My Part ... Your Part

Have you ever asked yourself what part you play in kingdom work. The last 20 years of church history has had the potential of harming the church's ability to effectively impact the kingdom. Professional ministers and missionaries, those who do it vocationally, have given the impression that those who may not be "called" into full time ministry are second class citizens of the kingdom. It is interesting to look through the Bible and find those who made a significant impact for the kingdom without out ever giving up their day jobs.

The centurion, Christ healed his daughter, was said to have great faith. It is interesting that God did not tell him to give up all that he had, but rather sent him back to his daily work. If God were to look at our lives, would He say to us that we have great faith? Up until 20 years ago, the church was perpetuated and the kingdom advanced by each person understanding their role, a life sold out to following Christ and impacting the kingdom. Don't let someone tell you or act like a second class kingdom citizen. Do your part, live your part, take charge and ADVANCE THE KINGDOM.

One of those days...

This morning as I was sitting in my office, talking with Clark something happened that made me think...it's going to be one of those days. My office chair gave way. It was quite a site. It did not go all the way to the floor just back to where my feet were sticking straight up. Clark, before he helped, was laughing hysterically. I couldn't get up, i could just roll around helpless, feet to the sky.

After I got out of the chair, the office had a good laugh at my expense and I regained what was left of my dignity, I began to realize often times I have days and even weeks that seem like I am rolling around life, not in control, with my feet in the air. I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, it says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Even when I am stuck in a chair with my feet in the air, God has a unique plan for my life.

The question is am I looking to live on mission, or am I content sulking about my feet in the air?

GOING GLOCAL

No that is not a misspelling. Glocal is a word that is used to coin a new but old concept in missions. It is the concept that our mission endeavour must be both local and global. Most churches have a pull between the two. God never intended for that pull.

This Sunday we will be looking at what it will take for God to give us a burden for missions. Read Isaiah 58. It is amazing the truths about missions that can be looked at through the old testament. God had a mission for His nation Israel, but it could only be accomplished when they were willing to pray for things to be done His way. How are you praying and sacrificing for glocal missions?

It's Monday

This morning my alarm went off, earlier than normal. I've committed to a healthier lifestyle. I went to the YMCA to exercise. (We will see how long it lasts.) Sometimes we have noble aspirations. We start exercising and if you are like me, often times it happens for a while and then we give up on it.

We have just finished a series on worship. The concept that for too long worship has been a one day a week activity and then it's Monday. This Monday morning how are you doing in your worship? Have you spent time in prayer? Have you spent time reading the Bible? Have you spent time building relationships? Are you viewing your entire life as kingdom work?

For me this morning, besides my commitment to exercise, I also want to renew my commitment to a life of worship. Let's not give up on doing our part for the kingdom.

Trip to the Airport

Wednesday morning my family and I had the privilege of picking Tammie's parents up from the airport. When ever I am in a public place I begin to watch people, their dress, their relationships, their habits, the funny things they do, etc. As I was watching all of the people, some on cell phones being very animated, others calm, some dressed nicely others casual, some eating others just sitting. As I watched, my mind began to wonder who they are, do they know Christ, if they do, how do they live for Christ.

While all this was running through my mind, and much more, I pondered some thoughts.

1) Can we truly tell a persons spiritual state by their outward appearance?
2) Can someone tell my spiritual state by observing me in a public place?
3) How do you determine if they are spiritually driven or worldly driven?

For years, these questions have been at the root of what I will be speaking on Sunday. Can a person tell if I am worldly by my possessions, dress, house and all the external things of life? Or is worldliness an internal response? Let me know what you think.

Life

Now that we have our youth director in place and life is beginning to move on, I am going to attempt to join the blogging world. As I blog, I want you to join in the conversation about life. Life is what God gives each of us to carry out his unique purpose for our life. He also gives us relationships that will help build us, train us, and equip us to carry out God's mission for our lives. Fell free to post and this dialogue can become a conversation that will help us through the journey of life.