A few months back I took my two youngest, Emily & Sarah, on a trip to the local bank. Our mission? To open their own personal savings account. Since they had managed (with dad and mom’s help) to save a little money over the past few years we decided it was time to transfer their money from their home bank to the big bank. To say the least, it was quite an experience for them—especially when they had to let go of their money! Of course, at age seven, they were both very curious about how it all works. I have done my best to answer their many questions and each time they get their small allowance now they want to make sure some of it goes to the bank.
But recently Sarah came to me with news of what she wanted to do with her money in the bank once she was older. She said, “Daddy, I’m going to put money in my savings so that when I grow up I can go around the world and tell people about Jesus.” Wow! I must confess, when my wife and I decided to open their account it was so they would have some money put away for college, a car, etc. But words cannot express the joy I felt when I heard Sarah speak these words. Sarah has such a big heart and a generous spirit. In fact, she has also begun saving additional money to give to our church’s missions offering. Why? Sarah is burdened for those who are lost without Jesus. This is evidenced not only through the giving of her money but also through her prayers. Just about each time she offers up a prayer to God she prays that lost people will hear about Jesus. I am so proud of how God is working in Sarah’s heart.
Sarah’s experience should challenge us all to ask ourselves, What will I do with what I have been given? Will I spend it on what is temporal or invest it in what is eternal? Jesus stated it this way, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). So, where’s your treasure? Wherever it is, there you will find your heart.
Showing posts with label Missions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Missions. Show all posts
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Seeing What Jesus Sees
In the Bible we see many acts of Jesus’ compassion displayed toward others. In Matthew’s gospel alone we see repeated accounts of Jesus healing all kinds of diseases and afflictions (4:23; 8:5ff; 8:14-17; 14:14). He healed epileptics and paralytics (4:24; 9:1-8). He delivered those oppressed by demons, healing one who had lost his ability to speak (4:24; 8:16; 9:32-34). He cleansed lepers (8:1ff). He gave life to a girl who had died (9:23-26). He gave sight to the blind (9:27-31); and He fed those who were hungry (Mt. 15:32). With a heart filled with compassion Jesus met people’s physical needs; but even more important, He saw and met peoples’ spiritual need.
On one occasion Matthew tells us: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Mt. 9:36). On this particular day as Jesus was looking at the crowds He saw struggling sheep. Matthew tells us they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus also saw a spiritual harvest. Matthew recounts: Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” There were crowds of people, but there was one problem: few workers! So, what was the solution to the problem? Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
I find it interesting that Jesus did not instruct His disciples to pray for the people nor did He instruct them to pray for power. After all, He knew that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). Instead, Jesus instructed His disciples to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. In Matthew 10 we see that those who prayed—Jesus’ disciples—were the ones that He sent out. Jesus’ disciples were an answer to their own prayers. All Christians, or Christ-followers, are Jesus’ disciples. As disciples, God’s presence and power are with us and enable us to proclaim the good news to those in need of a Savior.
As I look around, not much has changed from that day when Jesus saw the crowds. The harvest is still great. The workers are still few. So, what is the answer? As His disciples we need to see people through the eyes of Jesus. We need to pray earnestly for faithful workers, and we need to be an answer to our prayers! I’m convinced that when we begin to see people through Jesus’ eyes, we will be filled with compassion for them, and we will then share the love and shine the light of Jesus. So let’s slow down from the hustle-n-bustle of life and see what Jesus sees—a spiritual harvest all around us—and then act with compassion.
On one occasion Matthew tells us: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Mt. 9:36). On this particular day as Jesus was looking at the crowds He saw struggling sheep. Matthew tells us they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus also saw a spiritual harvest. Matthew recounts: Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” There were crowds of people, but there was one problem: few workers! So, what was the solution to the problem? Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.
I find it interesting that Jesus did not instruct His disciples to pray for the people nor did He instruct them to pray for power. After all, He knew that His disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8). Instead, Jesus instructed His disciples to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. In Matthew 10 we see that those who prayed—Jesus’ disciples—were the ones that He sent out. Jesus’ disciples were an answer to their own prayers. All Christians, or Christ-followers, are Jesus’ disciples. As disciples, God’s presence and power are with us and enable us to proclaim the good news to those in need of a Savior.
As I look around, not much has changed from that day when Jesus saw the crowds. The harvest is still great. The workers are still few. So, what is the answer? As His disciples we need to see people through the eyes of Jesus. We need to pray earnestly for faithful workers, and we need to be an answer to our prayers! I’m convinced that when we begin to see people through Jesus’ eyes, we will be filled with compassion for them, and we will then share the love and shine the light of Jesus. So let’s slow down from the hustle-n-bustle of life and see what Jesus sees—a spiritual harvest all around us—and then act with compassion.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Room For Growth?
When I graduated from high school I took a job as a shoe salesman. It was quite an experience to say the least. When parents would come in to find their child a pair of shoes they always wanted to ensure that their child would have plenty of room for growth. Fitting older children was a relatively simple process. However, fitting babies and toddlers often presented some challenges (after all, have you ever tried to get a baby to stand while you feel for their big toe?). Now that I’m a parent, when I go with our girls to find shoes I always check to ensure there is some room for growth.
Let’s take the “room for growth” analogy and apply it to the church—as well as to Christians. Over the years I have observed something in the life of the local church: there is always room for growth—both spiritual and numerical! In fact, based on a careful study of God’s Word, spiritual growth leads to numerical growth (see Acts 2-4). Let’s consider both types of growth.
Spiritually speaking, there is always room for growth. This is true for every Christian. After all, we would all do well to spend more time in the study of God’s Word. No Christian that I know has “arrived.” Now, there are some very intelligent Christians who know a lot of Bible facts. In fact, they easily win Bible Trivia games. However, I do not believe any honest Christian would say that they have arrived (and if they do, they simply demonstrate by their boasting that they have not truly arrived!).
In 1 John 2:12-14, the apostle John provides three basic levels of spiritual growth: child, youth, and adult. The characteristics of a child include: they understand the gospel and know God as their spiritual “da-da” but they are not grounded in God’s Word. The characteristics of a youth include: they understand God’s Word and know God as their Father, they are strong in their faith and defend it, and they overcome Satan because of their knowledge of God’s Word. The characteristics of an adult include: they understand the Word, they know God as their Friend, they are strong in their faith and defend the Word, they overcome Satan with the Word, they teach (or disciple) others and they also enjoy an intimate love relationship with God. So, regardless of your age, how would you describe where you are spiritually: a child, youth, or adult? Over the years I have met adults who were only a child, spiritually speaking, while I have met young college students who appeared to be mature adults, spiritually speaking. No matter how you might describe yourself, I believe you would agree that there is plenty of room for spiritual growth.
What about numerical growth? It has often puzzled me how some Christians get upset if their pastor, church leader, or another church member talks about church growth. Sadly, too many people are content with the size of their church family and give little or no thought to reaching lost people for Christ. Often these people have grown apathetic, whether willingly or unknowingly.
Once while speaking about church growth, someone asked what kind of growth I was referring to. I replied both and went on to explain how spiritual growth leads to numerical growth. For example, as one matures in their faith and gets to know God’s heart and God’s Word, they will want to shine as lights in a dark world. They will want to go and make disciples of all nations. They will want to be God’s witnesses at home and afar. In other words, they will want to be obedient to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! After all, a heart for the lost grows and deepens within the child of God who is growing spiritually.
So, is there room for growth? Yes! Room for spiritual growth in all of our lives and room for numerical growth in our local churches. At a recent meeting with the deacons of my local church, one of our deacons asked a great question: “I wonder when was the last time our members shared their faith?” All of us need to answer this important question: “When was the last time I shared my faith with someone?” If we claim to be mature believers and are not being His witnesses and thereby making disciples then we’re not as mature as we may think.
Am I concerned about spiritual growth? Absolutely! I desire to personally grow in the Word and also see God’s people grow in the Word—in fact, growing so much so that we are not simply studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word—but carefully obeying it! Am I just as concerned about numerical growth? Absolutely! Why? Because in the state of Georgia where I live, there are 7.1 million people who are lost without Christ. Imagine how this number grows when you add up the number of lost people in all 50 states! These numbers include our friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc. Each one of these people has a soul and will spend eternity without Jesus unless they come to know Jesus! The question is: Do we care enough to share the good news? I’m also concerned about numerical growth because Jesus was concerned about it, so much so that He gave His life so that people may have life eternal. I’m also concerned because of Jesus’ great commission to go and make disciples of all people groups (Mt. 28:19).
Sadly too many churches are not great commission focused—which means that many Christians are not great commission Christians. According to Richard Harris, a North American Mission Board ambassador, “Twenty-five percent of our [Southern Baptist Convention] churches baptized no one last year. Another 63 percent baptized five or less, and 79 percent baptized 10 or less.” Based on this information, Harris states, “That tells me that we have a high number of churches who are not Great Commission-centered churches.” I want my local church to be a Great Commission-centered church. Is that your desire for your local church? If we want our churches to be Great Commission-centered churches then we must be Great Commission-centered Christians! So, is there room for spiritual growth in our lives? Is there room for numerical growth in our churches? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
By the way, if you are reading this post and have questions about being a Christian, or Christ-follower go to this website to learn more.
Let’s take the “room for growth” analogy and apply it to the church—as well as to Christians. Over the years I have observed something in the life of the local church: there is always room for growth—both spiritual and numerical! In fact, based on a careful study of God’s Word, spiritual growth leads to numerical growth (see Acts 2-4). Let’s consider both types of growth.
Spiritually speaking, there is always room for growth. This is true for every Christian. After all, we would all do well to spend more time in the study of God’s Word. No Christian that I know has “arrived.” Now, there are some very intelligent Christians who know a lot of Bible facts. In fact, they easily win Bible Trivia games. However, I do not believe any honest Christian would say that they have arrived (and if they do, they simply demonstrate by their boasting that they have not truly arrived!).
In 1 John 2:12-14, the apostle John provides three basic levels of spiritual growth: child, youth, and adult. The characteristics of a child include: they understand the gospel and know God as their spiritual “da-da” but they are not grounded in God’s Word. The characteristics of a youth include: they understand God’s Word and know God as their Father, they are strong in their faith and defend it, and they overcome Satan because of their knowledge of God’s Word. The characteristics of an adult include: they understand the Word, they know God as their Friend, they are strong in their faith and defend the Word, they overcome Satan with the Word, they teach (or disciple) others and they also enjoy an intimate love relationship with God. So, regardless of your age, how would you describe where you are spiritually: a child, youth, or adult? Over the years I have met adults who were only a child, spiritually speaking, while I have met young college students who appeared to be mature adults, spiritually speaking. No matter how you might describe yourself, I believe you would agree that there is plenty of room for spiritual growth.
What about numerical growth? It has often puzzled me how some Christians get upset if their pastor, church leader, or another church member talks about church growth. Sadly, too many people are content with the size of their church family and give little or no thought to reaching lost people for Christ. Often these people have grown apathetic, whether willingly or unknowingly.
Once while speaking about church growth, someone asked what kind of growth I was referring to. I replied both and went on to explain how spiritual growth leads to numerical growth. For example, as one matures in their faith and gets to know God’s heart and God’s Word, they will want to shine as lights in a dark world. They will want to go and make disciples of all nations. They will want to be God’s witnesses at home and afar. In other words, they will want to be obedient to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! After all, a heart for the lost grows and deepens within the child of God who is growing spiritually.
So, is there room for growth? Yes! Room for spiritual growth in all of our lives and room for numerical growth in our local churches. At a recent meeting with the deacons of my local church, one of our deacons asked a great question: “I wonder when was the last time our members shared their faith?” All of us need to answer this important question: “When was the last time I shared my faith with someone?” If we claim to be mature believers and are not being His witnesses and thereby making disciples then we’re not as mature as we may think.
Am I concerned about spiritual growth? Absolutely! I desire to personally grow in the Word and also see God’s people grow in the Word—in fact, growing so much so that we are not simply studying, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word—but carefully obeying it! Am I just as concerned about numerical growth? Absolutely! Why? Because in the state of Georgia where I live, there are 7.1 million people who are lost without Christ. Imagine how this number grows when you add up the number of lost people in all 50 states! These numbers include our friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc. Each one of these people has a soul and will spend eternity without Jesus unless they come to know Jesus! The question is: Do we care enough to share the good news? I’m also concerned about numerical growth because Jesus was concerned about it, so much so that He gave His life so that people may have life eternal. I’m also concerned because of Jesus’ great commission to go and make disciples of all people groups (Mt. 28:19).
Sadly too many churches are not great commission focused—which means that many Christians are not great commission Christians. According to Richard Harris, a North American Mission Board ambassador, “Twenty-five percent of our [Southern Baptist Convention] churches baptized no one last year. Another 63 percent baptized five or less, and 79 percent baptized 10 or less.” Based on this information, Harris states, “That tells me that we have a high number of churches who are not Great Commission-centered churches.” I want my local church to be a Great Commission-centered church. Is that your desire for your local church? If we want our churches to be Great Commission-centered churches then we must be Great Commission-centered Christians! So, is there room for spiritual growth in our lives? Is there room for numerical growth in our churches? The answer is a resounding “YES!”
By the way, if you are reading this post and have questions about being a Christian, or Christ-follower go to this website to learn more.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
You Did It To Me
Recently my daughter, Haley, along with some of the other students in our church participated in World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. Our students decided to send the money they raised to Mali. In Mali, one in five children die before the age of five due to hunger and malnutrition. In fact, Mali is one of the poorest countries on the planet! I was so proud of our students for participating in this event and for the funds they raised (eight of our students collectively raised in excess of $2100) for the people of Mali.
Although I did not participate in the weekend activities with the students during the 30 hour famine event, I did participate in the actual fast. We went 30 hours without food in order to get an idea of what it was like for literally millions of people around the world who go hungry day after day. Of course, there was one BIG difference: we had juices to drink during our fast. We also knew there was a meal awaiting us at the end of our 30 hours. So although we did become hungry during those 30 hours we really did not experience what millions experience every day.
Did you know that more than 1 billion people experience hunger on a daily basis? In the last two years, more than 115 million children, women, and men have joined the ranks of the hungry. Worldwide, 1 in 4 children don’t get the nutrition they need.1 These stats are absolutely heartbreaking! What’s equally disturbing, is that “one in six Americans is fighting hunger.”2 Here in America, the land of plenty and prosperity, people are going without food. Recently, a leader of a local food bank said that we not only have a hunger problem but that we have a nutrition problem. He was referencing the county where I live, Carroll County, GA.
So, what’s the answer? Christians need to become aware of the need and then get involved. There are many ways we can help. We can donate food to local food banks. We can serve at a local soup kitchen. We can provide a meal to the person on the street corner holding a sign for help. We can support a child. We can give financially. While there are many worthwhile organizations helping meet hunger needs, the organizations that our family has been blessed to support include: World Vision, SBC’s World Hunger Fund, Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International.
We would do well to recall the words of Jesus as He described the coming judgment.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed Me,
I was thirsty and you gave Me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave Me a room,
I was shivering and you gave Me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are You talking about? When did we ever see You hungry and feed You, thirsty and give You a drink? And when did we ever see You sick or in prison and come to You?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was Me—you did it to Me.’
May God help us to live with eternity in view and not forget the “overlooked or ignored!”
1 Sources: World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization
2 Source: Feeding America
3 Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language (Mt 25:34–40). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.
Although I did not participate in the weekend activities with the students during the 30 hour famine event, I did participate in the actual fast. We went 30 hours without food in order to get an idea of what it was like for literally millions of people around the world who go hungry day after day. Of course, there was one BIG difference: we had juices to drink during our fast. We also knew there was a meal awaiting us at the end of our 30 hours. So although we did become hungry during those 30 hours we really did not experience what millions experience every day.
Did you know that more than 1 billion people experience hunger on a daily basis? In the last two years, more than 115 million children, women, and men have joined the ranks of the hungry. Worldwide, 1 in 4 children don’t get the nutrition they need.1 These stats are absolutely heartbreaking! What’s equally disturbing, is that “one in six Americans is fighting hunger.”2 Here in America, the land of plenty and prosperity, people are going without food. Recently, a leader of a local food bank said that we not only have a hunger problem but that we have a nutrition problem. He was referencing the county where I live, Carroll County, GA.
So, what’s the answer? Christians need to become aware of the need and then get involved. There are many ways we can help. We can donate food to local food banks. We can serve at a local soup kitchen. We can provide a meal to the person on the street corner holding a sign for help. We can support a child. We can give financially. While there are many worthwhile organizations helping meet hunger needs, the organizations that our family has been blessed to support include: World Vision, SBC’s World Hunger Fund, Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International.
We would do well to recall the words of Jesus as He described the coming judgment.
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:
I was hungry and you fed Me,
I was thirsty and you gave Me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave Me a room,
I was shivering and you gave Me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are You talking about? When did we ever see You hungry and feed You, thirsty and give You a drink? And when did we ever see You sick or in prison and come to You?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was Me—you did it to Me.’
May God help us to live with eternity in view and not forget the “overlooked or ignored!”
1 Sources: World Food Program, Food and Agriculture Organization
2 Source: Feeding America
3 Peterson, E. H. (2002). The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language (Mt 25:34–40). Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress.
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