a choice of salvation, life, and power. Why miss the power of God NOW and for all eternity later?

Even if you are already a Christian, maybe it’s still a little “foolish” to you because you can’t comprehend how much He loves you. Whatever the case may be, perhaps you need a little more proof. Chad shared a website with us called “I Am Second”. It’s full of amazing video testimonies from people talking about their stories of how Jesus became first in their lives (and now they are second). In fact, Mitch loves the site so much that he’s watched nearly every video by now! Some of the videos that will likely catch your eye are those of Joe Gibbs, Josh Hamilton, Stephen Baldwin, Jason Castro (former American Idol contestant), Darrell Waltrip, and Brian Welch (former member of the band “Korn” - and fellow band member Fieldy has converted as well!). There are also many non-celebrity testimonies too, like the one of Richard Ellis that they showed during service last Sunday. I wish I could talk about each and every one of them, but I wouldn’t know where to begin!! They are all AMAZING!! I encourage you to visit the site for yourself and watch as many as you can whenever you can! Let them tell you their own stories (it’s better hearing it from them rather than me anyways). ;) I really liked Brian’s and Josh’s. They had some amazing stories and profound statements as they talked about the junk they went through, the turning points in their lives, and how Jesus changed it all!!! I also really liked how Chris Plekenpol talked about how he could have saved the life of a suicide bomber in Iraq, but that he wasn’t willing to risk his life for his enemy. Yet, Christ died for all of us; whether we care for Him or not. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

I hope that through those video testimonies (and even your own story) you can see what’s “great” about Jesus. There’s no one and nothing else like Him!! Maybe I’ll make a short video sometime and share my story as best as I can. As they all said in theirs, so I’ll say now, “My name is Melissa, and I am second.”

Grace and peace to all of you!! I would love to read (or watch) your “I am second” story!! Feel free to share!! God bless you!!

Don't Be A "Rich Man"

Last week, Chad finished up the “Things Above” series. He brought up the interesting story found in Luke 16:19-31 about the rich man and the beggar named Lazarus. When both of them died, Lazarus was comforted in heaven and the rich man was in agony in Hell. The Bible says that he could look up and see Abraham with Lazarus by his side. He begged for pity and that Lazarus could cool his tongue with just a drop of water from his finger. But, Abraham told him that neither side could cross to the other; there was a great chasm between the two. The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his brothers so that at the very least, they might not end up where he was. Abraham told him that that was what the prophets were for and that if they didn’t believe them, they wouldn’t be convinced even if someone were to raise from the dead. 

Chad talked about the interesting points about this parable. The fact that both sides could see the other (but not cross) and the fact that the rich man could remember his brothers. He made the point of saying that if those in heaven could see those in Hell, how “heavenly” would heaven really be? He compared that to what John described in Revelation 21:1-4 about the new heaven and new earth and how the old ones passed away. It is only after that is done that the word says that there is no more death, morning, or pain. It is only then that everything is final and everything is renewed and restored. Like he said, being able to see people in Hell with no hope of escape would be torture for us to observe/know just as it would be torture for them to see and know that they will never be free from torment. At least Revelation assures us that heaven will be the paradise it’s meant to be after it’s all said and done. Maybe the heaven that’s existing right now is sort of the “waiting room” for the heaven to come? It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around it all. 

Those are interesting things to think about. Since Jesus gives us a window into what heaven is and what it will be like at the very end, we should be mindful of those things when considering our choices here. If we are like the rich man and care only about our “heaven” on earth, that’s all the heaven we will get. If we are nothing but self-absorbed and concerned about our own selves, the only comforts we will have are the comforts that we seek and receive here. But, if we are humble and poor in spirit (yielding ourselves to God and seeking HIS will) our comfort will be our reward in heaven when we die and go to be with Him. 

Whenever I hear that parable, I always think about how awful it would be to be the “rich man.” I also think about how awful it would be to see people we knew on earth suffering on the other side of that chasm. Therefore, it makes me all the more concerned about telling others about Jesus so that they will not be like the “rich man.” I don’t want others to suffer in Hell; neither do I want to SEE them suffering. I will continue to live and speak the truth as best as I can so that that doesn’t have to happen. Though, it’s ultimately the choice of each person’s individual free-will. There will undoubtedly be people who choose NOT to be with Christ by denying and rejecting Him on earth. It saddens me that there are those that make “rich man” decisions to ignore Christ for the sake of temporary earthly pleasures. Why be so short-sighted? NO ONE escapes death! EVERYBODY dies! It’s an absolute certainty (for those that believe that there are no “absolutes” how do you answer that one?!). With that being said, shouldn’t we be concerned about where we will spend all eternity? Wouldn’t you rather be a Lazarus than a “rich man”? 

I hope and pray that you’re a Lazrus!! If you’re not, or you’re not sure, please don’t hesitate to talk to me!! I want to see you WITH me when this life is over; not on the “other” side. 

Grace and peace to all of you!! May the miracle of the resurrection of Christ be your greatest joy as you celebrate redemption today!! 

"I'm here for you!"

Yesterday, my family and I went to the rally and march for life in Fort Wayne. The speakers and the testimonies always inspire me. I am always touched by the fact that we have people like Mark Souder who continue to fight for what’s right in Washington. He spoke at the rally, and his words were encouraging (despite the fact that fighting for life will be even harder with Barack Obama in office).

We also heard from Shawn Carney, who is one of the original founders of the Forty Days for Life campaign. One of the most moving things that he said was that it’s not about making abortion illegal, but UNTHINKABLE!!! Indeed, THAT’S the goal!! We can change laws, but what REALLY needs to change are hearts!! (Pray!!)

Actions really do speak louder that words! We have to be active, involved, and hands on! We have got to SHOW that we care, and we do that through prayer, providing help/aid to those that need it, and being the hands and feet of Jesus instead of just His mouth. In fact, Chad has been addressing that very thing in his recent sermons (haven’t blogged the sermons lately…sorry!). He has been reminding us about what “church” is (and it’s not a building! It’s PEOPLE!). Each “faith community” of Christian brothers and sisters combine together to make up ONE CHURCH - the body of Christ. And because we are a BODY, we need to be a body that moves!! The hands and feet of Jesus need to be going and doing. Yes, rest has its place, but we need not be the “butt” of the body all the time.

So, how do we get moving and start seeing real “change” in this world? Well, you have got to demonstrate that you care and that comes through continuing to spread the Good News (and doing it in the most gentle and compassionate way possible)! We’ve got to keep standing together, helping each other, reaching out, and actually DOING things that support what we stand for!! For example, there are LOTS of people that say that they are pro-life, but what good is it if you merely say it and don’t DO it? Why is everyone so afraid of rolling up their sleeves and getting involved? I’m not just talking about marching, talking about it, or pestering our senators and congressman to do what’s right. What I’m especially pushing for is people to say “you can count on me!” It’s about helping out your crisis pregnancy centers, giving help/counsel to a scared pregnant mom or a post-abortive woman who is hurting, providing a soft place to fall/shoulder to cry on, developing a connection with the people you help, etc. It’s not just a “cause”; it’s PEOPLE!! Putting it more simply, the cause IS people and investing yourself in them by building a relationship/connection and fellowshipping with them. How much more is a person’s heart touched based on a personal relationship connection? How often do we display our love and compassion by pouring out our hearts in service to others? How often do we drop to our knees in humble service (literally or metaphorically) and wash peoples’ feet like our own Savior did?

Talk is cheap. Though, it’s not to say that words are not necessary or effective. Most of you reading this know that I am a “words” kind of girl (you can tell by how much I blog! LOL). I write to motivate, inspire, and encourage because it‘s one of my spiritual gifts. Words ARE important, but they are only worth as much as the heart that‘s behind them. Many of you reading already know this because I have been “active” in your lives (and you in mine!). When I say I’m there for you, I MEAN IT (and prove it!). Lots of people, including myself, say “if you need anything, I’m here for you“. I can’t speak for everyone, but sometimes that phrase is taken a little too lightly. It kind of loses it’s meaning because that phrase isn’t always a reality when it comes to ACTING on it. So, I would like to make it perfectly clear to EVERYONE that when I say “I’m here for you. If you need me, let me know!” I ABSOLUTELY mean it!! I don’t throw that out there for the heck of it. It’s not just empty words from me! Though, it’s not to say that I’m superwoman or the greatest person in the world. I do the best I can however I can, but like I tell everyone, I am human and I have my failures. So, don’t expect miracles/perfection out of me (or for me to be a complete doormat either!). Even with my flaws, though, I’m HERE and I do mean what I say. Plenty of you out there can vouch for the fact that I back it up - and I appreciate those of you that return the favor and back up your own words as well!

So, with that in mind, don‘t be afraid to call on me if you need a friend. I want to be as helpful and effective as possible, so feel free to tell me what you need (or don’t need lol) from me. I know that at the very least, I can keep working on trying to keep my blogs shorter (when possible! LOL), talk a little less, and work on my conciseness (I am such a work in progress!! LOL). And, I know that I will continue to use my gifts to blog, volunteer, listen, e-mail/call/IM friends who need someone to talk to, provide encouragement/counsel/aid, etc. I’ll keep trying to be the kind of friend that one can depend on for love, compassion, and support (just like I receive from many of you).

I guess all that’s left to say is “who’s with me?” Chad is saying the same thing. Are we all in this together? I know some of you already are!! There are a faithful few of you who I can consistently count on; the ones who always put their whole hearts into people (and you know who you are!!!). These are the people that back up their words with actions. They devote time, money, resources, and love to helping the broken and getting them through whatever they are struggling with. They know as well as I do that we need to give and do as much as we can. Alone we are one, but together we are many! The WHOLE body of Christ needs to network together in order to have maximum impact!! So, THANK YOU to my true family and friends who ALWAYS have my back; and the backs of others!! THANK YOU for always saying “yes” when I ask you to help me aid a friend (or even help me personally in any number of ways), give back to the community, etc. You are more than just the “mouth” of Jesus; you are His hands and feet. You’re going, doing, and caring!! I feel the urge to name some of you one by one, but I know you all are humble servants and I don’t want to embarrass you (or cause the less than humble people to give me grief if I didn‘t mention their name lol). You know who you are, and you have my infinite love and gratitude for all you do!

Grace and peace to all of you!! God bless you and may you be a blessing to others!

Afflicted

Last Sunday, Chad finished up chapter one of Colossians and started getting into chapter two a little bit. The scripture reference is Colossians 1:24-29 and 2:1-3 in which Paul talks about being afflicted for Christ; suffering for Him as well as for all his brothers and sisters in the faith.

Chad talked about how Paul willingly embraced suffering for the sake of Christ and His church. He was willing to carry the weight of the burdens of others as God opened and sensitized his heart. He always strived to see others through God’s eyes; knowing the Father’s heart for those he was trying to reach.

Chad further illustrated the kind of life Paul was living by giving a modern day example of a woman he met in Guatemala who had a passion for the people there. She started hanging out in nasty and undesirable trash laden dump areas where people would scrounge for whatever they could salvage and use. One time, she handed out 500 coupons to the people and told them that on a certain day, they could come and exchange it for the blankets she was giving out. Chad said that she ended up having thousands show up - and they all had a coupon. They made one out of whatever they could find; the need and desperation was that great!

The story didn’t stop there. Chad also talked about how she was willing to be afflicted for Christ in the orphanages. She stayed with the children and comforted them. These orphanages are so bad that children look for any way out of there that they can - even if it’s by killing themselves. If they can get to the roof, they jump. If they can drown themselves in a bucket of water they use to help the toilets flush, they do so. So, she made every effort to love and comfort them, even if it meant that she contracted lice while sitting on their beds and holding them in her arms. Chad said that she could even feel the lice just moving into her head. Still, she sat there and didn’t do anything about it. Holding, loving, and comforting those children in the safety of her arms was more important to her. She said it was humiliating to suffer the judgmental looks and stares as her lice filled hair was cut off bit by bit. Yet, she would have done it all over again if she had to. No cost was too high for her to serve others.

How willing are we to be afflicted in inconvenient, and possibly humiliating ways, for the sake of those we are trying to reach? How willing are we to get our hands dirty? How willing are we to humble ourselves and serve? Paul says in Philippians 2:5-8 that we should have the same attitude of service that Jesus had. We do that by humbling and submitting ourselves to the will of God. We must deny ourselves, pick up the cross, and follow HIS lead (Luke 9:23-24).

I’ll close with something I just seen a few days ago. It was in the movie “The Second Chance” (starring Michael W. Smith). In it, he plays an associate pastor and singer who is sent to a sister church to learn humility and help out. I think the movie did a good job of showcasing some of the problems that the church has today with serving (and with the right attitude and motivations). It also points out the fact that we just try to throw money at a problem, rather than actively participating (and being “afflicted” like Chad’s sermon and Paul’s words suggest). Michael W. Smith says in the end of the movie that for a long time, he served Christ, but only if he could be “comfortable.” Though, through truly serving and getting involved in the ministry and mission of the church, he started realizing that true love and outreach is about getting personally involved; even when it’s “uncomfortable” or the cost is high. After all, isn’t that what REAL LOVE is? (See May 25th’s sermon blog “Getting Off Your Donkey”).

I pray that the church will be revived and refocused. I pray that we will function in unity and that we will all be truly led by the Holy Spirit; and not out of our own wills while using the “Holy Spirit” as our justification. May we all be of one mind and one Spirit - HIS Spirit!! Grace and peace to you all!! May we all venture out of our comfort zones and learn to endure persecution and affliction for Christ!! Amen!!

[This sermon is now available online. You can listen to it by clicking on the link provided.]

The Formation of Our Call

Mike Gerber preached again today. Wow! Gotta love Mike Gerber!! He just radiates tenderness and compassion and you can really feel the depth of his words. I hope that he’ll preach more often!! He has a nice way of communicating!! If you would like to hear Mike for yourself, you can visit our church website to listen to the sermons online or download the podcasts.

Last week, Mike talked about faith and being called to serve Christ. (Read last Sunday’s entry if you missed it and want to get caught up to what I’m writing about today). Today, he went more in depth by talking more about how we are called.

There are different areas into which we are called and they are all formed in different ways. Some are formed out of hardship, necessity, opportunity, conviction, desire, or even silence. So, let’s look at each of those and understand more about what they mean.

We all have hardship. A LOT of growth comes out of that!! Pain is hard, but it helps develop qualities that we will need to be the person that we are meant to become. When you think about it, a lot of people’s missions in life involve some testimony of hardship. People relate to other people through their stories; particularly when they speak of their own struggles. Testimonies of pain helps other people get through their own problems when they see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. So, what if your mission and ministry in life comes from your own struggles? What if the way you have overcome your problems can help someone else overcome theirs? For me, one of the most amazing examples comes from my friend Susan Stafford. Of course, many of you already know her story. But, for those of you who haven‘t, please click here to watch a short video - and grab the Kleenex!. I never get tired of hearing about her testimony; though that video only scratches the surface of the horrors that she has suffered through in her life. Yet, she has emerged victorious. Even to this day, God still continues to use her and bless her. She is a beautiful and totally transformed woman of God and the way God uses her to bless me, and others, touches countless hearts!! Now THAT is a pure of example of turning pain into beauty!! I love you, Susan!!! You’re an inspiration!! Praise God for you!!

Another way we are formed into our calling is through necessity. Sometimes, things just need to get done!! God needs people to step up and do what needs to be done for the kingdom. We all have a role to play, and we need to be courageous and obedient to do our part!!

In addition to necessity, some are called because of opportunity. That’s how it was for Esther in the Bible. She didn’t really want to be queen, but the opportunity was pretty much forced upon her. So, what happens in cases like that when we are given an opportunity to do a lot of good? What happens when we are given a huge responsibility and opportunity to do something wonderful? Do we just stand around and do nothing and bury our talents in the sand? Do we shrink back in fear? Or, do we do as Esther did? Do we stand up and be courageous and stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard? Do we embrace what Mordecai said to Esther: “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14) We are all given an opportunity to make a difference. All of us are living and breathing during a very important time in the history of the world!! Never before have we had such an ability to reach out and make a difference in this age of technology; and in a time of such peril and decline in morality!! We were born for such a time as this!!

Some people have a call of conviction. David sure did!! He killed a giant!! He did it because he knew that God was on their side and that God could enable him to do anything!! He stood for his faith when all of the rest of his people were fleeing. He felt the call of conviction, and he did what no one else would do; just because he knew it was right! I can relate to this one! That’s why I stand for the sanctity of life. (Which reminds me, the next monthly call for life is this Friday!! Please click here to learn more about it! Please, it’s only a few minutes per month out of your life!! Please sacrifice those few minutes in order to save countless others!!)

In conjunction with conviction, there can also be a call out of desire. God places special burdens on our hearts to step out and serve out of a desire to be used of God. It’s best illustrated in Isaiah’s statement: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:1-8). Mike Gerber pointed out how that kind of call is so much more an invitation than it is a command. God ASKED “whom shall I send?” rather than just saying, “hey you….go do that!”

The final call that Mike talked about was really beautiful. I also think it’s one of the most astounding ways to be called!! The call comes out of silence; from just sitting there and listening to God and then being moved to action. That’s what happened to Samuel when he heard the voice of the Lord. However, he had thought it was Eli’s voice and went to him three times saying, “Here am I; for thou callest me.” At that time, the Bible says Samuel didn’t even know the Lord yet!! Still, the Lord was calling him, and Samuel did hear. Eli told him to listen for the Lord and the next time the Lord called him by name, he was to answer, “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” So that is what Samuel did. (1 Samuel 3).

I find it amazing when God calls people out like that!! I especially find it amazing when God calls people out of pure darkness; people who had no real knowledge of God beforehand, or had totally hated Him prior to their calling. I know two atheists who were totally taken by surprise and through amazing sets of circumstances, were just called by God out of their lives of darkness in order to live in the light. It just wows me how God can grab onto someone’s heart like that and totally transform them - and they never saw it coming!! WOW!!

Bottom line is, we are all called. We all have an area of service that we can specialize in. We got to find our purpose and grow into that calling; however it is that we are formed into it. Keep your eyes open and your heart sensitive to God’s voice!! Remember Mordecai and Eli’s words. We are here for such a time as this and we should tell the Lord that we are open and listening. Let’s be like Isaiah and say, “Here am I! Send me!” God bless you all!!

"Butt" There's No Excuse!!

Don’t you just love cliffhangers?! The anticipation can just drive you nuts!! That’s how I have been feeling each and every Sunday for the last few weeks because our pastor has embarked on an exciting message series entitled “House.” And, the “house” that he is talking about is the “house” of Christianity.

So far, he has talked about getting in the door, waiting in the hallway, and now, we are starting to explore the “rooms.” This series is awesome; and I am LOVING IT!!! And, if you have been reading my blogs on this series for the past few weeks, I’m sure you’re just as eager to read about today’s message as much as I was eager to hear it today. Of course, since I just started this particular blog, you can just click on these links to go to my myspace page and read parts one, two, and three so that you can understand more about this series and what I'm talking about in some of my references. Also, you can now listen to these sermons for yourself at our church's website by clicking here. You can listen online, or download the free podcast. How cool is that??!! I highly recommend it, because I can’t possibly reiterate every single thing that Chad said. I just summarize it. Plus, he puts a lot of his personal testimony in there, and you would love to hear that for yourself!!

In addition to this series, Chad also decided to conduct a little experiment. Last week, he said that we were going to have a plant onstage and that the only time that it was going to get any light, attention, or water, was on Sunday mornings. So, how long do you think the plant will last? This morning, everyone could plainly see - as Chad put it - that it was already showing signs of “want.” One of the leaves has already turned yellow. So, there is a whole other sermon just in that plant alone - obviously. ;) If you’re only getting your spiritual food on Sundays and not filling yourself up every other day of the week, your “plant” will start showing some desperate signs of “want.” That plant is your soul, and if you don’t nurture your soul with some soul food, you’re going to start dying inside. Don’t wait for your leaves to turn yellow before you start quenching yourself with some soul food/living water!! Being a Sunday morning Christian just won’t cut it people!! Anyways, I won’t elaborate more on that right now. I will just dive in to the next part of the series.

Today’s door leads us into the “church” room. I can already visualize your eyes rolling!! “Church.” Maybe you’re like Chad and it was one of those doors that your parents dragged you through as a kid. Maybe you have been hurt by a church, or maybe you have never been to one for some reason. Maybe it’s because so many of us think of “church” as being a building, denomination, or something like that. But, that’s not what “church” is. Even in the Bible, when God talks about his “church” he isn’t talking about a place, building, or denominational branch. When God is talking about his “church” he is talking about “PEOPLE!”

Chad said that church isn’t a place you “go.” Church is PEOPLE “on the go.” AMEN TO THAT!!! The church is the body of Christ. Christ is the HEAD (Colossians 1:15-18) and we are the body. And, as Chad put it, the church body isn’t a “collecting body,” it’s a “sending body.” The church is (and SHOULD BE!) an equipping center. We come to our places of worship to learn and grow spiritually, and then, we should take that knowledge and use it as fuel for our souls to grow in our faith and share it with others by using our unique talents. EVERYONE has a talent and EVERYONE makes up the church body. We all need to be using our talents for the common good. Though, as Chad pointed out, sometimes we don’t think we have talent, or that our talent isn’t as important as someone else’s. Not so!! It’s just like what 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 says: “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” In other words, there is no “I” in the word “team.” We all need to do our part and no part is any less significant than another!! The whole body needs to work cooperatively in order to function completely and efficiently to its full potential!! EVERYONE is important!!

So, what is YOUR part in the body? I think the key is service. We all use our talents for some kind of service for the common good. I think, for too long, the church has had an overabundance of one body part: the butt. Chad said that he thinks the church has a really big butt - we just sit in the pews and that’s about it. Not to say that the church body doesn’t need its “butt.” After all, every part is important right? And, in all honesty, we all have the capacity to be a “butt” sometimes!! LOL Though, I think we are called to a higher degree of functionality. We can be a better “butt” than just a self-serving stationary one. A butt acts as a “cushion” and everyone needs that right? But if all we are doing is just being a cushion too much for our own selves and all we do is lazily sit down and only care about our own comfort and relaxation, then we are a bigger “butt” than we realize!!

Ok. No more “butt” jokes! LOL The point I am trying to make is mobilization. It like when Chad talked about the ministry the churches have at our city’s annual Street Fair. Usually, they set up a prayer tent and hand out cups of water to people. Though, when you are relying on people to just come to YOU, you aren’t going to be able to serve them as well. If you are going TO the people, you will have a lot better results!! That is why, this year, they sent out the churches to clean the streets and pick up trash; which was met with much appreciation and gratitude. People respond to service. Chad said that they helped and prayed for more people THAT WAY than they ever did in the prayer tent!

Let’s “catch the vision” as Chad put it. Let’s start understanding what it really means to be the church body of Christ! Don’t wait around for someone else to do what you know you should be doing. Quit being the “butt” of the church and get mobilized! This especially needs to be done in cases where only a small percentage of the church is actively serving, and all the pressure is put on THEM to do all the work because no one will let them rest on their own cushions for a while!! Come on people!! Let’s work together and share the burden!!!

Well, that’s my take on the sermon today. I can’t wait for next Sunday!! “Butt” (sorry, I had to! LOL) I guess I will just have to wait, and continue watering my soul each and every day so I don’t end up like the plant at church. ;) So, until next time, remember this phrase that a friend once told me: “Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death!” Feed your soul, and help others feed their souls too! Do your part! God bless all who read this!!