What are we afraid of???

I ran across this video some time back and thought I would share it today. It's a humorous video, but the point isn't. What would it take for us to stand up and share with others? Why are we missing the chance to share the Hope we have with others?



I know there is no "Evangelism Linebacker" following us around, but what if there was? Would we be more likely to share what Christ has done in our lives? I pray that we will all share the Gospel every chance we get. It's not easy, but think of the opportunities we miss out on. Who's to say that someone else will share with them if we don't? Think of that person as an eternal soul...If we don't share with them, how will they know?

Make an effort TODAY to share with those you have opportunity with. We are called, and given the power as it states in Acts 1:8..."But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Let's reach out first in our Jerusalem (your town or even your neighborhood) then our state, country and world. It has to start somewhere, let it begin with us!!!

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

Be profitable...

Isn't it funny how God speaks the same words to us over and over to get things across to us? Over the last couple days, I have been reading through scriptures and keep being brought back to this particular passage. Yesterday morning, in Sunday School we spoke about the "comfort zone" we are in in the church setting and then the morning sermon actually began in the early parts of the chapter and the passage was brought to my mind once again. The passage for today comes from Hebrews 13:13-17..."Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (14) For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (15) By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (16) But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

We are called to step out of our comfort zones and reach those who are outside of the safe walls. And, it doesn't say to reach only to those who openly want to hear about it either...it says to bear reproach. We are not bearing reproach for the sake of dealing with pain, but rather for our Lord, who bore the ultimate reproach.

We are also reminded that while we are here, the things are only for a season. We seek a city to come that "continues" or lasts forever. That is why we should set our sights and affections on things above. By our Lord, we should offer up our praise, sacrificially. That means letting go of ourselves and letting everything we have, everything we do, and everything we say honor Him. I can see the marquee sign of a church that stuck in my mind..."Let Go and Let God"...can't put it any simpler than that.

It continues in verse 16 with not forgetting to do good and communicate...that means sharing the testimony of what HE has done...for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Do you consider your good deeds and conversation as a sacrifice? I thought about that. If we aren't giving up something it's not really a sacrifice, is it? If we take the credit, we should be careful. Read Daniel chapter 4...King Nebuchadnezzar was very proud of the kingdom he himself had made with his own hands, after his dreams were told him by Daniel. He thought he was "all that" and had to be brought down a notch or two to come to a realization and give God the glory. It's not any fun having to go through trials and struggles to learn where the glory goes, but sometimes is necessary. If we are giving glory and "sacrificing" receiving the praise, God will be pleased.

And finally, this one can be tough...submit yourselves and obey them that have rule over you. This is another sacrifice we must make. This is not only concerned with work, either. We must keep our avenues of accountability and responsibility in order. We also have people set out to keep "watch" over us in places of authority. They should be able to look at our work and be joyful, not grieving the time together. The final line puts it well..."for that is unprofitable to you". It is unprofitable for us to leave a "bad taste" in people's minds when they think back on us.

So, get out of your comfort zone...do good and share what God has done...submit yourself and obey authority...for it is profitable for you.

Please let me know if there is a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today...

Like a tree planted by the water...

This morning, we had a great time of sharing and Bible reading at our Men's Breakfast. This is a weekly occasion, with the first Wednesday of the month being a chance to go out to eat. We read from Job 38:1-5 and discussed becoming a man. It's not about being bold, strong and mighty like we get taught growing up in school, but rather about discerning the teachings of God. It's about knowing He's in control and letting Him lead our every move.

As I came back to do some reading and came across Psalms 1:1-3, which I would like to share with you..."Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (2) But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (3) And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

This passage speaks of a man who walks uprightly in the will of God. We are to shield ourselves from being in the wrong places, wrong company and wrong circumstances. When we separate ourselves from the wrong influences, we keep ourselves from unneedful temptation and allow God's voice to be heard. It's like I mentioned last week...if we are so indwelt by the noise of the world around us, is it any wonder we can't hear God speaking???

When we walk in the Lord and let His will guide us, it says we will be like a tree planted by the water. Not only will a tree by the water bring forth fruit, but it will also have a root system that is strong. If our root is strong in the Word of God, we will not be easily swayed by the sins the earth has to offer. It takes commitment to have an upright walk with the Lord.

I pray that you will make a commitment to see God's will for your life. It may be simply reaching out in kindness to a lost and hurting person at work today. Maybe you can make a meal for a family who's been battling illness and are weary. Or, maybe God is speaking to you about full-time ministry. To find what God wants in your life, you must first ask. It's easy to tell God what we want to do, but that's not necessarily what He has in mind. Take the time to draw closer and pray that His will in your life is seen.

If there is a need in your life, feel free to comment back to me about how I can pray for you...if you want it kept private, I will not post it at your request. If you are searching for answers and don't know where to turn, let me share with you how to find the answers...Have a blessed day!!!