On Vacation- on mission- not working ???

Doing what I like to do today.  Even though this is similar to what I do when I work.  Reading the book of Jude.  Checking back on I Timothy 1:6 to see what it meant by useless discussions that church people get into.  

My vacation does free me from a list of things that I would be doing with our church.  I like our church.  

But glad to sit with a student who is growing in how she walks with God.  And sitting with a son in law who understands some of the good changes that are coming in churches.  

Still making disciples and listening to God.  I really want to be part of the things that God is showing me this week.  I want to talk with any who are looking towards Jesus Christ.  Any who want to talk about how they are growing to walk with Christ.  Or maybe someone who is thinking about trusting Christ to be the leader in their life.  

On Mission and on vacation.  Just not on the job- for a few weeks. 

If you are in Tampa, maybe we can talk.  I am at Starbucks now.   

Joy comes from . . .

The Bible has a book about Joy.   

Joy is in the book of Philippians 12 times.  I included Joy, rejoice and happy as I counted.  Jesus / Christ is in the book 51 times.  Gospel or message of salvation is in this book of 104 verses, 20 times.  

So, what about Joy.   A key phrase from Paul is when he says, "I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God."  Paul's joy comes from investing in others.  Paul's rejoicing is in seeing others find their way back to God.  

While in jail, Paul writes this book to help me understand real Joy.  I think if he can talk about Joy while in jail, with realization that his life could be over, then this joy could work for most anyone.  

In the gospels it says one time that Jesus was full of Joy.  Likely there were other times that Jesus had Joy.  But the one time is when disciples came back from a successful mission.  Jesus had Joy seeing that those he had trained, got it.  They understood how God works.  They realized how much God cared for them.  They took the care of God to others.  (Luke 10:21)

Joy comes from giving our lives away.  From pouring out our lives as we invest in others.  Joy is from showing love.  From giving to others expecting to receive nothing in return.  

Making Disciples brings Joy.  Can you write down the names of those that you are investing in.  Your Joy comes when you watch them turn and go to care for others the way you have cared for them.  Making Disciples the way Jesus did, is what brings JOY.  

If you read the Bible today you can share with others.  If you know truth about God you can lead another.  If you are walking with God you can take someone with you.  

I hope you are finding Joy.  

Worst Day or Best Day

Paul is concerned that the church should know the good things God has done.  Paul is in jail.  Likely chained to a prison guard.

But good things have happened because Paul is in chains.  The whole palace guard is learning about Christ.  Paul's mission is to help people.  Since he is in jail he cares and shares with those who are guards in the prison.  Those outside are talking in a bolder way about Christ.  Paul has changed his life to be part of the mission God has for him.  His routine is not easy.  But the mission is still on track.  The mission is even better in the change of his plans.  

My day is not on normal routine today.  I am Linda's chauffeur for the next few weeks.  My schedule is a bit different for that.  Things don't always go the way I planned.

All things work together for good and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Even if I was in jail.  Even if my day does not goes as I planned. Even if someone around me is different than I expected.  I hope I will stay on the mission that God has for me today.  See Philippians 1 to read more about Paul's mission.  

Jesus talks about Traditions

Jesus confronts the traditions of the smartest teachers of the Bible. The religious people had these traditions.  Ceremonies and rituals that were passed down from generation to generation.  They taught that they were better off with God when they did this ritual of hand washing.  They also did this with cups, plates and pots.  


I bet the tradition started out good.  Someone thought it would be good to eat with clean hands.  A healthy observation.  Then another wanted to give guidelines on the washing.  Maybe another pointed out how God is pure and holy.  Next they thought they would be holy if they would wash better.  Something that was good has gone too far.  As if God said they had to do these washings.  What a joke.

Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.  Mark 7:7  

What does it mean to say their worship is a farce?
farce = vain revering-  Not good.  No good. Worthless.  

I think I need to not be so proud of my ideas.  The way I learned things are not the way everyone has to do it.  Just because we used to do something one way, might be a good reason to try something new.  

Ever see people keep on doing the same things hoping things will get better.  Or, people with the power or money making poor choices.  

Today is a good day to start walking more like Jesus.  Take a fresh look at the Bible.  Find others who you can help.  Give to someone with out expecting anything back.  

The church becomes more like Jesus when I walk a little more like Jesus.  Glad to be part of an untraditional, biblical group of people called the church.  

Ministry Partners

Why should I join?  What do I get if I am a member?  What will you do for me?  These questions make sense for members of a club.  

 But, The church should be different.  This is not quite the same as a club member.  

But the church calls those who are followers of Christ to take on the mission of Jesus Christ.  They take on the character and priorities that God wants for his people.  Who wants to team up with others?  Who wants to share in the mission of God's church?  

We ask that ministry partners take on the values of Give, Regularly attend, outreach and Words.  

     G.ive- by helping somewhere at church and by giving money in tithes and offerings.

     R.egularly Attend- Sunday morning worship and a small group discussion.

     O.utreach- Using hands to help and words to share with those who are outside of the church.

     W.ords- Speak to build up and not tear down what God is doing.  

A Church that makes disciples who make disciples will work together to serve the mission of Christ.  

communityatcornerstone.com

Intentional- To Follow Christ

How do I get eternal life?  How does a person make it to heaven?  If I died today and stood before God and he asked my why I should get in, what would I say?

It all comes down to putting my trust in Christ as my Leader and Forgiver.  My ways that go against God, do not work.  It makes sense that the one who made me and the one who knows me can show me how to live.  I trust him.  I surrender my ways to him.  God is my Lord and Savior, Leader and Forgiver.  See Romans 10:9-13.

The rich religious ruler was better than most.  He would have memorized the entire old testament. He held a position of leadership in the religious system of the day. Yet he did not trust the instruction of Jesus.  He rejected Christ as Lord and Savior.  See Luke 18:18-23.

Following Jesus is different than following the rules, traditions and practices of religious organizations.

I have no hope if I knowingly and willingly live my life in ways that are against God.  Intentional sin is a deal breaker.  I cannot follow Christ and intentionally live in opposition to what Christ wants me to do.  See Hebrews 10:26.  Yet there are Christians who live in sin and still make it to heaven.  See I Corinthians 3:3, 15.  Only God knows if Christians living in sin are carnal Christians or not even Christians.  

I will sin and confess everyday of my life.  But I intend to live my life as a follower of Christ.  Jesus is my Leader.  

Daniel is likable and respectable

Daniel is a leader with great character.  Even at a young age he is resolved to do what is right.  He knows what is right or wrong.  He understands who he is and what he should do.  

But, there are some other words used to describe Daniel that are much needed in my life.  Daniel asks permission to not eat the kings food.  Daniel shows himself as kind and respectful to those who do not share his faith.  He seems to realize that they can make decisions with little consideration to what matters to him.  

He asks again and says please test us.  He asks for a 10 day trial of eating a diet of vegetables.  Actually he requests to eat only what comes from the ground.  

The staff accepts and agrees to Daniels suggestions.  They like Daniel and show him respect.  Maybe he was likable and respectable.  

Daniel was in a foreign land.  A place where most did not know or follow his God.  Sometimes I feel the place where I live is more like what Daniel faced.  Today it seems most will claim faith in God and then do what is right in their own eyes.  Daniel knew the teachings of the Bible as well as the God of the Bible.  I want to be more like Daniel is how he is kind to all kinds of people.  I agree with his resolve to do what is right.  I want more of his example of kindness to show through in my life.  

For more info see the Book of Daniel from the Bible.