It’s been a really long time since my last blog entry, and I owe my friends one more entry to complete “How Hater’s Help”. But I had to share a few thoughts from some recent discussions with our friends the Nowakowski’s. Don’t get me wrong, I have had quite a few discussions with friends over the years about calling, purpose, and ministry initiatives that have caused a deeper sense of purpose and spurred me to action. And those times of encouragement, reflection, and even mobilizing missions have been powerful, in forming my present walk with the Lord. However, these past couple of weeks, I sense a shifting of seasons, as if God is wanting to do so much more with and through His Body of believers.

It started in fellowship

My friend Ryan and I were having a casual conversation, when God showed up in our midst. (I believe the Word, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” – Mathew 18:20) Ryan began to share some things from his heart, that were a mirror reflection of the direction I feel God had been posturing me, for over the span of a few months. The more we shared and talked, the more I felt, like God was bringing confirmation, to what I was hearing in my heart. I am telling this story, to illustrate the fact that through fellowship, and transparency, God uses other believers to speak. It doesn’t have to be in a prayer line or a prophetic sermon. God uses everyday situations, to mobilize His people.

Further confirmation, through His Word.

For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died;
And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake. – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

This was the opening scripture at a recent lunch, designed to equip volunteers for an upcoming mission trip. Our friend Courtney, used the scripture to lay the foundation, for the afternoon’s training session. Your’s truly had the honor of reading the scripture for the group. I have read 2 Corinthians umpteen times, but never have these verses resonated on the strings of my heart so powerfully. Especially the section that says, “so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him“.

Okay, duh! If you have been a believer, for more than a year or two, you should have come across, some scripture that has urged you to lay down your current life, and pick up the one that is yours through Christ. But, how often must we be reminded of this pivotal truth. That the sacrificial presenting of ourselves to Him, as yielded vessels is the ultimate act of worship. Romans 12:1. Oh what an awesome truth that is.

Transparency Time

I find myself often reflecting, on if I am continuously living for Him. There are times, that I know the Spirit of God, is keeping me near. Yet, at other times, I have found myself straying from a life of giving myself wholly to God. Okay before you call my senior Pastor and tell him that I am a huge heathen, or in his words, “Pagan Swine”, let me explain a little further. It’s not that I am living a life of willful sin, it is more along the lines of getting too busy focusing on the earthly things that will perish. My heart is always to do the will of God, but there seems like it’s not enough time in the day. So here is the point of this entire post, “Make time for what matters most!” Discipline yourself, to daily “Give Yourself Away”.

Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. – Dietrich Bonheffer

If the soundtrack of my life was presented in the form of an old school mixtape, this Medley from William McDowell, would definitely be one of the first tracks in the rotation. I pray that you take a moment to reflect on your life as you listen to these songs, and find yourself, with hands lifted, and heart in position to receive instruction. Ask God a tough question. “Lord am I truly living a life that is yielded to you?” You may be surprised at the answer.

Shout outs to @mrnow & @4milkmoney thanks for choppin’ it up with me, and your heart to serve

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