Had a recent conversation about something that has been on my mind lately over the past year or so. The thought came from a book I read by Rich Stearns, CEO of World Vision, called "The Hole in the Gospel." The book is a compelling call to action for every Christ follower to be an agent of change, a help to the poor, and visible representation of Christ's love to a hurting world. Stearns made the point that if you were to cut out all the verses in the Bible that had to do with "justice", you would have a tattered, torn apart, and fragmented Bible. You would have a HOLE in the gospel.
Compassion and fighting for justice are foundational to what it means to follow Christ. But, I had another thought that has been on my mind.
The young generation in the church is captivated by this call to action. High school students and twentysomethings seem to jump at the idea of "making a difference!" (Which is an incredibly awesome thing). But, we must remember that it starts first with the salvation part of the gospel.
God is the source of our energy to change the world. If we forget that we are broken people who need grace and forgiveness, we can lose our motivation. If we don't have an intimate relationship with the one who created and saved us, then we are merely activists. Nothing wrong with being an activist, but our energy will eventually dry up.
I believe it will be important for the emerging generation to continue to grow in their love for God AND the causes that result from that love. We will be passionate about helping others because of our gratitude for the way God helped (and is helping) us. If we aren't careful, we will have another hole in the gospel that will be tough to remedy.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Commitment
We are sometimes tempted to believe that commitment limits our opportunities. "If we lock ourselves into something, we won't be able to say yes to others. Our freedom will be limited!" Right? I think...WRONG!
Commitment opens up opportunities. You have to remember that "once in a lifetime" opportunities don't come to people who like to sit on their butt. Most of the time, when something new and fresh emerges, it happens right when you are in the middle of something. Right when you are diligently obeying God, giving it your all, refining your gifts, getting as much learning as you can, and building relationships God says, "Hey, how about this?"
So, COMMIT to something. Give it your best. Doesn't have to be your perfect scenario or dream job. Do your best to be deliberate, thoughtful, and spirit led, but don't let your fear of commitment, not having enough time, and being "tied down" be a barrier for you to experience the thrill of seeing what is on the other side of the mountain.
Commitment opens up opportunities. You have to remember that "once in a lifetime" opportunities don't come to people who like to sit on their butt. Most of the time, when something new and fresh emerges, it happens right when you are in the middle of something. Right when you are diligently obeying God, giving it your all, refining your gifts, getting as much learning as you can, and building relationships God says, "Hey, how about this?"
So, COMMIT to something. Give it your best. Doesn't have to be your perfect scenario or dream job. Do your best to be deliberate, thoughtful, and spirit led, but don't let your fear of commitment, not having enough time, and being "tied down" be a barrier for you to experience the thrill of seeing what is on the other side of the mountain.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Emotional Emergency Savings Account
Do you have an emergency savings account? You know, a set aside portion of money to be used for emergency situations only?
Dave Ramsey, a financial guide and teacher for millions, says "there is no such thing as an emergency, there is just life." Life is full of emergencies (financially speaking), so it is wise for each one of us to be diligent to save a certain amount of money to be spent when needed (so that we don't get trapped by debt).
I think the same in true with our "emotional bank account." Too many of us push ourselves to the limit, skip out on basic spiritual practices, don't engage in deep and meaningful conversation, or give our minds a break from the constant messages we receive from an array of media inlets. We deplete our resources to a danger zone. When emotional emergencies come (bad news, hurt feelings, a tricky problem at work, an irritable friend, family member, co-worker or employee, etc.) we don't have any reserve to give what is necessary.
Don't let this happen to you. Spend time in the Word. Reflect on God's goodness in your life. Laugh. Have an interesting conversation with a friend. Be careful with your emotional output (as well as your input). Rest. Do things that energize you. Discover how God has wired you and give it your best. Then, when emergencies come...you will have an "emotional emergency savings account" to access.
Dave Ramsey, a financial guide and teacher for millions, says "there is no such thing as an emergency, there is just life." Life is full of emergencies (financially speaking), so it is wise for each one of us to be diligent to save a certain amount of money to be spent when needed (so that we don't get trapped by debt).
I think the same in true with our "emotional bank account." Too many of us push ourselves to the limit, skip out on basic spiritual practices, don't engage in deep and meaningful conversation, or give our minds a break from the constant messages we receive from an array of media inlets. We deplete our resources to a danger zone. When emotional emergencies come (bad news, hurt feelings, a tricky problem at work, an irritable friend, family member, co-worker or employee, etc.) we don't have any reserve to give what is necessary.
Don't let this happen to you. Spend time in the Word. Reflect on God's goodness in your life. Laugh. Have an interesting conversation with a friend. Be careful with your emotional output (as well as your input). Rest. Do things that energize you. Discover how God has wired you and give it your best. Then, when emergencies come...you will have an "emotional emergency savings account" to access.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Pouring it Out
I remember a story I heard of King David when he was a young leader. He had a loyal group of followers/soldiers/comrades who served God, their nation, and their leader with passion. They were known as David's "Mighty Men."
In 2 Samuel 23, David told his men he longed for a drink of water. From what it looks like in the scripture, he was not asking them to fulfill his request. He was just making a remark or stating a fact. When the men heard this, three of David's mightiest warriors broke through enemy lines and risked their lives to retrieve a jar of water for David. When the men presented the jar to David, he was so blown away by their servant's hearts that he poured out the drink offering on the ground as an act of worship to God and acknowledgment of His goodness. He said, "The Lord forbid that I drink this! This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me."
What an act of courage and "in the moment" leadership by David! He was deeply touched by the valiant effort of his men and worshiped God because of it. It's a good reminder to all of us in leadership. When people go above and beyond for the cause/ministry/business you lead, don't get impressed with yourself. Don't chalk it up to "good leadership." Acknowledge God for his goodness, be deeply touched by those that serve alongside you, and praise Him for the GLORY you just saw lived out through others.
I was humbled by this story. David's passion, character, strength, and awareness of the bigger picture as a young leader should be paid attention to.
In 2 Samuel 23, David told his men he longed for a drink of water. From what it looks like in the scripture, he was not asking them to fulfill his request. He was just making a remark or stating a fact. When the men heard this, three of David's mightiest warriors broke through enemy lines and risked their lives to retrieve a jar of water for David. When the men presented the jar to David, he was so blown away by their servant's hearts that he poured out the drink offering on the ground as an act of worship to God and acknowledgment of His goodness. He said, "The Lord forbid that I drink this! This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me."
What an act of courage and "in the moment" leadership by David! He was deeply touched by the valiant effort of his men and worshiped God because of it. It's a good reminder to all of us in leadership. When people go above and beyond for the cause/ministry/business you lead, don't get impressed with yourself. Don't chalk it up to "good leadership." Acknowledge God for his goodness, be deeply touched by those that serve alongside you, and praise Him for the GLORY you just saw lived out through others.
I was humbled by this story. David's passion, character, strength, and awareness of the bigger picture as a young leader should be paid attention to.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A Letter from Erica
I have a friend named Erica Naughton. She attended Heartland, Celebrate Recovery, and Heartland:PM for several years. She followed a call on her life to go into long term missions in Africa. I want you to read what's happening through her and the ministry she is working with. Pretty amazing.
______________
Hello :)
I just got back from Lingira Island with my fellow Discipleship Training School students, staff and worship team. The island is in Lake Victoria (the largest lake in Africa) and is a 2 hour boat ride from where we stay. It's so good to be back, but honestly, I really wanted to stay for more ministry on the island! It was so powerful to see God work in and around us. I have been so blessed to be used to lead His people to Him by sharing about Jesus. The boldness and wisdom I have had while talking to the villagers can only be from God. I was able to encourage in ways that even surprised myself.
Before leaving for the island, we spent a couple days going door-to-door in a local village to tell about Jesus and the transforming power He gives us through salvation. I was a little nervous as my small group approached the first home. We met a Muslim woman surrounded by at least 8 small children, although only one belonged to her. She accepted for us to pray for her and as soon as I finished praying, she instantly asked if she could receive Christ! We didn't even ask her if she wanted to! That is God's grace.... He softened her heart so quickly and His Spirit really moved within her. She even asked for more prayer when she saw us on the road later on! I was so encouraged by the success of bringing her to Christ that I grew more bold as we moved on. Later we met two young men who wanted us to pray that they would receive funding for education, although neither were saved. Both of them chose to give their lives to Christ, and one of them was Muslim.
The next day we went back to the same village, but instead of going from house to house, my group spent all our time in the bar. Haha don't get suspicious now.... I have remained sober for 2 years and 2 months because of God's grace! So at the bar, God led us to a man who fell back from his relationship with God. Through sharing about salvation and my testimony of overcoming drugs and alcohol, this man accepted Christ. He even poured out his drink and listened in as we spoke with the bar owner, too.
I truly appreciate Pela, a leader of YWAM who is from Tonga. He emphasized that we shouldn't be forceful, but we should focus on building relationships. I have known this to be true, but this belief has gone to a whole new level because of a wonderful experience that happened on the island during our outreach. On the first day of door-to-door preaching on the island, a classmate and I was led to speak with a young man named Fred. We spent time encouraging him, praying for him, and as I shared my testimony of how God lifted me out of a destructive lifestyle and has given me a new life, I could tell that something was stirring in him. I could sense that God was moving in Fred, yet he stayed very timid and admitted that he's not ready to come back to Christ. The next night, we invited him to the YWAM base just a short walk from his home and he agreed. We spent time just getting to know him and encouraging him, but it still wasn't time for him to make a decision. I invited him to attend church with us the following day, but he gave excuses on why he couldn't.... but I made sure he knew where to find us in case he changed his mind. I was so shocked when he walked into the church!!! And he had the biggest smile on his face! He was very different looking from the time I met him. He was even getting involved in the worship songs. After church, I asked if he was ready to surrender his life to Christ and he agreed without any hesitation... as if he had been waiting for me to ask!!! I was so honored to pray for him and encourage him more! That was the highlight of my whole weekend!! I give glory to God for the work He is doing in Fred and for the grace He poured on us as we built a relationship with Fred. My heart is full gratitude for this experience and for so much more God has done this past weekend. I am so thankful and in awe of how faithful He is.
While we ministered on Lingira Island, we visited a couple of schools. One day we went to a primary school, which is for kids around ages 5-13. I was so blessed to help lead worship for the kids and to participate in a skit that we performed for them. They were so excited for us to be there and we were so privileged to speak into their lives. The next day we went to a secondary school for teens, which is located in a village that is very involved in witchcraft and known for chasing Christians away. However, I was so blessed by watching them worship! They praised God with all their hearts and laughed so hard it was contagious! We performed more skits and I was given the opportunity to share my testimony, encouraging them to get right with God and to surround themselves with uplifting, positive friends who are pressing on towards the same goal of being Christ-like. It's really amazing how God is so faithful and gracious. When I first surrendered my life to Christ, after attempting to take my life, I had the desire to share with the whole world about how God rescued me and gave me hope. Now, I am seeing my dream unfold and I am so thankful that He has placed that desire in my heart. Sharing personal experiences is so powerful because no one can deny what God has done when I've been through myself.
I have enjoyed this weekend so much, it has really made me think about how much I would love to do this kind of work all the time. It's exhausting in every way, but it's so worth it! Even if only one person got saved out of all this time, it would be well worth it! Even if huge masses of people don't come to Christ, it's okay because planting seeds is what really counts. It's also my responsibility to help water these seeds by building relationships and encouraging people. I give glory, honor and praises to God for the strength that He's given me during outreach so far. None of this would have been possible without His guidance and protection. And this is only the beginning!!! I request that you add one more item to the list of prayer requests in my last email. There is an Evangelism Team here at YWAM in Jinja. They do ministry at prisons, schools and door-to-door. I would love to be involved with this team, then perhaps go for more schooling through YWAM. Please pray that God will give me clarity on His plan for me after DTS. We still have one more week of outreach, where we'll be doing more door-to-door and ministering at a local prison. Thank you so much for your faithfulness in prayer, your encouragement (which truly touches my heart) and, most of all, your love! I love you so much and may God bless you abundantly!
-Erica Naughton
______________
Hello :)
I just got back from Lingira Island with my fellow Discipleship Training School students, staff and worship team. The island is in Lake Victoria (the largest lake in Africa) and is a 2 hour boat ride from where we stay. It's so good to be back, but honestly, I really wanted to stay for more ministry on the island! It was so powerful to see God work in and around us. I have been so blessed to be used to lead His people to Him by sharing about Jesus. The boldness and wisdom I have had while talking to the villagers can only be from God. I was able to encourage in ways that even surprised myself.
Before leaving for the island, we spent a couple days going door-to-door in a local village to tell about Jesus and the transforming power He gives us through salvation. I was a little nervous as my small group approached the first home. We met a Muslim woman surrounded by at least 8 small children, although only one belonged to her. She accepted for us to pray for her and as soon as I finished praying, she instantly asked if she could receive Christ! We didn't even ask her if she wanted to! That is God's grace.... He softened her heart so quickly and His Spirit really moved within her. She even asked for more prayer when she saw us on the road later on! I was so encouraged by the success of bringing her to Christ that I grew more bold as we moved on. Later we met two young men who wanted us to pray that they would receive funding for education, although neither were saved. Both of them chose to give their lives to Christ, and one of them was Muslim.
The next day we went back to the same village, but instead of going from house to house, my group spent all our time in the bar. Haha don't get suspicious now.... I have remained sober for 2 years and 2 months because of God's grace! So at the bar, God led us to a man who fell back from his relationship with God. Through sharing about salvation and my testimony of overcoming drugs and alcohol, this man accepted Christ. He even poured out his drink and listened in as we spoke with the bar owner, too.
I truly appreciate Pela, a leader of YWAM who is from Tonga. He emphasized that we shouldn't be forceful, but we should focus on building relationships. I have known this to be true, but this belief has gone to a whole new level because of a wonderful experience that happened on the island during our outreach. On the first day of door-to-door preaching on the island, a classmate and I was led to speak with a young man named Fred. We spent time encouraging him, praying for him, and as I shared my testimony of how God lifted me out of a destructive lifestyle and has given me a new life, I could tell that something was stirring in him. I could sense that God was moving in Fred, yet he stayed very timid and admitted that he's not ready to come back to Christ. The next night, we invited him to the YWAM base just a short walk from his home and he agreed. We spent time just getting to know him and encouraging him, but it still wasn't time for him to make a decision. I invited him to attend church with us the following day, but he gave excuses on why he couldn't.... but I made sure he knew where to find us in case he changed his mind. I was so shocked when he walked into the church!!! And he had the biggest smile on his face! He was very different looking from the time I met him. He was even getting involved in the worship songs. After church, I asked if he was ready to surrender his life to Christ and he agreed without any hesitation... as if he had been waiting for me to ask!!! I was so honored to pray for him and encourage him more! That was the highlight of my whole weekend!! I give glory to God for the work He is doing in Fred and for the grace He poured on us as we built a relationship with Fred. My heart is full gratitude for this experience and for so much more God has done this past weekend. I am so thankful and in awe of how faithful He is.
While we ministered on Lingira Island, we visited a couple of schools. One day we went to a primary school, which is for kids around ages 5-13. I was so blessed to help lead worship for the kids and to participate in a skit that we performed for them. They were so excited for us to be there and we were so privileged to speak into their lives. The next day we went to a secondary school for teens, which is located in a village that is very involved in witchcraft and known for chasing Christians away. However, I was so blessed by watching them worship! They praised God with all their hearts and laughed so hard it was contagious! We performed more skits and I was given the opportunity to share my testimony, encouraging them to get right with God and to surround themselves with uplifting, positive friends who are pressing on towards the same goal of being Christ-like. It's really amazing how God is so faithful and gracious. When I first surrendered my life to Christ, after attempting to take my life, I had the desire to share with the whole world about how God rescued me and gave me hope. Now, I am seeing my dream unfold and I am so thankful that He has placed that desire in my heart. Sharing personal experiences is so powerful because no one can deny what God has done when I've been through myself.
I have enjoyed this weekend so much, it has really made me think about how much I would love to do this kind of work all the time. It's exhausting in every way, but it's so worth it! Even if only one person got saved out of all this time, it would be well worth it! Even if huge masses of people don't come to Christ, it's okay because planting seeds is what really counts. It's also my responsibility to help water these seeds by building relationships and encouraging people. I give glory, honor and praises to God for the strength that He's given me during outreach so far. None of this would have been possible without His guidance and protection. And this is only the beginning!!! I request that you add one more item to the list of prayer requests in my last email. There is an Evangelism Team here at YWAM in Jinja. They do ministry at prisons, schools and door-to-door. I would love to be involved with this team, then perhaps go for more schooling through YWAM. Please pray that God will give me clarity on His plan for me after DTS. We still have one more week of outreach, where we'll be doing more door-to-door and ministering at a local prison. Thank you so much for your faithfulness in prayer, your encouragement (which truly touches my heart) and, most of all, your love! I love you so much and may God bless you abundantly!
-Erica Naughton
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Actions can't buy you love
I was at breakfast this morning with some close friends. We had a discussion about the unconditional love of God. So many times, it's easy for us to get wrapped up into trying to perform for God or earn His affection. While He wants us to put our faith into action and be a servant to the world, His love for us is not contingent on our behavior.
One of my friends this morning reminded me of a personal story of a mentor of mine that really depicts this truth well. My mentor told me about a time where he was working really hard (as he got more honest, working too much) and feeling very stressed and under pressure. His desire was to give God, and his company, his best, but started getting discouraged as he was not seeing the intended success come about quick enough. He got home late one night and went in to his little daughter's room to see her and give her a kiss goodnight. She was asleep. As he stood there and watched her breathe in and out, he was suddenly overwhelmed with a "knee crippling" love for her.
He began to get emotional and then felt God whisper to him, "What is she doing for you right now?"
His answer, "Nothing."
God spoke back, "Yet you love her so much."
He realized that God's love for Him was the same when he was sleeping as when he was working. God's love is not contingent on our schedule.
Being reminded of this is important as a Christ follower. Our actions are important and our commitment to serve and bless others should be a natural byproduct of our life. But, don't confuse yourself into thinking that God has specific expectations for you to fill in order to be HIS. You already are.
One of my friends this morning reminded me of a personal story of a mentor of mine that really depicts this truth well. My mentor told me about a time where he was working really hard (as he got more honest, working too much) and feeling very stressed and under pressure. His desire was to give God, and his company, his best, but started getting discouraged as he was not seeing the intended success come about quick enough. He got home late one night and went in to his little daughter's room to see her and give her a kiss goodnight. She was asleep. As he stood there and watched her breathe in and out, he was suddenly overwhelmed with a "knee crippling" love for her.
He began to get emotional and then felt God whisper to him, "What is she doing for you right now?"
His answer, "Nothing."
God spoke back, "Yet you love her so much."
He realized that God's love for Him was the same when he was sleeping as when he was working. God's love is not contingent on our schedule.
Being reminded of this is important as a Christ follower. Our actions are important and our commitment to serve and bless others should be a natural byproduct of our life. But, don't confuse yourself into thinking that God has specific expectations for you to fill in order to be HIS. You already are.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
From a Former Delta Student
Trevor decided to go into full-time missions work in India after high school. Read the message below from him, pretty inspiring from a 19 year old.
From Trevor Repay
Well, you see, my dear friends, at the age of nineteen, I was a rather adventuresome youngster who had a heart to help and encourage people. My all time, most admired hero was a dude that lived two thousand-ish years ago by the name of Jesus. He spoke about being a servant to all; caring for others more than yourself and such things.
As I read four books written by four of His best friends, they began to change my life and character in quite a remarkable way. After learning some of Jesus’s teachings and learning who He said He was, I was convinced that the way of life that He spoke of was the only proper way to live. Because of Jesus teachings, I was wholly convinced that the God of all existence also had a heart to help the hurting and wanted to use his followers to accomplish the task of spreading His love and such things.
So being convinced that God was with me, I decided to travel to the other side of the world, trying to live out this idea that Jesus talked about in saying "go into all the world and feed my sheep." Jesus called all who would come to follow Him and His ways to be fishers of men. Based on previous experiences traveling overseas, I knew that pretty much any place was optimal for finding people who needed to be shown love.
I find it best if your primary purpose is fishing… then it is sensible to go to a place most abundant with fish. This basic principle was one motivation for my flying to India. You see, friend, the way most of the people in the world live is vastly, intensely different from the way most Americans live.
After my first few months here in India, I found that striving to live out the kind of life Jesus spoke of is absolutely, by far, the best possible way to live. Also, I will say that the life of a nineteen-year-old solo missionary is a quite fulfilling one. After seeing all that I have seen and experiencing the situations that I have experienced, I truly believe that to live your life for anything besides total surrender to the ways of Jesus is pretty much just selling yourself short. I am fully convinced that when a person chooses to be in relationship with Jesus that is what makes a life complete. He is the one that makes people into the best possible version of them and develops well-formed, proper character in people.
My time here on the other side of the world so far has been awesome and more or less what you would expect if you know the kind of life of which Jesus spoke. I have seen some flat-out, straight-up miracles; seen things work out in ways that cannot be explained apart from the Holy Spirit. I have had the privilege of serving people from a leper colony to villages that are miles and miles from the nearest town. On one instance, I even convinced an entire village of about eighty people to follow the ways of Jesus. After, I had the chance to give them an audio device with bible stories on it so that they could follow Jesus on their own. Also, one of the people I was working with found a pastor that will be able to minister to and with them so that they can then tell the villagers around them about how totally awesome the Ways of Jesus are.
But now that my visa is expiring, however, its time to come home for a time… The only thing is… I’m counting on other Christ-followers and friends to help me finish the rest of my journey. It has been quite an eventful trip, following hard after God. It is my hope that someday I’ll get to return to India and visit some of the villages and orphanages at which I stayed. So if you still wanna be a part of this awesome thing God is doing with my life, there is still a chance. Or if you know of anyone who is looking for an opportunity to give, I need to raise money for my plane ticket home before April 20. So, I am in need of some help.I’m really hoping I don’t end up getting deported… If anyone is interested in supporting a nineteen-year old missionary, please contact my totally way awesome brother, Nate, without delay, at (815) 529-4019, 908 Union Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008-5242.
A most sincere Thanks you
Trevor Repay
From Trevor Repay
Well, you see, my dear friends, at the age of nineteen, I was a rather adventuresome youngster who had a heart to help and encourage people. My all time, most admired hero was a dude that lived two thousand-ish years ago by the name of Jesus. He spoke about being a servant to all; caring for others more than yourself and such things.
As I read four books written by four of His best friends, they began to change my life and character in quite a remarkable way. After learning some of Jesus’s teachings and learning who He said He was, I was convinced that the way of life that He spoke of was the only proper way to live. Because of Jesus teachings, I was wholly convinced that the God of all existence also had a heart to help the hurting and wanted to use his followers to accomplish the task of spreading His love and such things.
So being convinced that God was with me, I decided to travel to the other side of the world, trying to live out this idea that Jesus talked about in saying "go into all the world and feed my sheep." Jesus called all who would come to follow Him and His ways to be fishers of men. Based on previous experiences traveling overseas, I knew that pretty much any place was optimal for finding people who needed to be shown love.
I find it best if your primary purpose is fishing… then it is sensible to go to a place most abundant with fish. This basic principle was one motivation for my flying to India. You see, friend, the way most of the people in the world live is vastly, intensely different from the way most Americans live.
After my first few months here in India, I found that striving to live out the kind of life Jesus spoke of is absolutely, by far, the best possible way to live. Also, I will say that the life of a nineteen-year-old solo missionary is a quite fulfilling one. After seeing all that I have seen and experiencing the situations that I have experienced, I truly believe that to live your life for anything besides total surrender to the ways of Jesus is pretty much just selling yourself short. I am fully convinced that when a person chooses to be in relationship with Jesus that is what makes a life complete. He is the one that makes people into the best possible version of them and develops well-formed, proper character in people.
My time here on the other side of the world so far has been awesome and more or less what you would expect if you know the kind of life of which Jesus spoke. I have seen some flat-out, straight-up miracles; seen things work out in ways that cannot be explained apart from the Holy Spirit. I have had the privilege of serving people from a leper colony to villages that are miles and miles from the nearest town. On one instance, I even convinced an entire village of about eighty people to follow the ways of Jesus. After, I had the chance to give them an audio device with bible stories on it so that they could follow Jesus on their own. Also, one of the people I was working with found a pastor that will be able to minister to and with them so that they can then tell the villagers around them about how totally awesome the Ways of Jesus are.
But now that my visa is expiring, however, its time to come home for a time… The only thing is… I’m counting on other Christ-followers and friends to help me finish the rest of my journey. It has been quite an eventful trip, following hard after God. It is my hope that someday I’ll get to return to India and visit some of the villages and orphanages at which I stayed. So if you still wanna be a part of this awesome thing God is doing with my life, there is still a chance. Or if you know of anyone who is looking for an opportunity to give, I need to raise money for my plane ticket home before April 20. So, I am in need of some help.I’m really hoping I don’t end up getting deported… If anyone is interested in supporting a nineteen-year old missionary, please contact my totally way awesome brother, Nate, without delay, at (815) 529-4019, 908 Union Avenue, Belvidere, IL 61008-5242.
A most sincere Thanks you
Trevor Repay
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Life Planning
I was in discussion with two good friends this morning about the plan of our lives. It's easy to get sucked into the mentality that if we lay out our life in a sequential step by step format and are diligent to "hit our goals"... life will do exactly what we want it to. It's just not that way.
I have recently been reminded that if I look back at the turns, twists, and surprises in my life...I'm grateful. They have brought me to where I am today and God has led/guided me through them exactly according to His plan. I am confident of that. So, if that's the case, wouldn't it be crazy to attempt to look at my life moving forward in a mapped out way? How in the world do I know what's going to happen and where God is going to move?
Be intentional? Yes.
Set goals? Yes.
Be strategic? Yes.
Be responsible? Yes.
But don't take yourself too seriously and think that you can manipulate life. You can't. God's got a plan (He'll ignore yours) and it's the best thing possible. Submit and trust.
I have recently been reminded that if I look back at the turns, twists, and surprises in my life...I'm grateful. They have brought me to where I am today and God has led/guided me through them exactly according to His plan. I am confident of that. So, if that's the case, wouldn't it be crazy to attempt to look at my life moving forward in a mapped out way? How in the world do I know what's going to happen and where God is going to move?
Be intentional? Yes.
Set goals? Yes.
Be strategic? Yes.
Be responsible? Yes.
But don't take yourself too seriously and think that you can manipulate life. You can't. God's got a plan (He'll ignore yours) and it's the best thing possible. Submit and trust.
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