Hey Friends,
Thanks for taking the time again to read my ramblings! I hope you find it encouraging, beneficial and challenging. Now, if you have read any of my blogs you probably know this isn't gonna be about french kissing, but it is about the tongue. Bear with me as I share some scriptures from the get go...don't turn it off yet :)
James 3:2-10, "...If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way....In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting the entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself...Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters this is not right."
Wow! That has a ton of info in so few words. And the subject, the tongue. Have you ever considered the fact that if we could control our tongues we would be perfect? Seems so simple. Have you ever tried, consciously, to control your tongue? Like, set aside a day where every word you said had really meaning and purpose and goodness. That would be very challenging! I dare you! I dare myself!
This is a subject that the Holy Spirit often times has to remind me of. If you know me, you know I worked in a beauty shop for many years. Do you know how hard it is to control your tongue in a beauty shop???? It's almost like setting a man in a strip club and telling him not to lust! So, this is a lesson I have had to learn time and time again.
On the same note, there are few things that bother me as bad as a "Christian" tearing down, bad mouthing, belittling, criticizing someone else. What better place to gossip about someone than in a group of fellow believers and starting the conversation off with something like, "Now, I'm not trying to gossip. I just want you to pray about so & so who did such & such. Can you believe them?" You ever been in a conversation like that? I know I have. This seems to be an accepted sin. But, let's not forget, it's sin!
How about lying? I hate to get lied to. It seems some people function in a life ran by their lies. How exhausting must that be? It seems to be so hard nowadays to find people who practice honesty and integrity. Don't forget the list of abominations to God, Prov 6:16-19, "There are six things the Lord hates-no, seven things he detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness that pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family." See how many have to do with the tongue...
Now on the flip side. Let's look at the positive things that can come from the tongue. You ever got just the right word of encouragement at just the right time? I know I have. Ya ever ran a race and had people along the side lines cheering you on just as you start to run outta steam. What a help that is! This also applies to our daily life and the race we are all running.
Proverbs 18:21 says, "The tongue can bring death or life." You ever brought life to someone's day by encouraging them with some kind words? It doesn't generally even take that many words or time to brighten someone's day. How about bringing life to someone with your prayers? Praying over your sick friends, your husband at work, your friend going through a divorce. There are power in your words and prayers.
You realize that in Revelation (12:11) the ways the the accuser was defeated was "by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony." Their testimony! Do you take time to share your testimony and about the good things God has done in your life? Where you have been and where you are now? We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 as well as many other places to "encourage each other and build each other up."
Never underestimate the power of your words, whether good or bad. They do have the power to bring life and death. An example, the latest suicide in our community was a result of an argument between a father and son. Can you imagine the things the father would like to take back or say differently? It seems the ones we love the most are the ones we hurt the most with our words. Be careful, my friends! Words have a huge impact on people everyday. My challenge to you is to speak life into someone rather than death. Be mindful of every word spoken. Matthew 12:36-37 "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgement day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you."
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Making Babies...
Got your attention again? Good! Yes, this post is about making babies but probably not in the way you are thinking. It's about the responsibility we have to the babies we make. So beware, this is a topic I am very passionate about...
I always think it funny when people are surprised at the things we expose our children to. What do I mean by that? I don't mean R rated movies, I don't mean internet with no guards in place, I don't mean leaving them home alone, I don't mean cable t.v. with no parental restrictions. These are things, among many, that our children are allowed to be exposed to. What I mean is homeless people, drunks, orphans, rotten-toothed people, poor people, sad people, drug abusers. These are things my children are allowed to be exposed to.
I have been pondering this, considering the mission trip we just took. Yes, as a family. Countless people asked if we were taking our kids. To me that's a no-brainer. You see, God has blessed us (thus far) with 4 wonderful children. But, as a mother, I not only see them as my children, I see them as future disciples. They have been entrusted to my care for a short time. I have to my very best everyday to not only equip for the world around them but also equip to further the kingdom.
We have 3 sons and 1 daughter. My sons are not only my sons. They will one day be someone's husband and father. My daughter is not only my daughter. She will one day be someone's wife and mother. I have to be sure to equip them to be the best they can be. I have to pour goodness, love, time, patience, etc. into them. Because, they will pour into their future family what I pour into them. Take this serious friends! It is so true!
They are not only my children, but also God's children. Aside from being sons, daughters, husbands, fathers, a wife and mother, they are and will be disciples of Jesus. How will they learn that best? If it is modeled for them, sincerely, by their parents. Sincerely? Yes, sincerely! We can't act one way around our "churchy" friends and then go home, shut the door and act completely opposite. We must be genuine in our daily actions.
There is no better place for my kids to learn the love of Jesus than to see it lived out. And, where did Jesus live it out? Everywhere, yes, but he went out into the world and shared that love and grace with everyone. The hungry, ugly, sad, toothless, everyone. So, where to best model that? Yep, with those people. Talk is cheap. Actions do speak louder than words. Don't only teach your children the stories of Jesus, live them!
I have known many preachers/pastors/ministers over the years, and am a daughter of one. I have seen many of the men choose their ministries over their families, only to leave scars on the hearts of their children. Thank God, my dad modeled and taught us that that is not the way it should be. Go back to Genesis and realize that God established families first before the church. It is our jobs as parents to realize our first pulpit and ministry is to our families. I want to encourage not discourage you for ministry. But, don't forget your families in the process. I love having my kids along side me as I minister to these people and see love lived out loud.
I always think it funny when people are surprised at the things we expose our children to. What do I mean by that? I don't mean R rated movies, I don't mean internet with no guards in place, I don't mean leaving them home alone, I don't mean cable t.v. with no parental restrictions. These are things, among many, that our children are allowed to be exposed to. What I mean is homeless people, drunks, orphans, rotten-toothed people, poor people, sad people, drug abusers. These are things my children are allowed to be exposed to.
I have been pondering this, considering the mission trip we just took. Yes, as a family. Countless people asked if we were taking our kids. To me that's a no-brainer. You see, God has blessed us (thus far) with 4 wonderful children. But, as a mother, I not only see them as my children, I see them as future disciples. They have been entrusted to my care for a short time. I have to my very best everyday to not only equip for the world around them but also equip to further the kingdom.
We have 3 sons and 1 daughter. My sons are not only my sons. They will one day be someone's husband and father. My daughter is not only my daughter. She will one day be someone's wife and mother. I have to be sure to equip them to be the best they can be. I have to pour goodness, love, time, patience, etc. into them. Because, they will pour into their future family what I pour into them. Take this serious friends! It is so true!
They are not only my children, but also God's children. Aside from being sons, daughters, husbands, fathers, a wife and mother, they are and will be disciples of Jesus. How will they learn that best? If it is modeled for them, sincerely, by their parents. Sincerely? Yes, sincerely! We can't act one way around our "churchy" friends and then go home, shut the door and act completely opposite. We must be genuine in our daily actions.
There is no better place for my kids to learn the love of Jesus than to see it lived out. And, where did Jesus live it out? Everywhere, yes, but he went out into the world and shared that love and grace with everyone. The hungry, ugly, sad, toothless, everyone. So, where to best model that? Yep, with those people. Talk is cheap. Actions do speak louder than words. Don't only teach your children the stories of Jesus, live them!
I have known many preachers/pastors/ministers over the years, and am a daughter of one. I have seen many of the men choose their ministries over their families, only to leave scars on the hearts of their children. Thank God, my dad modeled and taught us that that is not the way it should be. Go back to Genesis and realize that God established families first before the church. It is our jobs as parents to realize our first pulpit and ministry is to our families. I want to encourage not discourage you for ministry. But, don't forget your families in the process. I love having my kids along side me as I minister to these people and see love lived out loud.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
White, Wealthy & Worried
That title catch your attention? What in the world could this blog be about? Probably nothing that has crossed your mind.
It's about a man named Jesus. From the appearance and actions of most of His followers I'm convinced that He is white, wealthy and worried. It's my understanding that when someone has decided to accept Jesus and become His follower, they then should duplicate His life and follow His teachings. Right?
So, Christians, is this what you are doing? Do you know His teachings? Does your life resemble His? Do you, on purpose, surround yourself with the people He surrounded Himself with? Or, are you white, wealthy and worried? Do you feel like your race or color is supreme? Do you belittle or make fun of others because they don't look like you? Are you consumed with wealth? Always looking to make more money, only concerned with yourself and how much more you can attain? Are you in a constant state of worry? Always stressed, worried trying to bear the load on your own?
The Jesus I know looks nothing like this. Matter of fact, He's is the complete opposite. He was a dark skinned man who certainly was not concerned with His color or the color of anybody else. He definitely wasn't concerned with money. He had trust in His Father to meet His needs. Worried? Are you kidding? He is the Son of the Maker of the universe. What's to worry about? Too bad you and I can't get it through our thick skulls that we are also the children of the Maker of the universe!
Jesus came to help the sick, lonely, hungry, less fortunate, fatherless. Jesus said in the book of Luke 5:31 "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." When was the last time you spent time with these types of people? Jesus, on purpose, went and spent time with a women at a well who had been married five times and was now living with another man. Can you imagine the reputation she had? Yet, Jesus went out of His way to spend time with her and extend His grace to her. When was the last time you spent time with a woman like this? On purpose? What about when Jesus saw a crowd and was moved with compassion for them. Not only did He, on purpose, spend time with them, He healed them and then fed them. What is your reaction when you see that one sick, homeless, hungry person? Are you moved with compassion or do you look the other way.
I could go on and on but I'm sure you get my point. What does your life and actions say about you and who you are following? Are you following your flesh or the Maker of it? I challenge you to, on purpose, step out of your comfort zone. Love the unlovable, feed the hungry, clothe the naked. Your life will never be the same. Seek God's directions in your life. Ask Him where you can best serve others. This world so needs the body of Christ, the ones who wear His name, to start acting like His followers.
Matthew 9:37-38, Then He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.".....are you working for Him or you?
It's about a man named Jesus. From the appearance and actions of most of His followers I'm convinced that He is white, wealthy and worried. It's my understanding that when someone has decided to accept Jesus and become His follower, they then should duplicate His life and follow His teachings. Right?
So, Christians, is this what you are doing? Do you know His teachings? Does your life resemble His? Do you, on purpose, surround yourself with the people He surrounded Himself with? Or, are you white, wealthy and worried? Do you feel like your race or color is supreme? Do you belittle or make fun of others because they don't look like you? Are you consumed with wealth? Always looking to make more money, only concerned with yourself and how much more you can attain? Are you in a constant state of worry? Always stressed, worried trying to bear the load on your own?
The Jesus I know looks nothing like this. Matter of fact, He's is the complete opposite. He was a dark skinned man who certainly was not concerned with His color or the color of anybody else. He definitely wasn't concerned with money. He had trust in His Father to meet His needs. Worried? Are you kidding? He is the Son of the Maker of the universe. What's to worry about? Too bad you and I can't get it through our thick skulls that we are also the children of the Maker of the universe!
Jesus came to help the sick, lonely, hungry, less fortunate, fatherless. Jesus said in the book of Luke 5:31 "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." When was the last time you spent time with these types of people? Jesus, on purpose, went and spent time with a women at a well who had been married five times and was now living with another man. Can you imagine the reputation she had? Yet, Jesus went out of His way to spend time with her and extend His grace to her. When was the last time you spent time with a woman like this? On purpose? What about when Jesus saw a crowd and was moved with compassion for them. Not only did He, on purpose, spend time with them, He healed them and then fed them. What is your reaction when you see that one sick, homeless, hungry person? Are you moved with compassion or do you look the other way.
I could go on and on but I'm sure you get my point. What does your life and actions say about you and who you are following? Are you following your flesh or the Maker of it? I challenge you to, on purpose, step out of your comfort zone. Love the unlovable, feed the hungry, clothe the naked. Your life will never be the same. Seek God's directions in your life. Ask Him where you can best serve others. This world so needs the body of Christ, the ones who wear His name, to start acting like His followers.
Matthew 9:37-38, Then He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.".....are you working for Him or you?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
No soliciting allowed
I love the story of George Mueller. He was a man whose life represented well the "No Soliciting" sign. If you know his story you may wondering what I mean by that. If you don't know his story, let me give you the short version.
He was a man who lived in the 1800's. God gave him the desire in his heart to love orphans. He was not a wealthy man and had 2 shillings (50 cents) to his name when he decided this desire was gonna be his life mission. He started taking in children to his home. When his home was busting at the seams, he decided he was gonna build orphanages and take care of more and more children.
With only 2 shillings, I don't think that many people would even begin to think that they could feed and supply the needs of 1 child, much less build an orphanage in the future. He never asked man for the money that was needed. He simply depended on God. Over the years he not only did this for 1 child, but over 10,000 children. There were times when they didn't have anything to eat, but he knew that God would be the provider and meet their needs. They would sit down at the table, give thanks (for food that wasn't there) and get a knock at the door where someone would be bringing them food.
Mueller had made a decision that his faith alone would be in God for the provision and not in himself and how much soliciting or fund raising he could do to provide what was needed to take care of these kids. Over time it wasn't that his wealth grew which allowed needs to be met, it was that his faith grew which allowed needs to be met. God never failed them. No one starved or was naked or uneducated. God said here's your mission in life and Mueller had full faith in God alone to help him fulfill that mission and bless many, many lives.
This is not a Bible story (for those of you who don't read or believe the Bible), this is a true story of an everyday man who had a God given burden and knew that with faith all things are possible. This is how I want to live my life. Jesus says in the book of Matthew to "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Do you believe that? I'm daily learning to and want to challenge you to do the same.
I have claimed this verse as one of many "life verses". I want to practice this daily. It seems sometimes my flesh doesn't want to practice it. I find myself defaulting to flesh mode. After quitting my job to follow a mission God laid on my heart, sometimes I see our needs and wonder how in the world we are gonna be able to afford them. Then God reminds me of this verse. But, I need to be sure that I am holding up my end of the deal. That I am seeking His kingdom and living righteously. If that's in check, then I must trust Him to provide our needs. Jesus said that He would. Am I really gonna doubt that?
I have heard this verse my whole life, sang many different songs in church about this verse, but didn't really let it sink it. Since I have really starting applying it to my life, God has never failed me. Imagine that! He provides the need, whatever it may be, before I can even ask. I, too, have had people knock on my door to give me the very thing that I was in need of. It is so awesome to see God's promises fulfilled daily. I dare you to depend on Him.
When God places a burden in my life, I want to be a willing vessel. When He reveals a mission for me to fulfill I need to be willing to do just that and fully expect Him to take care of the details. I don't need to listen to the crowd telling me what to spend my time or money on. It's just stuff. It fades away. Making a difference is someone's life is lasting. It never fades away.
If God has laid a mission on your heart, say "YES!!". Don't listen to the voices telling you that you aren't equipped for that or that you can't afford it or that you couldn't possibly talk to "those" people. This is precisely when God shows up. His strength works best in my weakness! Totally depend on Him! God will hold up His end of the deal! Will you?
He was a man who lived in the 1800's. God gave him the desire in his heart to love orphans. He was not a wealthy man and had 2 shillings (50 cents) to his name when he decided this desire was gonna be his life mission. He started taking in children to his home. When his home was busting at the seams, he decided he was gonna build orphanages and take care of more and more children.
With only 2 shillings, I don't think that many people would even begin to think that they could feed and supply the needs of 1 child, much less build an orphanage in the future. He never asked man for the money that was needed. He simply depended on God. Over the years he not only did this for 1 child, but over 10,000 children. There were times when they didn't have anything to eat, but he knew that God would be the provider and meet their needs. They would sit down at the table, give thanks (for food that wasn't there) and get a knock at the door where someone would be bringing them food.
Mueller had made a decision that his faith alone would be in God for the provision and not in himself and how much soliciting or fund raising he could do to provide what was needed to take care of these kids. Over time it wasn't that his wealth grew which allowed needs to be met, it was that his faith grew which allowed needs to be met. God never failed them. No one starved or was naked or uneducated. God said here's your mission in life and Mueller had full faith in God alone to help him fulfill that mission and bless many, many lives.
This is not a Bible story (for those of you who don't read or believe the Bible), this is a true story of an everyday man who had a God given burden and knew that with faith all things are possible. This is how I want to live my life. Jesus says in the book of Matthew to "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Do you believe that? I'm daily learning to and want to challenge you to do the same.
I have claimed this verse as one of many "life verses". I want to practice this daily. It seems sometimes my flesh doesn't want to practice it. I find myself defaulting to flesh mode. After quitting my job to follow a mission God laid on my heart, sometimes I see our needs and wonder how in the world we are gonna be able to afford them. Then God reminds me of this verse. But, I need to be sure that I am holding up my end of the deal. That I am seeking His kingdom and living righteously. If that's in check, then I must trust Him to provide our needs. Jesus said that He would. Am I really gonna doubt that?
I have heard this verse my whole life, sang many different songs in church about this verse, but didn't really let it sink it. Since I have really starting applying it to my life, God has never failed me. Imagine that! He provides the need, whatever it may be, before I can even ask. I, too, have had people knock on my door to give me the very thing that I was in need of. It is so awesome to see God's promises fulfilled daily. I dare you to depend on Him.
When God places a burden in my life, I want to be a willing vessel. When He reveals a mission for me to fulfill I need to be willing to do just that and fully expect Him to take care of the details. I don't need to listen to the crowd telling me what to spend my time or money on. It's just stuff. It fades away. Making a difference is someone's life is lasting. It never fades away.
If God has laid a mission on your heart, say "YES!!". Don't listen to the voices telling you that you aren't equipped for that or that you can't afford it or that you couldn't possibly talk to "those" people. This is precisely when God shows up. His strength works best in my weakness! Totally depend on Him! God will hold up His end of the deal! Will you?
Monday, July 11, 2011
The Garden
I had a friend over the other day and we were walking through the backyard. She noticed an area of my yard that stood out, looked different than the rest of the yard. As we walked closer she realized it was a separated area, set apart. It was the garden.
If you know much about a garden, you know it takes much care and time to produce good fruits and veggies. You must spend much time taking care of it. You have to water it, weed it, keep out the pests, etc. It is not something that can be left alone and be expected to produce anything of value.
This is so symbolic of our Christian lives. We must look different than everyone around us. We can't blend in. We must be set apart. We must take time to water and feed our souls with the Word and prayer. We must know our enemy and his tactics and keep him out with the armor provided for us. Otherwise, we just look like every other person around us who has not been given the Spirit of the Living God.
**Romans 12:2-"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
If I were hopeless, why would I be drawn to someone else who appeared hopeless? If I was lost, why would I ask for directions from someone else who appeared lost? There has to be differences between the children of God and those who haven't taken on His name.
I am an ambassador/representative for God. Being an ambassador, I have to represent whatever my cause is. If I was a pharmaceutical sales representative I would more than likely wear a name tag with my companies name and logo, pass out business cards and try to sell my products. I would have to be educated on the products I am selling. I would have to study and get my hands on all the info I could. And to whom would I be selling them to? Those who needed my products and who could put it to use. I wouldn't go to pharmaceutical conventions and try to sell them these items. I would go to those who needed them.
This is similar to my representing God. I must wear His name well. I must study His word and know it so I could share the good news. I must tell people about the goodness of God and the hope that He offers. I want people to look at me and see Him, not only because I say I am His but also by my actions. I must look different from the hopeless, the lost. If, in fact I have faith in the Almighty God who created you and me, how can His goodness not flow from me?
**Colossians 3:17-"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus..."
Understanding and knowing that, what do your actions say about you? Do you look like everybody else? Do you blend in? Are you in pursuit of fleshly pleasures? Consumed with your desires rather than God's? I believe that when you have an intimate relationship with God and spend time in the Word and prayer He penetrates your heart and changes your desires to His.
Faith without works is dead! Did you really hear that? Faith without works is dead! Going to church on Sunday is not going to get you into Heaven. Just as giving birth to a baby doesn't make a woman his mother. There are women that are all the time giving birth and then tossing the baby to the side to pursue their desires rather than the needs of the child. This is not a mother. Sure, he may have come from her body, but it is the actions produced from her undying love of her child that proves she is his mother. Just as our undying love for the Father should also produce actions that say we are His children.
**James 2:17-"So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."
With all that said, I want to encourage you to get intimate with your Maker. Just as I have to be intimate with my husband to produce his offspring/something of him, we cannot produce anything of the Father apart from Him. We need that intimate relationship with Him to know His heart and desires. I challenge you to pray for the vision and heart of God. But, don't take that challenge lightly. If you dare pray for it, mean it. Then, be ready for the action that it stirs in your heart. You cannot see the problems of this sin infested world and claim you are His representative and not want to change the situation. Get ready friends! Together we change this world!
**Matthew 5:13-16-"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is the salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
If you know much about a garden, you know it takes much care and time to produce good fruits and veggies. You must spend much time taking care of it. You have to water it, weed it, keep out the pests, etc. It is not something that can be left alone and be expected to produce anything of value.
This is so symbolic of our Christian lives. We must look different than everyone around us. We can't blend in. We must be set apart. We must take time to water and feed our souls with the Word and prayer. We must know our enemy and his tactics and keep him out with the armor provided for us. Otherwise, we just look like every other person around us who has not been given the Spirit of the Living God.
**Romans 12:2-"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think."
If I were hopeless, why would I be drawn to someone else who appeared hopeless? If I was lost, why would I ask for directions from someone else who appeared lost? There has to be differences between the children of God and those who haven't taken on His name.
I am an ambassador/representative for God. Being an ambassador, I have to represent whatever my cause is. If I was a pharmaceutical sales representative I would more than likely wear a name tag with my companies name and logo, pass out business cards and try to sell my products. I would have to be educated on the products I am selling. I would have to study and get my hands on all the info I could. And to whom would I be selling them to? Those who needed my products and who could put it to use. I wouldn't go to pharmaceutical conventions and try to sell them these items. I would go to those who needed them.
This is similar to my representing God. I must wear His name well. I must study His word and know it so I could share the good news. I must tell people about the goodness of God and the hope that He offers. I want people to look at me and see Him, not only because I say I am His but also by my actions. I must look different from the hopeless, the lost. If, in fact I have faith in the Almighty God who created you and me, how can His goodness not flow from me?
**Colossians 3:17-"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus..."
Understanding and knowing that, what do your actions say about you? Do you look like everybody else? Do you blend in? Are you in pursuit of fleshly pleasures? Consumed with your desires rather than God's? I believe that when you have an intimate relationship with God and spend time in the Word and prayer He penetrates your heart and changes your desires to His.
Faith without works is dead! Did you really hear that? Faith without works is dead! Going to church on Sunday is not going to get you into Heaven. Just as giving birth to a baby doesn't make a woman his mother. There are women that are all the time giving birth and then tossing the baby to the side to pursue their desires rather than the needs of the child. This is not a mother. Sure, he may have come from her body, but it is the actions produced from her undying love of her child that proves she is his mother. Just as our undying love for the Father should also produce actions that say we are His children.
**James 2:17-"So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless."
With all that said, I want to encourage you to get intimate with your Maker. Just as I have to be intimate with my husband to produce his offspring/something of him, we cannot produce anything of the Father apart from Him. We need that intimate relationship with Him to know His heart and desires. I challenge you to pray for the vision and heart of God. But, don't take that challenge lightly. If you dare pray for it, mean it. Then, be ready for the action that it stirs in your heart. You cannot see the problems of this sin infested world and claim you are His representative and not want to change the situation. Get ready friends! Together we change this world!
**Matthew 5:13-16-"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is the salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world-like a city on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
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