A couple things I’m thinking of and Pondering…
Life is Short, and Beautiful.
Is this really my life? AM I really this blessed. I am seeing all of creation. Constantly being romanced by God. Figuring out who I am. Every second is precious. So I will jump in the air and do a little jig, splash in waterfalls, and climb mountains. I will hug a child, and hug them again, and one more just for good measure. I will incorrectly speak in thai, in spanish, and soon in swahili, and be okay with laughing at myself. I will put my heart on the line, boldly preach the gospel, and sit and listen to the Lord in the stillness of a forest, a desert, rooftop or garden. I will sleep in a room with 50 thai girls, camp in my tent under the stars, braid all my hair, cut all my hair off, eat strange foods, and break out in hives for the sake of eating curry. I will live every second like it is my last, because it very well may be, and I don’t want to miss an opportunity to Love the world with every ounce of my being. To give freely all I have been given, until I have nothing left.
We spend our whole lives living and striving for the next thing, instead of seizing the NOW.. before ya know it we’ll look back and wonder what we did with our lives. Realizing, wow, this is my life. Right now. Start living.
How do I inspire people to use the gifts/passions talents they have to further the story of Jesus?
Jesus gave up his “God card” so to speak and was able to do everything here on earth through the power of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit that is on me as a follower of Christ.
Do My passions reflect God’s heart?
When we are not in a ministry or place we are necessarily “called to” can we have eyes to see God’s heart for each specific place we encounter, and realize if His heart breaks for it, then ours should as well. It’s part of cultivating the Spirit in our lives. Always being open for where he is moving.
What if I am someone’s first glance at Christ’s love and the freedom he brings?
The hard part of suffering, trials, pain and sadness is not always making it through to the other side, but waking up the next morning like it didn’t happen so you have the strength to battle again. Don’t be worn down. Every day is a new blessing. Only carry over the good, the wisdom, and the growth, let the other stuff fall away.
In order to lead, you must first be able to follow. Submission.
We all came into the Race wanting our pride to be broken down, but that means we have to look others in the eye when we see pride attacking their life, and care enough to be obedient and speak. Do I care about them, and their relationship with the Lord enough to lay down my pride and come before them humbly with what God has given me insight into?
The point is not to have all the spiritual gifts, but to be used by them.
God brings us through dark places to show His light and Glory.
What is holding us back from spreading the gospel, or listening to the Lord?
Stop and smell the Roses, or Orchids..
Praying that we as the body become communities who are marked by LOVE. It should be our goal, to be known for our love.
Your love for God, is only as big as your love for others
WHere has God placed you? Everything he does is intentional. WHo is in your life, where do you live, what is your job? and how can you in your situation advance the story of Jesus. As Christians we wait around for the most “opportune time” or “perfect window” to share the gospel, not because God tells us to, but because of our own insecurities and fears. Look at Paul he preached the gospel every moment he had breath. We were put on earth to advance the kingdom of God, the gospel, the good news, the story of Jesus. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Why would we be ashamed of our greatest love, the God of the universe, and the center of our life?
“So much is distilled in our tears. Not the least of which is wisdom in living life. I have learned that if you follow your tears, you will find your heart. And if you find your heart, you will find what is dear to God. And if you find what is dear to God, you will find the answer to how you should live your life..”
~Ken Gire
Right now, Jesus looks like a small asian girl to me.
