Why ‘Take and Give’?

Posted on July 22, 2018 by

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The phrase ‘give-and-take’ has been around a long time, but it wasn’t until the late 17th century that the process that now defines give-and-take meant giving up something you wanted and agreeing to something someone else wanted. Sounds innocent enough, doesn’t it?

But, wait a minute. What about when we’re talking about personal values, deeply held beliefs, matters of conscience, unshakeable convictions that make up the basic tenets of Christianity? Are we ready to give up something we believe and accept as truth for something we don’t believe, just to keep the peace or be politically correct?

It’s no secret that we live in an era of political correctness that seems to be taking a toll on what Christ-followers believe is truth. The philosophy of give-and-take has gained a firm foothold in society, and, unfortunately, in the Church, as well, where compromises in the core beliefs of Christianity are evident in an increasing number of churches and denominations.

So what is the answer? We believe it’s to be found in this scripture, which is widely known as the Great Commission: Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ Matthew 28:18-20

A lot of Christians get stuck on the ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ part and think, ‘Well, that’s not for me. I’m not called to the mission field,’ missing the point entirely that Jesus’ instructions included teaching others to obey the commandments of God as written in the Holy Scriptures.

I like the explanation Jeffrey Kranz gives about teaching others in his blog, “10 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About the Great Commission.”¹

It’s not just about conversion. Our part in the Great Commission isn’t just about getting people to say a prayer, sign a decision card, or take a dip in the baptismal pool. It’s also about teaching them to observe all that [Jesus] commanded. Baptism is a one-time event. Teaching takes a lifetime. In fact, just learning and understanding all the things you’re supposed to preach takes a lifetime. So when we talk about the Great Commission, we’re talking about lifelong dedication to obey the Lord and teach others to obey Him, too.” ¹

So why Take and Give? Because, honestly, we have been given so much! The Truth of God’s Word is a rich treasure awaiting discovery by every person who desires to know God. “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'” John 8:31-32 Everyone deserves to be set free. Everyone. But how will they know if no one tells them?

Our prayer for everyone who reads this blog is that you will take the truth you find here, prayerfully consider it, compare it with what the Bible says, and share it as you are led by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had called the twelve disciples and was preparing to send them out. There were a lot of instructions our Lord had for them; and, in the midst of giving them, we find these words, Freely you have received; freely give. Matthew 10:8b

What truth from the Holy Scriptures have you received that you know you are to freely give?

¹ https://www.onfaith.co/discussion/10-things-i-wish-everyone-knew-about-the-great-commission

 

Dealing with Disappointment

Posted on July 13, 2018 by

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Have you ever had a period of time that was plagued with disappointment? A time when it feels like you have lost your way?  When you question whether you have been truly walking in God’s will or your own?

Disappointment can be heart-wrenching and devastating. It often can leave you doubting God’s plan for your life and whether you truly heard His voice. It makes us vulnerable and easy for the Enemy to sneak in with doubt, fear, and anxiety.

There is always a grieving period with disappointment and it is during this time that we are vulnerable. It is important to remember that there is a time to mourn, but we should not remain in that mourning. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9)

When dealing with disappointment, we must turn to God’s Word and His promises. He has great plans for us, to prosper not to harm. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, and to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Oftentimes our timing is not God’s timing. We must cling to the truth that God is for us, not against us. He knows the desires of our heart because He placed them there. May you continue to seek the Lord as you await His leading.

A heads-up moment…

Posted on June 28, 2018 by

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In Philippians 3:3, Paul says that he and his fellow Christians pride themselves in Jesus Christ and put no confidence in what they are in the flesh, on outward privileges and physical advantages, and external appearances.

Seriously? Can this be said of us Christians today? Well, maybe the first part about ‘priding ourselves in Jesus Christ’. Most Christians in the United States today make a big deal out of being a follower of Christ, but that isn’t true in most places in the rest of the world, unless a Holy boldness has come upon those who claim His Name. A boldness that enables people to become true followers of Christ, no matter the cost. We hear about that kind of Christianity, but do we have even a small inkling of what that looks like?

I don’t think so. And I’ll tell you why. Because the vast majority of Christians today put their confidence in who they are (their reputation), and on outward privileges, physical advantages and external appearances. Think about it.

Appearance seems to be everything nowadays. The clothes a person wears, how their makeup looks, how their hair is styled, the friends they hang out with, the house they live in, the car they drive, the places they go for entertainment, the gourmet food they eat–it’s all there in living color on Instagram and Facebook, proof of what’s really important in their lives that they want the rest of the world to know.

Whether we intend for it to or not, what we put on social media becomes our witness. I think it’s worth asking ourselves if we really do take pride in our relationship with Jesus Christ, because if we do, our posts will reflect that relationship. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Jesus in a selfie, but I have seen Him in a dad and child playing ball, a mom and daughter laughing, and a kid eating a drippy ice cream cone.

And yeah, it’s worth asking ourselves who exactly we put our confidence in–our reputation, the privileges we enjoy, the physical advantages we have, or our external appearance.

Or can we, like Paul, say, Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have put aside all else, counting it worth less than nothing, in order that I can have Christ, and become one with him, no longer counting on being saved by being good enough or by obeying God’s laws, but by trusting Christ to save me; for God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith—counting on Christ alone. Phil 3:8-9

I am…

Posted on May 20, 2018 by

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I am a beloved child of God!

I am blessed to be married to a wonderful man of God, who treats me like a queen.

I am the fourth daughter out of six.

I am blessed with wonderful parents and a family full of love, with its ups and downs of course.

I am honored to have the privilege of pouring into the lives of our four nephews and seven nieces.

I am a teacher at the elementary level.

I am privileged to serve God’s children and point them to Him.

I am honored to serve my colleagues and to serve with them.

I am a sinner who has been redeemed by my loving, merciful Father in Heaven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

-Melissa

I am…

Posted on May 19, 2018 by

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I am a white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant, raised in a Quaker family where I heard the merits of the love, joy, and peace of Jesus every Sunday and most Wednesdays for the first 18 years of my life.

I am peace-loving, inclusive, thoughtful because of the gentle people who influenced my life the most. I do not see the world in black and white but in the myriad of colors of those around the world I pray for–the children, mainly, for once I was lost but now I am found.

I am wise to the deceptions of this world, for I have seen them up close and personal in valleys where I came to know the One who loves me like no other. The naivete of childhood was never a luxury I enjoyed because of battles fought to find the child I really was.

I expect from no one but God, because I learned early that He is the one who will never fail me or leave me like the orphan I once was in a storm of others’ making. I am a child of my Father, whose sons and daughters are my brothers and sisters for whom I pray.

I am unapologetically me, unabashedly His, and unqualifiedly a champion of all that is right and good in this world. I am spiritual, comical, political, thankful, and careful, because once a long time ago someone saw me as salvageable.

I can be long-winded at times, but I am a good listener. I want to talk sense into those who do the same destructive things to themselves over and over again, all the while knowing the outcome will be no different than it was the first time.

I believe that God has the ability to change the lives of those who choose to believe in Him, and I believe that God will protect the right of those who choose not to believe in Him. I believe that I am proof that God is no respecter of persons and can change anyone.

Sara

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