As I prepare my heart and mind for entering back into 1 Corinthians at church, I decided to go back and reread the book on my own time . . . just me, my bible, and the Holy Spirit.
And
I
keep
coming
back
to
1 Corinthians 9.
I can’t stop thinking about Paul’s perspective on preaching the gospel.
“15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:15-18)
Paul was not being paid for his work in preaching the gospel, though he should’ve been. He had a right to be! But, he wanted his ministry to be one of purity and simple devotion to just one thing . . . proclaiming Christ. Paul ministered freely and willingly from his heart. He did not want to be accused of preaching for any.other.reason. Not money, not fame, not popularity. But solely for the purpose of making Christ known!
That’s all he wanted to be said of him. A man faithful to proclaiming Christ.
Paul preached because he wanted to. He tells us even if he didn’t want to, he would still be entrusted with the stewardship of sharing the gospel.
Have you ever considered your stewardship of the gospel? You have been given the greatest gift on this earth, with freedom to share with everyone. How sacrificially generous are you being toward others by sharing Christ?
When I was teaching full time, I used to think that was my job . . . teaching. To teach kids how to read, learn math, be organized, etc. I realize now . . . No it wasn’t. That was my side job. My real job was to love and share Christ with 25 children 180 days out of the year!
Our real work is to be a good steward of the gospel. The LORD has given us our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our family rooms to do just that.
Paul viewed preaching the gospel as both his work and his reward. Do you?
Do you work hard at proclaiming Christ?
Or is it something you view as an obligation?
Do you find your reward in getting to tell people about Jesus?
Or do you find your reward in success, home, money, family, or other things?
Isn’t that a beautiful and mysteriously simple purpose for life? To proclaim Christ. To view preaching the gospel as your work and as your reward?
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Showing posts with label Culturally Engaged. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Culturally Engaged. Show all posts
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Hope for Fresno
Every morning I read the news via Twitter with headlines about Fresno.
Yes, they usually report crime, poverty, how many drunk driving arrests were made in ___ part of town, failing education system, umemployment rates, the bad air quality, the 108 degree weather!!
The list goes on.
And yet today, I woke up so thankful for living here and so in love with this city more than ever!
I have so much hope for this city and see so many great things going on that don’t make the headlines!
I see this great organization Off The Front giving away hundreds of bikes to students throughout the city. Off The Front was born from a pastor's holy discontent over the poor physical health and poor academics among elementary age children in Fresno. Off the Front's goal is to encourage a healthy lifestyle and "give a bicycle to every 4th grade student in the impoverished areas of Fresno Unified who is able to achieve customized goals in academics, character, and service."
I got to attend my first gathering for No Name Fellowship, which is an interdenominational organization that gathers leaders from all of this city to help alleviate poverty and serve the city.
Every Neighborhood Partnership whose mission is "to equip churches to partner with and serve elementary school neighborhoods through their active presence in the community." Out of this, faithful volunteers who mentor elementary age children, help in classrooms, provide a Saturday Sports program for neighborhood children, etc.
My friend's blog I Heart Fresno who shares lots of GOOD things and GREAT places that are in Fresno! Updates on restaurants, events, shops, etc.
Rescue the Children our of Fresno's Rescue Mission. They exist to help heal and restore broken families and just bought a new facility for women and children! They are providing places for women to experience real life change and hope for the future!
I saw the pastor of the little church next to my school in the office yesterday, just saying hi and asking how she can be a blessing the school next year.
I see teachers on Pinterest throughout the week "pinning" great teaching ideas/strategies to help impact students with more meaningful instruction. Yes, for fun, teachers look through Pinterest for creative teaching ideas. That's love and dedication.
I've seen all kinds of people in small groups finding ways to love and serve our city as part of their lifestyle. Serve Dei
I know people who walk their neighborhoods to pray for their neighbors. I know people who reject safer neighborhoods, bigger homes, etc to move into parts of town that need hope and love.
I see this stuff all of the time and that's why I love living here! Not because the weather is perfect or because crime is nonexistent, but because there are many people doing great things in this city out of love and compassion.
And I think that's something to report on . . .
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Serve Dei 2012: Bag Sale at Aynesworth
Our hope with the Bag Sale was to bless families at Aynesworth, and really it all started because of a little boy who had no other shoes to wear to school besides his soccer cleats (Read here). We wanted to gather items like clothing, hygiene products, and food and discount it all waaaaay down to provide for families in need.
Little did we know that this even would come at just the perfect time. Just 6 days before the sale, our Aynesworth community received some bad news.
The bad news . . .
Shortly after hearing this we didn't know what would happen. The principal thought this was the perfect thing to lift the heaviness and hurt in our community, remind people that our school is a positive light for the neighborhood, and they are loved. So we continued on.
The donations came in . . .
The line formed . . .
The people shopped . . .
The love spread . . .
The whole reason for this sale was to be able to bless families at Aynesworth with physical needs and show the love of Christ. We were able to serve over 100 families. We filled about 180 bags and gave away 115 bibles.
Thank you to every single person who donated items, donated money, donated time, and donated their love and prayer for this bag sale. The families were blessed and God knew just the PERFECT time and just the PERFECT way to show love to His hurting people.
Little did we know that this even would come at just the perfect time. Just 6 days before the sale, our Aynesworth community received some bad news.
The bad news . . .
Shortly after hearing this we didn't know what would happen. The principal thought this was the perfect thing to lift the heaviness and hurt in our community, remind people that our school is a positive light for the neighborhood, and they are loved. So we continued on.
The donations came in . . .
The line formed . . .
The people shopped . . .
The love spread . . .
The whole reason for this sale was to be able to bless families at Aynesworth with physical needs and show the love of Christ. We were able to serve over 100 families. We filled about 180 bags and gave away 115 bibles.
Thank you to every single person who donated items, donated money, donated time, and donated their love and prayer for this bag sale. The families were blessed and God knew just the PERFECT time and just the PERFECT way to show love to His hurting people.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Bring Good News to the Poor
{Isaiah 61:1-3}
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
I woke up at 4am this morning. I am not a morning person, this wasn't planned. I woke up with Aynesworth on my heart. Today is our Bag Sale. We've had this planned for a few weeks and received hundreds of donations. I'm praying every single item will be given away, that we'd arrive with much and return with nothing. I'm praying for 100 families to come through the door, for every single person we make eye contact with to know they are loved and valued by their Maker.
Last week, the community of Aynesworth heard some terrible news. A gang member out on parole, running from the cops, was shot and killed on our school campus by police. The community has been heavy ever since.
And as I prepared for my day in prayer this morning . . . the LORD reminded me of His mission on earth, found in Isaiah 61 and what Jesus read in the synagogue in Luke 4:18-19
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Last week Aynesworth received bad news. The community has felt unsafe and heavy ever since. It was a terrible tragedy and yet amazing timing. Just when many are feeling poor in spirit, God would have 20-30 of us go and serve, go and give, go and offer something positive, something uplifting, something . . . good.
As I read these words, I realized that nothing on this earth is an accident, not even timing. God knew what would happen last week and what will happen today.
Would you pray with us to proclaim the good news?
Would you pray that the families of Aynesworth would receive the good news?
That they would know they are loved and valued by their Maker?
That they don't have to walk in fear because Jesus has come to set them free from oppression?
That His spirit would captivate the families we will serve?
Would you pray that HIS light would shine through the darkness?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
I woke up at 4am this morning. I am not a morning person, this wasn't planned. I woke up with Aynesworth on my heart. Today is our Bag Sale. We've had this planned for a few weeks and received hundreds of donations. I'm praying every single item will be given away, that we'd arrive with much and return with nothing. I'm praying for 100 families to come through the door, for every single person we make eye contact with to know they are loved and valued by their Maker.
Last week, the community of Aynesworth heard some terrible news. A gang member out on parole, running from the cops, was shot and killed on our school campus by police. The community has been heavy ever since.
And as I prepared for my day in prayer this morning . . . the LORD reminded me of His mission on earth, found in Isaiah 61 and what Jesus read in the synagogue in Luke 4:18-19
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
Last week Aynesworth received bad news. The community has felt unsafe and heavy ever since. It was a terrible tragedy and yet amazing timing. Just when many are feeling poor in spirit, God would have 20-30 of us go and serve, go and give, go and offer something positive, something uplifting, something . . . good.
As I read these words, I realized that nothing on this earth is an accident, not even timing. God knew what would happen last week and what will happen today.
Would you pray with us to proclaim the good news?
Would you pray that the families of Aynesworth would receive the good news?
That they would know they are loved and valued by their Maker?
That they don't have to walk in fear because Jesus has come to set them free from oppression?
That His spirit would captivate the families we will serve?
Would you pray that HIS light would shine through the darkness?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved." (Romans 10:1)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Serving the Poor #2: What's Best?
Yesterday, I posted about Matthew 6:1-4. Serving not to glorify ourselves, but to glorify God. Serving for an audience of One.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
It is clear throughout scripture that God cares about the poor,the needy, the helpless, and the oppressed. And He wants us to care about them too. I've been wrestling through The Sermon on the Mount and Isaiah 58 and seeking the LORD on how He wants me to serve.
I've been asking:
LORD, who are the poor?
LORD, how would have me serve them?
LORD, where I can live off of less to give away more?
We often think of the poor as materially poor. Thanks to these books, my thinking has been reframed, renewed, and challenged as to "who are the poor" and how we can best help them be reconciled to God and live the life He wants for them.
"Compassion, Justice, and The Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor" by Robert D. Lupton
"When Helping Hurts" by Brian Fikkert & Steve Corebett
What the "needy" need most is Christ. What we should be giving to them along with "stuff" is dignity. We should be offering relationship before we offer money. Though some literally have physical need, many need opportunity ... to work, to be loved, to hear the hope of Christ, and respond.
These books have helped me see that sometimes our "good" intentions actually get in the way of helping and doing what's "best". Robert Lupton says something along the lines of "sometimes doing good gets in the way of doing what's best."
I'm learning that the poor don't need stuff, they need dignity.
They don't need programs, they need relationships.
They don't need hand outs, they need a hand up (thank you No Name Fellowship for this phrase).
They don't need charity, they need opportunity.
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
It is clear throughout scripture that God cares about the poor,the needy, the helpless, and the oppressed. And He wants us to care about them too. I've been wrestling through The Sermon on the Mount and Isaiah 58 and seeking the LORD on how He wants me to serve.
I've been asking:
LORD, who are the poor?
LORD, how would have me serve them?
LORD, where I can live off of less to give away more?
We often think of the poor as materially poor. Thanks to these books, my thinking has been reframed, renewed, and challenged as to "who are the poor" and how we can best help them be reconciled to God and live the life He wants for them.
"Compassion, Justice, and The Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor" by Robert D. Lupton
"When Helping Hurts" by Brian Fikkert & Steve Corebett
What the "needy" need most is Christ. What we should be giving to them along with "stuff" is dignity. We should be offering relationship before we offer money. Though some literally have physical need, many need opportunity ... to work, to be loved, to hear the hope of Christ, and respond.
These books have helped me see that sometimes our "good" intentions actually get in the way of helping and doing what's "best". Robert Lupton says something along the lines of "sometimes doing good gets in the way of doing what's best."
I'm learning that the poor don't need stuff, they need dignity.
They don't need programs, they need relationships.
They don't need hand outs, they need a hand up (thank you No Name Fellowship for this phrase).
They don't need charity, they need opportunity.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Serving the Poor #1: For an Audience of ONE
Oh boy . . . it's funny how the LORD aligns everything at just the right time. Something has been stirring in me regarding serving the poor. I have literally read 6 books in the past 6 weeks regarding stewardship, giving, and serving the poor.
And now . . . here we are in Matthew 6. I've been waiting to get to this chapter. It addresses all of these areas.
We just read that if we think we can earn righteousness through "doing" then we must "be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:48)
Jesus tells us in the beatitudes how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells us who we are & who we're not, who God is& who He's not. He goes on to explain sin. Listen, you don't get in by "being good". Let me just explain how utterly sinful you are, that even your thoughts are sinful, not just your action. Essentially to be good enough to enter into Heaven, you must be perfect.
That should put us flat on the ground! We will never be perfect. Jesus knows that, and that's why He came and died, and invites us to rest in HIS finished work on the cross.
In Chapter 6 He starts telling us not to turn to religious activity either (giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, etc.). If we do these things, let them be from a pure heart, renewed by God, and for NO attention from others.
If we give, if we pray, if we fast . . . it is out of an overflow of love and obedience for the LORD and nothing else.
And that's it. Convicted already by the first verse in Chapter 6.
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
Of course I would read this AFTER I've posted all about our bag sale at Aynesworth. Where I immediately ask . . . oh LORD am I practicing righteousness in front of others to be seen by them??
What are the motives behind this?
Is my heart pure?
Am I wanting to serve you or be seen by others??
I always struggle with this during Serve Dei time. We are to share what we're doing in the city, how we're serving the LORD by serving others, to spur one another on, but in a way that is honoring to God, not boasting in ourselves.
It's easy to do things and (as the next verse says) sound the trumpet for everyone to see!
May it never be that we serve for an audience, to be seen by many.
Let us serve only to glorify you, only for an audience of ONE!
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:2-4)
And now . . . here we are in Matthew 6. I've been waiting to get to this chapter. It addresses all of these areas.
We just read that if we think we can earn righteousness through "doing" then we must "be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect" (Matt 5:48)
Jesus tells us in the beatitudes how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He tells us who we are & who we're not, who God is& who He's not. He goes on to explain sin. Listen, you don't get in by "being good". Let me just explain how utterly sinful you are, that even your thoughts are sinful, not just your action. Essentially to be good enough to enter into Heaven, you must be perfect.
That should put us flat on the ground! We will never be perfect. Jesus knows that, and that's why He came and died, and invites us to rest in HIS finished work on the cross.
In Chapter 6 He starts telling us not to turn to religious activity either (giving to the needy, prayer, fasting, etc.). If we do these things, let them be from a pure heart, renewed by God, and for NO attention from others.
If we give, if we pray, if we fast . . . it is out of an overflow of love and obedience for the LORD and nothing else.
And that's it. Convicted already by the first verse in Chapter 6.
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
Of course I would read this AFTER I've posted all about our bag sale at Aynesworth. Where I immediately ask . . . oh LORD am I practicing righteousness in front of others to be seen by them??
What are the motives behind this?
Is my heart pure?
Am I wanting to serve you or be seen by others??
I always struggle with this during Serve Dei time. We are to share what we're doing in the city, how we're serving the LORD by serving others, to spur one another on, but in a way that is honoring to God, not boasting in ourselves.
It's easy to do things and (as the next verse says) sound the trumpet for everyone to see!
May it never be that we serve for an audience, to be seen by many.
Let us serve only to glorify you, only for an audience of ONE!
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:2-4)
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Bag Sale {Update #1}
WOW! I am overwhelmed at your responses to the post from last week about our Bag Sale at Aynesworth Elementary {Read about it here}
We've decided to collect donations of things and discount them waaaaaay down to offer a giant yard sale to the families of Aynesworth Elementary.
Just an update since many of you have asked "What do you NEED?" My thought was that this sale would be based around necessities . . . food, clothing, and hygiene products (not home decor-the last thing I want to do is further push the lie of materialism that the more you have, the "better" you are.)
So here's a list of things we could use:
Clothes (all sizes, baby-adult, men/woman, boys/girls)
Socks
Shoes
Towels
Underwear (new only)
Groceries (perishable/non-perishable)
Fresh fruit/veggies
canned goods
(no meat or dairy since we won't have a refrigerator)
Hygiene Products
Soap
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Hairbrush
Lotion
Laundry Soap
Dish soap
Cleaning products
Toilet paper
Diapers
Baby wipes
Books
All reading levels
Spanish/English
Bibles (Spanish, English, Bilingual)
The original date didn't work out for most of the girls, so our bag sale will be on Tuesday 6/12 from 5-8pm at Aynesworth Elementary. If you'd like to help in any way, please let me know! A small donation will go a long way!
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
We've decided to collect donations of things and discount them waaaaaay down to offer a giant yard sale to the families of Aynesworth Elementary.
Just an update since many of you have asked "What do you NEED?" My thought was that this sale would be based around necessities . . . food, clothing, and hygiene products (not home decor-the last thing I want to do is further push the lie of materialism that the more you have, the "better" you are.)
So here's a list of things we could use:
Clothes (all sizes, baby-adult, men/woman, boys/girls)
Socks
Shoes
Towels
Underwear (new only)
Groceries (perishable/non-perishable)
Fresh fruit/veggies
canned goods
(no meat or dairy since we won't have a refrigerator)
Hygiene Products
Soap
Shampoo
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Hairbrush
Lotion
Laundry Soap
Dish soap
Cleaning products
Toilet paper
Diapers
Baby wipes
Books
All reading levels
Spanish/English
Bibles (Spanish, English, Bilingual)
The original date didn't work out for most of the girls, so our bag sale will be on Tuesday 6/12 from 5-8pm at Aynesworth Elementary. If you'd like to help in any way, please let me know! A small donation will go a long way!
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Shine Your Light
Meditation Monday: My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount
{Matthew 5:14-16}
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
While working at a public school, I had started a prayer group that met before school once a week to pray for our coworkers, students, community, etc. I had asked another teacher to join because I knew he was a Christian. He responded he wasn’t sure if he would and said “I never tell people I’m a Christian, that way, if I mess up, it doesn’t make God look bad.”
As I’ve been studying through the Sermon on the Mount and thinking about what it means to be salt and light, I can’t help but realize in these passages Jesus says:
You are the salt of the earth . . .
You are the light of the world . . .
As Christians, we get no choice to be salt or light, we are. The only choice we have is whether our salt will be savory or tasteless; whether we hide our lights or shine.
There’s no choice in being salt & light, there’s only duty . . . delightful duty to share who we are and whose we are.
We don’t need to hide our lights from others. It is this light that illuminates and helps guide them through darkness. We do however need to make sure our light isn’t dim and doesn’t flicker.
Perhaps that’s why Jesus words here tell us to shine, to go out and tell AND to make sure our deeds reflect what we say. Our lives should shine as much light as our words. We are to preach Christ to people in word and deed.
If we mingle with darkness, walk in the ways of the world, how can we help others see their way out? Our light is no brighter than theirs!
If we hide our lights, if we’re too afraid to share, how will others ever see? Imagine being in a dark room and trying to help others find their way out, holding your flashlight and never using it! What good is that? How is keeping your light hidden helping others see Christ and His way of life . . . the path that leads to fullness of JOY? (Psalm 16:11)
Don’t you see why it’s so important to “flesh out” our message to the world? Others are walking in pain, darkness, sin, destruction, and death and we have the lamp to light the path to the Way out.
Go! Shine! Live brightly that others might see . . . see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
{Matthew 5:14-16}
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
While working at a public school, I had started a prayer group that met before school once a week to pray for our coworkers, students, community, etc. I had asked another teacher to join because I knew he was a Christian. He responded he wasn’t sure if he would and said “I never tell people I’m a Christian, that way, if I mess up, it doesn’t make God look bad.”
As I’ve been studying through the Sermon on the Mount and thinking about what it means to be salt and light, I can’t help but realize in these passages Jesus says:
You are the salt of the earth . . .
You are the light of the world . . .
As Christians, we get no choice to be salt or light, we are. The only choice we have is whether our salt will be savory or tasteless; whether we hide our lights or shine.
There’s no choice in being salt & light, there’s only duty . . . delightful duty to share who we are and whose we are.
To sprinkle and shine Christ.
We don’t need to hide our lights from others. It is this light that illuminates and helps guide them through darkness. We do however need to make sure our light isn’t dim and doesn’t flicker.
Perhaps that’s why Jesus words here tell us to shine, to go out and tell AND to make sure our deeds reflect what we say. Our lives should shine as much light as our words. We are to preach Christ to people in word and deed.
If we mingle with darkness, walk in the ways of the world, how can we help others see their way out? Our light is no brighter than theirs!
If we hide our lights, if we’re too afraid to share, how will others ever see? Imagine being in a dark room and trying to help others find their way out, holding your flashlight and never using it! What good is that? How is keeping your light hidden helping others see Christ and His way of life . . . the path that leads to fullness of JOY? (Psalm 16:11)
Don’t you see why it’s so important to “flesh out” our message to the world? Others are walking in pain, darkness, sin, destruction, and death and we have the lamp to light the path to the Way out.
Go! Shine! Live brightly that others might see . . . see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Salty People
{My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount}
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13)
I have been on a journey through the Sermon on the Mount for the past 3 months. Friends, I can't chew on more than 1-2 sentences a week.
This week was no different.
What is the purpose of salt?
Why is it used?
What benefits does it have?
And why, oh, why would Jesus call us "salt of the earth"?
Here are some definitions of salt from my commentaries: flavor, preserve, season, freshen, sweeten to taste
Uses/benefits: means of purification, delays decay or physical corruption
What is the purpose of salt? Why is it used?
"Ministers are to dispense the Word, both Law and Gospel, in such a way as to express the qualities of salt. Now the properties of salt as applied to raw flesh or fresh meats are principally these: first, it will fret and bite, being of a hot and dry nature; second, it makes meat savory to our taste; third, it preserves meat from putrefaction by drawing out of it superfluous moisture.
(Pink, A.W. (2011-06-28). An Exposition of The Sermon on The Mount)
Salt . . .
Frets and bites
Makes a savory taste
Preserves
Frets and Bites
We are to be just like this to the world arounds us. Our message of Christ and Christ crucified may sting (fret/bite) a bit at first. For some, it may be offensive. It may cause pain to hear that they way they do life or understand life is wrong. It may hurt a bit to hear that Jesus is THE only way to eternal life and reconciliation with the Father. The message can be painful in the beginning. But that's okay, salt on flesh stings at first in order to disinfect and fight disease. Pain comes before purification.
Savory Taste
However, it shouldn't stop there. After the salt is poured onto the flesh, it begins to make a savory taste. We should be able to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in a way that causes others to have a good taste in their mouth. One that leaves them craving more. We should share Truth in a way that is flavorful, delightful, and tasty. Not in a way that causes people to spit it out, but in a way that causes them to chew on it more.
Preserves
Salt helps keeps things alive longer. Salt keeps things from decay (corrupting), it can keep from harm, illness, or disease. So just as salt preserves food, we as salt of the earth are to help preserve people. We are to help people along the path of of everlasting by showing them Christ. We are to help keep others from harm, moral decay, spiritual illness or disease by pointing to Christ and His word.
We are salt of the earth. Jesus tells us so. But not all salt stays "salty". The rest of this scripture warns that we are supposed to be the kind of salt that does not lose it's taste. If we don't remain salty, remain fresh and pure ourselves, when we offer our "salt" to others, it will do no good. It will be useless, "thrown out and trampled under feet" as Jesus said. The way we live our life can either be as a preservative for others, or it can be meaningless and thrown out.
We've all come across these kinds of people. Those who talk about the redeeming work of Jesus and yet their lives are anything but redeemed. They lose credibility, people begin to toss them aside, throw out their message, because it is not reputable. It's meaningless. They're salty people who have lost their taste. Their salt is good for nothing.
Friends, will you work hard at protecting your saltiness? Will you remain in Jesus, the ultimate Preserver, so that your salt provides others with a savory taste? Let's be people whose salt has a purpose and good flavor.
Let's be people who allow our salt to sting, savor, and save!
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13)
I have been on a journey through the Sermon on the Mount for the past 3 months. Friends, I can't chew on more than 1-2 sentences a week.
This week was no different.
What is the purpose of salt?
Why is it used?
What benefits does it have?
And why, oh, why would Jesus call us "salt of the earth"?
Here are some definitions of salt from my commentaries: flavor, preserve, season, freshen, sweeten to taste
Uses/benefits: means of purification, delays decay or physical corruption
What is the purpose of salt? Why is it used?
"Ministers are to dispense the Word, both Law and Gospel, in such a way as to express the qualities of salt. Now the properties of salt as applied to raw flesh or fresh meats are principally these: first, it will fret and bite, being of a hot and dry nature; second, it makes meat savory to our taste; third, it preserves meat from putrefaction by drawing out of it superfluous moisture.
(Pink, A.W. (2011-06-28). An Exposition of The Sermon on The Mount)
Salt . . .
Frets and bites
Makes a savory taste
Preserves
Frets and Bites
We are to be just like this to the world arounds us. Our message of Christ and Christ crucified may sting (fret/bite) a bit at first. For some, it may be offensive. It may cause pain to hear that they way they do life or understand life is wrong. It may hurt a bit to hear that Jesus is THE only way to eternal life and reconciliation with the Father. The message can be painful in the beginning. But that's okay, salt on flesh stings at first in order to disinfect and fight disease. Pain comes before purification.
Savory Taste
However, it shouldn't stop there. After the salt is poured onto the flesh, it begins to make a savory taste. We should be able to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in a way that causes others to have a good taste in their mouth. One that leaves them craving more. We should share Truth in a way that is flavorful, delightful, and tasty. Not in a way that causes people to spit it out, but in a way that causes them to chew on it more.
Preserves
Salt helps keeps things alive longer. Salt keeps things from decay (corrupting), it can keep from harm, illness, or disease. So just as salt preserves food, we as salt of the earth are to help preserve people. We are to help people along the path of of everlasting by showing them Christ. We are to help keep others from harm, moral decay, spiritual illness or disease by pointing to Christ and His word.
We are salt of the earth. Jesus tells us so. But not all salt stays "salty". The rest of this scripture warns that we are supposed to be the kind of salt that does not lose it's taste. If we don't remain salty, remain fresh and pure ourselves, when we offer our "salt" to others, it will do no good. It will be useless, "thrown out and trampled under feet" as Jesus said. The way we live our life can either be as a preservative for others, or it can be meaningless and thrown out.
We've all come across these kinds of people. Those who talk about the redeeming work of Jesus and yet their lives are anything but redeemed. They lose credibility, people begin to toss them aside, throw out their message, because it is not reputable. It's meaningless. They're salty people who have lost their taste. Their salt is good for nothing.
Friends, will you work hard at protecting your saltiness? Will you remain in Jesus, the ultimate Preserver, so that your salt provides others with a savory taste? Let's be people whose salt has a purpose and good flavor.
Let's be people who allow our salt to sting, savor, and save!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Peacemakers & Persecution
My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount
{Matthew 5:9-12}
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Do you wonder why verse 9 says blessed are the peacemakers and the next 3 verses have to do with persecution?
Could it be that when you're a peacemaker, you aren't seeking peace the way we understand it to be? Perhaps peace doesn't come from silence and people pleasing, but from speaking up and speaking truth?
I have been thinking about this for nearly 2 weeks. Why would God call peacemakers blessed and then give 3 verses following about persecution?
Perhaps it's because as Tim Keller has said, as an ambassador for Christ you should be "both attracting people and repelling people". There were times when Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, harassed. He warned His disciples that they will be hated by the world, just as He was.
But there were also times when it says He grew in favor with men. Same with the New Testament church, they grew in favor, the LORD was adding to their number daily.
So this peacemaker can't mean someone who just gets along with everyone, stays silent, and is a people pleaser. If the peace talked about here is peace between one another, than why would He give warning not to lose heart as we are reviled and persecuted by others? If we're making peace why would we be persecuted?
This peacemaker must be preaching a message of PEACE that is beyond this world.
True peace comes from reconciliation to the Father. Peace in our broken relationship, our sin, our hostility toward God. That is the GOSPEL. It's a GOSPEL of peace between us and God.
Real peacemakers tell others this message of peace.
Some will hear this message of peace and jump with joy, knowing they can have a peace beyond understanding. This peace comes from a right standing with God, righteousness. Others will hear it and think it's ridiculous, judgmental, naive. . . and they will persecute.
But ah . . . remember . . . blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.
So we are to be peacemakers. To be a peacemaker means we must be willing to ruffle some feathers, say hard things, and be bold for Christ. It's a deeper peace beyond "staying civil" and "not wanting to offend anyone." It's a peace that points others to Christ, that stands for Him even in the face of persecution, because the love is stronger. It's a peace that comes from reconciliation.
Are you willing to be a peacemaker? Even if it's rejecting the peace that comes from "people pleasing"?
So, perhaps this isn't the symbol for peace:
But this is:
"What are you after? Approval of the people OR favor from the King?" -Tim Keller
{Matthew 5:9-12}
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Do you wonder why verse 9 says blessed are the peacemakers and the next 3 verses have to do with persecution?
Could it be that when you're a peacemaker, you aren't seeking peace the way we understand it to be? Perhaps peace doesn't come from silence and people pleasing, but from speaking up and speaking truth?
I have been thinking about this for nearly 2 weeks. Why would God call peacemakers blessed and then give 3 verses following about persecution?
Perhaps it's because as Tim Keller has said, as an ambassador for Christ you should be "both attracting people and repelling people". There were times when Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, harassed. He warned His disciples that they will be hated by the world, just as He was.
But there were also times when it says He grew in favor with men. Same with the New Testament church, they grew in favor, the LORD was adding to their number daily.
So this peacemaker can't mean someone who just gets along with everyone, stays silent, and is a people pleaser. If the peace talked about here is peace between one another, than why would He give warning not to lose heart as we are reviled and persecuted by others? If we're making peace why would we be persecuted?
This peacemaker must be preaching a message of PEACE that is beyond this world.
True peace comes from reconciliation to the Father. Peace in our broken relationship, our sin, our hostility toward God. That is the GOSPEL. It's a GOSPEL of peace between us and God.
Real peacemakers tell others this message of peace.
Some will hear this message of peace and jump with joy, knowing they can have a peace beyond understanding. This peace comes from a right standing with God, righteousness. Others will hear it and think it's ridiculous, judgmental, naive. . . and they will persecute.
But ah . . . remember . . . blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.
So we are to be peacemakers. To be a peacemaker means we must be willing to ruffle some feathers, say hard things, and be bold for Christ. It's a deeper peace beyond "staying civil" and "not wanting to offend anyone." It's a peace that points others to Christ, that stands for Him even in the face of persecution, because the love is stronger. It's a peace that comes from reconciliation.
Are you willing to be a peacemaker? Even if it's rejecting the peace that comes from "people pleasing"?
So, perhaps this isn't the symbol for peace:
But this is:
"What are you after? Approval of the people OR favor from the King?" -Tim Keller
Monday, March 12, 2012
Blessed are the Merciful
My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount
{Matthew 5:1-7}
We're at a turning point in our beatitudes. The first 3 beatitudes have to do with me, my heart. Looking at my position of lowliness before the Most High God.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
The 4th beatitude has to do with God and His kind of life. How I will live in response to inheriting the Kingdom. Seeking His righteousness.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
The last 3 beatitudes have to do with relationships, with me and how I relate to others. Let's look at verse 7, specifically on that word "mercy".
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Once we are in Christ, we are to be merciful to others. To see them as those who are helpless and guilty. Of all the peoples in this world, we should be the most merciful for we have received the most mercy from the most loving God.
"The merciful extend mercy to others, thus demonstrating God’s mercy which has been extended to them." (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Mt 5:1–12). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
"Mercifulness, then, is a gracious disposition toward our fellow creatures and fellow Christians. It is a spirit of kindness and benevolence which sympathizes with the sufferings of the afflicted, so that we weep with those that weep." (Pink, A.W. (2011-06-28). An Exposition of The Sermon on The Mount (Kindle Locations 508-509). Unknown. Kindle Edition.)
Remember Jesus response to the people? "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
He was not frustrated that others did not understand. He was not angered that they were not perfect. He didn't picket their nightclubs or yell hateful things. He didn't look down his nose at them, he didn't turn them away, shun them, or isolate from them. He saw them and had compassion.
Or as my wise teacher once said, He recognized "They were not the enemy, they were victims of the enemy." We are to extend mercy, to show grace and compassion, for others. We are to offer Christ and pray that they receive relationship with the Father of Mercy.
As an act of gratitude for receiving mercy from our sovereign LORD, we are to share that mercy with others. It is the only response for being saturated in this gift of mercy . . . pouring it out onto others.
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)
{Matthew 5:1-7}
We're at a turning point in our beatitudes. The first 3 beatitudes have to do with me, my heart. Looking at my position of lowliness before the Most High God.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
The 4th beatitude has to do with God and His kind of life. How I will live in response to inheriting the Kingdom. Seeking His righteousness.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for His righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
The last 3 beatitudes have to do with relationships, with me and how I relate to others. Let's look at verse 7, specifically on that word "mercy".
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Once we are in Christ, we are to be merciful to others. To see them as those who are helpless and guilty. Of all the peoples in this world, we should be the most merciful for we have received the most mercy from the most loving God.
"The merciful extend mercy to others, thus demonstrating God’s mercy which has been extended to them." (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Mt 5:1–12). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
"Mercifulness, then, is a gracious disposition toward our fellow creatures and fellow Christians. It is a spirit of kindness and benevolence which sympathizes with the sufferings of the afflicted, so that we weep with those that weep." (Pink, A.W. (2011-06-28). An Exposition of The Sermon on The Mount (Kindle Locations 508-509). Unknown. Kindle Edition.)
Remember Jesus response to the people? "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36)
He was not frustrated that others did not understand. He was not angered that they were not perfect. He didn't picket their nightclubs or yell hateful things. He didn't look down his nose at them, he didn't turn them away, shun them, or isolate from them. He saw them and had compassion.
Or as my wise teacher once said, He recognized "They were not the enemy, they were victims of the enemy." We are to extend mercy, to show grace and compassion, for others. We are to offer Christ and pray that they receive relationship with the Father of Mercy.
As an act of gratitude for receiving mercy from our sovereign LORD, we are to share that mercy with others. It is the only response for being saturated in this gift of mercy . . . pouring it out onto others.
"Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:36)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Christian Controversy: Stop Fighting!
I can’t go a day without checking Twitter and coming across Christian controversy. One Christian website says this ___, another says that ___. They disagree, point fingers, and mock one another for not agreeing with their point of view or agenda.
We are supposed to fight for social justice.
Not we’re not! Just preach the bible!
Make disciples in every neighborhood.
Real Christians shouldn’t live in the suburbs.
God cares about the poor.
God only cares about the poor.
Give money to this non-profit.
No, not that one! This one!
Engage culture, watch tv.
Everything on tv is sinful! Throw it out!
Be a good steward and travel to another country to serve others.
How can you call yourself a good steward spending thousands of dollars traveling? Just send the money directly to the country!
Home school and train them up in the way they should go.
Public school and send them out as missionaries.
You don’t have to do everything.
But come to these 50 church/city events every weekend!
Seek Christ and His kingdom.
But do it just like me. Look like me. Talk like me. Think like me. Blog like me.
Aren’t you thankful that we don’t have to live up to each other’s standards, only God’s standards?
Otherwise we’d just be doing things to please or impress others.
I really don’t know if it’s God’s will for my life to live in the suburbs or not. What I do know is that no matter what neighborhood I live in, it is God’s will for me to love my neighbor. I know whether you’re rich or poor, you’re created in God’s image and He desires for you to be reconciled to Him. I know that whether or not you homeschool or public school, you are to love your children and not provoke them to anger. I don’t know which non-profit you should give to (if any) but my money is not my own. I know I don’t have to do everything, I just have to do the will of the Father.
I wonder when we as Christians will stop pursuing our own agendas and start pursuing Christ’s agenda?
To be and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
To proclaim the excellencies of Him (1 Peter 2:9)
And, to walk in a manner worthy of the LORD (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10).
Let’s stop fighting against each other, and start fighting with each other . . . for Christ and His kingdom.
We are supposed to fight for social justice.
Not we’re not! Just preach the bible!
Make disciples in every neighborhood.
Real Christians shouldn’t live in the suburbs.
God cares about the poor.
God only cares about the poor.
Give money to this non-profit.
No, not that one! This one!
Engage culture, watch tv.
Everything on tv is sinful! Throw it out!
Be a good steward and travel to another country to serve others.
How can you call yourself a good steward spending thousands of dollars traveling? Just send the money directly to the country!
Home school and train them up in the way they should go.
Public school and send them out as missionaries.
You don’t have to do everything.
But come to these 50 church/city events every weekend!
Seek Christ and His kingdom.
But do it just like me. Look like me. Talk like me. Think like me. Blog like me.
Aren’t you thankful that we don’t have to live up to each other’s standards, only God’s standards?
Otherwise we’d just be doing things to please or impress others.
I really don’t know if it’s God’s will for my life to live in the suburbs or not. What I do know is that no matter what neighborhood I live in, it is God’s will for me to love my neighbor. I know whether you’re rich or poor, you’re created in God’s image and He desires for you to be reconciled to Him. I know that whether or not you homeschool or public school, you are to love your children and not provoke them to anger. I don’t know which non-profit you should give to (if any) but my money is not my own. I know I don’t have to do everything, I just have to do the will of the Father.
I wonder when we as Christians will stop pursuing our own agendas and start pursuing Christ’s agenda?
To be and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
To proclaim the excellencies of Him (1 Peter 2:9)
And, to walk in a manner worthy of the LORD (Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10).
Let’s stop fighting against each other, and start fighting with each other . . . for Christ and His kingdom.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Living on Mission
{How do you love and serve, without enabling and hurting?}
I read an article this morning that spurred my thinking on what it means to "be missional".
Years ago, I visited Poverello House and Fresno Rescue Mission each in the same week. They’re literally a block away from each other and they both serve the homeless and desire to help people out of their poverty and/or addiction. During my orientation at Poverello House it was very clear that we are not to talk to, interact with, and limit eye contact with their clients. In other words, prep the food, serve the food, and leave.
Fresno Rescue Mission’s message was quite different. Their message was "That's fine if you want to help in the kitchen, but you know what's better? Take a tray of food, go and sit and have a meal with some of the families."
See the difference? Same type of service, serving the same population, very different intention.
In my own life I’ve had some pain and experience in helping what Jesus would call the “least of these”. Once, we bought a bunch of gifts to “bless” a family and provide for them a wonderful Christmas. We were told this family was in need, very poor, didn’t speak much English, etc. So we wrapped gifts, loaded up the bags, and drove over. We got there to find the father and 4 of his buddies drinking a case of Budweiser on the front lawn in their somewhat new home. When we asked for the “man of the house” he pretended it wasn’t him. My husband whispered to me “do you realize we just completely embarrassed him and disrespected him in front of all of his buddies?” I left feeling terrible, as if we were the “white people to the rescue”.
Although we did bring the kids some new clothes and toys, we also brought shame and humiliation upon the father . . . which I don’t think brought glory to our Father in heaven.
I once had a mother in my classroom that had 4 children, all of whom were exposed to drugs in the womb. She was barely clean and sober, barely surviving. She shared how she did not have a lot of money to buy things or feed her children. I of course offered help. Sent her son home with clothes, with food, etc. One day, I left during my lunch break to run to the store quickly. I look up to see her walking out of the liquor store and lighting up a cigarette from her new pack. Not enough money for food, but enough for booze and a smoke.
Can you hear my pain, confusion, frustration in all of this? I hope that we as the body of Christ don’t (as the article says) “Undertake charitable projects or missions endeavors that make us feel good but don’t actually help those we serve and may actually take away their dignity or foster dependence.”
And yet, I know sometimes we have to be tent makers. Working alongside, for a long time, in hopes that someday we’ll be able to proclaim the gospel. The article also mentions “they do not want to partner with teams or agencies that do not allow evangelism.” Well that would be a public school, right? I have personally seen God penetrate the hard soil of a public school and provide opportunity to share Christ. I had to work for 5 years as a teacher before the LORD opened the door for me to send children home with bibles!
Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned that being missional takes patience, endurance, hope, compassion, and discernment.
In all of this I ask . . .
-How do you help serve, without enabling?
- If we always provide, always give, when will others look to the LORD as their provider?
-How can we let our lights shine in such a way (that it's not just to make us feel good) but to truly GLORIFY our Father in Heaven?
-How do we serve with patience and hope?
Perhaps this is just part of the frustration of finding balance in this. How do you love without worrying about being taken advantage of? How do you serve, without enabling? How do you discern, but not stifle the Holy Spirit? I never want to miss an opportunity to be his hands and feet, but I also don’t want my blessing to keep them from relying on the LORD.
Do I believe God can use all things for good? Yes. Perhaps those who serve meals to the homeless will be able to cultivate relationships and the LORD would open the door for the gospel to be proclaimed! Perhaps those children from the story above will remember a time when these people who love Jesus brought them gifts for no reason and it will point them to their Savior. Perhaps the mother who took all of my donations will be overwhelmed with love and conviction, and that will lead her to repentance.
So in this season when we are thinking more about what it means to live on mission, to be an intentional blessing, my hope is that we would pursue the path Christ has chosen for us, with hope, discernment, and patience, to be His hands and feet to those who are hurting and shine our lights before men!
I read an article this morning that spurred my thinking on what it means to "be missional".
Years ago, I visited Poverello House and Fresno Rescue Mission each in the same week. They’re literally a block away from each other and they both serve the homeless and desire to help people out of their poverty and/or addiction. During my orientation at Poverello House it was very clear that we are not to talk to, interact with, and limit eye contact with their clients. In other words, prep the food, serve the food, and leave.
Fresno Rescue Mission’s message was quite different. Their message was "That's fine if you want to help in the kitchen, but you know what's better? Take a tray of food, go and sit and have a meal with some of the families."
See the difference? Same type of service, serving the same population, very different intention.
In my own life I’ve had some pain and experience in helping what Jesus would call the “least of these”. Once, we bought a bunch of gifts to “bless” a family and provide for them a wonderful Christmas. We were told this family was in need, very poor, didn’t speak much English, etc. So we wrapped gifts, loaded up the bags, and drove over. We got there to find the father and 4 of his buddies drinking a case of Budweiser on the front lawn in their somewhat new home. When we asked for the “man of the house” he pretended it wasn’t him. My husband whispered to me “do you realize we just completely embarrassed him and disrespected him in front of all of his buddies?” I left feeling terrible, as if we were the “white people to the rescue”.
Although we did bring the kids some new clothes and toys, we also brought shame and humiliation upon the father . . . which I don’t think brought glory to our Father in heaven.
I once had a mother in my classroom that had 4 children, all of whom were exposed to drugs in the womb. She was barely clean and sober, barely surviving. She shared how she did not have a lot of money to buy things or feed her children. I of course offered help. Sent her son home with clothes, with food, etc. One day, I left during my lunch break to run to the store quickly. I look up to see her walking out of the liquor store and lighting up a cigarette from her new pack. Not enough money for food, but enough for booze and a smoke.
Can you hear my pain, confusion, frustration in all of this? I hope that we as the body of Christ don’t (as the article says) “Undertake charitable projects or missions endeavors that make us feel good but don’t actually help those we serve and may actually take away their dignity or foster dependence.”
And yet, I know sometimes we have to be tent makers. Working alongside, for a long time, in hopes that someday we’ll be able to proclaim the gospel. The article also mentions “they do not want to partner with teams or agencies that do not allow evangelism.” Well that would be a public school, right? I have personally seen God penetrate the hard soil of a public school and provide opportunity to share Christ. I had to work for 5 years as a teacher before the LORD opened the door for me to send children home with bibles!
Through all of these experiences, I’ve learned that being missional takes patience, endurance, hope, compassion, and discernment.
In all of this I ask . . .
-How do you help serve, without enabling?
- If we always provide, always give, when will others look to the LORD as their provider?
-How can we let our lights shine in such a way (that it's not just to make us feel good) but to truly GLORIFY our Father in Heaven?
-How do we serve with patience and hope?
Perhaps this is just part of the frustration of finding balance in this. How do you love without worrying about being taken advantage of? How do you serve, without enabling? How do you discern, but not stifle the Holy Spirit? I never want to miss an opportunity to be his hands and feet, but I also don’t want my blessing to keep them from relying on the LORD.
Do I believe God can use all things for good? Yes. Perhaps those who serve meals to the homeless will be able to cultivate relationships and the LORD would open the door for the gospel to be proclaimed! Perhaps those children from the story above will remember a time when these people who love Jesus brought them gifts for no reason and it will point them to their Savior. Perhaps the mother who took all of my donations will be overwhelmed with love and conviction, and that will lead her to repentance.
So in this season when we are thinking more about what it means to live on mission, to be an intentional blessing, my hope is that we would pursue the path Christ has chosen for us, with hope, discernment, and patience, to be His hands and feet to those who are hurting and shine our lights before men!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Look Away or Enter In?
I have about a 30 minute drive to and from work each day. For 15 of those minutes, I drive up and down Maple or Chestnut between Mckinley and Church. Where is Church street you ask? Exactly. Far. Southeast Fresno.
Some of the things I see each day are heartbreaking.
-The child walking to school by himself (on Chestnut/Church).
-The people pushing their shopping carts (with what I assume is all of their earthly possessions).
-The man walking by, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke (the kind that isn’t from cigarettes).
-They stray dogs.
-The dead dogs.
-The children running across the street in between cars.
-The high school aged kids, not in class, “cuddling” each other in front of the apartment building.
-The grown-ups yelling and screaming at each other in the parking lot of the liquor store.
-The woman waiting at the bus stop with her 4 young children.
-The man puking in the gutter.
I drive home aching for the LORD to return and “clean up” this dirty city. I long for Him to come, to rescue, to make right, to free those in bondage, to heal those that are sick, to bless the poor with all the riches in Christ! And as I’m praying for this I realize . . .
Sometimes I look away from things with disgust that I should be seeing with eyes of compassion.
-Isn’t the man pushing his shopping cart the man Jesus would’ve talked to?
-Isn’t the man who was sick in the gutter, the man Jesus would’ve healed?
-Isn’t the woman at the bus stop the woman Jesus would comfort?
-Aren’t the children running in and out of traffic the children Jesus would’ve welcomed in?
-Aren’t these the exact crowds that Jesus would’ve looked on and had compassion, “for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd?”
Jesus didn’t look away in disgust. He looked on with compassion. Jesus entered in.
The sights that I see every day aren’t an accident. I don’t think the LORD intends for me just to look (or really, just to look away). He has shown me block after block that there are people all over this city that need to hear the HOPE of Christ and feel His love.
So why do I look away when I should enter in?
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:35-38)
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:35-40)
Some of the things I see each day are heartbreaking.
-The child walking to school by himself (on Chestnut/Church).
-The people pushing their shopping carts (with what I assume is all of their earthly possessions).
-The man walking by, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke (the kind that isn’t from cigarettes).
-They stray dogs.
-The dead dogs.
-The children running across the street in between cars.
-The high school aged kids, not in class, “cuddling” each other in front of the apartment building.
-The grown-ups yelling and screaming at each other in the parking lot of the liquor store.
-The woman waiting at the bus stop with her 4 young children.
-The man puking in the gutter.
I drive home aching for the LORD to return and “clean up” this dirty city. I long for Him to come, to rescue, to make right, to free those in bondage, to heal those that are sick, to bless the poor with all the riches in Christ! And as I’m praying for this I realize . . .
Sometimes I look away from things with disgust that I should be seeing with eyes of compassion.
-Isn’t the man pushing his shopping cart the man Jesus would’ve talked to?
-Isn’t the man who was sick in the gutter, the man Jesus would’ve healed?
-Isn’t the woman at the bus stop the woman Jesus would comfort?
-Aren’t the children running in and out of traffic the children Jesus would’ve welcomed in?
-Aren’t these the exact crowds that Jesus would’ve looked on and had compassion, “for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd?”
Jesus didn’t look away in disgust. He looked on with compassion. Jesus entered in.
The sights that I see every day aren’t an accident. I don’t think the LORD intends for me just to look (or really, just to look away). He has shown me block after block that there are people all over this city that need to hear the HOPE of Christ and feel His love.
So why do I look away when I should enter in?
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:35-38)
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:35-40)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Beautiful Feet
“As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" (Romans 10:15)
How often do we gather with others to talk about the gospel? Study the gospel? Learn how to share the gospel? How often do we get our feet dirty, walk outside, and share the gospel?
What good is it to know all about the gospel and never share it? Can we really KNOW the gospel without making Him KNOWN? If we truly know the gospel and have experienced God’s redeeming love, we can’t help but share the good news.
As we passionately pursue God, we should passionately pursue opportunities to share the good news. Sharing the simple truth: He died that we might live. Sharing our story of how we were grafted in. Inviting others to share in our Kingdom inheritance.
Our feet are beautiful when we go. Go and share. Go and make disciples. In your front yard. In the lunch room. At the dinner table.
Walk across. Enter in. Name Him where He hasn’t been named. Get your feet dirty. Beautiful.
"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38)
How often do we gather with others to talk about the gospel? Study the gospel? Learn how to share the gospel? How often do we get our feet dirty, walk outside, and share the gospel?
What good is it to know all about the gospel and never share it? Can we really KNOW the gospel without making Him KNOWN? If we truly know the gospel and have experienced God’s redeeming love, we can’t help but share the good news.
As we passionately pursue God, we should passionately pursue opportunities to share the good news. Sharing the simple truth: He died that we might live. Sharing our story of how we were grafted in. Inviting others to share in our Kingdom inheritance.
Our feet are beautiful when we go. Go and share. Go and make disciples. In your front yard. In the lunch room. At the dinner table.
Walk across. Enter in. Name Him where He hasn’t been named. Get your feet dirty. Beautiful.
"Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:37-38)
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Burdened
My head is spinning and my heart is broken. After today’s message, I have felt like I’ve been pulled in 2 extremes. On one hand, I am so thankful to be redeemed, thankful that the LORD called me out of darkness and into the kingdom of His beloved Son. On the other, I have not stopped thinking about all of those around me who have yet to put their faith in Christ.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
I did not grow up in church, but believed in “God” and “truth” all of my life. It never made sense to me that “all religions are right”. But I never put much thought into it more than that. I remember going to Jewish temple with my best friend in Jr.High and feeling like it was all so “cool”. Hearing them speak in Hebrew and read the Torah just felt so “religious”. In high school I went with Santino’s family to church and listened to the preacher talk about asking Jesus into your heart, and I did! I wanted that sense of closeness to the LORD, I truly did. I remember feeling a little closeness and even read the bible a bit. The feeling was there, I think I “put my faith in Christ”, but it soon died out.
“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. (Matthew 13:5-6)
When I entered college, for no other reason but it was “fun”, I started drinking and partying. I was on a fast track to destruction and alcoholism. It wasn’t until the sudden death of my father that it all came to a screeching halt. I was faced with serious questions about life, death, and God before I had planned to have those questions.
The next 3 years were so difficult for me. As I started to seek out truth about God, life, and death, I started to realize that the way I was living didn’t add up to what I was learning and believing. This is when I started to understand that “believing in God” and living for Him was completely different.
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19)
I came to a place in my life where I had to match my actions with what I believe. Little did I know, this process I was experiencing was being sanctified, taking off my old way of living, and walking in the light.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. (John 3:3)
As I started to draw closer to the LORD and further away from “partying”, I started to experience a lot of pain in realizing how much was changing. Relationships I had were starting to drift, friends that I loved dearly told me it was fine for me to be “born again” but that drinking was just too much fun, they couldn’t give it up. I was pursuing Christ and His Kingdom, only to lose so much of the worldly treasures I had at the time.
"For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." (1 Peter 4:3-4)
My heart began to break as many around me watched the change within in me, and yet still pursued ways of the world. My heart was broken again today thinking of so many friends and family members that I love who have rejected Christ. It is the rest of this passage that sends me to my knees in prayer for them. They will be judged, they will give an account for their life.
Today, I have not stopped thinking about Jonah and his message to the people of Nineveh, to repent and be saved or in 40 days they will face judgment. I was weeping in church thinking about how many of my friends and loved ones have yet to repent and put their faith in Christ. It has overwhelmed me thinking about the fact that they live daily with Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit; they miss out on life and life abundant, and will face a literal hell if they continue to reject Christ. I can’t rest with this kind of pain in my heart. I hope and pray they will begin to ask questions like I did in my place of brokenness; they will begin to evaluate their life and pursue Christ and His kingdom over self and ways of this world.
For all of us . . . because the time is near . . . let us repent, turn from our ways, and pursue Him. Let us stop suppressing the Truth and living a life apart from Him. He is our only Hope, our only Refuge, our Creator, Redeemer, and Savior.
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12)
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
I did not grow up in church, but believed in “God” and “truth” all of my life. It never made sense to me that “all religions are right”. But I never put much thought into it more than that. I remember going to Jewish temple with my best friend in Jr.High and feeling like it was all so “cool”. Hearing them speak in Hebrew and read the Torah just felt so “religious”. In high school I went with Santino’s family to church and listened to the preacher talk about asking Jesus into your heart, and I did! I wanted that sense of closeness to the LORD, I truly did. I remember feeling a little closeness and even read the bible a bit. The feeling was there, I think I “put my faith in Christ”, but it soon died out.
“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. (Matthew 13:5-6)
When I entered college, for no other reason but it was “fun”, I started drinking and partying. I was on a fast track to destruction and alcoholism. It wasn’t until the sudden death of my father that it all came to a screeching halt. I was faced with serious questions about life, death, and God before I had planned to have those questions.
The next 3 years were so difficult for me. As I started to seek out truth about God, life, and death, I started to realize that the way I was living didn’t add up to what I was learning and believing. This is when I started to understand that “believing in God” and living for Him was completely different.
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (James 2:19)
I came to a place in my life where I had to match my actions with what I believe. Little did I know, this process I was experiencing was being sanctified, taking off my old way of living, and walking in the light.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. (John 3:3)
As I started to draw closer to the LORD and further away from “partying”, I started to experience a lot of pain in realizing how much was changing. Relationships I had were starting to drift, friends that I loved dearly told me it was fine for me to be “born again” but that drinking was just too much fun, they couldn’t give it up. I was pursuing Christ and His Kingdom, only to lose so much of the worldly treasures I had at the time.
"For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." (1 Peter 4:3-4)
My heart began to break as many around me watched the change within in me, and yet still pursued ways of the world. My heart was broken again today thinking of so many friends and family members that I love who have rejected Christ. It is the rest of this passage that sends me to my knees in prayer for them. They will be judged, they will give an account for their life.
Today, I have not stopped thinking about Jonah and his message to the people of Nineveh, to repent and be saved or in 40 days they will face judgment. I was weeping in church thinking about how many of my friends and loved ones have yet to repent and put their faith in Christ. It has overwhelmed me thinking about the fact that they live daily with Christ and the help of the Holy Spirit; they miss out on life and life abundant, and will face a literal hell if they continue to reject Christ. I can’t rest with this kind of pain in my heart. I hope and pray they will begin to ask questions like I did in my place of brokenness; they will begin to evaluate their life and pursue Christ and His kingdom over self and ways of this world.
For all of us . . . because the time is near . . . let us repent, turn from our ways, and pursue Him. Let us stop suppressing the Truth and living a life apart from Him. He is our only Hope, our only Refuge, our Creator, Redeemer, and Savior.
“And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:11-12)
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