As I sat in church this morning to a message about John the Baptist, I was struck by several things that John the Baptist did and DID NOT do. He did not try to be someone he was not, nor did he have any pretense about being Elijah or the Prophet. He recognized his ministry and His call to prepare the way for the coming of Messiah and he walked in that call. He was humble...Jesus thought of John the Baptist higher than John thought of himself.
A story was told about a man named John Egan. John was a church deacon who woke early one blizzard-like Sunday morning and almost didn't leave because the snow was so blistery outside, but it occurred to him that if he did not go... others would also not go. As an example, He felt it was important for him to be there so he got his snow gear on, said a word of prayer and headed over to the church. That morning, twelve people had made it out to the church in the snow but the pastor was snowed in, and they had a young guest who was thirteen years old. They talked about canceling the service, but instead the deacon decided to get up and preach because they had made it out there. He preached about 10 minutes. He had much to say but did not say it eloquently and in fact little was remembered about that message except the last few minutes, when he looked the 13 yr old right in the eye pointed his finger at him and said, "Son, Look to Jesus..." Look to Jesus...
this 13 yr old boy gave did Look to Jesus and the light of the Son of God was revealed to him... He later became the renown Charles Spurgeon who preached to many.
This story startled me in service today and brought me to tears. Again, I come to tears just thinking about it. If this deacon was faithful with what he had, gave the message to the best of his ability, even if his ability was slight...the Holy Spirit did the work! The Holy Spirit works on our behalf. He asks us only to step out in faith and do our part to answer the need. I cried because I long to be faithful like that, to share the gospel with those who need it. I sense the urgency of the days we are living in, and though my words may not be eloquent, though not all may receive the message, the Holy Spirit says, "speak, share the truth, be my vessel." The times are so short, and I can't help but think...what if a loving hand extended speaks a thousand words, how is my life telling people, "Look to Jesus"?
It has never been simply about going on some foreign mission half way across the world, although I have had that on my heart for ages. It has never been simply about adventure, ultimate sacrifice,...Its about the day to day, its about people gaining an understanding of truth, its about choices... giving people a choice they did not understand to be in relationship with God. He's God...yet he wants relationship with us. not demanding us to be perfect, not demanding us...but asking us to take his Hand, to recognize Him, to follow Him.. I want nothing greater than this!
I feel called to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation..." I don't feel like I "measure up" to this calling, but that does not matter. What matters is that I respond to the Holy Spirit as He leads and guides my heart regardless of the cost.
I want to be the kind of confident leader that can say with boldness, "Follow me, as I follow Christ." To live in such a way that I am not ashamed for others to follow that example. My God and my King,... Help me. I follow you!!!!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Thursday, July 5, 2012
SIDENOTES: My thoughts on my last homework assignment
The emotions elicited by this past assignment in which we must analyze marriage and divorce and make an argument based on our research for how we would best counsel a couple considering divorce or having marital issues.... including every member of the family and how they are each involved brought some memories, the struggle of faith in practice, a realization of the knowledge the secular world has about the destruction of divorce, and how to separate oneself emotionally in order to stop damage.
“What used to be seen as a weakness of the flesh has mutated into a personal entitlement.” (William Doherty, 2006, Psychotherapy Networker in his Couples on the Brink)
Through research, scientists are coming to the conclusion that the ramifications of divorce make it destructive to all the individuals involved and that it would be better to try to work out the issues within the marriage before deciding to have a divorce. The Bible already gave us this advice before scientific research ever reached that point. From their claims in the 1970s that women needed to be "liberated" and "your choice for a divorce frees you," to the economic stability that women are now able to gain for themselves making them feel self sufficient, not in need of their husband's financial prowess, to today where they have discovered that divorce has long lasting negative effects when it is not ended upon civilly and that even a "good divorce" ended on positive terms will bring difficulties for the children and repercussions.
The Bible teaches that Love keeps no records of wrongs, bears long, is patient and kind. A reference point which would have greatly aided scientists in their insistence in scientific study to prove any such claims that the Bible would make. Their scientific research PROVES the wisdom of God. God doesn't ask people to stay married just so they would be miserable, but in his infinite wisdom wants the best for his children. Only few circumstances which research has shown make divorce reasonable and permissible, but the greatest love found in Christ seeks forgiveness and compassion. (Please don't misunderstand me, because I do not condone abuse or affairs both of which are Biblical grounds for divorce.)
Comments from article "Is Dating Dead?" by Sharon Jayson in USA Today issue 3-31-2011
Another comment I have deals with the lack of push towards manlihood or courage in our society today which gives youth easy access to everything, yet leaves them empty of anything worthwhile. The issue, “Is Dating Dead?” sounds an alarm about the rising lack of connection with other people that our culture is facing. When someone trains to pursue a prize, the training and pursuit is difficult, as it should be, but the prize made it worthwhile. Cheating themselves of the challenge, many young people report cheap sexual games without the actual fulfillment of pursuit, romance, and risk. Of course risk means hurt sometimes, but the risks were worth it especially if it means a fulfilling friendship and marriage at the end. The article also mentions a group of people whose bold statements about their virginity should be praised. There is a difference between those who are virgins by their choice to wait, and those who are virgins simply in the physiological sense because of other internet sexual encounters which cheaply fulfilled their desires.
How would Christ respond to such deprivation in our society which has things backwards??
“What used to be seen as a weakness of the flesh has mutated into a personal entitlement.” (William Doherty, 2006, Psychotherapy Networker in his Couples on the Brink)
Through research, scientists are coming to the conclusion that the ramifications of divorce make it destructive to all the individuals involved and that it would be better to try to work out the issues within the marriage before deciding to have a divorce. The Bible already gave us this advice before scientific research ever reached that point. From their claims in the 1970s that women needed to be "liberated" and "your choice for a divorce frees you," to the economic stability that women are now able to gain for themselves making them feel self sufficient, not in need of their husband's financial prowess, to today where they have discovered that divorce has long lasting negative effects when it is not ended upon civilly and that even a "good divorce" ended on positive terms will bring difficulties for the children and repercussions.
The Bible teaches that Love keeps no records of wrongs, bears long, is patient and kind. A reference point which would have greatly aided scientists in their insistence in scientific study to prove any such claims that the Bible would make. Their scientific research PROVES the wisdom of God. God doesn't ask people to stay married just so they would be miserable, but in his infinite wisdom wants the best for his children. Only few circumstances which research has shown make divorce reasonable and permissible, but the greatest love found in Christ seeks forgiveness and compassion. (Please don't misunderstand me, because I do not condone abuse or affairs both of which are Biblical grounds for divorce.)
Comments from article "Is Dating Dead?" by Sharon Jayson in USA Today issue 3-31-2011
Another comment I have deals with the lack of push towards manlihood or courage in our society today which gives youth easy access to everything, yet leaves them empty of anything worthwhile. The issue, “Is Dating Dead?” sounds an alarm about the rising lack of connection with other people that our culture is facing. When someone trains to pursue a prize, the training and pursuit is difficult, as it should be, but the prize made it worthwhile. Cheating themselves of the challenge, many young people report cheap sexual games without the actual fulfillment of pursuit, romance, and risk. Of course risk means hurt sometimes, but the risks were worth it especially if it means a fulfilling friendship and marriage at the end. The article also mentions a group of people whose bold statements about their virginity should be praised. There is a difference between those who are virgins by their choice to wait, and those who are virgins simply in the physiological sense because of other internet sexual encounters which cheaply fulfilled their desires.
How would Christ respond to such deprivation in our society which has things backwards??
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