Dear Reader,
For almost a year now, I have been volunteering at a horse rescue in Manheim. Every other Monday, I travel there after work to turn in and feed the horses that have been recently rescued. While doing this, I am developing relationship with the other volunteers. Even though I would like to think that this is only a job that benefits my love of horses, I know that God has called me to be intentional in this activity.
As you may know, I work at World Mission Associates full time - a mission organization of God followers. Beyond delivery men and postal workers, my interaction with non-believers is nearly non-existent. Because of this, I must deliberately reach out to the lost in ways beyond traveling cross-culturally or through relationships at work.
I initially learned of the term "tentmaker" when I studied the history of William Carey and the Moravians. These famous Christians worked in industries to support themselves and used that opportunity to develop relationships with the unbelievers they worked among. They understood that an effective way to evangelize was through God-inspired friendship networks, living a life that was attractive and Christ-like. They were mirroring the Apostle Paul's example.
Although I am not a tentmaker like those above, my actions are motivated by the same principle. Christianity is relational, and I intend to share God's grace with those I contact on a daily or weekly basis. God has shown me that - through my efforts at the horse rescue - I can be an evangelist while grooming horses and carrying hay bales. I do this by listening and encouraging my fellow workers, and by waiting on the Holy Spirit to open a door to share my faith.
I encourage you to become an intentional local missionary if you are not actively "rubbing shoulders" with non-believers. It may mean reaching out as a volunteer in a community organization, taking a part-time job in a Middle Eastern restaurant, or being part of a neighborhood book club. Let you life be a living testimony to those around you. Follow the advice of St. Francis of Assisi when he said, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Let's point the direction toward the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
~Sara
10.20.2009
9.25.2009
god of health and happiness vs. God
Dear Reader,
Joni Eareckson Tada, a well known American Christian leader, has a short radio program on WJTL every morning at 8:20 AM, Monday through Friday. It is the favorite part of my 15 minute commute to work each morning. Her words of encouragement and teaching are humbling and thought-provoking. Recently, while Joni was reflecting on the aches and pains of her aging mother, she described her mother full of spirit and humor. Joni then added, "God doesn't need to give you an explanation for your aches and pains, because he already explained it on the cross." What a thought!
After hearing that, I then reflected back on a verse that Joni also mentioned in the program, Isaiah 46:6, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." What a verse!
I am only 26 years old. And someday soon I expect a gray hair or two, but that day has not approached me yet. But the verse in Isaiah is applicable to ALL people regardless of age because it shows us where the focus should be. Notice - to Whom does does the verse refer to a mere six times?
In Isaiah 46, God is speaking to the Israelites about His reaction to the gods of Babylon. God makes it very clear that there is no comparison to Him; no other is His equal. He says that He can summon a bird of prey from the east or bring a man from a far-off land to fulfill His purpose. Who can say that suffering from aches and pains aren't part of His purpose? God will bring about what He has planned to do; and we see that explained through the cross when Jesus suffered much more than aches and pains!
So I will choose to remember who God is in comparison to the gods of our time. The god of health and happiness has no power over our Holy God of Heaven and Earth. And in my suffering I choose "to take to my heart and fix in my mind," as it is written in Isaiah 46, that my pains are for the glory of God - just like the sufferings of Jesus Christ on that old rugged cross.
~Sara
Joni Eareckson Tada, a well known American Christian leader, has a short radio program on WJTL every morning at 8:20 AM, Monday through Friday. It is the favorite part of my 15 minute commute to work each morning. Her words of encouragement and teaching are humbling and thought-provoking. Recently, while Joni was reflecting on the aches and pains of her aging mother, she described her mother full of spirit and humor. Joni then added, "God doesn't need to give you an explanation for your aches and pains, because he already explained it on the cross." What a thought!
After hearing that, I then reflected back on a verse that Joni also mentioned in the program, Isaiah 46:6, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." What a verse!
I am only 26 years old. And someday soon I expect a gray hair or two, but that day has not approached me yet. But the verse in Isaiah is applicable to ALL people regardless of age because it shows us where the focus should be. Notice - to Whom does does the verse refer to a mere six times?
In Isaiah 46, God is speaking to the Israelites about His reaction to the gods of Babylon. God makes it very clear that there is no comparison to Him; no other is His equal. He says that He can summon a bird of prey from the east or bring a man from a far-off land to fulfill His purpose. Who can say that suffering from aches and pains aren't part of His purpose? God will bring about what He has planned to do; and we see that explained through the cross when Jesus suffered much more than aches and pains!
So I will choose to remember who God is in comparison to the gods of our time. The god of health and happiness has no power over our Holy God of Heaven and Earth. And in my suffering I choose "to take to my heart and fix in my mind," as it is written in Isaiah 46, that my pains are for the glory of God - just like the sufferings of Jesus Christ on that old rugged cross.
~Sara
9.08.2009
Church Hunting Season
Dear Reader,
The Lancaster County landscape is speckled with many churches of all different shapes and sizes. Newcomers to the area can be overwhelmed with the choices: Brethren in Christ, Presbyterian, Baptist, contemporary, traditional, mega churches and house groups. My husband and I have experienced this feeling since we moved to the area last year. Both of us have grown up in a church family that has loved and nurtured us. But in a new area, a lack of family and friend connections can make finding a new church home challenging.
The true test of our faith has been during those Sunday trips from one church to another, thinking to ourselves, "Lord will we ever have true fellowship again?" We continually analyze ourselves and our actions: Were we outgoing enough? Are we too critical, or are our "checks in our spirit" correct? After each new service, the question inevitably looms before us - can we call this church our home church? I admit this process can be discouraging.
I feel Christian fellowship is a blessing, but it is not a condition of attending church. The devil tempts us into thinking that enjoying the company of other is our only reason to attend church services. First and foremost, we go to church to join in with other believers in awestruck and humble worship of the glory of the Lord. We worship through sound instruction, song and prayerful intercession. I believe that though our obedience in worship, God blesses us with joy of Christian fellowship and friendship.
It is my prayer that the churches, that Lancaster is famous for, are intentional in reaching out to the people who may be seeking a church home. I pray that each church seeks first to glorify the Lord in all they do. May the worship of our Sovereign Lord, Prince of Peace, Creator, and Best Friend take priority in our lives!
~Sara
The Lancaster County landscape is speckled with many churches of all different shapes and sizes. Newcomers to the area can be overwhelmed with the choices: Brethren in Christ, Presbyterian, Baptist, contemporary, traditional, mega churches and house groups. My husband and I have experienced this feeling since we moved to the area last year. Both of us have grown up in a church family that has loved and nurtured us. But in a new area, a lack of family and friend connections can make finding a new church home challenging.
The true test of our faith has been during those Sunday trips from one church to another, thinking to ourselves, "Lord will we ever have true fellowship again?" We continually analyze ourselves and our actions: Were we outgoing enough? Are we too critical, or are our "checks in our spirit" correct? After each new service, the question inevitably looms before us - can we call this church our home church? I admit this process can be discouraging.
I feel Christian fellowship is a blessing, but it is not a condition of attending church. The devil tempts us into thinking that enjoying the company of other is our only reason to attend church services. First and foremost, we go to church to join in with other believers in awestruck and humble worship of the glory of the Lord. We worship through sound instruction, song and prayerful intercession. I believe that though our obedience in worship, God blesses us with joy of Christian fellowship and friendship.
It is my prayer that the churches, that Lancaster is famous for, are intentional in reaching out to the people who may be seeking a church home. I pray that each church seeks first to glorify the Lord in all they do. May the worship of our Sovereign Lord, Prince of Peace, Creator, and Best Friend take priority in our lives!
~Sara
7.20.2009
The Refiner's Fire
Dear Reader,
When a metal worker wants to mold blunt metal, he doesn’t try to force is with his bare hands. He submerges a section of the metal in a hot flame until it weakens. He then begins to form it into a shape, like a blade or horseshoe. Once the metal is cooled, it’s stronger and purer than before. He repeats the process until the metal is the exact shape he wants. The refiner’s fire is the only way to mold stubborn metal into something useful, pure, and strong.
I like this imagery of a refiner. It is a symbol of our God working with His beloved people. We are the stubborn, blunt metal and He is the Skilled Refiner. He is the One who calls us be useful and strong in our work to glorify Him. But He is the only one that can create us in this manner. His holy flame is perfectly applied at the right time for the right amount of time.
But the fire isn’t the end of it. The Refiner uses tools to shape and mold us. He may hammer us flat with sudden loss of job or loved one’s life. He may grind us to a point by repeated marital struggles or chronic sickness. He may stretch and bend us by the challenge of a special needs child or a clear missionary call to an unreached people group. While difficult, this process is necessary to mold us into a more perfect servant of our Holy God.
Think back to a hard trial, or reflect on one that you may be experiencing right now. How has God used His tools to make you into the person you are today? How are you better equipped because of it? Thank God now for the Refiner’s fire.
Steve Green wrote a song about the Refiner’s fire:
There burns a fire with sacred heat, White hot with holy flame,
And all who dare pass through its blaze, Will not emerge the same; Some as bronze, and some as silver, Some as gold, then with great skill, All are hammered by their sufferings, On the anvil of His will
As we bend to the flames of life, we can trust that through suffering, we will be sanctified and strengthened. Dear friends, rejoice in suffering, trusting the promise of God that He will not only protect us, as it is written in Psalms 91, but also mold, strengthen and purify us into the beautiful creatures that He intends us to be.
~Sara
When a metal worker wants to mold blunt metal, he doesn’t try to force is with his bare hands. He submerges a section of the metal in a hot flame until it weakens. He then begins to form it into a shape, like a blade or horseshoe. Once the metal is cooled, it’s stronger and purer than before. He repeats the process until the metal is the exact shape he wants. The refiner’s fire is the only way to mold stubborn metal into something useful, pure, and strong.
I like this imagery of a refiner. It is a symbol of our God working with His beloved people. We are the stubborn, blunt metal and He is the Skilled Refiner. He is the One who calls us be useful and strong in our work to glorify Him. But He is the only one that can create us in this manner. His holy flame is perfectly applied at the right time for the right amount of time.
But the fire isn’t the end of it. The Refiner uses tools to shape and mold us. He may hammer us flat with sudden loss of job or loved one’s life. He may grind us to a point by repeated marital struggles or chronic sickness. He may stretch and bend us by the challenge of a special needs child or a clear missionary call to an unreached people group. While difficult, this process is necessary to mold us into a more perfect servant of our Holy God.
Think back to a hard trial, or reflect on one that you may be experiencing right now. How has God used His tools to make you into the person you are today? How are you better equipped because of it? Thank God now for the Refiner’s fire.
Steve Green wrote a song about the Refiner’s fire:
There burns a fire with sacred heat, White hot with holy flame,
And all who dare pass through its blaze, Will not emerge the same; Some as bronze, and some as silver, Some as gold, then with great skill, All are hammered by their sufferings, On the anvil of His will
As we bend to the flames of life, we can trust that through suffering, we will be sanctified and strengthened. Dear friends, rejoice in suffering, trusting the promise of God that He will not only protect us, as it is written in Psalms 91, but also mold, strengthen and purify us into the beautiful creatures that He intends us to be.
~Sara
6.23.2009
What's Your Mission?
Dear Reader,
I can hear Pomp and Circumstance playing in my head – it’s time for graduations! In the midst of excitement, the world bombards graduating students with questions like “what do you want to do for the rest of your live?” Questions like this shouldn’t be asked only of young graduates. We all need to answer this question at different times in our lives.
When I came to WMA, the Lord called me to “serve those who serve the Lord.” This became my mission statement. But this statement was completely different from what I thought my calling was at my graduation. In the past, I “fiddled around with” what I thought I was called to do, never knowing that God had something bigger planned. Through past experiences, God revealed how he wanted me to live my life right now.
It reminds me of Saul, a Roman Pharisee, who sought actively to advance his cause while removing anyone who got in his way. He felt this was his life calling and he “fiddled around with it.” But we know what happened. God changed his name and his direction. Amazingly, Paul became a great advocate for Christ among both Jews and Gentiles – quite contrary to what he originally thought was his life mission.
It’s important to recognize that God is continually equipping His believers. We know we are to be ambassadors for Christ, but how we go about it can change frequently. It is risky to be reluctant or resistant to changes God may want to make in our lives, regardless of our age. It’s also dangerous to lose sight of our current calling. I sometimes need constant reminding that I am serving a God who needs nothing, but who desires my fixed gaze upon Him.
I encourage you to reflect on your past “mission statements” and see how God has brought you to where you are right now. When in life were you “fiddling around” and when were you in the center of God’s calling? In hindsight, see how God has made you a part of His glorious plan for this world! And let us fix our eyes on Jesus; He can be trusted to direct us to be “on mission” for Him.
Proverbs 4:25-26, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.”
~Sara
I can hear Pomp and Circumstance playing in my head – it’s time for graduations! In the midst of excitement, the world bombards graduating students with questions like “what do you want to do for the rest of your live?” Questions like this shouldn’t be asked only of young graduates. We all need to answer this question at different times in our lives.
When I came to WMA, the Lord called me to “serve those who serve the Lord.” This became my mission statement. But this statement was completely different from what I thought my calling was at my graduation. In the past, I “fiddled around with” what I thought I was called to do, never knowing that God had something bigger planned. Through past experiences, God revealed how he wanted me to live my life right now.
It reminds me of Saul, a Roman Pharisee, who sought actively to advance his cause while removing anyone who got in his way. He felt this was his life calling and he “fiddled around with it.” But we know what happened. God changed his name and his direction. Amazingly, Paul became a great advocate for Christ among both Jews and Gentiles – quite contrary to what he originally thought was his life mission.
It’s important to recognize that God is continually equipping His believers. We know we are to be ambassadors for Christ, but how we go about it can change frequently. It is risky to be reluctant or resistant to changes God may want to make in our lives, regardless of our age. It’s also dangerous to lose sight of our current calling. I sometimes need constant reminding that I am serving a God who needs nothing, but who desires my fixed gaze upon Him.
I encourage you to reflect on your past “mission statements” and see how God has brought you to where you are right now. When in life were you “fiddling around” and when were you in the center of God’s calling? In hindsight, see how God has made you a part of His glorious plan for this world! And let us fix our eyes on Jesus; He can be trusted to direct us to be “on mission” for Him.
Proverbs 4:25-26, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.”
~Sara
6.17.2009
Spiritual Obesity
Dear Reader,
I recently heard a term for the first time: spiritual obesity. The person who used it said she suffered from spiritual obesity when she was younger. While at church and Bible school, she was being well-fed, but her output was lacking. This was an intriguing concept to me.
We know that obesity occurs when the input far outweighs the output; if you consume many calories but don’t exert anything, you’ll become unhealthy and overweight. I know when my intake offsets my output. I feel sluggish and my attitude has a tendency to be negative. It takes a jumpstart to get me moving again.
We can experience this in our spiritual life: being overfed with knowledge without any exercise of that new understanding. I feel there is a direct link between spiritual obesity and inactivity in the church, community and world. And spiritual inactivity has a way of leading to complaining, gossiping, and indifference. When we have the privilege of breathing in God’s Word, it strengthens us spiritually to share what we have learned with others. What good is it to hear about of Jesus’ life, but not exercise His teachings of humility, mercy, and salvation?
Just as God blessed Abraham in order for him to bring about a blessed nation, we also are blessed in order to serve others. In America, we are blessed with many Gospel centered churches, bible schools and seminaries, and even Bible.com. It is easy for us to be “full” of spiritual knowledge. But it is just as easy not to exercise our spiritual muscles, which is not God’s intention. We, too, have been blessed, not to “sit on” our spiritual riches, but to share them with the world.
I believe God calls us to be spiritually fit. But unlike fad diets or weight-loss pills, this is not a temporary or quick transformation. It’s a lifestyle change. For instance, volunteering and donating money around Christmas time won’t keep you spiritually fit all year round. Physically and spiritually we need to eat and exercise every day.
So start getting active! Start proclaiming the Good News of His glory through service and example. Ask God to show us how to increase our spiritual output – just as we remember to nourish ourselves daily through prayer and Bible study.
~Sara
I recently heard a term for the first time: spiritual obesity. The person who used it said she suffered from spiritual obesity when she was younger. While at church and Bible school, she was being well-fed, but her output was lacking. This was an intriguing concept to me.
We know that obesity occurs when the input far outweighs the output; if you consume many calories but don’t exert anything, you’ll become unhealthy and overweight. I know when my intake offsets my output. I feel sluggish and my attitude has a tendency to be negative. It takes a jumpstart to get me moving again.
We can experience this in our spiritual life: being overfed with knowledge without any exercise of that new understanding. I feel there is a direct link between spiritual obesity and inactivity in the church, community and world. And spiritual inactivity has a way of leading to complaining, gossiping, and indifference. When we have the privilege of breathing in God’s Word, it strengthens us spiritually to share what we have learned with others. What good is it to hear about of Jesus’ life, but not exercise His teachings of humility, mercy, and salvation?
Just as God blessed Abraham in order for him to bring about a blessed nation, we also are blessed in order to serve others. In America, we are blessed with many Gospel centered churches, bible schools and seminaries, and even Bible.com. It is easy for us to be “full” of spiritual knowledge. But it is just as easy not to exercise our spiritual muscles, which is not God’s intention. We, too, have been blessed, not to “sit on” our spiritual riches, but to share them with the world.
I believe God calls us to be spiritually fit. But unlike fad diets or weight-loss pills, this is not a temporary or quick transformation. It’s a lifestyle change. For instance, volunteering and donating money around Christmas time won’t keep you spiritually fit all year round. Physically and spiritually we need to eat and exercise every day.
So start getting active! Start proclaiming the Good News of His glory through service and example. Ask God to show us how to increase our spiritual output – just as we remember to nourish ourselves daily through prayer and Bible study.
~Sara
5.04.2009
A Haunting in the Shower
About one year ago, just as I was preparing for my wedding to the man of my dreams, I experienced a haunting. It was frequent and occurred when I was in the shower, the one area that I was quietly by myself, without distractions. I was “visited” by an ex-boyfriend in my thoughts. He had hurt me two years ago and I had successfully moved on by the power and forgiveness of God. Or so I thought...
Unfortunately, this haunting had tremendous power over me. I couldn’t rid my mind of one or two experiences that would play over and over again in my mind. It would frustrate me and occupy my thoughts. I shared it with Johnny and prayed about it, but the haunting wouldn’t go away. I was desperate!
After awhile a soft Voice whispered, “Forgive him.” I thought, “Pfft, I have already!” But It urged, “Forgive him.” The Holy Spirit quietly told me that while I may have moved on and forgiven the relationship as a whole, there were a lot of little events that happened within that relationship that I had not given up. So, over the next couple of days, I did. I forgave him for the things that secretly ate away at my spirit. This is how (with no need to call the Ghostbusters):
Haunting: The feeling of uncontrollable loneliness and the pain of sharp hurtful words at a certain event.
Action: “Lord God, as you have forgiven me, I forgive him for making me feel lonely and neglected, especially at _____. I forgive his friends for encouraging him to ignore our relationship and hang with them. I forgive him for calling me _____ and saying I was ______.”
And as the shampoo bottle suggests: “Lather, rinse, REPEAT”
I did this over and over as each memory popped into my head out loud (my roommate probably thought I was nuts talking to myself in the shower). Proclaiming it out loud was imperative to me as well as being specific. And above that, I meant it. One can’t forgive someone through clenched fist and teeth.
Slowly, I could almost hear the chains of the past clang onto the ground. I was experiencing true liberation from bondage of underground unforgiveness. It was like the first breath of air after a long, hard day at work; like the first summer step into the cool waves of the ocean; like running with all your might through an open field as though you were ten again; like the feeling you get when you look into a child’s eyes who truly loves you back. God freed me and I felt joy!
To be honest, this was difficult to write, not because it stirrs up old hurts, but because I couldn't remember why I was so hurt and angry. God showed me how to honestly "forgive and forget." HA!
If you are experiencing a haunting of the past, then there may be some unforgiveness in your heart. Maybe begin by taking a shower and asking God to bring any unforgiveness to your mind. But do it, so that you can wave goodbye to the ghosts of the past and move on into joy!
Unfortunately, this haunting had tremendous power over me. I couldn’t rid my mind of one or two experiences that would play over and over again in my mind. It would frustrate me and occupy my thoughts. I shared it with Johnny and prayed about it, but the haunting wouldn’t go away. I was desperate!
After awhile a soft Voice whispered, “Forgive him.” I thought, “Pfft, I have already!” But It urged, “Forgive him.” The Holy Spirit quietly told me that while I may have moved on and forgiven the relationship as a whole, there were a lot of little events that happened within that relationship that I had not given up. So, over the next couple of days, I did. I forgave him for the things that secretly ate away at my spirit. This is how (with no need to call the Ghostbusters):
Haunting: The feeling of uncontrollable loneliness and the pain of sharp hurtful words at a certain event.
Action: “Lord God, as you have forgiven me, I forgive him for making me feel lonely and neglected, especially at _____. I forgive his friends for encouraging him to ignore our relationship and hang with them. I forgive him for calling me _____ and saying I was ______.”
And as the shampoo bottle suggests: “Lather, rinse, REPEAT”
I did this over and over as each memory popped into my head out loud (my roommate probably thought I was nuts talking to myself in the shower). Proclaiming it out loud was imperative to me as well as being specific. And above that, I meant it. One can’t forgive someone through clenched fist and teeth.
Slowly, I could almost hear the chains of the past clang onto the ground. I was experiencing true liberation from bondage of underground unforgiveness. It was like the first breath of air after a long, hard day at work; like the first summer step into the cool waves of the ocean; like running with all your might through an open field as though you were ten again; like the feeling you get when you look into a child’s eyes who truly loves you back. God freed me and I felt joy!
To be honest, this was difficult to write, not because it stirrs up old hurts, but because I couldn't remember why I was so hurt and angry. God showed me how to honestly "forgive and forget." HA!
If you are experiencing a haunting of the past, then there may be some unforgiveness in your heart. Maybe begin by taking a shower and asking God to bring any unforgiveness to your mind. But do it, so that you can wave goodbye to the ghosts of the past and move on into joy!
4.23.2009
Life Verse
Dear Reader,
This is my life verse: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
Everyone is familiar with Verse 1, but I love how Paul continues into the next verse with practical ways of being a living sacrifice:
Do not conform to the world, Paul says. We should be counter-cultural, against the secular ways of the world. Historical patterns of the world are cyclical: redemption, temptation, sin, despondency, God’s intervention, redemption...Paul says don’t conform to the downward cycle! Resist what tempts you! Don’t wait for God to intervene to repent of your sins!
Paul also says renew your mind. This should be a continual process of adapting our minds to the mind of God. Sometimes that doesn’t make much sense to me; but I know the way to know God’s mind is through communication with Him – through His Word and through prayer. It takes time to know God, just as it takes time to know a friend.
In summation, Paul says to discern by testing what God’s will is for this world. I believe Paul is explaining that we ought to be able to determine or prove God’s will as if it was our own. When we truly approve of something, it’s because we test and examine it – as a scientist tests a theory. Testing gives validity to our approval.
I like how Paul incorporates one’s entire being into these two verses. Think of it this way: Do not PHYSICALLY conform to the world. Renew your MIND. SPIRITUALLY test and approve God’s will. In two verses, Paul suggests that it takes our body, mind and spirit to be a living sacrifice. God wants us to worship Him with all that we are, yielded ourselves to Him in love. Can you see now why this powerful passage is my life verse? I encourage you to choose a life verse, if you don’t have one already. Feel free to share yours with me!
~Sara
This is my life verse: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual act of worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
Everyone is familiar with Verse 1, but I love how Paul continues into the next verse with practical ways of being a living sacrifice:
Do not conform to the world, Paul says. We should be counter-cultural, against the secular ways of the world. Historical patterns of the world are cyclical: redemption, temptation, sin, despondency, God’s intervention, redemption...Paul says don’t conform to the downward cycle! Resist what tempts you! Don’t wait for God to intervene to repent of your sins!
Paul also says renew your mind. This should be a continual process of adapting our minds to the mind of God. Sometimes that doesn’t make much sense to me; but I know the way to know God’s mind is through communication with Him – through His Word and through prayer. It takes time to know God, just as it takes time to know a friend.
In summation, Paul says to discern by testing what God’s will is for this world. I believe Paul is explaining that we ought to be able to determine or prove God’s will as if it was our own. When we truly approve of something, it’s because we test and examine it – as a scientist tests a theory. Testing gives validity to our approval.
I like how Paul incorporates one’s entire being into these two verses. Think of it this way: Do not PHYSICALLY conform to the world. Renew your MIND. SPIRITUALLY test and approve God’s will. In two verses, Paul suggests that it takes our body, mind and spirit to be a living sacrifice. God wants us to worship Him with all that we are, yielded ourselves to Him in love. Can you see now why this powerful passage is my life verse? I encourage you to choose a life verse, if you don’t have one already. Feel free to share yours with me!
~Sara
3.13.2009
The American Church Persecution: UNSUCCESS
Dear Reader,
Am I alone in thinking there's something wrong with the American church today? Why is it when non-believers or skeptics look at American Christians they see nothing special? Isn't faith in our Savior supposed to be attractive to those without it? There MUST be something wrong.
I recently read on CNN.com an article titles "America Becoming Less Christian, survey finds" (http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/09/us.religion.less.christian/index.html?iref=mpstoryview). This article shows that while Christianity is lessening, a category called "nones" aka those of no faith is rising steadily in every state of our great America. I saw another article entitled, "The Coming Evangelical Collapse" written by Michael Spencer
(http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0310/p09s01-coop.html). According to Spencer, there is a rise in anti-Christian attitudes because of the evangelical identity in the culture war and politics, poor discipleship of our youth and a lack of intergenerational spiritual transition, consumerism-driven churches, poor Christian educational systems, and the blending of secularism and evangelicalism in our ministries.
Interesting stuff...I guess I'm not alone in my thinking! There IS something wrong!
Everyone knows from Christian history that God blesses in order to pass that blessing onto others. If that blessing is not passed on, God will take it away and give it to someone else. This is necessary because God's purpose is to glorify Himself by reconciling a rebellious people back to Himself. This won't happen if we don't share the Gospel with all nations! You saw this happen with the Jews (God's original chosen people), the Roman church (who paired faith in God with faith in Rome), and now in Europe (Christianity is declining to nothing). These were richly blessed people who abused and neglected the blessing of prosperity and church growth from God. The American church is on that same track I'm afraid. *Sigh*
I feel that the American church is now being persecuted, not by violence or by un-Christian government action, but by unsuccess. SUCCESS is the heartbeat of America and I would argue it's the heartbeat of the American church as well. Satan knows this and will do anything to make the church fail. The church has given into the temptation of the 'American way'. The church has made it's mission to get involved with political issues - standing up strong and blowing the competition away. The church has neglected concepts like discipleship and submission. And now the desires of the church are wrong - we're too concerned with bigger buildings, money and membership numbers.
Non-believers see right through superficial faith to the true core values of many American Christians.
However, "Christianity loves a crumbling empire" as one commentator puts it.
No amount of persecution can break the power of God. In his article, Spencer said, "new forms of Christian vitality and ministry will be born" in these hardships. It's time to refocus ourselves. The old American church will fade away and the new American church will rise up. It will be grounded in Gospel-centered, relevant teachings and focused on prayer. It will no longer be identified in culture wars and politics. Parents and churches will disciple their children. And it won't be known for it's hate any longer! Christian hate is so evident nowadays, and the new church won't allow it to happen. So, be attractive and humble and just watch what the power of God can do.
~Sara
Am I alone in thinking there's something wrong with the American church today? Why is it when non-believers or skeptics look at American Christians they see nothing special? Isn't faith in our Savior supposed to be attractive to those without it? There MUST be something wrong.
I recently read on CNN.com an article titles "America Becoming Less Christian, survey finds" (http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/03/09/us.religion.less.christian/index.html?iref=mpstoryview). This article shows that while Christianity is lessening, a category called "nones" aka those of no faith is rising steadily in every state of our great America. I saw another article entitled, "The Coming Evangelical Collapse" written by Michael Spencer
(http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0310/p09s01-coop.html). According to Spencer, there is a rise in anti-Christian attitudes because of the evangelical identity in the culture war and politics, poor discipleship of our youth and a lack of intergenerational spiritual transition, consumerism-driven churches, poor Christian educational systems, and the blending of secularism and evangelicalism in our ministries.
Interesting stuff...I guess I'm not alone in my thinking! There IS something wrong!
Everyone knows from Christian history that God blesses in order to pass that blessing onto others. If that blessing is not passed on, God will take it away and give it to someone else. This is necessary because God's purpose is to glorify Himself by reconciling a rebellious people back to Himself. This won't happen if we don't share the Gospel with all nations! You saw this happen with the Jews (God's original chosen people), the Roman church (who paired faith in God with faith in Rome), and now in Europe (Christianity is declining to nothing). These were richly blessed people who abused and neglected the blessing of prosperity and church growth from God. The American church is on that same track I'm afraid. *Sigh*
I feel that the American church is now being persecuted, not by violence or by un-Christian government action, but by unsuccess. SUCCESS is the heartbeat of America and I would argue it's the heartbeat of the American church as well. Satan knows this and will do anything to make the church fail. The church has given into the temptation of the 'American way'. The church has made it's mission to get involved with political issues - standing up strong and blowing the competition away. The church has neglected concepts like discipleship and submission. And now the desires of the church are wrong - we're too concerned with bigger buildings, money and membership numbers.
Non-believers see right through superficial faith to the true core values of many American Christians.
However, "Christianity loves a crumbling empire" as one commentator puts it.
No amount of persecution can break the power of God. In his article, Spencer said, "new forms of Christian vitality and ministry will be born" in these hardships. It's time to refocus ourselves. The old American church will fade away and the new American church will rise up. It will be grounded in Gospel-centered, relevant teachings and focused on prayer. It will no longer be identified in culture wars and politics. Parents and churches will disciple their children. And it won't be known for it's hate any longer! Christian hate is so evident nowadays, and the new church won't allow it to happen. So, be attractive and humble and just watch what the power of God can do.
~Sara
3.11.2009
Live Simply, Simply Live
Dear Reader,
J. Hudson Taylor, a late 1800’s man, was one of the founding fathers of Protestant missions. He was a trained doctor who loved God and wanted to live in self-denying service. He lived simply, examining and sacrificing his accumulated possessions to “be quite sure that it contained nothing that [he] should be sorry to give an account of should the Master come at once” (taken from A Retrospect by Taylor). This humble lifestyle equipped him for his missionary service. Not only did he start China Inland Mission, which still exists as OMF International, but he implemented crucial mission strategies still used today. God accomplished great things through him!
This concept of sacrificial giving, practiced by Taylor, is not common in America today. We’re a society of accumulation – more equals better! We have so much that now we need to pay for extra storage facilities separate from our big homes. Additionally, in December 2008, Christianity Today reported that only 27% of evangelical Christians tithe (giving 10% of their possessions)! The other 73% give less. When did we get so stingy with God?
I had this image where Jesus and I were sitting on my couch. He had a clipboard and we were auditing all of my possessions. I was justifying my little baskets that were “just for decoration” and the piles of clothes and shoes in my closet. It was a funny image; I couldn’t give an account for such accumulation. I immediately wanted to purge everything in my closet, but I had to put on the brakes and check my motives.
In Hosea 6:6, God says to the rebellious Israelites, “For I desire [loyalty], not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” The key to a lifestyle like Taylor’s is not just giving away our stuff to look good in front of God, but to be faithful and to know God. When we’re truly men and women after God’s own heart, doesn’t it make sense that we wouldn’t want to clutter our minds and lives with earthly treasures?
To whom much has been given, from them much is required.
Hudson Taylor said, “I believe we are all in danger of accumulating – it may be from thoughtlessness, or from pressure of occupation – things which would be useful to others, while not needed by ourselves, and the retention of which entails loss of blessing (italics mine).” I encourage you to follow Taylor’s example. Ask God to show you where you have accumulated, how you can pass His blessing on to those who need it. Live as though Jesus will appear today ready to account for your life on earth. Seek first the heart of God and then the rest will follow – just like it did for Hudson Taylor.
~Sara
J. Hudson Taylor, a late 1800’s man, was one of the founding fathers of Protestant missions. He was a trained doctor who loved God and wanted to live in self-denying service. He lived simply, examining and sacrificing his accumulated possessions to “be quite sure that it contained nothing that [he] should be sorry to give an account of should the Master come at once” (taken from A Retrospect by Taylor). This humble lifestyle equipped him for his missionary service. Not only did he start China Inland Mission, which still exists as OMF International, but he implemented crucial mission strategies still used today. God accomplished great things through him!
This concept of sacrificial giving, practiced by Taylor, is not common in America today. We’re a society of accumulation – more equals better! We have so much that now we need to pay for extra storage facilities separate from our big homes. Additionally, in December 2008, Christianity Today reported that only 27% of evangelical Christians tithe (giving 10% of their possessions)! The other 73% give less. When did we get so stingy with God?
I had this image where Jesus and I were sitting on my couch. He had a clipboard and we were auditing all of my possessions. I was justifying my little baskets that were “just for decoration” and the piles of clothes and shoes in my closet. It was a funny image; I couldn’t give an account for such accumulation. I immediately wanted to purge everything in my closet, but I had to put on the brakes and check my motives.
In Hosea 6:6, God says to the rebellious Israelites, “For I desire [loyalty], not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” The key to a lifestyle like Taylor’s is not just giving away our stuff to look good in front of God, but to be faithful and to know God. When we’re truly men and women after God’s own heart, doesn’t it make sense that we wouldn’t want to clutter our minds and lives with earthly treasures?
To whom much has been given, from them much is required.
Hudson Taylor said, “I believe we are all in danger of accumulating – it may be from thoughtlessness, or from pressure of occupation – things which would be useful to others, while not needed by ourselves, and the retention of which entails loss of blessing (italics mine).” I encourage you to follow Taylor’s example. Ask God to show you where you have accumulated, how you can pass His blessing on to those who need it. Live as though Jesus will appear today ready to account for your life on earth. Seek first the heart of God and then the rest will follow – just like it did for Hudson Taylor.
~Sara
3.09.2009
Are you keeping your Resolutions?
***This entry was on January 2009***
Dear Reader,
“What’s your New Year’s resolution?”
The question echoes in our ears from the blaring media in our lives. Commercials, billboards, even churches call us to be different in the New Year. It implies that we’ve all made some major mistakes in the last year and now we have a chance to make ourselves whole again.
And, for just $19.95 you can buy your way to resolution success! Advertising firms got it right; they have tapped into the guilty nature of humans in order to persuade them to purchase their goods. The truth is we have made major mistakes in the last year but no amount of money or possessions can cure our culpability.
But what is a resolution? The root of resolution is resolute, which can be defined as firm or determined in purpose or belief. I can’t help but picture Jesus’ life when I read those words. But can you imagine if Jesus lived as we live our lives? What if Jesus lived 33 years of His life, preaching, healing, and loving, but when He found out how hard the crucifixion would be He second guessed his mission of becoming the Savior of the world? Or worse yet, He went through with it, but only half heartedly. Jesus completed His mission with whole-hearted conviction and resolution to fulfill the promises of God. Stand firm! Set yourselves in the same purpose of Jesus! As you follow Jesus, He will sanctify you and make you more like himself – resolute!
Remember Romans 3: 22-24 – This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Instead of trying to fix ourselves this New Year with empty resolutions, we should look to the perfect example of the word resolute. So, I call you all to turn off the world, open up the Bible and find your true resolution success. And the best part is that Jesus is not a limited time offer, nor does He cost $19.95. May we all find a new commitment to our Great Savior, Jesus Christ. He makes New Year’s Day an everyday reality.
~Sara Costalas
Dear Reader,
“What’s your New Year’s resolution?”
The question echoes in our ears from the blaring media in our lives. Commercials, billboards, even churches call us to be different in the New Year. It implies that we’ve all made some major mistakes in the last year and now we have a chance to make ourselves whole again.
And, for just $19.95 you can buy your way to resolution success! Advertising firms got it right; they have tapped into the guilty nature of humans in order to persuade them to purchase their goods. The truth is we have made major mistakes in the last year but no amount of money or possessions can cure our culpability.
But what is a resolution? The root of resolution is resolute, which can be defined as firm or determined in purpose or belief. I can’t help but picture Jesus’ life when I read those words. But can you imagine if Jesus lived as we live our lives? What if Jesus lived 33 years of His life, preaching, healing, and loving, but when He found out how hard the crucifixion would be He second guessed his mission of becoming the Savior of the world? Or worse yet, He went through with it, but only half heartedly. Jesus completed His mission with whole-hearted conviction and resolution to fulfill the promises of God. Stand firm! Set yourselves in the same purpose of Jesus! As you follow Jesus, He will sanctify you and make you more like himself – resolute!
Remember Romans 3: 22-24 – This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Instead of trying to fix ourselves this New Year with empty resolutions, we should look to the perfect example of the word resolute. So, I call you all to turn off the world, open up the Bible and find your true resolution success. And the best part is that Jesus is not a limited time offer, nor does He cost $19.95. May we all find a new commitment to our Great Savior, Jesus Christ. He makes New Year’s Day an everyday reality.
~Sara Costalas
3.06.2009
To forgive or not to forgive...
Dear Reader,
God has impressed upon me to write about the topic of forgiveness. But not just any kind of forgiveness – it’s the kind that no one is willing to do. It’s the forgiveness that hurts sometimes just as much as the original offense. The topic makes me squirm because I know one of my biggest flaws is my tendency toward bitterness and resentful nature.
I confess – sometimes I like my bitterness. I can hold it and mull over it. It soothes me. It says, “It’s ok to be jaded; just look at all that you’ve gone through!” My unforgiving nature allows me to withdraw to that contented dark corner where no one can bother me. But this is not what God calls us to do.
One of the most convicting things I heard recently was on this topic. It was based on Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” If God forgives us unconditionally and immediately and then throws our sin as far as the east is to the west, who am I to not forgive? Why should a just God, who said that the wages of sin is death, forgive me of my rebellion if I am not willing to forgive my brothers and sisters who have offended me?
If God calls us to forgive, then why don’t we always do it? I believe the Deceiver hides it from us. He will cover it up through our culture who tells us that revenge is acceptable, that concealing your bitterness will make it go away, or that we should cover it up with the busyness of life. Don’t listen to him! I can testify that, if we allow it, the Holy Spirit will continue to nudge us away from that corner, toward the light, and then will guide us to freedom from the bondage of bitterness.
Friends, I urge you to seek true reconciliation. Let the light of God show you that the chains of past hurts can be a lockdown, preventing us from doing what God desires of us. Reach out and drink in the feeling of freedom from bondage! Wake up in the morning and joyfully say, “Lord, I am truly free!” And then ask God, in your renewed freedom, how He can use you to further the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Be blessed, so that you may go out and bless others,
~Sara
God has impressed upon me to write about the topic of forgiveness. But not just any kind of forgiveness – it’s the kind that no one is willing to do. It’s the forgiveness that hurts sometimes just as much as the original offense. The topic makes me squirm because I know one of my biggest flaws is my tendency toward bitterness and resentful nature.
I confess – sometimes I like my bitterness. I can hold it and mull over it. It soothes me. It says, “It’s ok to be jaded; just look at all that you’ve gone through!” My unforgiving nature allows me to withdraw to that contented dark corner where no one can bother me. But this is not what God calls us to do.
One of the most convicting things I heard recently was on this topic. It was based on Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” If God forgives us unconditionally and immediately and then throws our sin as far as the east is to the west, who am I to not forgive? Why should a just God, who said that the wages of sin is death, forgive me of my rebellion if I am not willing to forgive my brothers and sisters who have offended me?
If God calls us to forgive, then why don’t we always do it? I believe the Deceiver hides it from us. He will cover it up through our culture who tells us that revenge is acceptable, that concealing your bitterness will make it go away, or that we should cover it up with the busyness of life. Don’t listen to him! I can testify that, if we allow it, the Holy Spirit will continue to nudge us away from that corner, toward the light, and then will guide us to freedom from the bondage of bitterness.
Friends, I urge you to seek true reconciliation. Let the light of God show you that the chains of past hurts can be a lockdown, preventing us from doing what God desires of us. Reach out and drink in the feeling of freedom from bondage! Wake up in the morning and joyfully say, “Lord, I am truly free!” And then ask God, in your renewed freedom, how He can use you to further the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Be blessed, so that you may go out and bless others,
~Sara
3.05.2009
Thoughts on Prayer
Dear Reader,
I have been given the opportunity to take the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course that is being held here at the place I work. What a blessing! In one short month, God has opened my eyes and heart to amazing revelations about his purpose and mission here on earth. One of the recent topics we studied is the concept of strategic prayer.
Do you believe that if you prayed purposefully, God could topple a terrorist regime in the Middle East? Or defeat and disband the concept of pluralism or the hopelessness of the caste system? Do you believe God could convert a convicted murder, corrupt politician or a stubborn, unbelieving family member? When you pray, do you actually believe something miraculous could happen?
I confess, I did not! My thought on prayer was that it was a wonderful way to draw closer to God, but it wouldn’t be effective enough to change things so big and evil as those mentioned above. It was my duty and privilege as a Christian to pray; and I knew it could change my personal habits – but idolatry in India, human sex trafficking in Thailand, or lukewarm Christianity in America? I didn’t realize that members of the Body of Christ – in the past and currently – are persevering in prayer over evil like that.
David Wells, in his article Prayer: Rebelling against the Status Quo, defines this type of prayer as “the absolute and undying refusal to accept as normal what is completely abnormal.” He goes on to say that “accepting the status quo or ‘life as it is’ contains a hidden, unrecognized assumption that God’s power to change the world, to overcome Evil with Good, will not be actualized.” This is a typical Satan move – deceiving Christians into thinking that prayer has no affect on the physical or supernatural world around them.
I’m saying, “No more!” to this false thinking from Satan! I have faith that God will act against evil and bind the Evil One – and prayer is our weapon in this resistance.
If you are reading this, then you may already understand the power of prayer. You may understand the mystery of petitionary and strategic prayer. So, I will leave you with the words of Jesus from Luke 18:1, “At all times, we should pray and not lose heart.”
~Sara
I have been given the opportunity to take the Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course that is being held here at the place I work. What a blessing! In one short month, God has opened my eyes and heart to amazing revelations about his purpose and mission here on earth. One of the recent topics we studied is the concept of strategic prayer.
Do you believe that if you prayed purposefully, God could topple a terrorist regime in the Middle East? Or defeat and disband the concept of pluralism or the hopelessness of the caste system? Do you believe God could convert a convicted murder, corrupt politician or a stubborn, unbelieving family member? When you pray, do you actually believe something miraculous could happen?
I confess, I did not! My thought on prayer was that it was a wonderful way to draw closer to God, but it wouldn’t be effective enough to change things so big and evil as those mentioned above. It was my duty and privilege as a Christian to pray; and I knew it could change my personal habits – but idolatry in India, human sex trafficking in Thailand, or lukewarm Christianity in America? I didn’t realize that members of the Body of Christ – in the past and currently – are persevering in prayer over evil like that.
David Wells, in his article Prayer: Rebelling against the Status Quo, defines this type of prayer as “the absolute and undying refusal to accept as normal what is completely abnormal.” He goes on to say that “accepting the status quo or ‘life as it is’ contains a hidden, unrecognized assumption that God’s power to change the world, to overcome Evil with Good, will not be actualized.” This is a typical Satan move – deceiving Christians into thinking that prayer has no affect on the physical or supernatural world around them.
I’m saying, “No more!” to this false thinking from Satan! I have faith that God will act against evil and bind the Evil One – and prayer is our weapon in this resistance.
If you are reading this, then you may already understand the power of prayer. You may understand the mystery of petitionary and strategic prayer. So, I will leave you with the words of Jesus from Luke 18:1, “At all times, we should pray and not lose heart.”
~Sara
3.04.2009
Something Great?
Dear Reader,
So, I've been writing a lot at work, all on my faith in Jesus Christ and how to live a Christian life. Many of my topics are 'devotional' style, focusing on one theme and adding biblical backup. I know some people may not agree with what I say - you may characterize me as 'one of those God freaks' if you wish. But I feel that girls who are normal, quiet and status quo, never accomplish anything truly great. So, I have embraced my counter-cultural ways!
It's been a mission of mine do something great since I was young - although I am not comfortable with the thought of fame or publicity. I used to play music and some would say I was pretty good. My ego soon got a hold of me, so I stopped playing for quite some years. I went to college and got a degree. I liked the thought of being a strong, independent business woman - I even thought about getting into politics. But then I started earning REAL money and didn't like how it changed me. I mean, it really changed me. So, I willingly took a job as an Administrative Assistant in a non-profit missions agency, working under people who are often in the spotlight and not making the 'big bucks'.
I'm playing music again, but just for the ears of my wonderful husband, John and our awesome Creator and Savior. And I'm still a strong, independent business woman - whose tasks range from answering phones, to catering lunches, to designing websites (just to name a few). I never thought I would be here, doing things that I thought would be "great" but for an audience of two or as the permanent fixture at the World Mission Resource Center.
God has brought me through the fires of the past in order to equip me for his current and future purpose of my life.
I hope you enjoy my thoughts and writings.
~Sara
So, I've been writing a lot at work, all on my faith in Jesus Christ and how to live a Christian life. Many of my topics are 'devotional' style, focusing on one theme and adding biblical backup. I know some people may not agree with what I say - you may characterize me as 'one of those God freaks' if you wish. But I feel that girls who are normal, quiet and status quo, never accomplish anything truly great. So, I have embraced my counter-cultural ways!
It's been a mission of mine do something great since I was young - although I am not comfortable with the thought of fame or publicity. I used to play music and some would say I was pretty good. My ego soon got a hold of me, so I stopped playing for quite some years. I went to college and got a degree. I liked the thought of being a strong, independent business woman - I even thought about getting into politics. But then I started earning REAL money and didn't like how it changed me. I mean, it really changed me. So, I willingly took a job as an Administrative Assistant in a non-profit missions agency, working under people who are often in the spotlight and not making the 'big bucks'.
I'm playing music again, but just for the ears of my wonderful husband, John and our awesome Creator and Savior. And I'm still a strong, independent business woman - whose tasks range from answering phones, to catering lunches, to designing websites (just to name a few). I never thought I would be here, doing things that I thought would be "great" but for an audience of two or as the permanent fixture at the World Mission Resource Center.
God has brought me through the fires of the past in order to equip me for his current and future purpose of my life.
I hope you enjoy my thoughts and writings.
~Sara
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