Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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     Talk is cheap, words are meaningless. Saying what you feel doesn’t matter, speaking what is on your heart is pointless. In the end don’t even bother…………unless you actually prove it. Are we living what we say, what we feel inside, are we acting out our convictions? Are we, as Christians, living our faith? In the end, broken promises are lies and staying immobile is harmful to yourself and others.

I have witnessed it on this trip……..

* The tourist in Australia who claims to believe in Jesus, but drinks every weekend to numb the pain of his friends death.
* The Hindu’s in Malaysia who say they believe in God, but also still worship their idols “just in case.”
 
* The prostitutes in Thailand who say they have faith, but sell their bodies anyway; because they have to provide for their families.

* The believers in Africa who go to church on Sunday and then to the witchdoctor, during the week, because of certain omens and superstitions.

* A Bishop preaching the gospel, in Uganda, but treating all others like they are less then him.

* A Reverend, who knows of the Bishop’s corruption, but still can’t compromise his job; as he has to provide for his family.

* A group of Ugandan Christians who will only evangelize to believer’s homes; but won’t be seen in unbeliever’s homes.

* A man in Macedonia, passionate about the plight of his people, but speaks in disgust of how they act.

* People everywhere who talk about the change that needs to happen, but don’t step forward to be a part of it.
   I have also witnessed it in myself and in my country. How often do we proclaim our faith in Jesus; and yet we hesitate to give money to someone in need. We hold onto it just in case we need it. How often do we turn down doing a favor for someone, on our day off, because we don’t know when we will get a chance to rest again? We all hold on to things, to possessions, to money because of the “just in case” theory. We speak of how the Lord will provide our needs, and yet we covet; we speak of how we trust God, but we play it safe all the time. We allow our fears of this world to drive how we live our lives for God.
   The mighty power of the Kingdom of God is evident in places where people fully rely on Christ, and they live it. Community and support is felt by all, and no one is left behind. We are human, set up to fail and to sin; but we also are blessed with God’s good grace. What an amazing thing it is, when that grace is used to love and help others. When we are able to do what we say and to live what we believe in.

But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1Samuel 15:22

   If there is one thing I will take from this past 11 months, it will be the truth that God doesn’t want a show from us. He doesn’t care so much about all the deeds we do, how often we attend church, or what we say we are going to do for Him. He wants our hearts, he cares about what is in them. He wants our actions, actions that prove our faith……that show our love……acts of obedience to His word. It’s a n active lifestyle not just a labeled religion.

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. 1Corinthians 4:20