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“Nothing is better than relationship with Christ. Nothing is more exciting than sharing Christ with those we meet each week. May every single one of us be the kinds of people who “walk across the room”… reach out a hand in love…speak a kind word…share the message of Christ.
Your life has a ripple effect in the world around you. One act of faithfulness to God could impact the faith journey of so many others. One simple invitation could open the door for an entire family to experience a transformational relationship with Christ. One simple invitation could save a marriage. One simple invitation could change the trajectory of someones life and eternity.
Eternity will never be the same.”
i cant take the credit for above – but it resoantes with my heart… it is from epic velocity – a post called chasing daylight: door hangers, ripples. eternity.
we may think that what we do and who we are is small… but our ordinary life can have extraordinary effect as God works through us and as we live our lives to shine for him, demonstrating his love and grace.
it may seem like a simple conversation with a friend or a stranger, but it can have eternal consequences as it plants seeds and waters precious previous conversations about God and salvation and hope and grace and love. and God will speak to their heart and reveal himself to them.
we take the YES step – saying YES to God for him to use us. YES to walking across the room and starting a conversation. we say YES to be available to God to speak through and shine through. Today are your ready to be used by God? Today are you ready to change the world?
Matthew 22:36-28 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This is one of those verses we can skip over “cos we know it.” you know what i mean eh, verses we read and skim over without thinking about because we may of thought about them 5 years ago… things that are simple and so we’ve worked it all out… i know i am like that… and i am trying to change!
but it is worth taking a look at again and exaiminng our life.
does our life reflect these two MAIN THINGS – loving God and loving people?
are our priorities influenced and inspired by loving God and loving people?
does our time reflect our committment to these commandments?
a while ago our pastors wife (she so rocks) preached about loving our neighbours. and from there i have been thinking of more practical ways that i can love those around me. simple things really. but they might just make someones day, help someone in need, demonstrate the love and grace of God, make someone feel special etc….
our neighbour is not just the person who lives next door…. it is anyone. anyone who lives and breathes. and it isnt just a christian or church member… it is anyone… it isnt just the nice people we call friends… it is anyone… including those we dont “click” with… get me….?
Practical Love In Action:
smile at people (serious!)
open doors
phone someone you might know is feeling a bit lonely
make a meal for someone who is sick or busy or something!
take a friend out for coffee and a chat
babysit for someone
lend a book or cd
pay for a doctors visit
drop off a bag of groceries
pick up someone and take them to church
sit with the person no one sits with at church
do bible study with a new christian
include someone in your circle of friends when you go out (ie invite them)
send an encouraging email
pass on your kids clothes that they have grown out of to a family that needs things like that
mow someones lawns if they cant
pray
….
you get the picture… this is in no way a definiative or exhausted list… but it is a list of action. Love does. it doesnt just think about it – it is ACTION. love does things. love is action. love is expressed. love makes a difference. it draws people to God. it makes there day brighter. it makes life easier. it meets a need. it encoruages. it loves.
how are you making loving people and loving God real in your life?
how can you love those around you more?
Life is more than just breathing. It is more than jsut working and even more than just falling in love, raising a family etc… We need to live for today remembering that we are not just flesh and blood but that we serve the Almighty God, the King of Glory and that He has a mission for which He gave His life for. In the everything, no matter how mundane or normal it is, we do we should remember who we are – ambassadors for reconnecting people with God. Life is more than just breathing – it is about living and having adventure! The adventure and satisfaction we are born craving is found in God, in knowing Him and serving Him.
Somewhere within each of us is the distinct cry to do something with our lives, to make our mark. We search to find meaning in life and to find our place in this world. This isn’t caused by teenage angst, a midlife crisis or any random combination of hormones and brain buzzes…. It is the call of God placed within our heart, stirring us to indeed find where we fit and can contribute.
Do you want God to use you? If you heart is to know God then of course your answer is yes. Great! Sometimes however discovering WHAT you “want to be when you grow up” (no matter what age or life accomplishment you are) can feel like a stressful, drawn out process of twists, reversals and contention! The good news is the call of God and being used by God isn’t an elusive over the rainbow thing.
Be encouraged – God calls us partners in the job of reaching the lost and establishing his church. He created us to be useable. The call of God is NOW thing. It is a DOING thing. It is for today right where you are.
If you’re breathing your can contribute and can serve God. You are placed in a workplace, school, family, circle of friends, sports group, coffee group – not by accident but by purpose by God. You can shine and demonstrate the love and grace of God right where you are in the very normality of your life. You don’t have to go to the depths of India to be used by God, you are a totally useable person. Just breathe and be yourself.
In some ways it is more of the WHO we are that makes the real difference rather than the WHAT we do. In God’s culture it is the people factor, the who we are and who we touch for his glory than the monuments and achievements we make. The title or job description we have isn’t what demonstrates God to others, it is the who we are and how we relate to others and how we react to situations that allows people to see God within us and through us. It is in conversation not corporate porfolios that the gospel is shared.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 describes a house with objects used for common and special useage.
2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. Therefore if anyone purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honor, sanctified and useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Just because we have a dream and just because God DOES use people it doesn’t mean it comes on a platter. We can prepare. This doesn’t mean we need to leave our job and go to Bible College in order to serve God (unless he leads us there of course!), it means we need to personally prepare ourselves before the Lord. We must take responsibility to develop our relationship with God, to know His word, to know His ways. We must discipline ourselves to be obedient followers, surrendering and under construction. Preparation takes a lifetime. Till our last breath we are undergoing preparation – God would also call it transformation. The true fulfillment of the call of God is an accurate representation of Jesus.
What resonates with the beat of your heart? What is the thing you dream about? What is the thing you MUST do and will strive to do at every godly cost? What is the gift God has placed in your life? Pursue it. Pray and talk to God about it. Prepare. Don’t wait however to step out into a glorious future of fulfillment and doing. Do it now. Demonstrate God now to those around you. It doesn’t take a job description or a position on church staff to be like Jesus. Don’t let feelings of inadequacy or unpreparedness rule you out.
Jeremiah was young man whom God used to speak to a nation. Timothy likewise, yet God called him to lead a church. Amos was a common shepherd with no family history of spiritual leadership. Nehemiah was a cupbearer in the kings court in exile. David was a shepherd. Lydia, in retail. Matthew was a despised tax collector. What are you doing today? What mark are you making today? How is God using you – today???
Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. — William James
what kind of things make a difference…. a smile… taking a packet of chocy biscuts into work for morning tea… a friendly email to say, hi, i was thinking of you…. a card in the mail to a friend…. a hug…. a cup of tea after a long day…. a compliment…. a kind word… a saved seat at church… helping wash up after dinner…. lending a book…. lending a cd…
you get my drift… little things… simple things… but they can make a real differnece to someones day. we dont know what is going on behind closed doors, and the smile we see may just be for “appearnces sake” (not to be rude… i know i do it… cos i also like being with people etc…) and so even the smallest kindness can make a differnece. we do not see the lonileness of someones heart, or their fears and insecurities. people do not often project their hurts and worries to others… they hide them.
but God sees.
he sees all.
and so we, his children. can make a difference. we can share the love.
simple things. but they make a difference.
act now.
it is amazing that God uses us… not just in the great things but in what we could consider everyday things. these everyday things are the things that get used more often… we meet people everyday. we rub shoulders with people everyday. God in us is with people everyday… get the drift… we are partnering with God to plant seeds and see lives changed. the biggest and bested change is that people come to know God, that they are saved – born again, life eternal, knowing God, accepted and new and loved everlasting. everyone is on that journey to know God. we can be watering their seeds, demonstrating the love and grace of God. in even the ordinary things. in the everyday encounters.
think of what you can do to make the difference. think today of what you can do. pray about it. God will show you. listen to him as you go about your day. he will use you!
Judges 20:3-7 The Israelites called a meeting of the nation. And since they were God’s people, the meeting was held at the place of worship in Mizpah. Men who could serve as soldiers came from everywhere in Israel–from Dan in the north, Beersheba in the south, and Gilead east of the Jordan River. Four hundred thousand of them came to Mizpah, and they each felt the same about what those men from the tribe of Benjamin had done. News about the meeting at Mizpah reached the tribe of Benjamin. As soon as the leaders of the tribes of Israel took their places, the Israelites said, ” How could such a horrible thing happen?” The husband of the murdered woman answered: My wife and I went into the town of Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night. Later that night, the men of Gibeah surrounded the house. They wanted to kill me, but instead they raped and killed my wife. It was a terrible thing for Israelites to do! So I cut up her body and sent pieces everywhere in Israel. You are the people of Israel, and you must decide today what to do about the men of Gibeah.
What will it take to make the people of God to stand up and cry out for change and righteousness for their nation?
What will it take for the people of God to fall to their knees and pray for the nations to be healed and people to be saved?
What will it take for us to pray for the change only God can give?
The murder of a wife – cut up into 12 pieces and sent by courier around the country?
The murder of a 3 year old by her uncles?
P addicts taking hostages and causing a police stand off?
A drive by shooting that kills an innocent 2 year old sleeping in her bed?
The abuse and death of twin babies, allegedly by their father?
The murder of a wife and mother – her body stuffed in the boot of her car?
The rape of tourists staying in their van in a small town?
The hold up of a burger king joint?
The abduction and murder of a 5 year old girl in a red raincoat on her way to school?
Our preteen girls having sex in the school toilets?
Our boys joining gangs to belong?
What?
What?
What?
What will pierce our heart?
What will move us?
What will make us stand and kneel and pray?
Do not desire crosses, unless you have borne well those laid on you; it is an abuse to long after martyrdom while unable to bear an insult patiently. — Francis de Sales
many people say they want to be martyrs for Jesus – yet they dont do a flash job living for him (no to diss anyone here). the real cross is how do we handle all of those “small” things – a rude driver, a grumpy workmate, a provocative woman, a tired child, a difficult situation. we should pray for opportunities to LIVE for Jesus – our lives can make such a significant difference…
today, little ol’ me on the other side of the world watched the Presidential Inaguration and Parade. i confess i was moved. i’ve always been moved by Obama and his dream and vision. i love seeing the hope rise around the world. i liked his speech. it resonates with me that we ALL have responsibility and a part to play, we all make a difference. we serve and awesome God and he calls us to change the world, wtih his love and grace.
Yes, we can.
by the power of God.
yes, we can.
by the might of the Holy Spirit.
yes we can.
Matthew 22:36-28 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This is one of those verses we can skip over “cos we know it.” you know what i mean eh, verses we read and skim over without thinking about because we may of thought about them 5 years ago… things that are simple and so we’ve worked it all out… i know i am like that, shame on me!
but it is worth taking a look at again and exaiminng our life. does our life reflect these two MAIN THINGS – loving God and loving people? are our priorities influenced and inspired by loving God and loving people? does our time reflect our committment to these commandments?
yesterday our pastors wife (she so rocks) preached about loving our neighbours. and from there i have been thinking of more practical ways that i can love those around me. simple things really. but they might just make someones day, help someone in need, demonstrate the love and grace of God, make someone feel special etc….
our neighbour is not just the person who lives next door…. it is anyone. it isnt just a christian or church member… it is anyone… it isnt just the nice people we call friends… it is anyone… including those we dont “click” with… get me….?
Practical Love In Action:
smile at people (serious!)
open doors
phone someone you might know is feeling a bit lonely
make a meal for someone who is sick or busy or something!
take a friend out for coffee and a chat
babysit for someone
lend a book or cd
pay for a doctors visit
drop off a bag of groceries
pick up someone and take them to church
sit with the person no one sits with at church
do bible study with a new christian
include someone in your circle of friends when you go out (ie invite them)
send an encouraging email
pass on your kids clothes that they have grown out of to a family that needs things like that
mow someones lawns if they cant
pray
….
you get the picture… this is in no way a definiative or exhausted list… how about you add your own ideas here…
Passionate people make a difference because they pour their energy and resources and time into what they are passionate about. Passionate people change the world they live in in tangible ways and in the intangible invisible ways they effect the hearts of those observing them. One of the common tributes for Sir Edmund Hillary (first man to conquer Mt Everest, explorer to the South Pole, social changer) who died in January this year was “that he seldom left you the same, that his passion was contagious and he transformed you from an ordinary person to someone who could accomplish extraordinary things.” Your passion and dedication will inspire others.
Wesley said “when you are on fire for God people will come for miles to see you burn.” God is passionate about seeing the lost come to him for salvation, healing and freedom – for people to be transformed into children of God – and he does this through his children – thorough us, Christians. He calls us to shine and declare through our lives that he is great, glorious and good – that he is able and mighty to save, that he is real and worthy. As we live for him we draw others to his life.
God is worth being passionate about. David said “one thing do I desire, one thing am I passionate about… to know God and see Him in His beauty, to see Him as he truly is” (Psalm 27:4 – my paraphrase). He didn’t just say the words he lived the life that practiced this. Relationship with God takes decision – yes it is all by grace but as a child of God we make the decisions to say “yes” to God to obey and serve Him. We decide to make God a priority and to seek Him, thus allowing Him to transform us and shine through us. Saying yes to God and obeying Him shows we love Him. It leads to not a mediocre gray life but a life rich in adventure and joy.
We need to be people who passionately pursue our Creator and Saviour; people are prepared to press on and resist the opposition from the inside and the outside.
Has anyone ever told you you’re “too spiritual” and to “just settle down”? Don’t buy into their discouragement. Pursue God. Know Him. Make Him known. Live a life characterized by your relationship with God. Yes, it involves making sacrifices and being different. There will be things that “normal” people can do that we as Christians should make the choice to resist and avoid. God calls us to be holy, to resist things that drag us into sinfulness and trip us up. Not so we cant have fun, but so that we can be whole and clean on the inside as well as the outside. God is very real. He is very personal. He is the Almighty Dreator.. God who created the giraffe, the squirrel, daffodils and the flying fish speaks to us and outworks plans and dreams in our lives. He calls us by name and knows how many hairs we have on our head and how many hairs we have on our toes. The reward of knowing God is so much more worthy and wonderful than a fleeting fling with things that bring fleshly reward. Keep your eyes focused on this reward and don’t allow others to deter you from this great prize.
Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to live giving your all. Don’t be afraid to be passionate. God delights in the passion you display for him. He loves the enthusiasm you worship Him with. He loves the private dedication of your study, the disciplines of reading His word and seeking His ways. These things please God. These things open wide the doors of our heart for God to move and transform us. They allow God to shine in an even greater measure to those around us.
God doesn’t want us to demonstrate Him in shades of gray. God is glorious and wonderful. We should live lives that reflect His greatness and His grace. We should wholeheartedly seek to know Him and make Him known. Today, make the choice to be on fire for God, to pursue Him passionately, whatever the cost. The prize is knowing Him intimately and the fruit is the accurate expression and representation of our awesome God. Be part of changing this world and making a difference. It is what God has created you for…
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