Friday, November 23, 2012

I've Got That Good Stuff For You!

19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Have you ever came across a really good deal, sale, or opportunity and wanted to tell your family and friends about it? Heck, you may have even wanted to tell a stranger. Well, we are commanded by God to spread the good news of the Gospel. To make disciples. What does making a disciple look like? It means sharing your journey of life with God as the center of everything you do. It means being real about your triumphs and your failures. It may be having a weekly bible study or reading a book together with a topic that's relevant to what they may be going through. It means telling as many people as you can about the "good stuff" God has in store for them if they only accept and believe in Him. When we get as excited about God and all the benefits a life with him gives us, more than that sale or opportunity, then we can lead people to the "Deal of the Century", no, how about the "Deal of a Lifetime!"




Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Give Thanks, With a Grateful Heart!

 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

Life brings a series of ups and downs, curve balls, and unexpected tragedies. But, the scripture says, "In everything give thanks". How can we do this? How do we find joy in poverty, death, abuse, and a multitude of losses? The point is not to find joy in the situations that are painful. Its cultivating a heart of gratitude. Finding something to be thankful for everyday. It can be the feel of the sun across your face, children playing outside, great times with friends and family. Its learning to make your first thought a positive one. Its learning to give people the benefit of the doubt and giving them a chance to prove you wrong or right. Its letting go of past hurts and failures and taking in every moment and just resting in it. Then, we can truly understand and practice the art of "In everything give thanks" and then we can believe it and receive it, not only being the will of God, but a gift from God for us. Happy Thanksgiving!