Intentional

 

Intentional

1 Corinthians 16: Now, concerning what you wrote about the money to be raised to help God's people in Judea. You must do what I told the churches in Galatia to do. ² Every Sunday each of you must put aside some money, in proportion to what you have earned, and save it up, so that there will be no need to collect money when I come. ³ After I come, I shall give letters of introduction to those you have approved, and send them to take your gift to Jerusalem. ⁴ If it seems worthwhile for me to go, then they can go along with me.

 

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Driving in a certain area of this city, I noticed the restaurants, stores and services. I noted what I saw so I could come back one day. But when I served a homeless shelter, the van driver drove the same street pointing out homeless people. I did not notice them! The longer we rode around the more embarrassed I was because they were right in front of my face and I did not see them.

 

• The homeless were invisible to me.
• The homeless were unseen because I was thinking of my own problems.
• The homeless were not even a thought during my normal day to day escapades.

 

Paul addresses what to do with the money they raised for those in need. They must have had a desire to give and wanted to know how. Paul gave a guideline to be intentional and set aside some money to give to those in need. He also challenged them to “go” and see those in need.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to be intentional about giving to those in need.
• GOD wants me to also go and help those in need.
• GOD wants me to be checked out by others to ensure I am serving with the right motive.

 

Serving the needy is important to GOD. I mean, there are enough evil people who rob, steal and kill. GOD sees that too. BUT HE sends people to comfort those in need. There are many who need and people cannot see.

 

Some may appear rich but are in need. Others may just be barely hanging on but appear as if everything is alight. GOD wants me to be intentional in seeking those in need so my service will be to HIM. I am glad people saw me when I was in need and equally glad to serve those HE shows me.

 

Challenge

• Do you see the desire to give form this group?
• What ways can you be more intentional in your giving?
• Is there something you could postpone so you can give to those in need?
• Are you in need and barely hanging on?

 

Dear LORD, this is a special prayer for those in need. Please provide today. amen

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Acts 11: ²⁷ And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. ²⁹ Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea. ³⁰ This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

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“Please list your KSA’s” was the direction given to me when applying for a job. “KSA’s?” I questioned. “Yes, your knowledge, skills and abilities” she replied. I was willing to do this because a job awaited on the other side of this activity, or at least I hoped.

• Many times I used my knowledge at work so I could get a paycheck.
• Many times I used my skills at work so I could get a raise.
• Many times I used my abilities at work so I could get a promotion and have a bigger paycheck.

Agabus, a prophet, was warned by the HOLY SPIRIT that there would be a terrible famine. Relief was needed in Judea. The disciples became that relief, each according to their abilities.

• GOD wants me to use my knowledge to bring relief to people.
• GOD wants me to use my skills to help people in need.
• GOD wants me to use my abilities to serve people.

Gifts and talents are not to be wasted. From simple skills to complex, GOD wants me to use what HE provided to me to assist others. It’s not always about money. GOD may want me to do something as simple as picking up the trash off of the parking lot of my apartment while praying for my neighbors.

GOD sent me into the world, not to become part of the world, but to bring HIS message of love. When times are difficult, HE wants me to use what HE gave me to help. I am grateful for the purpose HE has given me.

• Do you have knowledge, skills and abilities that you are only using for work?
• Do you have gifts and talents you have not used in a while because you work a lot?
• Will you use what you have learned or your natural talents to help someone in need for GOD today?

Mission Accomplished

Mission Accomplished

Acts 8: ³⁸ So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea.

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Sitting on the trunk of my broken down car, a couple stopped and asked if I needed a ride. Cautiously I said “yes” to the elderly couple. They convinced me that a rest stop was not too far away and they could drop me there.

“Do you believe in GOD and JESUS, the SON of GOD?” they asked me. I answered “Yes” without too much explanation as I had not been worshiping or even acting like I knew GOD.

• There have been many people sent to me to rescue me.
• There have been many people sent to me to bring me back to GOD.
• There have been many people sent to me to tell me about the great news of JESUS.

Philip was sent to the desert and he went without question. When he arrived he met a eunuch who was studying the prophet Isaiah, reading specifically about JESUS. When the eunuch heard Philip explain who JESUS was and is, he wanted to be baptized. Philip’s mission had been fulfilled.

• GOD wants me to be open to be sent where HE wants me to go.
• GOD wants me to be open to speak about HIS SON wherever HE sends me.
• GOD wants me to be ready to be sent to the next place so HE can speak through me again and again.

“Do not grow weary” is the request of JESUS because the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. GOD wants me to continue to speak to many people about JESUS so they will believe in HIM and do the same. When HE sends me and I speak, the mission is accomplished.

• Are you being used by GOD?
• Is GOD guiding you wo speak about HIS grace?
• Will you accept HIS mission for you and speak about JESUS today?

If I’m Not Part of the Solution I’m Part of the Problem

Esther 4: ¹¹ “All the king’s officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that they be put to death unless the king extends the gold scepter to them and spares their lives. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king.”

¹² When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, ¹³ he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. ¹⁴ For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

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“Why would anyone travel out of this country?” I said to many people as we discussed missions trips. I mean we have poor people and people in need right here. I carried this belief for years. Then one day a pastor challenged my belief. “Come with me to Zimbabwe” he said. I pictured muddy water and the bloated, starving baby with the fly in his eye. BUT “something” made me go anyway. It changed my view of the world.

• Sometimes I think GOD is here to only protect me and my family.
• Sometimes I think GOD is limited to only my small area.
• Sometimes I think my calling is tiny.

When I arrived I was shocked by the skyscrapers, pristine golf courses and malls. But when we went into the rural areas I say the extreme opposite. Six or seven slept in a one room shack as large as a bathroom. The people we saw were not physically starving, but mentally and even more, spiritually. How can I fix this?

• GOD said to me “Go to the uttermost parts of the world.”
• GOD said to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and all these things will be added to you.”
• GOD said to me “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

There is a world of hurt out there. I can focus on trying to find out why some people remain greedy and point at them or I can go out and help those in need. I also cannot think poverty cannot happen to me. I cannot fix poverty, nor can I change the mind of the arrogant and greedy people. GOD is the one who provides. HE sends me to serve just like HIS SON was sent to me.

• Are you avoiding understanding the problem?
• Do you think you can isolate yourself by going to church and hanging around Bible studies?
• When is the last time you actively sought out helping someone in need strictly because GOD said for you to do this?
• Can you seek GOD’s kingdom today and allow HIM to deliver you to people with HIS message of grace and salvation?

My Missions Trip Experience (Las Vegas 2014)

Years ago I promised the LORD I would go on a mission’s trip. What is a mission’s trip? Well the ones I went on before were with various churches, each had there own definition. Some built libraries while others worked on homes. Sometimes the mission had a tiny taste of spreading the Gospel of CHRIST, but on each, GOD made me open my mouth and talk about HIS SON.

This was my mission’s year. I promised to go every other year but this time I felt the LORD calling me in a different direction. My son had just won an academic competition and the finals were in Las Vegas. “I thought; why not leverage this trip as a mission.” The SPIRIT inside me leaped. I called a church who we knew and the report was dismal. “People are too cynical to receive the Gospel in a short term way” he told me.

He sent me a list of places to volunteer. I felt rather lost. I didn’t know what my mission was. I turned off the TV the day before my long drive to Las Vegas and prayed. “LORD how can I serve you for a change?”  I went to bed.

NO RENTAL

I called the rental company and realized I had not received a confirmation on my reservation. I had no van and I had seven or eight student’s projects for the Academic Olympics. I felt at peace when the thought came over me “drive your own van." It’s leased and adding 4000 miles wasn’t a thrill but I felt at peace.

ACCIDENT ON THE OTHER SIDE

Playing music was my way to get myself in the mindset of the mission, whatever that was. I felt troubled when I saw a four car pileup on the toll way near my house. I said a small prayer for the people as I saw airbags deployed on a couple of the cars. I called my sister for prayer. She asked, “What would you like me to pray for?” I couldn’t answer.

She then proceeded to pray for protection, but was led to say “MY yoke is easy and MY burden is light.” She repeated this several times and ended with “the trip is the mission.” She didn’t even know where that came from although we both knew GOD gave her these words. Minutes later I saw a lone grayish sheep with a black head in field. We both thought that was very odd. (I read Matthew Chapter 11 to understand further.)

LESSON

John was the greatest human and lived as the homeless.

Chorazin was worse than Sodom or Las Vegas which gave me hope that someone would believe in CHRIST.

GOD said "I will send my messenger ahead of you, HE will prepare a way."

(I was absolutey amazed at this reference! It was probably more for me than anyone else.)

PEOPLE

(Erica)

Hungry, I stopped to eat. The Country Kitchen diner was my choice. One waitress was pregnant and the other had a broken arm. Both were working very hard in the middle of Iowa. I was prompted to leave a large tip and a note for the waitress with a prayer for her and her baby’s health and to tell her GOD loves her so much that HE gave HIS SON to her.

I drove until it was late and on the road I saw a glowing cross of a church before I turned in.

(Melody)

I woke up in my Colorado motel and Melody was cleaning the lobby, breakfast area and working behind the desk. She told me her back was giving her problems because being over 65, gardening takes toll on the body. The LORD prompted me to write her a note with a prayer for her health and blessings from HIM.

(Kevin)

I arrived at my hotel the next day and decided to take the advice given to me by the local pastor and volunteer. I called the number and left messages and decided to show up at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Kevin met me at the front desk. He was very cautious and had me fill out the application online. I remained prayerful until the Volunteer Staff Coordinator showed up.

Normally the process takes time as they have to do a background and reference check. I prayed “Is this where YOU want me to serve?” I had time so I talked with Kevin. He talked about his addiction story and how he had served time. He then asked for prayer for pain. He had been in a coma and was thankful to be alive.

(Staff – Shannon and Jennifer)

I met Shannon and she told me I could work there that day. I felt relieved as she assigned me to the thrift store. Finally some structure. I don’t know why I needed structure, but I just did. She introduced me to Jennifer who immediately asked me to pray with Candace who just joined the program and is fighting drugs and mental stability.

I also prayed with Roshawnia (Pronounced Roshawna) who struggled with anger.

(Anthony)

Anthony came in later and worked with me straightening up the men’s clothing. He told me of his years of addiction and once even prayed to be put in jail. With four kids by four women at almost 60 he has a three year old and is trying to make it as a single parent. Numerous jail and prison terms, he praises GOD for his salvation and is clean for three years and is a mentor.

(Staff – Marcus)

After eating lunch with those in the program, I met Marcus. He told me that sometimes casinos donate food and on Mondays the airlines. After my day was over at the Thrift Store, Marcus asked me if I was going to stay to serve the homeless. “Of course” I said and I followed the humble giant to the kitchen.

He greeted everyone and prayed over the volunteers and everyone was excited to serve. They asked me to pray when the homeless arrived. This was certainly a day of prayer! I counted 33 tables each with two or three pitchers. We probably went through two or three hundred gallons of water that evening as nearly five hundred people poured through the doors.

I learned not to abhor Las Vegas and not to write it off as Sodom. There are some people there who have hit rock bottom and GOD enabled my eyes to be opened and look beyond the false lights of the strip. Many people serve HIM in this town.

On my way back I admired GOD’s mountains and scenery. I stopped at my last diner and talked with the staff. I was prompted again to leave a note, this time with a prayer of health and wealth. I made it home without incident as many prayed. My unstructured mission will be memorable.

Please pray for all who are mentioned in this report.

GOD not me, send someone else!

Exodus 4: ¹⁰ Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

¹³ But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

¹⁴ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 

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“Why doesn’t this church have a good choir?” was the thought that ran through my mind. Then another thought popped in my head, “why don’t they have a program that reaches out ‘this’ group of people?” Then another thought came to mind, “wow this building is old, they should fix it up.”

Then the pastor asked for volunteers to help with “something” but I wasn’t listening. I mean they are always begging for money or volunteers. I’m sure someone else will step up.

• Sometimes when there is a need I make excuses.
• Sometimes I can’t see people in need because I have my head down doing my thing.
• Sometimes I ignore the needy because it just seems like it would take so much work to help them and I don’t have the time, resources or energy to assist.

GOD speaks to me all the time; I just choose to not listen to HIM.  HE shows me people in need during what seems like the most inopportune times.  Whether tired or worn down or busy, it seems like something will pop up when I’m at my worst. “Can’t you send someone else?” I ask.

• GOD has a special purpose for me that only I can do.
• GOD has a plan for me that does not always include my plans.
• GOD wants me to see HIS plan as a benefit, not an inconvenience.

Quite honestly if it were my plan, I and everyone I know would be wealthy, retired and on constant vacation. BUT GOD wants something different. HE wants me to prepare the way for HIS SON’s return. This will be met with anguish, fights and challenges. I choose to accept HIS plan.

• Are you avoiding people in need because you are in need?
• Do you feel you have nothing left to give?
• Can you look to GOD and ask HIM what HE wants you to do?
• Won’t you reach out and help someone today?

GOD’s plan may include a journey

Genesis 46: ² And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

³ “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ⁴ I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

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“Is there someone who will go with me?” was the question posed to me that changed my life completely.  I had never been out of the country before and my thinking at that time was “why would I?” I mean we have nice beaches, mountains, scenery and sinners.  If I wanted to tell someone about CHRIST or vacation I could do it here!

I don’t know why, but I found myself getting up and volunteering. After the exhilarated feeling, fear consumed me. We were going to go to a country in Africa and all I could picture was dirty water and dirt sandwiches for dinner. I am glad I was thoroughly wrong as I went on the trip twenty years ago!

• The reason I don’t “go” is out of my fear and self-preservation.
• The reason I don’t “go” is because I may not be informed.
• The reason I don’t “go” is because I love my lifestyle and I don’t want to feel uncomfortable.

Not everyone is cut out for missions work but it truly has opened my eyes to a global gospel. Every word spoken in the Bible has to apply to all humans, not just a segment.

• When GOD told me to “GO” HE took away my fears.
• When GOD told me to “GO” HE opened my eyes to global compassion.
• When GOD told me to “GO” HE already had a plan for my protection.

I’m not saying everything went according to plan on all my trips, but HE has enabled me to meet people who will spread HIS message around the world and I truly feel blessed.

• Are you stuck in a rut?
• Is your life confined to the four walls of your home or job?
• Can you listen to GOD and see where HE is sending you?

My super power

Acts 1: ⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

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With my hands stretched forward and a towel as my cape I transformed into Superman. Grabbing a decorative post and scaling our house I was now Spiderman. “I bet I can lift that cinder block over my head” thinking I transformed into the Incredible Hulk. My mother gave me an ice pack to place on the hickey on my head from that stunt. I guess I am no superhero.

• My misconception of what “power” is causes me to be scared of telling someone about CHRIST.
• My fear of being rejected causes me to hesitate and second guess telling someone about CHRIST.
• My image or the titles I have achieved causes me to hide my message of telling someone about CHRIST.

I don’t know what I was looking for when I desired to be a superhero. Maybe they would listen to me, maybe they wouldn’t pick on me or maybe I could fix broken things. GOD said “My power is sufficient to help you with all of those things.”

• By accepting my weakness I can attach myself to GOD’s power.
• By admitting I am a sinner I can receive the most powerful being into my life.
• By facing my troubles instead of running away I can watch GOD work right in front of my eyes.
• By obeying GOD I can bear as much fruit as HE can give me in my neighborhood, city, country and many other countries.

It seems like GOD does not mind using a sinner like me who carries fear, blame, lust, anger, and other opposition to HIS ways. HE has given me “super” power to go out and be an ambassador to HIS kingdom. Whether it is a simple smile, a silent prayer or words that melt the heart, GOD can use my action when my purpose is focused on HIS kingdom.

• Do you want to feel special?
• Do you realize GOD made you specifically to reach “that” person and only you can do it?
• Can you add GOD’s purpose to your life?
• Is GOD telling you to “go?”

Am I being called to “go?”

Matthew 9:  ³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

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As I sat and listened to the preacher request for volunteers to go on trip with him, something different went through my mind and heart that day. My mind began racing, thinking about the poor conditions I would face.

“What would I eat,” “How would I sleep” “what if something goes wrong?” were all the questions that plagued my decision. My heart had the answer that defied all logic, “Don’t worry GO!”

• Humans are not “evolving” rather they are “degrading.”
• Humans scoff at the return of our LORD and savior JESUS.
• Humans are too busy looking at their own situations to help others.

There are many reasons I can think of that would keep me from telling others about the greatness of JESUS. My coworkers would think I’m weird or the global company I work for won’t accept my views or everyone is going in the opposite direction and I don’t want to be singled out. BUT GOD feels different.

• There are so many people out there who need some “good news.”
• There are so many people out there who could use a little “hope.”
• There are so many people out there who want a “loving relationship with GOD.”

When I went on my first trip abroad, many people said “there are plenty of people here who need to hear the same message.” When I got “there” I saw the same need but more people who were willing to listen to the great message of CHRIST. They came in droves as we taught, prayed and cried with them over their plight.

The harvest is truly plentiful and I am glad I listened to my heart.

• Is GOD asking you to speak up about HIS SON?
• What is holding you back from doing more for GOD?
• Can you deliberately be an example or use your mouth to tell someone about GOD?
• Do you have compassion for GOD's humans?
• Isn’t there someone that comes to mind who you can tell about CHRIST?

On a missions trip until July 26, 2010

Hello,

Please pray for us on our mission to help in New Orleans. Your prayers are welcome!

Be concerned about "everyone."

Acts 1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

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When I was younger I said, "Why would anyone go out of the country? We have mountains here, warm weather, tropical islands and skiing. What more could anyone ask for?" That was before I went on my first missions trip!

I remember the challenge. The pastor asked if there were anyone who felt led to go with him to Zimbabwe a country where race relations has deteriorated to deep hatred. I never imagined doing this, yet I found myself raising my hand and soon I was standing next to him.

"Wake up! What am I doing?", I quickly thought to myself. Pictures of people living in mud encrusted villages ran through my mind. I couldn't help thinking about the baby they always showed on TV with the “poked out” belly from starvation and the persistent fly circling its eye.

I told my friends and family that I was going to go. "WHAT?" They said in confusion mixed with rage. "What will you eat?" "Where will you sleep?" "Don't they have diseases over there?" "Don't we have unsaved people here? Why go there?"

These were all great questions I couldn't answer. I only knew that GOD was leading me to do this. After going to the orientation, many meetings and numerous vaccinations, the day of the trip arrived. We flew for 17 hours and arrived in Harare.

I peeked out the window as we were about to land. We flew over a pristine golf course and passed the skyscrapers that looked somewhat like Atlanta. After landing we met with a group of pastors and church leaders. They showed us around and we went to the houses we would stay in.

I thought I would teach people in this trip so I was well prepared. I had my notes and documents and I was ready! Well, I thought I was ready. My mind was ready but my attitude wasn't. In a condescending way, I was going to "teach" these people and go home to my comforts. Wow was I wrong!

During a conference a man made his way to me and said he had walked the equivalent of 20 miles to hear me speak. "You're kidding!" I thought to myself. Then GOD opened my eyes. There were several people like him who had journeyed great distances to hear someone give a message of hope.

I was humbled.

We went to another stop that week where I saw entire families of four and five living in 6' by 6' houses. Row after row, these houses seemed to go on forever, sort of a modern updated form of a village. We went to a makeshift church with a dirt floor and worn wood on cinder blocks as pews.

I saw GOD move on these people and 30 people gave their life to CHRIST. I questioned their genuineness towards their situation until I went back on another trip years later and saw the same people still serving CHRIST.

I was humbled.

We went to another church and a man got up and began singing. People from all over the community came to hear and join in. After the song ended another began. The shouts and roars about GOD was tremendous. Wow, what a great moment!

They sang another song, then another and another. I thought to myself, "This is taking long!" You haven't seen long until you have attended praise at this church. TWO HOURS later, people were shouting and celebrating. They had nothing and were celebrating. Then the man said "any requests for a song!?"

I was humbled.

We finally had a down day as these trips can get busy. We toured the city then went out into the "rural" areas. There we pulled over and I saw a man sitting next to his hut. He invited us to see his hut so we went in. I have never seen anyone so proud. He had his wife and kids there.

They had cows an garden and a lemon tree grew next to the hut. "Look at my lemon tree!" he said through our interpreter. That moment "it" hit me. He was excited over what little he had and I was worried over the junk and trinkets I tried to keep back home. He didn't seem to have any worries. I had all the worries.

I was more than humbled.

GOD says to be HIS witness around the world. HE says go to the ends of the earth and tell people about HIS SON. I pondered this and I found out that HE wants me to see things from a global perspective.

• When I focus too close I become narrow minded.
• When I focus too close I can exclude groups of people.
• When I focus too close I can become arrogant.
• When I focus too close I can become ignorant.

I heard a comedian say, "Yes we have poor folks here in the US, but our poor folks are fat." In his crude humor he is saying that situations can get bad here in the US, but other countries have it worse.

I learned a lot from this trip.

• Never assume I will "teach" people rather just be prepared. Teaching is GOD's job.
• Never think I am living "better." My trinkets may cause a spiritual degradation.
• Never make worship mundane. GOD wants me to live in the moment with HIM.
• Always be ready to serve and in the process be open to being served.

GOD has called us all to "go" and I understand the many reasons for not going. I am glad HE sent me. My view of the world has changed.

• Are you only concerned with a very narrow group of people?
• Is there any human on the planet who GOD doesn't love?
• Did HIS SON die for everyone or just your neighborhood?
• Can you pray for people outside of your community, city, state and country today?