Matthew 28:19, 20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Okay, so do I love people? Yes. Do I accept them unconditionally? Honestly, I'm working on that. ( I struggle with certain things that unfortunately have to do with my nose not lifestyles.This is bad, I know. Lord help me not be bothered by bad breath and body odor.) Do I want people to know the loving God that I know? Yes. So what is stopping me?
Time for all out honesty here. I am afraid that if I say something, people will one, not like me anymore, (that's to say if they did anyway). Two, what if I offend them? Three, what if they like to argue and are better at presenting their reasons to not know Jesus than I am at presenting the ones why I do?
Alright, so I have read books on getting over insecurity. I know God has called me to minister to women. I even know that the biggest part of that ministry is to share the Good News. The very reason I am forgiven and covered with grace and mercy. I know that He will give me the words, I have scriptures written and listed everywhere, I am committing them to memory so I have them ready, but still I remain quiet with the people who don't believe. It is a whole different story when I am speaking with someone who already believes in Jesus and has Him in their heart. I can talk all day to those people.
I could blame it on the rules of society. Let us all be politically correct and not offend anyone. It isn't professional, etc. Blah Blah Blah! I'm just going to say it. I AM A CHICKEN! Jesus came to heal the sick, not the ones who are already healed. He told parables about and talked with the very people He knew would tick off the people in authority.
My pastor asked a question this past Sunday that hit me right in the middle of the forehead. Are we (am I) making disciples? My answer? No, I'm not. I have been trying to build up the ones who know but need encouragement. Now, that isn't wrong. We all need encouragement and prayer from our fellow believers and friends. At times that is what gets me through, knowing that someone is agreeing with me, however, there are still people who don't know they can have someone to rely on at all times, even when they feel that no human could understand.
So Pastor, here is my answer to your question. No I am not making disciples...YET! I am asking God at this very moment to prick my heart and I am asking His Spirit within me to push my boundaries down and to not let me rest until I share the good news. I am asking Him to point people out to me who need Him.
Who's with me?
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Faithful Steward?
I know we aren't supposed to test God. You know like, if You just get me out of this mess, I'll never do this again, or, okay God, if You really are who You say you are, then do this...
Alright, then I got confused. Malachi 3:10 says, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and TEST Me (infasis mine) now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and poor out for you a blessing until it overflows. Here is my take on it. I was at a point in my life of desperation. I really felt like I didn't have enough money to make my bills, let alone give 10% of it to the church I attended. I felt so desperate, I tried it. Not only did all my bills get met, I was able to get into a work place where I built a considerable clientele and I was making more money than I ever had.
Here I go asking for forgiveness again. I quit doing it. I am now married and money isn't tight. We are blessed in so many ways, however, this past Sunday I came across this verse and I got a sinking feeling in my chest. I no longer want to test God. I just want to bless Him. I want Him to be able to bless others through the church I now attend. I can't say I tested Him before as much as I was desperate and willing to try anything. Now I feel that tithing is more a part of who I want to be in Christ.
Please understand, I am not trying to condemn or preach at anyone. This is my experience. This is my conviction. However, I know that when I was in God's financial plan, finances were not a problem. He is the creator of all things, including money, why would I ever think that I could do a better ob of controlling it than the one who gave it?
Alright, then I got confused. Malachi 3:10 says, Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and TEST Me (infasis mine) now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and poor out for you a blessing until it overflows. Here is my take on it. I was at a point in my life of desperation. I really felt like I didn't have enough money to make my bills, let alone give 10% of it to the church I attended. I felt so desperate, I tried it. Not only did all my bills get met, I was able to get into a work place where I built a considerable clientele and I was making more money than I ever had.
Here I go asking for forgiveness again. I quit doing it. I am now married and money isn't tight. We are blessed in so many ways, however, this past Sunday I came across this verse and I got a sinking feeling in my chest. I no longer want to test God. I just want to bless Him. I want Him to be able to bless others through the church I now attend. I can't say I tested Him before as much as I was desperate and willing to try anything. Now I feel that tithing is more a part of who I want to be in Christ.
Please understand, I am not trying to condemn or preach at anyone. This is my experience. This is my conviction. However, I know that when I was in God's financial plan, finances were not a problem. He is the creator of all things, including money, why would I ever think that I could do a better ob of controlling it than the one who gave it?
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independance Day
Happy 4th of July! I just want to take a little time to say how thankful I am to live in the USA. Even with all the political junk on the forefront, we are a blessed nation. There are so many people who have fought to uphold that freedom over the years. If you get to spend time with any of them today, make sure you say thank you.
From a biblical point of view, what is freedom? Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners...Romans 8:21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
The use of the word freedom, drawn from the Greek/Hebrew translation, isn't just freedom from the mosaic law, but from the dominion of sinful appetites and passions, also from a state of calamity and death. It stood for being a citizen, and in those days, only a free man, meaning someone without debt, could be one. So not only are we free from sin and death, but we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Are you getting that? Only free men can be citizens and Jesus paid for our citizenship. A debt I could never pay, ever, has been paid and I am going to eternity with my Jesus. Not only that, I get to tell others about it. I get to be a christian, which is to be Christ like. What did Christ do? He served. He got dirty. There is a song that makes me think of this. If you get a chance, listen to Trevor Morgan's "Jesus Rides the Subway". Hallelujah!
Comparatively, we live in a nation where our freedoms were fought for by others and we get to reep the benifits. Jesus, fought for our freedom, and we get to live in the benifits. Thank You Jesus. Do you want to make this your Independence Day ? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that is freedom.
From a biblical point of view, what is freedom? Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, and freedom to prisoners...Romans 8:21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
The use of the word freedom, drawn from the Greek/Hebrew translation, isn't just freedom from the mosaic law, but from the dominion of sinful appetites and passions, also from a state of calamity and death. It stood for being a citizen, and in those days, only a free man, meaning someone without debt, could be one. So not only are we free from sin and death, but we are citizens of the Kingdom of God. Are you getting that? Only free men can be citizens and Jesus paid for our citizenship. A debt I could never pay, ever, has been paid and I am going to eternity with my Jesus. Not only that, I get to tell others about it. I get to be a christian, which is to be Christ like. What did Christ do? He served. He got dirty. There is a song that makes me think of this. If you get a chance, listen to Trevor Morgan's "Jesus Rides the Subway". Hallelujah!
Comparatively, we live in a nation where our freedoms were fought for by others and we get to reep the benifits. Jesus, fought for our freedom, and we get to live in the benifits. Thank You Jesus. Do you want to make this your Independence Day ? John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Now that is freedom.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Job Description
Have any of you ever come to conclusion about something in your life that you wish you could have figured out a long time ago? I do it all the time. For example, I have been a hair dresser since 1991. During my career, I have tried on a lot of hats so to speak. I started out as an assistant. I then received my own chair and started to build a clientele. I moved into management positions, and even into ownership. I taught within my field, and finally, after twenty years, discovered why renting space in someone else's salon is the perfect fit for me. I don't like being told what to do, (what to wear, when to show up, when to eat etc.) nor do I want to tell others what to do. I want to go to work, service my clients, and leave to go home. I want weekends with my family and friends. It pains me to think that all the moving from salon to salon trying to find the perfect fit could have been a one stop shop. I finally figured it out.
However, I have been a christian since 1980, and I still try to figure out what God wants me to do. Its in His word. I don't have to hop from church to church to find it. I don't have to let people who are just like me, imperfect, determine where my walk takes me. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit... That's it. There's my job. I know He tweaks us and guides us all in different directions to reach different nations, and even parts of nations. He can even direct us toward one gender over another. The great thing is, I didn't have to do much work to find my job description. He handed it to me already written down.
Thank you Jesus. I love you too.
However, I have been a christian since 1980, and I still try to figure out what God wants me to do. Its in His word. I don't have to hop from church to church to find it. I don't have to let people who are just like me, imperfect, determine where my walk takes me. Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit... That's it. There's my job. I know He tweaks us and guides us all in different directions to reach different nations, and even parts of nations. He can even direct us toward one gender over another. The great thing is, I didn't have to do much work to find my job description. He handed it to me already written down.
Thank you Jesus. I love you too.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Have Never Been Eloquent
Exodus 4:10-12
Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Thank goodness for that. Coming from someone with a lisp who has been called to talk to people. That makes me feel so much better. I have all these ideas in my head, that when they come out on paper or from my mouth, they never sound right. I thank Him that He will give me the words. He will tell me what to say and when to say it.
I wonder how much better we would all be doing if we really sought His wisdom in situations where a good "talk" needs to be had. I know in my past, present and ( I'm sure ) my future, there have been and will be times when I will say what ever comes to my head. There seems to be an express route from thought to verbalization in my body. However, I am trying to seek God first before I go and become a vocal waterfall of unnecessary opinion. I'll pray for you, so please pray for me.
Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."
Thank goodness for that. Coming from someone with a lisp who has been called to talk to people. That makes me feel so much better. I have all these ideas in my head, that when they come out on paper or from my mouth, they never sound right. I thank Him that He will give me the words. He will tell me what to say and when to say it.
I wonder how much better we would all be doing if we really sought His wisdom in situations where a good "talk" needs to be had. I know in my past, present and ( I'm sure ) my future, there have been and will be times when I will say what ever comes to my head. There seems to be an express route from thought to verbalization in my body. However, I am trying to seek God first before I go and become a vocal waterfall of unnecessary opinion. I'll pray for you, so please pray for me.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Jesus is Jesus
Ephesians 4:1-7
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make ever effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all. But to EACH ONE OF US grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
I had to ask for forgiveness AGAIN. I let myself get upset by the actions of someone else, and instead of praying and asking God to show me what to do, in my head (and heart), I took the exact action as the offender. Have you ever done that? I think I do it on a regular basis. I was instantly upset and hurt at someone, and I mirrored the action. Though silently, and to myself, I still did it. When will we realize that Jesus is Jesus and He doesn't care how we worship Him, as long as we do. There is no right or wrong way to do it. There are no rules. As long as we are worshipping only Him and it is from our heart, He doesn't care. He just wants us. All of us.
So I ask God and anyone who reads this to forgive me for falling short once again. I pray right now that the unity in spirit and our churches will grow. I pray that we can all put aside our differences and focus on the issues at hand, reaching the lost for Christ, and showing His love to everyone, not just the people who are like us.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make ever effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all. But to EACH ONE OF US grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
I had to ask for forgiveness AGAIN. I let myself get upset by the actions of someone else, and instead of praying and asking God to show me what to do, in my head (and heart), I took the exact action as the offender. Have you ever done that? I think I do it on a regular basis. I was instantly upset and hurt at someone, and I mirrored the action. Though silently, and to myself, I still did it. When will we realize that Jesus is Jesus and He doesn't care how we worship Him, as long as we do. There is no right or wrong way to do it. There are no rules. As long as we are worshipping only Him and it is from our heart, He doesn't care. He just wants us. All of us.
So I ask God and anyone who reads this to forgive me for falling short once again. I pray right now that the unity in spirit and our churches will grow. I pray that we can all put aside our differences and focus on the issues at hand, reaching the lost for Christ, and showing His love to everyone, not just the people who are like us.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Provided
We have all gone on trips, whether short or small. I like the ones that have a brochure that tell me what is provided, however, most of my trips don't have that and we have to prepare. Some make lists, some just pack everything so that they forget nothing, some wing it and get what they need when they get there. I am a list maker. At some point, before most long trips, you'll find a list with items crossed out and some not. The ones crossed out are the things I have packed or decided not to pack. The ones still visible are needed right up until departure day and are put in the bag as I use them to get ready to go.
It never fails though. I get to my destination, and I have forgotten something, and I have to go get it. Its ridiculous. I was reminded by a friend today that we are to be anxious about nothing and we not to worry about anything we need.
Jesus states in Mathew 6:25, 33-34, Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...But seek first His righteousness, and all these tings will be given to you as well. Therefore, do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
These words are a song to my heart. They sing a melody. Everything I NEED is PROVIDED. He also wants us to present our prayers and requests to Him. The things we want. He still wants us to ask for them. He knows best and may not give me what I want, but He has my back in all things. I will never be without the things that I need. It is sometimes difficult for me to remember this. I'm working on it.
It never fails though. I get to my destination, and I have forgotten something, and I have to go get it. Its ridiculous. I was reminded by a friend today that we are to be anxious about nothing and we not to worry about anything we need.
Jesus states in Mathew 6:25, 33-34, Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...But seek first His righteousness, and all these tings will be given to you as well. Therefore, do no worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
These words are a song to my heart. They sing a melody. Everything I NEED is PROVIDED. He also wants us to present our prayers and requests to Him. The things we want. He still wants us to ask for them. He knows best and may not give me what I want, but He has my back in all things. I will never be without the things that I need. It is sometimes difficult for me to remember this. I'm working on it.
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