Opportunities To Share Jesus Are Flying By!

On a recent airplane trip to Louisville, Kentucky to team teach HeartCall and Gifted2Go with Jaye, God gave me an opportunity to share Jesus, at the airport I was traveling from, and on the airplane I was flying on...

As I missed my first flight, God used all the details of my second flight to build a quick relationship with the airline representative, we will call her Sally.  As I shared a "HeartTalk" witnessing booklet with Sally, then saw her again right before I boarded my flight, she expressed to me that she was going to go home after work and do exactly what she just read in "HeartTalk."  Sally expressed those words to me with tears in her eyes while God whispered in my heart that He took my missed flight and used that experience to share Jesus with Sally, Praise The Lord!

Tracy Jones

As I settled into the the final leg of my flight, a group of more than 30 women that were very friendly boarded my flight.  God placed one of them next to me and we became fast friends, we will call her Jane!  As I got to know my new fast friend, God gave me the opportunity to share with Jane about HeartCall, Gifted2Go as I shared a "HeartTalk" witnessing booklet with her.  Jane took the time right away to read her HeartTalk booklet and, as we were about to get off the plane, she shared with me that she was going to go to her hotel room and do exactly what she had just read in "HeartTalk"!

My heart was bursting with joy for the privilege of sharing Jesus with these 2 precious women!  All around us there are people to share Jesus with as God gives us these opportunities and God gives us the words to share!  God is so amazing to pour into our lives what He desires to pour out of our lives as we look for those "opportunities that are flying by" as we GO!!!

Do you have some witnessing booklets everyday everywhere you go?  That is one way that God equips you to be Gifted2Go!  Please put some booklets in your pocket, in your purse, in your car, at your desk, at the door of your home, everywhere you spend time!  You are Gifted2Go Share Jesus as you are Go-ing!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYvUym9E_nQ&playnext=1&list=PLCcSRKFsRpIfpCMfJaXMrb_sdQzEQl1dX  Each One Reach One!!  (Babbie Mason)

Jelly Beans For Jesus!

Easter is just around the corner and for Christians it is one of the most awesome days to Celebrate Jesus being ALIVE!  Easter is one of the greatest opportunities to be Sharing Jesus with those that need Him to be ALIVE in their lives!  It is like our Super Bowl Sunday but even much much more exciting!

Candy is always a great way to open the door for spiritual discussions.  At Easter, sharing Jelly Beans For Jesus, along with an invitation to your church's Easter celebration may open the door to sharing Jesus with your unchurched neighbors, unchurched friends, your children's sport team, and much more.  Be Creative & Have Fun for Jesus this Easter!!

Jelly Beans For Jesus Is A Great Way 2 Witness!!!  What are some ways that you witness at Easter?  We would love to hear about your ideas, please e-mail us or share your ideas on Facebook as we encourage one another to Share Jesus during the greatest time of year that reminds us that Jesus Is Alive!  Happy Easter!!

"Jelly Beans For Jesus"

Great Activity for Moms & their Children, or at an Easter Party:  You will need: Snack size ziploc bags, the Jelly Beans For Jesus poem written below, colored pencils, scissors, paper, Easter grass, witnessing booklet.



Directions: Type out the special poem written below on colored paper (2 poems per 1 piece of paper).  Cut paper poems in half, Roll up poem, then put poem and witnessing booklet into an empty small ziploc bag that has some Easter grass in it.



As you read the poem, below, have children drop two to three of each of the matching colored jellybeans into their bag.



(Using a child-friendly Bible version, and read Scriptures with poem.).



“ORANGE is for Heaven so bright. (2 Samuel 22:13-14)

YELLOW is for God's perfect light. (Revelation 21:23)

BLACK is for the sins we've done. (Romans 3:23)

RED is for the blood He gave. (Romans 5:8)

WHITE is for our cleansing from sin. (Psalm 51:1-2)

GREEN is for new life in Him. (Colossians 1:10)

PINK is for His gift to share. (Matthew 28:19-20)

PURPLE is for the crowns we'll wear! (2 Timothy 4:8)

The witness of the Jelly Beans is true; trust in Jesus, because He loves you! (Romans 10:13)”



Presentation idea: Cut colored poster board in the shape of jelly beans (make them extra large). On the back of the poster, write the matching line from the poem. Have children stand side-by-side, hold up their jellybean when it's their turn, and then recite their line. Afterwards, distribute small packets of jellybeans along with the printed poem.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3StQfGXwKQ0 "Easter Song"  Keith Green

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwZqhx8eSN4  "JESUS SAVES"  Easter Song by Northland Church

The Holy Spirit guides in truth

"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come" 
(John 16:13, New American Standard Bible).

One of the neatest things about God, I think, is that He does not leave us on our own to understand Him. A lot of people seem to search for truth every day, even if they are not a detective, judge, or someone who performs experimental research. God sends the Holy Spirit to believers to reveal truth and to guide us in understanding it.

The Holy Spirit does not only declare truth, but also seeks to guide people in knowing and living truth. We may rely on the testimony of the Holy Spirit, because He is one with the Father and the Son and was sent by them (1 John 5:7). The eternal Word and the eternal Spirit never disagree. The Spirit can remind us of writings in Scripture from the past, interpret the gospel for the present, and reveal things to come.

Lord, help us listen to Your Spirit and follow its lead, as we seek to understand You and hear from You. Help us lead others in Your truth. Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.lifestylemirror.com.

The Holy Spirit testifies to truth

"When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me" (John 15:26, New American Standard Bible).

"The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth" is a common phrase heard on witness stands in courts in America. It is expected to be included in their sworn testimony. The Holy Spirit has a similar role as a truthful witness, as His teaching lines up with the Lord's law found in Scripture. The meaning of the Holy Spirit, "parakletos" in biblical Greek, is one who pleads another's case. The Holy Spirit, a part of the Holy Trinity, in this verse is described as being a witness to Jesus' identity.

Why is the Spirit comforting as we face our sins? The Holy Spirit can bring light not only to our sin, but also to God's grace. When we see the gravity of our sin, we can confess it and turn from it to God. God has the power to forgive that sin and free us from being slaves to it. Our sins were already paid for on the cross, so God forgives us out of His mercy. The Holy Spirit testifies the truth of Jesus to bring God's glory to light.

The Holy Spirit reveals the light and hope from God and helps us with the mission that God calls us to. Like a witness that testifies truth, the Holy Spirit helps us see the truth of who Jesus is. As the truth of God comes to light, we can pray that we and others are continually drawn into a closer relationship with Him.

Lord, help us see, by the power of the Holy Spirit, who God is and what He has done for the world. Speak to others about who You are through us. In Your name, Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

The Holy Spirit teaches us what to share

"'When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say'" (Luke 12:11-12, New American Standard Bible).

Will you zoom into view this point of time with me? Jesus was speaking to His disciples. In case they would be arrested and questioned in court on the account of following Him, He encouraged them to not fear what to say. The Holy Spirit would give them the words to say.

We may never be questioned in court about who we believe Christ to be, but we may be questioned by others. We may suffer in this world, but the suffering only lasts a moment (Romans 8:18, John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:13). We can rest in knowing God's truths last forever (Isaiah 40:8). God cares for all living creatures (Luke 12:6-7). He will be faithful to speak through His people at the right time, when we trust in His Word and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. He will help us know what, how, and when to say something.

It may be a suffering feeling, sharing who Christ is, since not everyone believes that He is Lord and Savior over all (John 3:3). No doubt - people may question the validity of our faith. As believers, we can rest in knowing that God will give us the words to say in such a situation through the Holy Spirit. He has been faithful to keep His Word in the past, so we can trust it for the future (Psalm 100:5). As we rely on the truth of who He is, He will teach us what to say as we share who He is with others.

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to speak truth to us and the world. Help us to be willing for You to speak through us, to proclaim Your glory to the world. Give us the words to say. Make us a living witness to what sort of change You can  make in a life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo from www.access-board.gov.
Recommended reading: the book Lost Letters of Pergamum by Bruce W. Longenecker; the verses Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, Matthew 6:25, 1 John 5:1

The Holy Spirit walks with us as we witness

"And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age'" (Matthew 28:18-20, New American Standard Bible).

More than a ship's captain, God knows how to navigate waters that lie ahead. He can help us walk through whatever comes across the path He leads us, even as we are given opportunities to witness. We are not expected to make disciples and baptize them without God's help.

M. David Sills explained this commandment as he wrote, "Making God known is what faith is all about" ("The Biblical Basis for Missions" article from The Apologetics Study Bible). When Jesus gave this command to the apostles, He knew God would send the Holy Spirit to guide them. In this Great Commission to go and share God's good news with others, we are not expected to go alone. God gives the Holy Spirit to guide each believer.

Lord, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to be with believers. Help us remember that You are Immanuel, God with us. Let us listen to the Holy Spirit's lead as we seek to witness who God is to others who do not know You yet.

Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
Photo of Mortimer McCarthy at the wheel of the Terra Nova found on www.jamescairdsociety.com.

First Seat, First Row

An inspiring story from Mrs. Tracy Jones yesterday:

"Today, I had the privilege of reporting to jury duty - serving our community. Even though I was not chosen for this specific trial, God always has a Gifted2Go opportunity right where you are. Please pray for a fellow jury person, I will call him 'first seat, first row." One of the attorneys was asking us potential jury participants questions about their client. When the attorney asked, 'My client is a strong Christian. Would her being a strong Christian cause any of you to have a bias towards her?' The one sitting in the 'first seat, first row' raised his hand and said, 'I would have trouble with this, because I have never been able to believe in God or understand how to believe in God. I do not believe in Him.'

"Thank God for a ten minute break, because God graciously opened up an opportunity for me to share a witnessing booklet (please keep a witnessing booklet in your purse or wallet to share with others) with 'first seat, first row.' He gladly received it. My heart was humbled and bursting with an urgency inside me at the same time! Thank God for the seeds of truth that were planted into the heart of 'first seat, first row!'

"Would you please join me in PRAYING that these seeds of salvation will be watered and produce SALVATION for 'first seat, first row?' God is faithful, and He has a plan and purpose for EVERYONE! 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 says it best, 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth' (New American Standard Bible). 2 Peter 3:9 also says it well, 'The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance' (New American Standard Bible). You are Gifted2Go. Share Jesus!"

Hope - Jeremiah 29:11-13
Believe - John 3:16
Turn - Acts 3:19
Call - Romans 10:9-10, 13

We pray for boldness

"'And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence'...And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness." -Acts 4:29, 31, New American Standard Bible

Two prominent Christian leaders, Peter and John, had just come out of a trial in the courts, where they were warned not to share their faith. As you can imagine, believers who followed Christ dove into prayer. They asked God for confidence to share His message. Even in the face of potential danger and risk, they looked to the Lord to give them boldness to continue to share Christ with others.

After the prayer, God answered them by giving them this confidence and boldness through the Holy Spirit. Even today, the Holy Spirit can help us see past whatever may threaten to block us from sharing Christ, so we can speak freely and with no reservations. He gives believers the courage to speak what He has done through His Son, Jesus, dying for us, and how God continues to work in our lives today. No matter what is on the road ahead, let us pray for the courage to continue to share the great love and grace God has shown us, especially through the sacrifice Christ made for us, so that more people may know God's forgiveness.

Lord, thank You for giving Your Holy Spirit to believers. Fill us with boldness to share Your love and message of hope with others, so that we honor You and so others can experience life with You, too. Amen.

More on these verses: Acts 4:1-31 - biblegateway.com

YouTube.com music video clip - "You Make Beautiful Things" by Gungor

Study based on the workbook, HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).

God Is Faithful!

"...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has set us free..." Revelation 1:5 HCSB

Jesus is the greatest most faithful witness that we could ever model our lives after! As a follower of Jesus, He promises to teach and equip us as His disciple ( Background of Disciple The term “disciple” comes to us in English from a Latin root. Its basic meaning is “learner” or “pupil.” taken from Holman Dictionary from LifeWay's Online Bible Library @ http://www.bible.lifeway.com/)

Mt 4:19-20 The First Disciples “Follow Me,” He told them, “and I will make you fish for people! Immediately they left their nets and followed Him." HCSB

How many times have you heard this statement: "If you and I were on trial for being a Christian, a follower of Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict us?" Let's make a list of the evidence that is in our lives and the evidence that you would like for there to be in your life to be a faithful witness as we remember what God promises in Philippians 1:6 "I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." HCSB

I often think about witnessing as if I am on trial because as a first-generation Christian I have had so many "trials" in this old world!! Witnesses in courtrooms are sworn to tell the truth. No speculation. No opinions. No hearsay. What "evidence" would people who know us give to support our claim that we are true and faithful reflections of Jesus? Jesus, who is called "the faithful witness" paid the ultimate price on trial for you and me...what more can we do than to testify and share with others the ways that He has ultimately, radically, and miraculously changed our lives from unfaithful to faithful until He returns...let's take as many others with us as we fill the courtroom of our lives and TESTIFY for HIM!! May all who come behind us find us faithful to "The Faithful One"! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s392HyzQ79M

Operation World

While in Indonesia last month, I was struck by the testimony of one of the Indonesian national young ladies at a prayer meeting.  She was sharing how she had been praying for the world through the use of the book Operation World for the past several years.  She felt God had put Kazakhstan on her heart for which to particularly pray.   Her passion and the intensity of what she shared challenged me as she truly had sought God's will  for her life.


Seeing the need in Indonesia for witnesses, it seemed strange that a native Indonesian would be asking God where He wanted her to serve.  But, God did indeed open a huge door for her in Kazakhstan!  She was leavivng her family, friends, job and everything she knew to be obedient to share Christ where God wanted her to go.

I have started using the resource Operation World by Jason Mandryk to truly pray for the world.  I pray that God will increase my passion to be obedient and excited about wherever and whenever He leads me to share the Gospel.

RESCUED!

RESCUED FROM DARKNESS!!

"...for He has RESCUED from the domain of DARKNESS and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins..."! Colossians 1:13-14

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you OUT of DARKNESS into His marvelous LIGHT."! 1 Peter 2:9

The miners are ALIVE, RESCUED FROM the trap of DARKNESS, a confined pit called a mine, and raised into the marvelous LIGHT of FREEDOM!! Waiting for them are many people that have prayed continuously, worked tirelessly, and waited patiently for this day of RESCUE!

As we all watch the news reports we see many emotions that accompany the PRAISES of those that are being brought OUT of DARKNESS and into marvelous LIGHT!

As believers, when someone is RESCUED from darkness, the pit of sin, and into The Marvelous LIGHT of JESUS a TRUE MIRACLE takes place! For the first time some is capable of truly experiencing real LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, & SELF-CONTROL = THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT & LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST!!! (Gal.5:22)

A New Heart/New Life in Christ is contagious!! As we witness someone being RESCUED from Darkness hopefully we relive our moment of RESCUE~FREEDOM & HOPE, we shed tears of joy while watching others being RESCUED, and most of all we think about and are burdened for others that still need to be RESCUED from DARKNESS...NEVER GIVE UP ON THOSE THAT STILL NEED TO BE RESCUED & SAVED!!!!!!

What can we do as His "...chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the ONE who called you OUT of DARKNESS into His marvelous LIGHT" 1 Peter 2:9? LET'S GO SHARE JESUS & WHAT WE HAVE PERSONALLY WITNESSED (our story and the story of others) with PEOPLE THAT NEED THE LORD = EVANGELISM = GIFTED2GO!!

YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!!!! WE HAVE THE JOY & PRIVILEGE OF SHARING JESUS TODAY!!!!

Jesus said, "I have come into the world as a LIGHT, so that no one who BELIEVES in Me should stay in DARKNESS."!! John 12:46

Stay Connected!

"SPEAK to one another with..." Ephesians 5:19

I was just sharing and praying with someone about the powerful tool of SPEAKING words to one another and I must share these thoughts with you!

As I listen and pray with women of all ages, my heart is being stirred and burdened with a message about some of the communication traps we are facing through the new high tech tools at our fingertips: Just in the last few years we have seen the rise in communicating through the use of texting, e-mailing, posting, and tweeting. These new communication tools have many positive benefits, but along with these benefits it is important to be wise about the negative traps that may arise. "for we are not ignorant of of [Satan's] intentions" 2 Corinthians 2:11 (HCSB)

What are some of the possible negative relationship results that could happen with the over use of written communications? Here are just a few results that could lead to unhealthy communication: misunderstandings, superficiality, and the absence of accountability. The enemy is trying to use these great new communication tools as post modern traps that could lead into isolation and disconnect in The Body of Christ (and in relationships in general!)

Women tend to feel distant from one another through the trend of written communication instead of verbal communication. The popular trend of "talking" by "texting", "postings", and "tweeting" instead of speaking verbal words. The enemy would love for women to be defeated in anyway. Could this be a form of 21st Century spiritual warfare!

Wow, we sure need to know the enemy and his new schemes that could cause The Body of Christ to be ineffective and isolated so that we will not connect like we could with God and with Others!! God's Word clearly states that "we need one another" (1 Corinthians 12:21...), so it should not surprise us that the enemy will try to attack the "need" to belong, and stay connected through verbal communication with others in our lives. God's Word describes verbal communication best. Just one example is in the book of Ephesians where God describes ways to "speak" to one another. Ephesians 5:19 is a powerful verse to hide in our hearts about ways to "speak" to each other! "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs...." Eph. 5:19

We must all be wise about the new schemes of the enemy Christians face today. Let's make a point of keeping the healthy habit in our lives of verbally connecting voice to voice and face to face with others as we also enjoy the new high tech trends of texting, e-mailing, posting, and tweeting. Balance is the key to healthy communication and healthy connections for God's Glory!

As the Body of Christ, we are all Gifted2Go by God to talk/share with others just like it is described in Ephesians 3:14-21!! What are some specific actions or activities we can be sure and schedule to help keep verbal connection and communication in our lives? Please share your simple ideas, it will encourage someone today!!

Everyone Needs HOPE!

"There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"

Romans 5:3-5 (msg)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer.29:11-13 (NIV)

Romans 5:6-8 (ESV) "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."!!

As God's witnesses, as the constant changing circumstances around us are often very difficult, we have a great opportunity to share the ONE truth that NEVER CHANGES=JESUS! Right now in our communities as we look around us there is such a huge opportunity to share JESUS because of all of the uncertainty and questions about the future that are in The United States of America and the WORLD! Just like it is written in Romans 5:6 "for while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly..." Our world is full of people that are searching searching searching for someone & something that they can put their trust in that will not let them down or change! We have THE ANSWER to every one's needs and His name is JESUS!! JESUS is who equips us and calls us as His Gifted2Go witness♥

WOW, like me, do you remember what it was like to be lost (without hope)? Lost people look and live like lost people! Romans 5: 6-8 compels my thoughts right back to the time in my life that I was LOST and how desperately I was searching for Peace and Purpose "weak and ungodly" and NEEDING JESUS~PEACE WITH GOD & HOPE for my future...how many people around us right now are needing HOPE & PEACE? Would you join me and make a "who needs Jesus" prayer list?

As followers of Christ, our hope is in Christ Alone, not in this world! The more difficult times grow around the world, the greater opportunity we have to share JESUS!

Today is a great opportunity to share your personal testimony with someone today that needs Jesus. Here are 3 simple steps in sharing your testimony:

1. Share what your life was like before you gave your life to Jesus Christ:


2. Share how your heard about Jesus and the day you believed and surrendered your life to Him:


3. Share about how your life has grown and changed because of Jesus. Who are some of the people that you have been able to share your testimony with? You are His witness as you share your testimony with others!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sKcw9_PQYA (The Wonderful Cross!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y83-vMeWc9E (You Never Let Go!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMSd7XQE5yk (My Hope!)

The Battle Is The Lords!

Jesus told him, "Go away, Satan! For it is written . . ."

Matthew 4:10 (HCSB)

As we share Jesus we need to be ready to put the enemy in his place! Tell him to "GO AWAY!", not if, but WHEN he tries to throw his schemes at you..because JESUS SAID SO~AMEN!

Ephesians chapter 6 is another passage that all witnesses need to CAMP OUT in over and over! Let's take some time today and the rest of the week to read Ephesians 6:10-20 and really dig into the PROMISES given us through THE ARMOR OF GOD!! I am so excited that part of the new gifted2go resources, that will be coming soon include Ephesians Chapter 6, because warfare is such a HUGE part of the witnesses day in and day out experiences to be equipped to overcome!

I have been attacked, as a first-generation Christian, in more ways than I could ever describe to you, the LORD keeps my heart very full of HIS discernment as HE teaches me more and more about the enemy so that I can constantly STAND FIRM with THE ARMOR OF GOD securely on! But, it is my job to daily PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR OF GOD so that WHEN the schemes of the enemy come I CAN STAND and let THE LORD FIGHT EVERY BATTLE!!

As Jesus said, we also need to say to the enemy "GO AWAY, satan! FOR IT IS WRITTEN...!!!! Those are the best marching orders I could hear today as I believe God will take care of every battle, how about you? Are you under attack, PRAISE THE LORD, because the enemy could care less about us unless we are allowing Jesus to make a difference as His Light & His Salt! You are doing something RIGHT if you are in the enemies cross-arrows...take courage...JESUS OVERCOMES IT ALL!!! GO GOD!! GO AWAY, satan...GOD ALWAYS WINS!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EDz1Sl5kAk HELP IS ON THE WAY!!!!!

a life like Lottie

"I am sending you there to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." -Acts 26:17b-18, NIV

Yesterday, I attended a forum at Southern Seminary about Lottie Moon. Her story inspires me. Charlotte Moon, known as "Lottie," devoted her life to helping the Chinese people find light. More about Lottie can be found at http://www.imb.org/main/give/page.asp?StoryID=5524&LanguageID=1709. Her fire for God, her impact with the Asian people, and her letters home shows how we can spread Christ's message to the world.

Jesus Christ is our supreme example of loving all of the people of the world. May we look to missionary leaders like Lottie and most importantly Jesus Christ for inspiration as we share the light that His message brings.

How can we make an impact like Lottie and Jesus today?
· Praying for those serving in missions, subscribing to monthly fliers and e-newsletters with updates and prayer requests, checking out daily prayers posted on http://www.imb.org/main/pray/prayerrequests/todaysprayer.asp
· Volunteering to serve individually or as a family (some programs for families are even six days - http://going.imb.org/volunteers/Step_1/family.asp)
· Giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, organizing bake sales to raise money, giving recyclables (like ink cartridges or plastics) to the city to receive funds for the offering
· Spreading the word by teaching Lottie Moon's story to our families and others, encouraging those that you lead to give, sending an e-mail to friends to ask if they would like to give

"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples." -1 Chronicles 16:24, NIV

Photo above of people in China worshipping from http://www.imb.org/
Links to video clips:
IMB Missions Today: http://going.imb.org/defaultvid.asp

A Heart for Your Neighbors

"Your Neighbor" by Jeff West (from A Celebration of Disciplemaking by Ron Kincaid)

"You know me. I'm the fellow that takes care of your house when you go on vacation. Sometimes we cook out together on Saturday nights and the kids play in the yard. Our wives are good friends. They drink coffee together, trade recipes, and car pool the children. We talk together often about football and politics and inflation. We share a lot of the same ambitions and goals. Sometimes we share the same frustrations and disappointments. We are a lot alike you and me...But sometimes you seem to have more strength than I have.

On Sunday morning I may be in the yard watering the grass and you drive by with your family--all of you dressed in your Sunday best--and you wave at me. And I wave back knowing where you are going but not why.

Sometimes it seems that your life is different from mine. Our wives have talked about it, but you and I are scared to mention it. There is a lot about you that I don't know. There's an emptiness in my life--a void that I just can't seem to fill, no matter how hard I try. I need desperately to be answered, to be comforted, to know. And I need someone to tell me.

But we go on; and I don't mention it because some unknown fear prevents me and you don't mention it because some unknown power binds you. We laugh together; we joke; we share, but not the important things. Maybe someday. Maybe never.

I'm your neighbor, and I don't know Jesus."

Let us all not forget that some people are hoping someone will share with them the Good News of Jesus Christ.

"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd." (Mark 6:34)

Carrying His Cross

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matt 16:24-25, NIV).

A few years ago, I went to Canton, Texas on a shopping trip with a few of my neighbors. My most exciting find was a 5-foot tall iron cross. As I picked up the 30 lb. cross and carried it up the hill to the car, I realized it wasn’t going to be easy but I knew deep down it was worth it. I placed it carefully in the car, we worked all the people and packages around it, drove it home and then drug it in the house. I found myself exhausted after a very long twenty-one hour day. But, it was worth it. Right in the entryway was the perfect place for it.

As I sat there looking at it and thinking about how tired I was, I understood a little more about what it meant to deny oneself and take up His cross. Mine was a physical one; His cross a spiritual one…but one that has physical implications. The find of His cross is the most exciting find of my life. The price is great but worth it. I have to count the costs and go over a few fields and up a few hills. I’m exhausted some days and wondering if it is worth it. But along the way, there are neighbors to tell how the cross of Christ has impacted my life. And that’s what denying myself is all about. It’s all in what you are shopping for.

Lord, may I carry your cross today. Give me an opportunity to share as I walk the journey with those who do not know you.

(Adapted from HeartCall: The Call to Prayer, Jaye Martin, January 30.)