Selective Passion

I have no problem sharing something if I’m passionate about it!  I was reminded of this today as I stood at the service desk at Walmart returning a dozen boxes of votive candles that I had purchased for our recent IF Gathering.  As the woman was checking the receipts and returning the candles I was going on and on about how much I loved these candles, how long they burn and what a great deal they are compared to other candles that are similar.

  I told her that if she ever has a need for this type of candle that they are the best and to remember that!   She probably could have cared less about the dumb candles that I had piled upon her countertop, but because I am passionate about how well these little guys have served me in the past, I couldn’t help myself, really.  I was truly hoping that someday this information would prove useful to her.

If only I could have that same enthusiasm when sharing my faith.  If I could so easily go on and on, unsolicited, about how much I love Jesus, truly hoping that someday the information would prove useful.

Why do I care so much to tell that woman how wonderful the candles are and I don’t care enough to share how awesome the Light of World is?  It caused me no fear to offer that information but I would have had a small panic attack if I had chosen to tell her about God’s love for her, right then and there.

There is something to be said for developing relationships in which you have a natural opportunity to share your faith.  But there is also something to be said for seizing a moment that may never come again.  My problem is, I always default to the long term relationship scenario and never step out into the scary, share my love for Jesus because I just can’t help myself scenario. 

Whether I would like to admit it or not, I reserve that kind of sharing for street preachers, pastors or those lucky people who are just naturally bold and evangelistic by nature.  It’s not how I roll.  Unless of course, I am sharing about an amazing candle, then look out! 

This should not be so.

These said candles were burning on each table at the IF Gathering as I sat in the dimly lit room feeling ashamed at how feeble my attempts to reach the lost really are.  The speaker on the big screen was pleading with us to not keep the wonderful news of our Savior to ourselves.  He begged us to remember what is at stake.   He reminded us that it doesn’t need to begin with a big initiative or the writing of a book.  It starts with one life at a time.  Just make ONE disciple.

 

God didn’t say, ”Hey, if you get around to it and it doesn’t feel too awkward, go ahead and mention Me, but if not, no worries, just be nice and neighborly  and maybe that will rub off enough to lead them to Me.”  He actually commands us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”  Mark 16:15 

Do I want to keep allowing my fear of what someone might think, fear of overstepping my boundaries or fear of rejection to stand in the way of someone’s eternal salvation?  Do I want to keep my faith small instead of allowing it to grow each time I trust God and His plan?  I’m realizing that I have made it all about me.  I’m thinking it’s time to make it about others.

If you, like me, have had these struggles and fears, would you be willing to join me in stepping outside of your safe scenario and into a place of obedience and true love?

I will never know if that woman will someday need those candles for an event and be glad that I shared with her, but I do know that sharing the gospel is the most important thing I could ever tell someone and that I could put my passion to better use!

 

 

Debbie K.

 

Spring

I am absolutely enamored by spring. Each season has its own special beauty, but to me, spring holds the most magical wonder of them all. From the deep cold earth, long covered by snow, the daffodils bravely push upwards their bladed leaves cutting through dirt that gives way to glory. The temperatures slowly warm as the sunlight increases. The warmth kisses my face and I smile. Day by day, little by little, the green appears -- barely, and then, almost all at once. There it is!

Spring is full of hope. Maybe I love spring so much because of its contrast. From winter so dark, cold and dormant to a season filled with new life - the transformation is so evident! When the weather outside starts to warm, I find my spirit mirroring the longing for new life. The changing seasons show us that things don’t always have to stay the way they have been. Something new is happening here. Don’t miss it.

In the spring, the gardener sees the fruit of planting bulbs in the fall. After sitting cold and dormant, they come bursting forth as the herald of newness. In life there are so often periods of waiting that we must endure before any visible signs of something new (James 5:7). We must not give up on those prayers we prayed and the ways in which we have tried to follow God. But during the spring, the gardener gets dirty again down on her hands and knees, pulling weeds, clearing the dead debris, planting new seeds, watering and watching. This is our work, too.

In his book Spiritual Rhythms, Mark Buchanan describes the activities of a spiritual “spring.” (Although he clearly states that spiritual seasons don’t necessarily coincide with physical ones, I can’t help but find myself in a place of spiritual, emotional, and physical renewal when the world around is blossoming with so much hope!)  

First we wake up to what God is doing in and around us.

“Awake, awake, clothe yourself in your strength, O Zion...Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose yourself from the chains around your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.”  Isaiah 52:1-2 (NASB)

For me recently, this has taken the form of a gratitude list as well as reading back through old journals. For a while I had felt out of sync with God, disconnected somehow. Through the simple act of trying to notice and write down the “little things,” I have grown more awake to where God is working in my life. I also revisited my coffee-stained journals from last year that had sat for too long on the dusty shelf. As I reread my prayers and thoughts from only a few months ago, I felt my spirit reawakening to things God had planted in my heart long before now.

Then we plow.  

“Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

Plowing comes in the form of renewing our spiritual disciplines - prayer and Scripture. We lean in and listen in order to obey the One who calls us. Buchanan calls it the “discipline of deeper attentiveness”. Return to those things that connect you to God. Perhaps it is daily Bible reading or even memorizing a passage of Scripture. Maybe it is daily intentional prayer or even another spiritual discipline like fasting.

During spring we also plant new things and allow God to plant new things in us.

“Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19 (NASB)

We may be launching into a new phase of ministry or responding in some other way to something new God is asking us to step into. Buchanan warns against planting haphazardly, though. We must also protect and nurture the new thing like a gardener tends to the new plants carefully so that they grow to be strong and beautiful.  I’ve recently stepped into some new leadership opportunities and I’ve had to be very intentional about carving out time for them. I am eagerly expectant to see what God is going to do in this uncharted territory.

Lastly, we clean.

“But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.” Ephesians 5:13 (NASB)

Soul “spring cleaning” occurs when we reflect on our days and clean out what needs to be removed. We open up the doors and windows and brush away the cobwebs. We don’t want debris and dead things taking up space in our hearts and lives. In order for God to continue to grow new things in us, we must continually declutter. I sat down recently to do a little life inventory. I like using a simple little tool I’ve learned where I sift through things in my life and categorize where I am feeling failure, frustration, battle, and breakthrough.  It’s not necessarily pretty, but definitely needed. After bringing things to light, it always feels easier to move forward.

I don’t know if you are in a spiritual “spring” or perhaps just desire to be there like I so often do. While the world around us is waking to life, may we too awaken to what God is doing and then do the work to prepare our hearts for the new things He may have for us in a new season. He is the one who ultimately causes the flower to push forth. The gardener can only prepare the ground, plant the seed, tend to it, and watch what comes.

Let’s prepare the way for God to work in our hearts and lives and be amazed at how beautifully and miraculously He works.

~Meredith M.

God is Still Here

Amidst the chaos, somehow there’s peace.

© 2011 Zach Dischner, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio

God chooses to use the world around us and the people around us to show us his love. He could do it however he wanted – he’s God. If you were the almighty Supreme Being and could do anything you wanted, what would you do? He chose this. I don’t pretend to know why he does the things he does or why he chose to create us. Some things I just accept that he is the only thing that is God and he did things because he chose to do them and I am creation, not the mind of the creator.

But I’m thankful I get to exist.

God uses people. When I’m crying, God uses my husband’s arms to hold me. Sometimes he uses a friend. When I’m sick, he uses the doctors that he gave knowledge and wisdom to heal me or at least make what’s wrong bearable. When I’m sad and just can’t remember the point of it all, he sends my children to say something silly or sweet and remind me what really matters is those I love who love me. When I’m lonely, he sends a message in the form of a friend’s text or call. When I feel like I’ll never be enough, he reminds me I already am and my name is written in the Book of Life – the end result is already done. I can never fail.

God uses the world. God knew I would love flowers and he scattered them everywhere. He planted coffee beans because he knew I would love coffee every morning – and it would make me think of him. He knew I would love beaches and oceans and palm trees – and when I need it most – I always get to go to places where I can soak it in. If you love the sun, the stars, the moon, the sky – God knew you would and put them all there. Whatever you love, it’s not random that it’s there. Mountains, snow, hills, rivers…whatever it is, God put it there, thinking of you.

It sounds sappy and so untrue when it’s so much easier to be cynical or sarcastic, self-deprecating, angry, bitter, or depressed. It’s so much easier to think God doesn’t think of us and doesn’t care and that the world is random madness and random beautiful. We don't have to try to feel these things - these thoughts and feelings come naturally, but they hurt. It takes daily work to overcome them - and action on our part to be able to believe it's all true.

Because if it was all true, we would have to live like it. We would have to be grateful, forgiving, kind, patient, loving, accepting, and joyful. We would need to be obedient and care and be vulnerable and generous. We would need to be so many things that are hard. We would have to trust and let go of our own desires, dreams, and outcome – or go for scary dreams and passions. We would have to choose God’s perspective over our own. It would mean that God chose us with purpose – created each of us intentionally – for something. It would mean there is a bigger purpose and something or some plan larger than our own and we have to do something about it every day. If God thinks of us and gave us the Bible, then he means what he says and he requires things of us.

But it also means that God is still here. He puts people in our life to encourage us, teach us, strengthen us, and love us. Even though there are people to do us harm, he places helpers along the way. We are never alone. He showers us with gifts of people, places, and things. We don’t have all we want, but we have what we need. In his grace and lovingkindness, we do have some things we want. All the things we do have – everything that is not falling apart – that is God’s grace, love, and mercy.

In the midst of chaos, somehow there’s peace. Peace is perspective. There is good news in this world along with all the bad. Good things happen, even with the bad. As much as there is wrong in this world, there are things that are good and right.

Look around you with different eyes and notice the blessings and the good and keep a gratitude journal about it all to change your perspective and have peace.

Write “My heart is breaking because _________, but God says (verses from the Bible). The people and things around me that I am grateful for are _____________________________. And I know that God is still here.”

Write “______________ is falling apart, but (list things and people you’re grateful for) shows me God is still here and his word says (verses from the Bible).”

Write “I am so scared about _________________, but God says (verses from the Bible) and I see(things you are grateful for) and I know that God is still here.”

Write “I’ve lost ___________ but I still have (things you are grateful for) God says (verses from the Bible) and I know that God is still here.”

Write “I feel (list your negative feeling) but God showed me these things today (list things you are grateful for) and his word says (verses from the Bible that contradict your feelings).And I know that God is still here.”

Feelings and circumstances will tell us one thing, but we choose to believe God’s truth over our feelings and circumstances. We believe his promises. We trust that our eternal life holds all we’ll ever need and this life is temporary. We trust we have eternal life through Jesus Christ because God says so. He is in, around, under, above, through, before, and behind every circumstance and every person. When you’re whole world falls apart, Heaven stands. And God is still here.

Revelation 22: 12-13 (NLT) Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying:“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.

John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

- Tara Goddard

STAND Out

It was spring break two years ago and as a teacher, I couldn’t have been more thrilled to have a week off away from students! Many of my teacher friends (and a whole lot of my students’ families) were departing for warm, tropical destinations preluding the warm summer days to come. But I piled in a minivan with a bunch of women from Heartland and headed to Minneapolis for a long weekend of equipping at a 3DM women’s conference. We joked that it was the “reverse spring break” with Minnesota’s 10-below wind chill. So much for “spring”!

(Creative Commons)

I had decided to go at the last minute. I honestly didn’t even really know what I was signing up for.  I just felt like I wanted to spend time with these women and felt like I needed a little bit of God-focused time. Some of my fellow travelers were long-time friends. Some I barely knew. Some I wanted to get to know more deeply. Many of them had already been involved in a discipling leadership group and I was about to join one, but hadn’t yet begun. While most spring breakers were tanning themselves by the beach, we were diving head-first into new waters of our faith journeys.  I am so glad that I took the plunge for that experience. God used it to propel me into an amazing chapter of my life, to expand my spiritual identity and purpose, and to deepen friendships that have been a solid place for my soul.

Discipling another person can be a scary thought, but as Christ-followers, we are all called to do it. Go and make disciples.

“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19 The Message)

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like the call to go and make disciples is a job I’m not qualified for. What do I say? How do I reach out to people, but not come off as pushy? Would anyone really want to learn from me? Shouldn’t that be a job for someone in full time ministry?  But really, no matter what our background, whether we are new to faith in Jesus or have been walking with him for years, we are all leaders. We are all disciple-makers. We do it in our homes, in our workplaces, in every sphere of influence. We teach. We coach. We show people what we have learned and share our stories.

That was one of the biggest takeaways I had from my weekend in Minnesota. I learned that although sometimes evangelism (telling others about Jesus) and discipleship (helping others become more like Jesus) scare me, God created me with a natural bent toward sharing and teaching what I know. It comes out when I talk about a movie I love, a new album I’ve discovered, an excellent restaurant. It comes out when I talk about my college, about hiking in the mountains, or making music.

I can’t help but talk about the things that I love.

It reminds me of the illustration Steve Weatherford used in his sermon this past Sunday about the Holy Spirit “going viral.” <Watch It Here>  We all know those videos that get passed around the internet faster than fathomable. We pass them along because somehow they strike a chord with us whether humorous or poignant. We like it. We hit share. We pass it along. What would happen in my the lives of those around me -- and beyond in the Kingdom -- if I were as quick to talk about what Jesus is doing in my life as I am those other things that I love?

(Creative Commons)

And the best part is that He promises to be with us as we live out the Great Commission.

“I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

This weekend, Heartland will have the privilege of hosting 3DM’s STAND Conference for women. <Register Here> Wherever you are in your faith journey, I hope you will plan to join us. We will come together in worship, learn from other women, and gain some practical tools to help us walk out this mission of discipleship as we stand UP, stand IN, and stand OUT. It will be a great way to spend a November weekend -- and I’m fairly certain it will be warmer than my “reverse spring break”! Hope to see you there!

~Meredith M.

The Word Which Requires Us to Fail

Every moment we must resist the urge---and fight it fiercely---the one saying, "You are unusable." God calls us his disciples, his very hands and feet.

My mother-in-law and I lounge on pillowed wicker patio chairs and breathe in warm California air under palm trees and the waning sun. She shares the guts of a messy situation. I listen well until she asks, "What should I do?" Brakes screech in my ears, but there is only the hum of the neighbor's steam cleaning machine across the street. Hold on. I am twenty years younger. I am honored and humbled. In a second, I remember every piece of unsolicited advice I have given in the name of God. Surely, I cannot be the one to give her reason.

I remember comforting a close friend badly, in a blur of unboxing and finding the best shelf for my plates. She came blazing in to reorganize my kitchen, but a sharp betrayal knocked her onto my couch. Crying, she poured it all out, the years leading up to a phone call gone wrong, in my fresh house.

I reached into an arsenal of trite expressions and scripture quotations and vomited them in her lap. Really, I just wanted her to stop crying. I wanted to tell her I was out of sympathy because the years, the history, told us all it was coming. I remember and I hope she blocked it all out, especially the part where I started opening my mouth, getting all Jesus-freaky. This is the memory rising to the back of my brain as I consider if God can use me ever.

I have thought I must have answers for everyone, especially those who ask. I have played psychologist, counselor, pastor, arbitrator, and savior. But these roles are not disciple. Disciple is the one who realizes they have nothing to give to the needy but Jesus.

As the evening passes on the patio, I listen more.

I am incapable.

But I love God and I love her, and I will listen.

If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.

This dear woman who has survived four boys, breast cancer twice and almost a complete bodily reconstruction listens to my laments of loneliness. She tells me where she sees God in my children, in my family. I cannot see it half the time. I tell her the work of God I see in her life---the opening of her home, her yard, her neighborhood.

If this is discipling, I want more. The advice is gone.

We are both broken enough to see our need in our stories.

The disciples were messy people. They fought (Luke 9:40). They forgot (Mark 8:14). They were faithless and fearful (Mark 4:40).

Jesus prays for his disciples so they may be safe and useful to the world. That Jesus would call me a disciple staggers the mind! But if I am His, which I am, then call me disciple.

A recent remembrance of a story from a book I am reading surges forward. Eugene Peterson describes his wife Jan, a pastor's wife:

"This happened more and more frequently, women hungry for hospitable conversation, being listened to, not harangued, being understood, not enlisted in a cause. When they asked for advice, she demurred. 'Why don't we just be friends, maybe meet regularly together, get to know one another, and feel free to talk about what we are learning or wondering about in this life of faith that Jesus has joined us in? Why don't we just agree to be faith friends?" (The Pastor)

Faith friend. I repeat it to myself after the patio conversation. It is more for myself, to accept others and love them with no expectation. I want to be a friend even when I am chaotic, controlling, untrusting, and scared. I cannot do it without Jesus and grace and the expectation that He will show up. He is doing good things in me---small, holy moments glorifying Him.

I pray, "Use me here in the messy and my failings." I open my mouth with fear and trembling to answer. The stars peak out above the palm leaves above us, shining down on the Word itself, Jesus, the one we give back and forth, the word I keep repeating to myself and to anyone who will listen.

- Christina H.

God Doesn't Need Us To Say Yes

I apologize that the post is late this week. I forgot how crazy life is with a newborn! So, while I am busy with our family's YES, please read and click through to a post that really resonates with me. We (Heartland) are in no way affiliated with the blog or work they are doing, I just think it is awesome and pray the message is one you can relate to or be empowered by!

- Katrina

But here’s the truth we must understand: GOD DOESN’T NEED US TO SAY YES.

He’s God. He created oceans and land and the world with a thought. He doesn’t depend on us to say yes. He can accomplish in a second what we labor in for years.

But He invites us to say yes.

He invites us because obedience changes us from the inside out. Saying yes causes us to depend on him because His ask is always bigger than our ability. He wants us to experience the impossible, the miracle in the mess so that He will be glorified.

...head over HERE to Kristen's blog We Are THAT Family to read more and see a short video about her family's YES.

 

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Couples Discipleship

Tonight we had a couple over for dinner and fellowship.  They are young, newly married, deeply in love, and faithful followers of Christ.  We had a wonderful time and our kids had a new audience to impress (I don't know about you, but our kids get super excited when they have an audience that consists of more than my husband and I).  Our young friends brought their dogs, which endeared them even more to our kids.  We ate, played, talked, made s'mores, and had a great time of fellowship.  We looked at pictures of their wedding and talked about our engagement and wedding - all along sharing little bits of what we have learned in the fifteen years we have been together.  We are excited to get to know them better and to share our journey with them as they invite us into theirs.

You see, discipleship looks a lot like our lovely Sunday evening.  It is relationship with intent, but at its core is the relationship.  Jesus invited his disciples alongside him, not merely to give them instructions and send them out, but to enter into relationship with them.  He equipped them to carry on his discipleship movement as they traveled with him: telling them stories, showing them the way through his actions and inactions, and giving them outright instructions.

We can seek and do the same in our lives.  We humbly pray that God uses us for good in the lives of this young couple.  By inviting them alongside us and sharing any wisdom we have gleaned from our years together, hopefully we can help them avoid having to learn some of our lessons the hard way.  Hopefully we will learn things from our young friends as well - seeing a marriage unfold from the outside and watching the branches of their family tree unfurl as they add children into the mix.

As James and I talked after our friends took their cuddly puppies home for bed, we realized that we too need an older couple to come alongside and learn from.  You are never truly done being discipled.  There is always something to learn, a new perspective to see, and prayerful counsel to receive.  You will always need someone that is building into you so that you have the energy and experience to build into someone else.

Who are those people for you?  Who do you seek counsel from?  Who do you build into?  Are there current relationships you have that you can make more intentional in either of these ways?

"I Know I'm Filled to be Emptied Again"

Photo by nosheep via stock.xchng

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be emptied again

The seed I've recieved I will sow

- Desert Song, Hillsong United

Jena's message last week has really stuck with me.  My brain started whirring listening to her read Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Her depiction of us as jars, filled with the living water of Jesus, gave definition to the image in my mind of our bodies as vessels to be filled with God, in all his many forms and attributes, only to be emptied again, poured out for others.  

I know what you are thinking - dude, I feel empty all...the...time - and that doesn't make me feel closer to God!  Our lives can often feel like an episode of Wipeout - we have lofty goals involving coming to the finish clean, dry, and in record time - only to be punched off a ledge and into the muddy water below by a giant boxing glove, spun off our perch into the muck, or bounced between giant balls on our way to the dirty water again.

I get it, I feel that way too.  But, what if the key to being filled with all joy and peace and overflowing with hope lays in what we fill our vessels with and how we are emptying ourselves?  As Jena so eloquently pointed out, God is the only thing that can truly fill us to overflowing.  Our mountains and pebbles can be packed into our jars, giving us the illusion of being filled, yet we have this bone-deep feeling of emptiness that challenges that illusion.  Our souls know what we sometimes forget - only God can "fill you with all joy and peace...so that you may overflow with hope."

What if we have to give of ourselves in a way that honors him in order to make room for an overflow of living water?  When we are pouring ourselves out for others we not only give God room to "bless (us) abundantly", but we serve others, bless others, and act as God's hands and feet on earth.

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.  14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Pouring ourselves out for others fills needs (resulting in thanks being given to God by the recipients), the space created allows God to fill us to overflowing again, giving us more to pour out...the cycle goes on indefinitely.  Letting my inner nerd loose, I see it like this:  

God fills us continuously, like water vapor feeding clouds -- to the point of overflowing so we can empty ourselves out for others, like the full clouds releasing rain to pour down to enrich the land, plants, and sea -- our generosity and service for others brings praises from them to God, like water from the land, plants, and sea evaporating (or transpiring) into the air to be condensed again.  

Lucky for us God's grace and love do not operate in a closed loop like the hydrologic (water) cycle depicted in this little cartoon.  His love knows no bounds and is not predicated on how much we give of ourselves - he fills us because he loves us.  But, just think about how much sweeter and more abundant the overflow could be if we were pouring ourselves out in ways that honor God!

I know I'm filled to be emptied again.

The seed I've received I will sow.

How are you creating room in your jar for God's living water?  How are you pouring yourself out for others?

- Katrina

A Hand in the Harvest

Photo by rams_on from stock.xchg

We generally discuss discipleship in terms of the people around us with whom we have permanent or semi-permanent relationships - discipling relationships.  We have talked a lot about creating disciples of our children, our spouses, our friends, our family members, our co-workers, etc.  But, what about encounters we have with people once, maybe twice, and never see them again?  Does that mean that we have no impact on the people we meet in those encounters?  No!

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul writes a letter to the Church and its leaders, explaining that the Lord uses each one of us for a specific purpose, but that it is God himself who does the hard work:

"What, after all, is Apollos?  And what is Paul?  Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task.  I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." (1 Cor. 3:5-7, NIV)

Or, as Breen and put it in Building a Discipling Culture, "Paul said that some plant, some water, and God gives the harvest.  In a passing relationship, you may be called on to plant a seed or to water what has already been planted.  Just because you do not see the end result does not mean you are not a vital part of the process." (Ch. 13)

Whew, that takes the pressure off a bit, doesn't it?  We don't have to take on the responsibility of bringing everyone we encounter into a personal relationship with Jesus.  God alone has the ultimate power to do that.  We may just have the privilege of lending a hand in preparing for God's harvest.  Whether we are planting a seed with a well-placed word, watering the new shoots with timely encouragement, fertilizing the growing plant with pertinent scripture references, or helping keep weeds at bay by speaking truth, we can perform the task God has given us.  No matter how small it seems to us, that task may be vital to the bountiful harvest He will ultimately reap in that person.

Do you look for opportunities in your everyday to perform such a task?

- Katrina

Uniquely Made and Uniquely Placed

We have spent the last two weeks hearing great wisdom from Shelley Winkler about how we are uniquely made in the image of God to influence those around us.  We are told in the very beginning of the Bible that we are created in His image: "God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them." (Genesis 1:27 NLT)  From the first human to draw breath on this earth to you and I - God has created us all uniquely and placed us each in a space to influence those around us.

What is discipleship but living our lives in such a way that we reflect God, in whose image we were made, influencing those around us for the Kingdom?  Investing in someone - just loving them with the heart of Jesus - can be enough to inspire curiosity about the Lord in them.  By doing that we are his hands and feet, working to bring them closer to Jesus.

We have what it takes to be disciples; God ensured that we would have the tools by making us in His image.  He has imbued us with inner strength (whether we feel strong or not), emotional influence through our relationships, courage to overcome obstacles and stand fast in the face of adversity, the ability to nurture those around us and all of God's great creation, vision to see things as they could be, intuition to see beneath the surface of people and situations, a unique voice that stands out among the crowd, and the big picture view that allows us to help solve problems and recognize when things aren't as they should be.

All of these characteristics are pieces of the Father that he wanted uniquely reflected within each one of us in varying ways.  We each have our own, individual mix of these characteristics that together make up our identity.  That unique combination allows God to put us in the path of just the right people or situations to exert the needed influence to bring them closer to Him.  Does that mean that we are meant to disciple or influence everyone we encounter?  No.  Shelley also described who we are looking for - people of peace.

In Building a Discipling Culture it is described like this:
"The Person of Peace is someone God has prepared for that specific time.  It is no good trying to force open doors that God has not opened, and we must not be distracted so that we miss the doors he has opened... Our main job is to walk through life with our eyes open and our ears listening to the Spirit as he reveals to us the Person of Peace he has prepared." (Breen & Cockram Ch. 13)

We don't need to feel overwhelmed by the prospect of discipleship.  We don't have quotas, we aren't uniquely made or placed to walk alongside everyone this way.  God prepares us for the People of Peace that he puts in our path.  Are your eyes and ears open to the people God has uniquely prepared you to meet?

- Katrina K.

Advent...an exercise in Discipling

Cover of Waiting for the King 
Copyright 2008 Crossroads crossroads.net

As I look around at the busy store aisles crammed with holiday decorations, displays emblazoned with words describing this year's "it" gifts, and brightly colored lights and garlands hung from every possible surface I wonder how I can give my kids a taste of the true holiday behind the glorious madness.  How can I teach them what we are really celebrating?  How can I give them strong roots in our faith so they may one day branch out and teach their own children the truth nestled in the midst of the fluff?

I believe that celebrating the season of Advent as a family is an exercise in discipling that can strengthen those roots in me and help them take hold in my kids so they have a connection to hold on to as they grow and branch out in the future.  In Building a Discipling Culture by Mike Breen and Steve Cockram there is an excellent chapter on "What It Means To Learn" (Ch. 3).  They point out that, "the Greek word for 'disciple' (is) mathetes," which directly translates as learner.  And discipleship on some level means we are "orienting our lives around becoming lifelong learners of Jesus."

The chapter goes on to discuss a bit about how we learn.  Essentially there are three main ways we learn.  We may each have one way that speaks to us more than the others, but as Breen and Cockram put it, "we learn best when there is a dynamic interplay between all three at one time."  First you have the traditional classroom or lecture style which involves a teacher "passing on facts, thoughts, processes and information" to a student.  The second way is through an apprentice-type relationship - learning from someone who knows (and was once a pupil themselves).  In other words, watching a knowledgeable person work with or implement the knowledge you are trying to acquire.  In discipling relationships (as with other apprenticeships) it is about investment.  "Someone invests their time, energy, skills and life into ours, teaching us to do what they do."  The third way we learn is through immersion - when you learn almost passively by being surrounded by a particular environment, setting or culture and picking things up through experience.  "The key to immersion is having access to the culture you are hoping to shape you." Celebrating Advent as a family can employ all three learning methods, helping to strengthen the roots of our faith.

The word advent comes from a Latin word meaning "coming."  We have an opportunity to refocus a bit during the four weeks leading up to Christmas... to anticipate the celebration of the coming of the Christ child by learning about where he came from.  This Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent and many of our kids made paper plate advent wreaths (though my son's immediately became a crown which he wore all the way home).  There was also a handout detailing an activity (lighting a candle (or candles), reading a scripture passage, and saying a blessing) to do as a family each Sunday of Advent.

If you would like ideas for creating an Advent Wreath look back here at our Advent post from last year.  With your Advent Wreath (or circle of candles, etc.) and the handout you have all you need to do your weekly Advent activity!  This first Sunday in Advent you light the first (purple) candle - the Candle of Hope which reminds us that God foretold the coming of His Son.  Read Romans 15:12, 13, "And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.' My the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Say the blessing, "Oh, Lord, fill us with a longing for You. Help us all to be open and eager, as we wait for Your coming with joy and excitement. In the busy days ahead, keep us in Your sight. Let us remember that it is You, our Lord, for whom we are preparing. In our fervor to welcome You in the royal way, it is so easy to forget how warmly You wish to be greeted. Oh, sweet Jesus, thank You for loving us. Amen."

If you would like to dive a little deeper into the "coming" of Jesus a Jesse Tree is a great way to learn more about "The Root of Jesse."  The tree is "named after the Jesse who was the father of David, the first royal branch in the tree of the Messiah to come." (A Jesus Advent Celebration by Ann Voskamp, 2010)  Each day during Advent there is a scripture passage to read, sometimes a prayer or discussion, and an ornament to hang that corresponds to the scripture read.

There are many resources out there for Jesse Tree devotionals and ornaments to print, make, or buy.  Ann Voskamp came out with a new book this year, The Greatest Gift, that leads adults (and older kids) on the Jesse Tree journey (when you buy the book you have access to beautiful printable ornaments to put on the tree each day).

If you have small kids a hands-on option with crafts (and optional printable ornaments if you don't want to do all of the crafts - or are like me and get behind and almost give up...just me?) is Truth in the Tinsel (An Advent Experience for Little Hands) by Amanda White.  Go to the website, purchase the e-book and you will have a daily Clue, Scripture, Ornament, Talk, and opportunity for More.  Again, if you are like me and maybe not ready for a daily activity there are alternate schedules included that focus on different things (Just the Basics, By Books of the Bible, Characters, Prophecy).

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love technology.  If you lean in that direction and ebooks and websites are more your thing, head over HERE for an online Advent calendar with links, videos, ebooks, etc. to help you and your kids celebrate Advent.  Crossroads is the church my family and I were a part of when we lived in Cincinnati and I love, love, LOVE these resources.  The video for day 1 is one of my favorite depictions of the story of Jesus' birth.

However you journey through the Advent season, use it as an opportunity to disciple your kids.  Tell them the stories, read the scripture, show them how to set up the Advent Wreath or the Jesse Tree, let them help with the activities so they are learning by doing, make (at least some of) the crafts or ornaments together so they are immersed in the journey through Christ's roots.

- Katrina K.

A Cause for Us All

Photo by Eastop

A father to the fatherless . . . is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.

Psalm 68:5–6 (NIV) 

The first Sunday in November has become known as Orphan Sunday.  Taking it a step further, the month of November is becoming known as Defend the Orphan month.  As my family has been walking the path toward adoption over the last two years, this cause has become increasingly important to me and the plight of the orphan more poignant.  However, when I sat down to write this post I still had no idea of the force with which God implores us to rally behind the orphans in our world.  The Bible is full of God's heart for the orphan, beginning with us.

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:4–6 (NIV)

We come to Him orphans with the destiny of heirs to the throne of the almighty God.  He doesn't look at us and see a broken, destitute people for someone else to care for.  He looks at us as his children, "adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ."  We have been given much with this legacy from the King and thus much is expected of us.  

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8b (NIV)  

“We care for orphans not because we are rescuers. We care for orphans because we are the rescued.” – David Platt (Author of Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream)

We see in the Bible God's heart for the orphan time and time again.  He holds the trust of the helpless, listens to their cries, comforts them, brings them justice, speaks for them and he calls us to do the same.

The helpless put their trust in you. You are the defender of orphans . . . . Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will listen to their cries and comfort them. You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so people can no longer terrify them. 

Psalm 10:14, 17–18 (NLT)

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Proverbs 31:8–9 (NLT)

Do not deprive . . . the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.

Deuteronomy 24:17–18 (NIV)

His heart for us is that we will see his heart for the orphan and be convicted of our role in caring for, defending, advocating for, and advancing the plight of those in need of a home and a family to love them.  

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27 (NIV)

Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17 (NLT)

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.

Deuteronomy 10:18 (NIV)

Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.

Psalm 82:3 (NLT)

In a perfect world there would be no orphans or couples/families left yearning, but we live in a broken world and there is work to be done.  So he uses us, in little ways and big, to do that work.  He gives people hearts for adoption, fostering, and orphan care.  

He blesses some childless couples with an open heart for another way to create a family.  Our very own Sally Pattee wrote about her journey to adoption here.  He blesses some families with the desire to give kids a safe place to land for a season or a lifetime.  We have adoptive and foster families in our midst that take many shapes and sizes.  He calls us ALL to help in some way.  Adoption and foster care may not be in God's plan for you, but contributing in some way is.

Every third year you must offer a special tithe of your crops. In this year of the special tithe you must give your tithes to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows, so that they will have enough to eat in your towns.

Deuteronomy 26:12 (NLT)

In the book of Matthew Jesus tells his disciples about the destruction of the temple and the signs of the end times.  He uses parables to illustrate what the Kingdom of God will be like and what will happen on the day of judgment, indicating that those blessed by the Father with inheritance of the Kingdom will be singled out for this because, “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me." Matthew 25:35–36 (NLT)  The disciples, confused, asked "when."  Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

He tells us, plain as day, that when you care for those who cannot care for themselves you are caring for Him.  Ignoring the plight of those who need our help is turning our back on Jesus.  So do something!  Donate diapers for the Heartland Diaper Drive - the response this year was a fraction of the response last year - it isn't too late, just talk to Amy Ames.  Head over to The Forgotten Initiative to find out how to help "Bring Joy and Purpose to the Foster Care Community."  Contribute to a friend's adoption fund or help them find ways to raise the money.  Learn more about places like Lifesong for Orphans or Covenant Children's Homes and find a way to help them reach those children left behind.