Deep Thoughts by Mr. G: February 2014

Friday, February 28, 2014

Books Currently reading: March 2014

Four Things You can be doing to Improve your Church.

Here are 4 things you can be doing to help the church you attend.

I. Pray for the church, its leaders and that it would be doing what God has called them to.

II. Encourage the other members of the church. Phone calls, cards, emails. Check on those missing. Be a fountain in people's lives, not a drain. Let them see the Joy of Jesus in you.

III. Participate in the activities of the church. Volunteer. Serve. Go to Bible School, be in the Worship service. Encourage the preacher.

IV. Give. Give of your time, your talents, and your treasure. Nothing speaks volumes that people investing into Kingdom Work. Ownership. Working as if for the Lord. Bloom where you are planted. God has you there, let's do life together.

If you start doing the 4 things above ...there is nothing like instead of playing church, being the church to the World. Let's all point people to Jesus. Whose with me?

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Toxic Charity.

A good Review
is worth it. the paragraph that sums it up is:

"Is Toxic Charity worth reading? I believe it is. Much of Lupton’s diagnosis of the issue is both helpful and convicting. The book is quite helpful as far as it goes. However, the reader will still have work to do as he applies these principles to a more complete gospel. My recommendation would be to read one other book first: When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. This book has a a holistic understanding of poverty that includes a relationship with God through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Once you have read that, you may wish to follow it up with Toxic Charity."

I finished both of these books. Both were worth it. Hard to swallow and go over. The basic premise is to know why you are helping others. why are you being Jesus' hands and feet? Is it for your glory or pointing others to Jesus? Is it what He would do? Is it worth it? And reasons behind it. To do nothing is a choice, to try to change the world is a choice. We have to make wise decisions in all things.

One of my Favourite Bible Passages. 2 Peter 3:9

2 Peter 3:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

After the Bill ....

In an idealistic world we can get our goods and services from those pro-life, pro-marriage, and most importantly pro-Jesus.

The fact is:

We don't live in the ideal. We live in a real, fallen, broken, sinful, sin filled, godless world that needs a Saviour. One in which, God sent His son. Our goods and services come from broken, sinful people that need Jesus.

Whether products, clothes, furniture, food, and any product can truly come from godly, holy "Christian" people is an ideal - the truth is far from it. We, that are Christians, need to be holy. Encourage one another; stand up for godliness. People cry foul ....religious persecution. (And this surprises you? try being part of the Underground Church or any one of the 52 countries and 14 regions where Christianity and the Bible is being persecuted Source: VOM)

Jesus tells us in this life there will be trouble. The bill that got all the attention in Arizona ...seems to be a starting place of bias on both sides. We need to love our enemies. One of the SAD facts out of this is the comparison citing as a Civil Rights Issue. (Whether for religious freedom or discrimination) (Thus almost insulting and demeaning the racial barrier and Civil rights movement of the 50s, 60s and today of the African American community)

since when is lifestyle choice a Civil rights issue? (Sure some will cite Matthew Shepherd and the unfortunate acts of EVIL men and tragedy of his death ..sad as it is but there is a difference between racial issues and sexual orientation)(Some debate this ethically, biologically and theologically but in reality right is right and sin is sin)

So where does this lie with us as God's people? We need to be in the world not of it. Sometimes it is making tough choices. Being that voice in a world that isn't listening. Be that change that God has called you to be. Love the World as Christ died. Be Holy. Stand Firm. Sometimes the right choice isn't always the popular one.

As we strive in the future .... I have many friends who will disagree with the stand I take and that is ok. I can agree to disagree with them in a loving way. From family members to old youth group members, and classmates (in Bible College) who embraced the lifestyle choice they have ... All I can do is pray. So what can I do? Just point people to Jesus and tell them about His Grace, Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. Afterall, forgiven people. forgive. Let's take a stand.

whose with me?