Make Disciples

Most anyone who has grown up in the church knows The Great Commission: Matthew 28:19-20...

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, 

baptizing them in the name of the 

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 

teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. 

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

   

We have rallied behind these verses as the battle cry of spreading the Gospel for centuries. And for good reason- We are suppose to spread the life saving good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. My whole life as I thought of mission work in all the nations, it has been that of the old V.B.S. song my grandma had every year on picturesque cardboard: Tell the Good News that Christ has come! Being a missionary meant telling people that Jesus Christ existed.

Recently I realized that this view was way too narrow. 

First, let me say that we are all called to be missionaries of Jesus Christ. The definition of Missionary is, "a person who is sent on a mission", and if you truly follow Jesus Christ your mission is to bring Him glory. We do that by sharing Him with those around us in many different ways- one of which is telling others about Him.

Knowing this, I felt that was what "Missionaries" do, but read the first part of verse 19 again. Jesus said we are to ...make disciples of all nations. Making disciples takes a much longer time, for the one who helps to makes disciples has to invest in people's lives. They have to be there to guide, correct, and encourage. 

Paul was preacher of the Good News. Timothy was a disciple maker. He stayed in areas longer than Paul did and helped to mature the people that region. In fact, that's what the letter Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy) was all about. He was encouraging Timothy in which ways to mature the people he was living with at that time. Many knew about Jesus Christ- Timothy was there to help them know Him personally.

I had been wondering how to explain the calling the Lord has placed on my family's life, and these verses have answered that. We have been called to focus on helping others to know Jesus Christ in a vibrant and personal way. Yes, there are millions around the world who have never hear about Him, and we certainly need more to go to those people groups and share. But there are also millions upon millions who have heard, yet have never been taught how to be His disciple. 

That is what we are called to do.

Mulling

Just as cider does this time of the year, I am mulling over a well known Scripture that I'm seeing in a different - perhaps deeper - light. I planned on bringing it to you today, but don't think it's ready yet. That is the beauty of God's Word. It means so much and is so rich, but yet there are still times we are pleasantly surprised by a new richness. What a Master artist and author He is!

What verses have you been mulling over recently? If you don't have one....find one! :)

Here To There

If I were to say I'm going on a trip to a distant land, what would you say must be done? Some people call a travel agent first while others research it on the internet or call friends who have been there before. Purchasing new luggage of the appropriate size might be a good idea, while using something old and beat up might be as well. Perhaps you think finding maps and tourist destinations is a must, but there are some who believe going with the flow works best. Which ever way you always do it and feel is best, in reality there is only on thing you must do: Get up and go.

Living a Spirit filled life for the glory of God the Father and Jesus Christ is much the same. Some say we are required to do specific things such as tithe 10%, worship in a certain way, or be accepting of some things while disapproving of others.

In reality there is very little that we must do:

He has told you men what is good 

and what it is the Lord requires of you: 

Only to act justly, 

to love faithfulness, 

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

When we follow these principles of our Savior and Master, it allows Him room to use us in any way He deems best in order to glorify Him. That is how we get from here to There!

Speak Up

Speak up for those who have no voice, 

for the justice of all 

who are dispossessed.

Speak up, judge righteously,

and defend the cause 

of the oppressed and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Take some time today to check out some of the organizations who are already at work. There are several diffferent venues listed that reach out to those around the world. Join one in their effort through support and/or prayer.

Voice of the Martyr
Bibles Unbound (This is one that is very dear to me)
Compassion International 
Soles 4 Souls
People Loving People - This one is a Nashville organization

*Please add a link to any you have a heart for in the comments!!

Joy!

Joy to the world- The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King...

This popular Christmas hymn is a prayer- And a Revelation song!

Just like so much of the Bible, what was and is, will be even more. Here's an example: King David in the Old Testament was the glorious King of Israel who ushered in the golden age of their earthly kingdom which then flourished under his son Solomon. King David was in fact a shadow of their greater King and kingdom to come: Jesus Christ. That kingdom was temporary. Christ's will be eternal. This is just one of many examples the Bible gives us of foreshadowing events.

In the same way, the old carol Joy to the World does the same thing. It sings joyfully of the birth of the Messiah, His triumph for us, and His reign. Yes, our hearts prepared room for Him, our Savior reigns in our lives, His blessings flow, and He rules with truth and grace.....but how much more so when He returns! Praise God for our Lord who IS come!!

Sing through this hymn today. Praise Him for what He has done and will one day do in perfect completion. Joy! Joy! Joy to the world!

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Christmas Wish

Christmas is the celebration of the impossible becoming real: God took on flesh and was born a helpless baby for us.  If you think about it, that is ridiculous! Why would He do that? Because He desired a relationship with and loved us just that much.

So instead of thinking about Christmas lists, parties, and eggnog, I'm going to dream of the impossible. With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) and Jesus said that if I have faith and do not doubt, amazing things can happen! (Matthew 21:21-22). The key is His will: Now this is the confidence we have before Him: whenever we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have what we have asked Him for. 1 John 5:14-15

So I want you to dream big in this "impossible to reality" season. Leave an anonymous post with your impossible wish....and let's see what happens. You just might see God this Christmas!

Tearing

We don't make a practice of tearing our clothing when we ask God for forgiveness any more. Though I bet that if we did, we'd take it a little more seriously- or put on something that was worn out. 

The Israelites  use to come before the Lord when asking God's forgiveness and rip their outer tunic as a symbol of mourning what they had done. Though it started out as being done during a time of strong emotion (Gen 37:29, Ezra 9:3, Isaiah 37:1), it is mostly done today only at funerals for Jews and has been reduced to a small portion of cloth or a black ribbon they wear. 

But, why? Why did they do that at all? To show brokenness of self and the need for God to intervene. It was a practice in faith- in essence. Tearing your clothes shows coming to the end of one's self and the need for a greater power - God - to intervene and take care of them: Even to take care of the basic need of covering one's self.  It was a great physical reminder of their spiritual state. But man, as we well know, can take anything and forget the true point....

Tear your hearts,
    not just your clothes,
    and return to the LORD your God.
    For He is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger, rich in faithful love,
    and He relents from sending disaster.

Joel 2:13

We must never forget the point of why we do what we do: Be it saying the Lord's Prayer, reading our daily devotional, giving to the poor, or taking the Lord's Supper. It is our hearts He wants. Not our routine. 

Think about what you are doing with/for the Lord today... and make sure your heart is in it.

When I "Choose To" Think About the Lord

Following Jesus Christ is a choice.

Everyday you choose to pray to Him....or not.

    You choose to read His Word....or not.

    You choose to obey Him....or not.

    You choose to listen to the Spirit....or not.

    You choose to think of Him most....or yourself.

    You choose to give Him....or give in.

Today, I felt horrible.....until I chose to think about the Lord.

Eggs

Do you really believe God works in miraculous ways? I mean to the point you look for it expectantly? 

I've found it's rather like a 365 day Easter egg hunt. I'm always looking for Him to do miracles, but have also learned not to be disappointed when I don't find one. At the same time, I've been taught to not just blow off an "egg" I find by saying it just happened to be there. Seriously, how many Easter eggs would you find lying around naturally? None. They are put there on purpose for just the right moment. 

God works that way too.

Expect to find an egg soon, placed there for just the right moment by a creative and loving God. Then acknowledge it and thank Him.

Coffee Talk

OK...it will actually be tea, and I'll mostly be just listening.

Today I get to meet with a friend I have put off way too long in having a good conversation. I'm so excited! We actually keep in touch fairly well, but unfortunately it's usually in the form of a quick message or chat. I've known him since I was a kid, and though I didn't really talk to him much for a few years, we've always been close. He's so amazing that - to be quite honest - he intimidates me quite often. In reality it's a good thing though because I learn so much from him as my mentor.

I had to admit this to him...He's been trying to get together with me for a while now, but it's just been so busy I kept putting him off. Especially with the holiday season approaching. There is just so much to do! I'm so grateful he doesn't just blow me off completely. Friends like that are special.

We love to talk about Spiritual matters, current and past events, and he has the best sense of humor! Why, I wonder, do I keep putting off a good long talk with him?? Who knows.

Yea... Time to meet!!

Tea's ready, house is quiet, and Bible's open.....

Chewing On It

There is a difficult passage from the book of Luke that recently came up twice in one day. I have to admit I really don't know what to make of it either. I've checked out different commentaries and writings on this passage, but none of them have really satisfied me.

One of the things I have found as most important is to not just look at those few verses - or that single parable - alone, but to read a good section both before and after it. Context can give great clues as to hidden meanings. Next, I'm just going to wait for the Spirit to guide me to a deeper understanding. One possibility is that one way or another I'm just not ready for it, and I need to be ready to accept that. A second possibility is that it's something I need to work out in order to really appreciate or comprehend.

Any way I look at it, ignoring this passage is not an option. So, for the next few days at least, my mind and heart are just going to chew on it.

Want to join me?

The Parable of the Shrewd Servant
Luke 16:1-15 (Particularly verses 8-9)
...The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings... (v.8-9)

Divine Hamburger Helper

God is making hamburger of me today.

He has reached down through His Word and Spirit, taken the little bits of my heart and soul's brokenness, trimmed off the excess fat, and has proceeded to then stuff them into the MEat grinder of correction and discipline.

It's a good thing I know He can take that jumbled mess and make something good.


The LORD is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
    Therefore my heart rejoices,
    and I praise Him with my song.
Psalm 28:7

Just Be Careful

The Lord gave me a very interesting passage to read today considering it's Black Friday here in the USA. I have to be honest and say I really didn't want to put this passage up because I was afraid of sounding too judgmental. Then I realized that really I wasn't. These are God's words- not mine. Yes, He brought them to my attention today, but as a reminder and encouragement to me. I am merely sharing.

God bless you all have I hope you found some great deals. There's nothing wrong with being smart in your shopping!!

 ¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world— ¹⁶ the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷ And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever. 
1 John 2:15-17

King David's Thanksgiving

Didn't know King David celebrated "Thanksgiving", did ya?

Psalm 136
 ¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.

    His love is eternal.

    ² Give thanks to the God of gods.

    His love is eternal.

    ³ Give thanks to the Lord of lords.

    His love is eternal.

    ⁴ He alone does great wonders.

    His love is eternal.

    ⁵ He made the heavens skillfully.

    His love is eternal.

    ⁶ He spread the land on the waters.

    His love is eternal.

    ⁷ He made the great lights:

    His love is eternal.

    ⁸ the sun to rule by day,

    His love is eternal.

    ⁹ the moon and stars to rule by night.

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁰ He struck the firstborn of the Egyptians

    His love is eternal.

    ¹¹ and brought Israel out from among them

    His love is eternal.

    ¹² with a strong hand and outstretched arm.

    His love is eternal.

    ¹³ He divided the Red Sea

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁴ and led Israel through,

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁵ but hurled Pharaoh and his army
    into the Red Sea.

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁶ He led His people in the wilderness.

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁷ He struck down great kings

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁸ and slaughtered famous kings—

    His love is eternal.

    ¹⁹ Sihon king of the Amorites

    His love is eternal.

    ²⁰ and Og king of Bashan—

    His love is eternal.

    ²¹ and gave their land as an inheritance,

    His love is eternal.

    ²² an inheritance to Israel His servant.

    His love is eternal.

    ²³ He remembered us in our humiliation

    His love is eternal.

    ²⁴ and rescued us from our foes.

    His love is eternal.

    ²⁵ He gives food to every creature.

    His love is eternal.

    ²⁶ Give thanks to the God of heaven!

    His love is eternal.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving as well!

Sacrificial:

What would you consider sacrificial giving?

A.  Tithing (10% of your income)
B.   Giving above and beyond your tithe
C.   Giving until you can't go out to eat/movies/fun activity once or twice a month
D.   Giving up the proceeds from one fun activity
E.   Giving even if it occasionally cuts into your regular grocery bill
F.   Giving even if it means no extra groceries that week (Living on the storehouse of your pantry)
G.  Giving only when the Spirit prompts you specifically- no matter the amount or how much it pinches
H.   Giving everything once in a while.
I.   "Other" or "A combination of some of the above"


Sitting across from the temple treasury, He watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. And a poor  widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning His disciples, He said to them, " I assure you: This poor widow has put in more than all those giving to the temple treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she possessed —all she had to live on." 
Mark 12:41-44