Are We Reaching Them???

Okay, It has been a couple weeks since I have posted. It has been quite a time! Finished up my first 8-week online semester with results above what I expected. Then, we had our Spring Revival this week with Rev. Sam Dyer speaking and Paul and Christy Newberry leading our worship. What an exciting time in the life of our church!!!

This has also been a great time of re-focusing my eyes and heart on the work God has for me. Why is it that it is so easy to be sidetracked? It's so easy to get caught up in the job aspect rather than the ministry side of our calling. I have found that I need to focus more on the people we are trying to reach than the songs, instruments, lighting, sound equipment and other usual concerns.

But the focus of everything I do must be to show the love of Christ to others, right? One of the key points I got out of the revival was this...God doesn't tell us to only take the sinners who are "A-listers" or will be beneficial to us either. He tells us to reach out to sinners, point blank!

The verse that comes to mind is Romans 5:8..."But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." That means every sinner, regardless of their personal sin nature, status, or upbringing.

This is a battle we all face...reaching out to ALL!!! I have heard from so many people that visitation just doesn't work anymore. I don't believe that completely, but rather than the methods used for visitation need to adapt. We need more of a personal evangelism. Get to know them and let them get to know us. When they see a difference in us, that could allow us a chance to share with them more openly. Here is a neat little video from BluefishTV that runs quickly through the Roman road (road map to salvation) that we can share with others...



How are you doing at reaching to those who are hurting around you? Do you only focus on the "good" sinners, as if there really is such a thing. Or, are you willing to reach the drug addict, the prostitute, the homeless, and the ones with a rap sheet a mile long? This is a challenge I am taking personally. Will you join me?

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Share some good news!!!

Wednesday night, our pastor was sharing as we continue in our study of Romans. The part of the lesson that stuck out to me began in verse 11 of chapter 1..."For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (12) That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (13) Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles."

Here Paul is talking to his Roman brethren (like I really talk with such language, right?), and looking forward to visiting with them, that he could share with them the gifts he has received from the Spirit. Let's look at how the Amplified version states verse 12..."That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine." Paul is talking about how they could be strengthened, encouraged and comforted by each other's faith...not Paul's, not theirs...but glory in the works that God is doing through them all, corporately.

Too many times, I find myself worn down because of what I perceive as insurmountable tasks in my vocational and personal life. When I hear how someone else is doing, in spite of their hectic schedule and worries of life, I seem to slow down, take a step back, and realize my life isn't quite as mad as I thought it was. I need to slow down sometimes, and as I've stated many times before...look at Psalm 46:10..."Be still and know that I am God"...just give it to Him to handle, instead of carrying the weight myself.

Then, back in Romans, verse 13 states that I should be looking forward to partnering with the believers around me or even far away. Paul says he looks forward to sharing fruit among them, "even as among other Gentiles"...I think he's talking about sharing the testimony with others (partnering). To me, this is the simplest act of missions...partnering together to reach others. I don't have to go it alone...and neither do you!

Let's take another look at this week's memorization verse, found in 1 John 4:10..."Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Keep going over it...ask God to speak though His Word...take the time to share it with someone...and let's continue to seek what God has for us...

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!