Word for Today, Mon, 22 Aug 2005: Igniting People's Passion
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>
Dear friends,
I have some good news from the personal front. I got a call last
Friday from a local recruiter about some work at a local college
for several days at the end of this week, going over the weekend
and possibly extending into next week. Then this morning, I got
another call from the same recruiter and asked me if I could work
at a local hospital helping to get rid of computer viruses on
their systems! Wow, from no work to two assignments within two
working days! I praise the Lord for His provision. I do have
some transportation issues, though. We only have one working car
in our household right now and both my wife and I are working.
Please pray for us that God meets this immediate need as well,
and join me in thanking the Lord for yet another answer to
prayer!
My friend Larry Davies writes a weekly
Yours in Christ,
Brian
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Igniting People's Passion Larry Davies
September seems to be the time when we begin to think seriously
about new beginnings. After all, a new school year is
starting. Many church programs and small groups are
beginning. Yet to many, churches seem intimidating and self
sustaining. "They don't need me? What could I do to really help?"
Yet, you could not be more wrong? There is a tremendous need for
you. Jesus called you!
"I have been given complete authority in heaven and on
earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have
given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the
end of the age." (Matthew 28: 18-20)
I hear four important commands and a potent promise:
1. I've been given complete authority: A command to trust.
2. Go and make disciples: A command to reach out.
3. Baptize them: A command to include them in our church
family.
4. Teach the new disciples to obey: A command to pass on what
we learned.
And the promise...
1. I will be with you always, even to the end of the age: The
promise of eternal hope.
George Barna in "Growing True Disciples" says it another way,
"Ignite and nurture people's passion for God." What if we as the
church were to focus on the four out of every ten adults and one
out of every three teenagers who have already become Christians
and do everything we can to help them grow? In other words:
"Ignite people's passion for God and then simply get out of their
way."
George Barna gives many examples of how as a church we could be
"Ignite people's passion..."
* We worship not just on Sunday but every day of the week.
* Constant efforts to convert knowledge of faith into personal
application.
* Complete submission to the Holy Spirit and hearts sensitive
to sin.
* Joyfully share our resources - time, money, skills,
information, etc.
* Deep commitment to building a life-changing community.
* Spontaneous demonstrations of selfless compassion toward
those in need.
* Sharing our faith in natural and unforced ways based on
relationships.
* We live different from the norm because of our faith.
* Our church projects an image of love, care and compassion.
Would you like something more specific? Here are a few things you
could do right now:
* Host a small group in your home -- teaching is often provided
by video.
* Donate a few Saturdays, to help churches fix up houses for
the needy.
* Participate with a church that is feeding meals to the needy.
* Help the Salvation Army by ringing their bell during the
holiday season.
* Be a New Member Mentor: Help new people feel welcome and find
their niche.
* Become a Children or Youth Volunteer: During Sunday school or
at other times.
* Building and Grounds -- Help your church or volunteer
agencies look their best.
* Meals on Wheels - Bring a hot meal to those who need it most.
* Christmas Child - Provide Christmas for a needy child chosen
by our local schools.
You will find no greater joy than to trust in the authority of
Jesus and reach out to others, help them feel included and teach
them to pass on what they've seen and experienced through knowing
you. Are you nervous? So am I, but I take great comfort in
Jesus words just before ascending to heaven: "I will be with you
always, even to the end of the age." I pray this will be part of
igniting your passion for serving God and then may we all have
the wisdom and courage to "simply get out of your way!"
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Jesus said: "You are the light of the world -- like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it
shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)
"Breaking the Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a
Better Life" now on sale only through our
website. http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/
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