We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. -2 Corinthians 5:20
Those who seek to truly follow the ways of Christ are described as His ambassadors. An ambassador is one who goes to a foreign land to represent the leaders of their nation who have sent them. They understand how their presence speaks to those who they are in contact with daily as they represent those who have sent them. Their mission is to represent the concerns of the leaders of the nation that has sent them out. They are also in their position to lend an ear to the land with which they temporarily reside. There needs to exist a certain level of trust in this relationship between the ambassador, the nations leaders that he represents on their behalf and the country that he is reaching out to as his nations representative. An effective ambassador understands these dynamic relationships while being sensitive to their concerns. An ambassador also needs to make certain that the embassy they manage is an inviting and open place for those who come to seek safety.
Christ tells us that we are not to be of this world although we live in this world. As those who have made the choice to follow Christ, they too have been placed in a foreign land. We are to present ourselves in such a way to represent the true concerns of those who have sent us. The concerns of Christ are that all would come into a personal relationship with Him and to live their life to follow that which Christ has asked us to do in His name.
I fail to understand why we make following Christ so hard. Christ tells us that His yoke is easy to carry. There are only three things that Christ asks us to do in His name. He asks us to “Love the LORD you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-38. His final command is to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
As ambassadors for Christ, we need to understand the reason that we have been placed in this time. We need to make certain that we too understand the dynamic relationship that exists between us, Christ and those who we have been sent to reach out to in His name. We always need to make certain that we are ready to lend that ear and truly listen to those in our midst and share the concerns of He who has sent us.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
His Final Fate
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. –Revelation 21:4
Like many, I awoke Monday morning to the news that Usama Bin Laden had met his final fate. I found it surreal as I watched intently of the reports of the operation that was launched to seal his fate. I was amazed at the efficiency displayed by men who trained years for such a mission as this.
As I digested the news, I also found myself conflicted on how I should react. As an American, I was happy to see that public enemy number 1 had finally been brought to the only justice that he and his kind could understand. He was a man filled with hate and rage for those who thought differently then what he believed. I found great irony in the reports that his final moments were that of a coward as he placed between himself and the warrior there to execute justice a woman. There are also reports that he had the look of fear in his final seconds.
I also found myself sad that another soul had been lost who had not acknowledged Jesus Christ as their savior. Satan was able to win one more battle in the souls of the living. Jesus Christ was very clear when He proclaimed “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6. I have to wonder if the fear on the face of Bin Laden as he knew his final fate was near was the fear of he knew what waited for him on the other side of his earthly life.
Like many, I awoke Monday morning to the news that Usama Bin Laden had met his final fate. I found it surreal as I watched intently of the reports of the operation that was launched to seal his fate. I was amazed at the efficiency displayed by men who trained years for such a mission as this.
As I digested the news, I also found myself conflicted on how I should react. As an American, I was happy to see that public enemy number 1 had finally been brought to the only justice that he and his kind could understand. He was a man filled with hate and rage for those who thought differently then what he believed. I found great irony in the reports that his final moments were that of a coward as he placed between himself and the warrior there to execute justice a woman. There are also reports that he had the look of fear in his final seconds.
I also found myself sad that another soul had been lost who had not acknowledged Jesus Christ as their savior. Satan was able to win one more battle in the souls of the living. Jesus Christ was very clear when He proclaimed “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6. I have to wonder if the fear on the face of Bin Laden as he knew his final fate was near was the fear of he knew what waited for him on the other side of his earthly life.
Monday, April 11, 2011
What was I thinking?
Many people have asked me “What were my thoughts of Haiti?”
What could I possibly think of a country that has such a severe level of poverty that it is unimaginable to the vast majority of people in our country? What could I possibly think of Haiti when I saw children with distended bellies due to the result of malnutrition? What could I possibly think of Haiti where the average yearly income for a Haitian family is less than the average weekly income of an American family? What could I possibly think of Haiti when everywhere I would look I would see garbage and debris? What could I possibly think of Haiti when well over 95% of Haitian homes lack running water and electricity? What could I possibly think of Haiti when just obtaining basic medical care for most Haitians is non-existent? What could I possibly think of Haiti when I saw many Haitians who get up each day to simply scratch out an existence not unlike the countless chickens that roamed everywhere that were doing the same thing? Maybe that is the way that the world would think of Haiti but I found myself thinking of Haiti with a different mind not rooted in the world.
The thoughts that grabbed me the most were those that were on a much different level as I found myself thinking of Haiti the way of Christ. What would Christ be thinking as He was sitting amongst the Haitian prayer group that meets each morning at 4 am as they pray for their fellow Haitians to come to know the one true savior? What would Christ be thinking as He witnessed the smiles of the many children? What would Christ be thinking as He watched the family that was overwhelmed with joy as they received their new 2 room home that lacked running water and electricity but they understood that it was because others loved Christ more than anything else that with through a labor of love this home was built? What would Christ think as He watched young school children receive a nutritious meal and an education that would give them hope and joy in their life? What would Christ be thinking as He spent time in an orphanage that gave some children a chance to make a life for themselves off of the streets of Port au’ Prince by learning about their savior? What would Christ be thinking as He watched families that resided in the surrounding tent cities with young children receive from the hands of others a nutritious meal? What would Christ think as He watched young Haitian mothers who were given essential items for their young infant child so that their child could start their life in a positive direction as they joined with those who chose to go in prayer? What would Christ be thinking as He was amongst the Haitian Church in Grand Goave as they celebrated His life as both young and old sang, danced, raised their hands and prayed aloud for an entire 3 hour service?
I think that Christ is pleased when He sees that all of these things that were done to make Haiti a better place as they were being done in His name. I think that Christ is thinking, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” Although I know that I personally will never be able to change Haiti, I do know that by my being there it did indeed change just one small part of Haiti with those lives that were touched by my following His command to GO. My being there allowed one more block to be added to His church as He rebuilds His glorious temple here on earth. What I think of Haiti is that it has changed me in a way that I have come to understand that which Christ would ask me to do in His name. I find myself asking in a more deep and profound way, Lord what would you have me to do now and I patiently wait for His answer.
What could I possibly think of a country that has such a severe level of poverty that it is unimaginable to the vast majority of people in our country? What could I possibly think of Haiti when I saw children with distended bellies due to the result of malnutrition? What could I possibly think of Haiti where the average yearly income for a Haitian family is less than the average weekly income of an American family? What could I possibly think of Haiti when everywhere I would look I would see garbage and debris? What could I possibly think of Haiti when well over 95% of Haitian homes lack running water and electricity? What could I possibly think of Haiti when just obtaining basic medical care for most Haitians is non-existent? What could I possibly think of Haiti when I saw many Haitians who get up each day to simply scratch out an existence not unlike the countless chickens that roamed everywhere that were doing the same thing? Maybe that is the way that the world would think of Haiti but I found myself thinking of Haiti with a different mind not rooted in the world.
The thoughts that grabbed me the most were those that were on a much different level as I found myself thinking of Haiti the way of Christ. What would Christ be thinking as He was sitting amongst the Haitian prayer group that meets each morning at 4 am as they pray for their fellow Haitians to come to know the one true savior? What would Christ be thinking as He witnessed the smiles of the many children? What would Christ be thinking as He watched the family that was overwhelmed with joy as they received their new 2 room home that lacked running water and electricity but they understood that it was because others loved Christ more than anything else that with through a labor of love this home was built? What would Christ think as He watched young school children receive a nutritious meal and an education that would give them hope and joy in their life? What would Christ be thinking as He spent time in an orphanage that gave some children a chance to make a life for themselves off of the streets of Port au’ Prince by learning about their savior? What would Christ be thinking as He watched families that resided in the surrounding tent cities with young children receive from the hands of others a nutritious meal? What would Christ think as He watched young Haitian mothers who were given essential items for their young infant child so that their child could start their life in a positive direction as they joined with those who chose to go in prayer? What would Christ be thinking as He was amongst the Haitian Church in Grand Goave as they celebrated His life as both young and old sang, danced, raised their hands and prayed aloud for an entire 3 hour service?
I think that Christ is pleased when He sees that all of these things that were done to make Haiti a better place as they were being done in His name. I think that Christ is thinking, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” Although I know that I personally will never be able to change Haiti, I do know that by my being there it did indeed change just one small part of Haiti with those lives that were touched by my following His command to GO. My being there allowed one more block to be added to His church as He rebuilds His glorious temple here on earth. What I think of Haiti is that it has changed me in a way that I have come to understand that which Christ would ask me to do in His name. I find myself asking in a more deep and profound way, Lord what would you have me to do now and I patiently wait for His answer.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
What now?
I have returned from my time spent in Haiti. Haiti is a place that changes ones outlook on that which they thought they knew. Haiti is a place that provides the perfect opportunity for God to speak deeply into ones heart. I certainly received His wisdom and guidance for my life but I find myself asking deeply and continually, ‘God, what would you have me to do now?’
He has certainly laid deep passions upon my heart these past few years and those passions are no longer an ember but are now a full fledged raging fire. Visions and dreams are what are now consuming my thought life and my mind is racing. I know that God is the maker of visions and the fulfiller of dreams when all my faith is placed in His direction for my life. I know in my heart He has something even deeper for me to experience the more that I trust in Him. “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
I know that wherever I am to go for God, I know that is the place where I will find His glory burning brightly.
He has certainly laid deep passions upon my heart these past few years and those passions are no longer an ember but are now a full fledged raging fire. Visions and dreams are what are now consuming my thought life and my mind is racing. I know that God is the maker of visions and the fulfiller of dreams when all my faith is placed in His direction for my life. I know in my heart He has something even deeper for me to experience the more that I trust in Him. “Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
I know that wherever I am to go for God, I know that is the place where I will find His glory burning brightly.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Quake
O’ God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; O’ restore us. You have made the land quake, You have split it open; Heal its breaches, for it totters. You have made Your people experience hardship; You have given us wine to drink that makes us stagger. You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and answer us! –Psalm 60:1-5
I find myself more in tune with the events of the world as I move deeper in my journey. I cannot help but wonder that if the events that I am witnessing now are indeed a precursor to His promised return. I know that deep in my heart that God is not punishing His people but is rather allowing the events of the world to play out in such a way that His glory will be revealed. As horrific as the images are from Japan I know that all this is happening in this day and time for a reason. As I watch the unrest from the Middle East, in Europe and in this country I know that this too is happening in this day and time for a reason.
I know that the banner of truth that I am to carry in the message of Jesus Christ. I know that to follow Jesus Christ means that hardship will follow. I am in the process of preparing my heart and mind for a journey that I am about to go upon in the name of Jesus Christ. I am about the return to a land that grabbed my heart during my last visit. This land too was shaken by a quake and split open. When the land of Haiti was split open, those there to stand in the gap created were standing firm with the banner of Jesus Christ. The banner of Jesus Christ brought hope to those whom were reached. This banner created a rock which helped create a rock for those to take their stand upon.
The word hope was very popular in 2008. However, the problem with the hope that was proclaimed in 2008 was asking people to place their hope in a man. I now see many disillusioned by that misplaced hope and any hope placed in man is doomed to failure. The true place where our hope needs to be placed upon is the rock of Jesus Christ. He never disappoints. He never leaves me hungering for truth. He is the truth and to follow Him wherever He chooses to lead me is my greatest testament to His being.
I find myself more in tune with the events of the world as I move deeper in my journey. I cannot help but wonder that if the events that I am witnessing now are indeed a precursor to His promised return. I know that deep in my heart that God is not punishing His people but is rather allowing the events of the world to play out in such a way that His glory will be revealed. As horrific as the images are from Japan I know that all this is happening in this day and time for a reason. As I watch the unrest from the Middle East, in Europe and in this country I know that this too is happening in this day and time for a reason.
I know that the banner of truth that I am to carry in the message of Jesus Christ. I know that to follow Jesus Christ means that hardship will follow. I am in the process of preparing my heart and mind for a journey that I am about to go upon in the name of Jesus Christ. I am about the return to a land that grabbed my heart during my last visit. This land too was shaken by a quake and split open. When the land of Haiti was split open, those there to stand in the gap created were standing firm with the banner of Jesus Christ. The banner of Jesus Christ brought hope to those whom were reached. This banner created a rock which helped create a rock for those to take their stand upon.
The word hope was very popular in 2008. However, the problem with the hope that was proclaimed in 2008 was asking people to place their hope in a man. I now see many disillusioned by that misplaced hope and any hope placed in man is doomed to failure. The true place where our hope needs to be placed upon is the rock of Jesus Christ. He never disappoints. He never leaves me hungering for truth. He is the truth and to follow Him wherever He chooses to lead me is my greatest testament to His being.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Time
One of those things that God blesses each of us with is our time. Time is the one thing that we receive that once it is gone, it is gone forever.
I began to take the command of the Great Commission seriously several years back. The one word that has always stuck with me in Christ’s command is the word “GO”. Recently, I returned from using some of the time that I have blessed with from a short term mission trip to Haiti. The time that I spent in Haiti was my offering of the blessing that He has extended to me and using His blessing to extend to others for His Kingdom.
In my life, I have seen poverty in other countries as well as in this country. However, it is hard for me to put into words the level of poverty that I witnessed first hand while in Haiti. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. The Haitian people live a hand to mouth existence in that they simply scratch out a life each day. Whatever food they get for the day is consumed that day. Personal financial resources are scarce and financial wealth is virtually non existent. With that fact, you would think that the extreme poverty I witnessed would breed extreme despair but that is what I did not see. I did not see a poverty of the soul in the Haitian people. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to ones soul. The eyes of the Haitian people that I came in contact with were filled with a hope and joy that was infectious. The Haitian people are incredibly gracious and hospitable.
The true joy of the Haitian people was evident to me the Sunday morning I was able to worship in the Grand Guave Church. The service was done in Creole (Creole is the native language of Haiti. It is very similar to French.). I was able to understand the message that was being stated. The service lasted 3 ½ hours. The air temperature was at least 95 degrees and the humidity easily pushed the heat index to 110. As I sat there watching this celebration, I wondered to myself how many in the states would be willing to sit through a service of this length let alone sit through it with the heat and humidity?
To me, how this nation become so impoverished is irrelevant. What is relevant to me is the fact that the nation of Haiti in close proximity to our nation which is the most blessed nation in the world.
I think we can agree that God has blessed those of us who reside in the country greatly. I don’t say that to shame you but rather ask how are you using those blessings you have received to bless other?
I began to take the command of the Great Commission seriously several years back. The one word that has always stuck with me in Christ’s command is the word “GO”. Recently, I returned from using some of the time that I have blessed with from a short term mission trip to Haiti. The time that I spent in Haiti was my offering of the blessing that He has extended to me and using His blessing to extend to others for His Kingdom.
In my life, I have seen poverty in other countries as well as in this country. However, it is hard for me to put into words the level of poverty that I witnessed first hand while in Haiti. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. The Haitian people live a hand to mouth existence in that they simply scratch out a life each day. Whatever food they get for the day is consumed that day. Personal financial resources are scarce and financial wealth is virtually non existent. With that fact, you would think that the extreme poverty I witnessed would breed extreme despair but that is what I did not see. I did not see a poverty of the soul in the Haitian people. It has been said that the eyes are the windows to ones soul. The eyes of the Haitian people that I came in contact with were filled with a hope and joy that was infectious. The Haitian people are incredibly gracious and hospitable.
The true joy of the Haitian people was evident to me the Sunday morning I was able to worship in the Grand Guave Church. The service was done in Creole (Creole is the native language of Haiti. It is very similar to French.). I was able to understand the message that was being stated. The service lasted 3 ½ hours. The air temperature was at least 95 degrees and the humidity easily pushed the heat index to 110. As I sat there watching this celebration, I wondered to myself how many in the states would be willing to sit through a service of this length let alone sit through it with the heat and humidity?
To me, how this nation become so impoverished is irrelevant. What is relevant to me is the fact that the nation of Haiti in close proximity to our nation which is the most blessed nation in the world.
I think we can agree that God has blessed those of us who reside in the country greatly. I don’t say that to shame you but rather ask how are you using those blessings you have received to bless other?
Monday, August 16, 2010
Fingerprints
As I find myself moving upon the path of life, I find God speaking to me in new ways. I find joy in the receipt of His revelation for my life so that I may truly live my life according to His good and perfect will. I find myself wanting to move deeper into trying to leave His fingerprint of redemption through my actions to display my true faith in His being.
I have often wanted to just act impulsively for His name. On July 30th, I was asked to go to Haiti leaving on August 19th. I did not have the finances to cover this trip yet I just impulsively stated I would go. I found this as an opportunity to leave His fingerprint. I also have a strong passion for Missions work as that is the one command that Christ left his followers with prior to ascending to Heaven. "Go therefore and make disciples.."
I also have a strong passion to work with early teenaged boys' and girls'. I believe this passion comes from my early teen years where I made some very bad life choices and I feel an urge to help this age group to not make some of the same mistakes that I made during a very crucial time in my life.
As I prepare for this journey, I pray that God will continue to bring His revelation to my life in such a way that He will show me how to meld these 2 passions in such a way to effectively allow me to use my strengths for His glory. I am also praying that by His will, He will reveal in me a way that I am able to take these 2 passions and be able to provide an income to continue fully in this effort.
I have often wanted to just act impulsively for His name. On July 30th, I was asked to go to Haiti leaving on August 19th. I did not have the finances to cover this trip yet I just impulsively stated I would go. I found this as an opportunity to leave His fingerprint. I also have a strong passion for Missions work as that is the one command that Christ left his followers with prior to ascending to Heaven. "Go therefore and make disciples.."
I also have a strong passion to work with early teenaged boys' and girls'. I believe this passion comes from my early teen years where I made some very bad life choices and I feel an urge to help this age group to not make some of the same mistakes that I made during a very crucial time in my life.
As I prepare for this journey, I pray that God will continue to bring His revelation to my life in such a way that He will show me how to meld these 2 passions in such a way to effectively allow me to use my strengths for His glory. I am also praying that by His will, He will reveal in me a way that I am able to take these 2 passions and be able to provide an income to continue fully in this effort.
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