Ministry Now

It occurred to me that what I assumed was the obvious response to the cable guy asking what I do and what is a parsonage, would be to invite him to church. As the words left my mouth, I realized I was wrong. As Christians, we are sent to be ambassadors of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5) I knew enough to ask permission to pray for this man covering pain with sarcasm. I could have prayed for him then and there. 

Our God is timeless and rich in mercy. For me and for him...missed opportunity not missed prayer. Praying still. 

James 3:18,

Camelot

Compelled

Clearly, Christ’s love guides us. We are convinced of the fact that one man has died for all people. Therefore, all people have died. He died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 GW)

I memorized this verse standing beside my daddy on the banks of the Jordan River in Israel. The version I learned says " Christ's love compels us." I have not looked up the difference between guide and compel but in my heart it has a different feel to it. Both are right and of God, I believe. 

This is also the verse that my bible was opened to on the day I was ordained. 

My prayer today is that my life in character and in action would live up to and lean into this reality of purpose. Jesus gave His all to us. Can we not trust Him with our EVERYTHING?

Luke 1:38

Camelot

Rest

"God’s promise that we may enter his place of rest still stands. We are afraid that some of you think you won’t enter his place of rest." Hebrews 4:1

 I was having a conversation with a family member about the things of God. At the conclusion of our talk, we were talking about an ongoing, alive relationship with God. It became very simple. Any relationship that you have includes conversation, getting to know each other, thinking about each other, and giving to each other in some capacity.

It dawned on me that some people may go for days or weeks or more without thinking about God, reading His word, praying or giving anything of themselves to Him.  When asked who they put their faith in, I wonder who they mean when they say, "God."

There are also people who pray, read, and think about God, but they are so down on themselves that they are paralyzed to give of themselves because their past or circumstances or others tell them of a God that is not real...

God is good, He gives good to His children, if you will put your trust in Him, then you are His child.

The place of rest that exists is inside the life of faith in the Son of God, who came to save the world from sin.

What love the Father has lavished on us, that we, those who walk by faith, should be called the children of God, at rest in His presence. Live there cause that is what we are! (1 John, 2 Corinthians and Hebrews mixed)

James 4:14,
Camelot

Live by Faith

In Luke 1, Mary the mother of Jesus visits Elizabeth her cousin. Elizabeth's first words to Mary concluded with, "You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." Elizabeth already knew about Mary's situation. Her assessment was that the "because" of the blessing was not the situation. No, Elizabeth rightly claimed the blessings was in response to Mary's faith. "You are blessed BECAUSE..."

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

We know these things are true by believing, not by seeing. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (TLB)

We live our lives by actions that are based on what we believe and how we see things. A new song I heard on KLOVE gives some insight on how to be proactive in how we see things.

Choose and speak LIFE!

James 4:14,
Camelot

Live the Adventure

Most of the songs that we sing in Kids Church have motions that go along to help the kids understand what we are saying and stay engaged. "Trust in the Lord", which is Proverbs 3:5-6 put to music, begins with the sign language sign for "trust", which is to grasp your hands as if grasping a rope. We add a little extra to it, which I like by leaning back as if to base our balance on the rope we are holding.

Galatians 2:20 "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live I live by believing in God’s Son, who loved me and took the punishment for my sins." 

In light of the mercy and grace of God, based on His goodness and love, my goal is to hang by this thread, what I mean is that my whole existence is dependent not on my own balance or my own leverage, but rather on my faith, my grasp of Him, of His Good News, of Jesus. Knowing that He is holding me and making His dwelling in me. Sometimes I talk to someone, hear a song, or tell a story that reminds me of my zombie (walking dead) life before I received the Good News.

 The Good News

Jesus died for all people so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for the man who died and was brought back to life for them. Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. 2 Corinthians 5:15,17-18

 Thank you, Jesus! What an adventure my life has become!

James 4:14,
Camelot