There's gotta be something more...

May 18, 2017

Do you ever feel like you were meant for something great, but you just can't figure out what it is? Before I fell head first into Jesus, I always thought I was meant to be a celebrity. I mean, I have a funny accent, big hair, and I'm hilarious. Ok, that last one is debatable. But! I just knew some indie producer would see me one day and be blinded by my Southern charm and put me in his next Sundance feature. Hey, a girl can dream.

But when I decided to live for Him instead of just myself, my sights lifted from Hollywood stardom to ministry. God has given me many gifts, and I need and want to share them. I want to help. I want to lead people to Him. I want to show those who may not believe or are skeptical of Christians that a life with Him is a life worth living. However, choosing a ministry can be daunting. When I do something, I want to give it my all. I want to make sure there's enough time and resources to dedicate. I barely see my husband or have time to clean our (extremely messy) house. How am I supposed to pledge my time to something else? How can I take the leap from spectator to player?

A lot of my hesitation is disbelief in myself. I would like to blame the devil for holding me back, but let's face it. He may want us to fail at life, but he's not the reason for every single thing that keeps you from doing what's right. That would've been really convenient though because now I realize that all my reservations are all on me. They're same reservations and doubts that keep me from getting up and going to the gym. The ones that keep me from saying yes to parties or lunch dates.  The ones that keep me from speaking up in Bible study (ok, that one doesn't  happen often, but it happens).  They seem so much louder than my ambitions at times, and I don't know how to quieten them.

What are some ways you build yourself up to work for God and help others? How do you tell your inner demons to hush, so you  can do what God has called us to do? I'm open for suggestions and some encouragement here, so feel free to put in your two cents!   If you're battling the same doubts, let's work together to put them in their place so we can minister to our communities. Maybe we'll come up with something more...something wonderful!

Your Jesus is Showing

April 24, 2017

It had rained all night and was still raining.  We were up half an hour later than usual, and I had nothing ready. My husband and oldest son were out of town, which left only the baby and myself to go about our usual Sunday activities, but the weather and their absence had thrown us out of sync. You would think getting ready for church with only one kid, instead of two, would be easier. Well, apparently it isn't. Not for me at least.

We pull up in the parking lot 5 minutes into church service. It started raining harder. Great! I get the baby to the nursery and land in my seat during the call to offering. Upon opening this week's sermon notes, I read the title - "The Resurrection Difference". We had just finished our Easter message the week before and were wrapping up the life of Jesus here on earth before moving on to our next study. I knew the story about Jesus revealing Himself to Mary, the disciples, and so many more. It's one of my favorite stories because of what the resurrection means for us. So, I was happy to see it was on the docket for the service that day. I knew I would enjoy the message, but I had no idea just how much.

I left church with a renewed sense of joy. Seriously, my soul was on fire! Have you ever had a sermon do this to you? You just know God sent that message for you alone. He knew what you needed to hear and when you needed to hear it? Although I usually enjoy our weekly message, it's not every Sunday that I get this feeling. So what was different this week?

"The Resurrection Difference" wasn't just about the Resurrection itself. It was about purpose. Even more so, it was about our purpose. The sacrifice made for us was more than just a covenant fulfilled by God. It was everything. Because Christ is alive, we are powerful. Because Christ is alive, we are strong. Because Christ is alive, we are blameless and have a glorious future. As our pastor rolled out each point, I was emblazoned with a new reason. How exciting to be reminded that the Holy Spirit is in us - alive and bold?

Jesus tells us to "go and make disciples of all nations". As Christians, it's our job to share the teachings of Jesus. Our purpose is to minister to others.  But seriously, isn't the idea of walking up to someone you don't know and talking to them about Jesus a little terrifying? If you said no, oh my gosh...teach me your ways because it down right scares me. Now, our pastor doesn't know this about me. He had no idea I had been wrestling with the Holy Spirit over ministering to others like we were Jacob and God in the desert. But God knew because our sermon closed with this, "we never know what living a life for Christ can do for someone else. Go out and make a difference. Act like He's alive. Not just on Sunday...but every day."

Woah. Okay, Holy Spirit. You win.

Yep, I hear you, Lord. Stop thinking about me, and start thinking about others. It's time to put some big girl panties on and move forward. What if I'm able to introduce one person to this glorious future? What if that one person is able to turn around and share their new relationship with God with someone else?  My initial interaction of ministering for His honor and glory could be a domino effect that could introduce an insurmountable amount of people in this world to Jesus. So, from now on, my Jesus will be showing. Fear cannot overtake me, and He won't let it.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. 

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; 

I will not be afraid. 

What can mortal man do to me?

- Psalm 56: 3-4