Backtracking is not Cowardly; Sometimes it's Prudent

Paul is committed to serving a living Savior. Prior to becoming a Christian, he had persecuted believers with a vengeance. Well educated in Jewish tradition, Roman schooling and other scholarly traditions, Paul thought he was doing God a favor. He was unapologetic in his approach. He was dedicated to kicking in doors and locking up Christ’s followers up for good. He even attended the stoning of Stephen.


You would think that as an enemy of Christ, God would put him away. However God had other plans for Paul. According to Ananias’ account in Acts, God had a plan for Paul that include him being a world class evangelist and who would suffer much.

The key word, which is my addition, is that Paul “would” suffer. He willingly gave his life to Christ after his conversion on the road to Damascus. As we look into bravery, commitment and standing up for what’s right, we see instances where God’s people submitted, as Jesus did, to being brought where they didn’t want to go, and suffer things they didn’t plan on suffering and did so willingly. But, they didn’t do so as victims.

A prime example is where shortly after Paul’s conversion, he is preaching Christ to the Jews and in their synagogue to boot. All the Jews could remember is how Paul had at one point been commissioned to stop the spread of Christianity and now he is infected; a believer. From Paul’s point of view, he can do nothing else. Having crossed the line, he was “all in”, ready and willing to serve. As with his earlier life, he did so without apology. Having upset the Jews, he faced his first death threat. Other disciples helped him escape.

However, Paul is not acting cowardly. He is boldly professing Christ. As a result, people want him to stop and will take his life to do so. Paul’s escape wasn’t a concession, but a bold plan to preserve his mission. He didn’t run away, denounce Christ, conform to the world or stay quiet. He ran to fight another day. Almost immediately, he began to preach at another location.

Using Paul’s example, here are 5 world class ways to be bold in light of adversity

1. Preach Christ where and when you can. God’s word is always valuable. However, some people won’t believe you and many will attack, ignore and try to discourage you. Here are some possible reactions:

a. If pulled away by the spirit, follow the lead

b. If chased out, go. Just as Jesus instructed his disciples to shake off the dust; dust yourselves off and go elsewhere

2. Always remember, the gospel always makes sense to somebody. You never know when you save a life. Be prepared to address questions with confidence (pray, read, practice). You might not have Paul’s education, but you do have your story and experiences. Speak for yourself and don’t try to use someone else’s words.

3. Step back, refresh and seek help from fellow Christians. Paul got help from the church. Make sure you are well connected, resourced and in a position to be renewed spiritually.

An Incredible Opportunity

Jeff wrote about missionaries, now he wants to be one. From now until January 31, 2012, 100% of all Commitment royalties will go to send him on mission.

Just like Marta, Jason and the crew of Commitment, Jeff is gearing up to go on a part time mission trip. Jeff is excited to take part in evangelical and humanitarian assistance in Asian countries.

You can help in five ways:

1. Commit to pray for safety and the opportunity to teach the Gospel to many who have never heard

2. Purchase your copy of Commitment. Jeff will commit 100% of his royalties toward the mission

3. Tell your friends and family

4. Follow this blog and the Facebook page for updates

5. Consider joining your church in your own mission opportunity

Why Not Me? How God Chooses His Leaders

Paul was a powerful advocate for Christ. In his letters, he helped the early Christians Jew and Gentile understand their relationship to Christ. His writings still help us to understand that as sin multiplies, so does grace.

So, how does one get called out of a murderous rampage into one the most effective evangelists the world has ever seen? It's called opportunity and preparation meeting a "calling". God created Paul for what he was going to ask him to do.

But why Paul? If you are like me, sometimes how God calls others out of their sinful lifestyle to be His missionaries, ministers and lay leaders while leaving you behind. You are sure that you could be used as well as anyone else and feel God may be ignoring your willingness to serve.

In Paul's case, he was perfect for God's use, he just didn't understand. Paul was a Jewish leader, lawyer, Roman, and Jew among many things. He knew God's law, Roman law, and was very well educated. He just didn't know Jesus.

As soon as Jesus revealed Himself, Paul believed. The same zeal he used to lock up Christians, he now used to free sinners. Paul knew Jesus and he realized grace.

What did God make you for? How is he using you? If you don't know, make it a point to study his word, pray and ask Him how you can serve.

Five Ways You Can Serve God

I am so proud of the missionaries that I have known in my life. I pray for them and enjoy reading about the their hopes and dreams and the vision that God puts on their hearts. It's also inspiring to see family teams speak in one voice about the incredible work they are doing. God is always looking for obedient servants to join him in his work.

I read Luke 8 today and learned of new relationships as Jesus defines them. When we accept him as our savior, we are part of his family and on the winning team. In Luke 8 Jesus is traveling and drawing crowds. He is so popular and attracts huge crowds as he heals and encourages. At one point, the crowds tell Jesus that his mother and brothers are looking for him. Jesus responds that his brothers and mother are those who hear my word of God and do it.

Perhaps you have entered into a relationship with God at some point in your life and you want to hear God's word and do it. You are wondering what to do next? Do you follow God as a disciple? Become a full time minister or missionary? After all, what does God want you to do?

God spoke with and invited 12 strangers to be his inner circle. While others received different roles and missions. Later in Chapter 8 Jesus heals a man possessed of demons. Afterward, the man asked to follow Jesus. Jesus told him to go home and tell everyone what God has done for him. The man wanted to be on mission with Jesus. God needed him to stay home and spread the word locally.

Jesus wants us to hear Gods word and do what he asks. Here are five ways that you can do just that.

1. Find out what your skills, talents and God given gifts are and find where you can use them to tell your story.
2. Participate in a local body of believers. Don't just join a church, but also join the ministries. Share your experiences and enter into discussions in Bible study and Sunday school.
3. Join a charity group and minister to the needs of hurting people. Take part in active service. For example, you can join a rescue mission and teach classes or serve food. Participate and build trust so you can be effective. 
4. Become part of an international charity. Adopt a child, build a well, donate money or whatever you are capable of. However, be involved in the name of Christ and get educated on how the organization helps. 
5. Look for ways of sharing your faith in normal day to day situations. You don't have to be preachy, just available when the opportunity comes to give a reason for your faith. Maybe your compelling story can help others.

There will be troubles

Luke 17: 1-21

Jesus taught powerful lessons in this section about forgiveness, being His servant and having a grateful attitude for the miracles He performs. These short few versus convey the attitudes and thoughts we should have toward one another and God.

We are all humans, and we are going to sin. In fact, we will hurt each other. As much as we hate it, we Christians do it all the time. We betray our loved ones, say bad things to family and friends and sometimes don’t support those appointed over us. If you’ve been on the receiving end of insults or gossip, you know how hurtful it is. If you have dealt the blows, you may never know the damage.

I remember one conversation I had with a gentleman at church. We had a lot of activities going on and each was as important as the other and it was impossible for our pastor to be everywhere at once. One person made a comment that he hoped the pastor would make the visit. However, it was more to the tune of: “we are all out here working on the event and our leader can’t even show up.”

We all knew that that had been an unfair statement and the person who spoke it regretted the statement immediately. Soon thereafter our minister did show up with his family to enjoy the event. We were all happy to see him and had just forgotten the statement until…someone let it slip.
“Hi Pastor,” the worker began as he shook the preacher’s hand.
He just couldn’t leave well enough alone.
“Someone said you wouldn’t come to this and see our hard work. We’re glad you made it.”
Now we all felt bad again and now our leader could feel like a victim of gossip.

We do not know the damage that our idle chatter can cause. That was several years ago, but our spiritual and other leaders deal with a lot of stress as they do their best to lead the flock. They need our support and love.

Alas, Jesus promised there would be trouble. He does finish the warning with another challenge. Even though you will be offended, insulted, injured, wronged…you must forgive. If a person asks for forgiveness we are to forgive each time.

Soon thereafter, Jesus showed us the ultimate example of how to forgive. He let others yell, lash out, beat, insult him; the most horrible of humiliations. Finally, he allowed himself to die in their hands. The great thing was, he knew they were going to do that when he gave this lesson to his disciples. FORGIVE THEM.

Here is another truth. While we are forgiving and serving, we should do so with the attitude that it is the least we can do for our savior and the kingdom of God. We have no rights or privileges. As Christians our freedom in Christ comes at a great price to Him and with great responsibility within us. We have liberty and freedom because we are forgiven, but we should not cause people to stumble because of our freedom. Our efforts should be to do anything to help spread the Gospel.

We are free to drink, smoke, gamble and overeat, etc. However, how can we tell others about Jesus if we lose credibility in certain areas? It’s like travelling overseas and demanding our way while in another culture. To influence people, we have to adapt their culture and build credibility (no, we can not partake in the “when in Rome” attitude).

Oh what price liberty, at our Savior’s expense. We should do our duty as good servants and lose the attitude of privilege. Let’s just do what is expected of our savior with the right frame of mind. “We are unprofitable servants; we have done which was our duty to do.” Jesus will not forget our commitment. He is waiting on us with our reward.

Preparing the way

Luke 10: 1-12

Afterward, Jesus began appointing disciples; 70 of them to be exact. These were probably of the ones that he was enlisting in chapter 9. He sent them two by two into the cities to tell others about him. His ministry was building up and he was getting ready to leave earth. He still had a message to tell and people to bring to his father. These servants would visit the cities with a specific plan. A purpose and instructions that Jesus gives them to be successful. Take a look at his message to the advance party:

1. He tells them to pray. Jesus knew they had a daunting task to spread Christianity and they needed more people to do so. Even today there is a need to spread the Gospel. Pray that God will encourage those to do so. Pray that God will prepare your hearts as well.

2. He tells them to obey. Jesus didn't want them to carry any provision or get distracted by conversations. Jesus reminded them to stay focused on their dangerous work. He wanted to let them know he would provide for them.

3. Jesus said to bless the homes they entered.

4. Jesus reminds them that he would provide. He said to eat whatever is put before them and enjoy the fruits of hard work.

5. He wanted them to heal and minister to the people who accepted them, but to reject those who would not receive them.

Jesus wants us to pray, gives the instructions, reminds us of the hard and dangerous works ahead, enjoy the fruits of our obedience, bless and minister to those who receive us.

How has the Lord blessed your faithfulness to him?

Can you describe a time where God has faithfully provided as a result of your ministry?

What kind of rejection have you experienced?

Did Jesus promise success at every encounter?

Ask God to reveal the people he wants you to reach. Ask him anything you want about the ministry he would have you do? Test him and see that he is faithful.