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
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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