Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Sure That I Am Sure

Raise your hand if you're sure! Okay, that is a VERY OLD commercial and really has nothing to do with this post.

I was visited tonight by a FAITH team from a local church. It was nice to see people getting out in the neighborhoods and going to the people. So many churches these days seem to try and beg people to come to church through many avenues. The fact is Jesus didn't beg people to come into a building...HE didn't put on a show...He simply went to the people and spoke the truth.

This team asked me a few questions as part of a survey they are doing among Christians. It was very refreshing to know that I have my beliefs and convictions and that I am very sure of myself in Christ. By the end of the questions they would say...well, we know the answer but we'll ask you anyway. I realized my vision for ministry, what is truly important, and how important it is to me to tell the sinner the truth so they can be free in Christ.

More Like Jesus

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I guess life happens and time gets away from you. So I have been thinking a lot lately about my own kids and other kids that I come in contact with on a daily basis. Sometimes it seems I want more for them than they do. That is hard to deal with sometimes. I get so frustrated and worked up trying to get them to meet a mark. Make the standard. Sometimes I feel like I am fighting for them and they could care less.

I bet this is how God feels about us. He has a plan for us. He equips us to accomplish so much. He fights for us...all the way to the cross, and if we were honest with ourselves, at times we could care less.

I decided tonight to take a step back and think about what it is that makes me push so hard for kids to excel. Am I trying to avoid hurt in their lives that I experienced as a kid? Am I seeking to fulfill some great destiny through the life of a child? Do I sincerely want them to achieve everything they can in life? I may not have all the answers, but I did realize that I need to take a step back. If I have shown them the way and set the example in everything I do, say and live before them, then my battle needs to be taken to prayer. The Bible says to train up a child in the way they should go...Not hover over them every step of the way and blow a gasket and get worked up when they don't achieve everything in my timeline or do things my way. Jesus lived life before the people and gave them space and a free will to do with what they wanted. He continued to always point them in the right direction, gently, by his actions. I need to be sure that I am living every part of my life before those around me in a Christ-like manner. Actions speak louder than words!