Monarch or Mascot?

Do you attend church on Sundays? I do. Most of the people I know also attend church on Sunday, some even go to services or Bible study during the week. What I am wondering is what is your motivation for attending church, attending worship, attending a Bible study? What is my motivation?

I hate to admit it, but my motivation for attending church last Sunday was guilt. I wanted to stay in bed. I didn't want to get up & get ready to be seen in public! Nevertheless, I went to church.

It seems like we to church to hear good music, sing uplifting songs, to hear a message that will make us feel good so we leave the sanctuary full of new vision and vigor. We want to be cheered up by the time we leave. We want God to rebuild our confidence, to reinforce for us the great things that we are doing for God. We want to feel good and God makes us feel good. He confirms for us over and over that all must be well. We are so proud of Him and we are happy to be identified with His name...But, what happens the rest of the week? Do we need to go back to church to feel good again? Does all that is within us crash when things don't go our way or a crisis happens? Do we really rely on Him daily or just on Sundays, like a mascot at a football game?

It seems contradictory, but many of us have redefined Jesus as someone we can both admire and ignore at the same time! We see Jesus as praiseworthy, but overall, we keep Him in reserve calling to Him as needed, when it's convenient. We see Him as our helper in our adventures and in life. But, isn't there more to Him?

Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted Old Testament passage by New Testament writers. It's because it speaks most clearly about who and where the ascended Jesus was, and at the same time, it speaks clearly about who they were as His willing servants in the midst of a tremendous conflict. The reality is the Lordship of Jesus Christ. In Psalm 110, we can see that peoples and events everywhere are being woven into Christ's reign. This psalm makes it clear that Christ has been exalted to rule even in the midst of tremendous opposition. We serve Him every day not because He makes us feel good, but because we are being obedient. Because we want to see His mission purpose fulfilled, no matter what the cost.

Why do I go to church? Ultimately, I go to church because I serve a risen Monarch who has a wonderful plan, to bring all the nations to Him. And, He loves me enough to give me a place in it. I go to Church to worship, praise and adore Him and I continue that during the week, so that when I receive my marching orders, I am ready and wiling to go, not holding anything back.

Enabling or Empowering?

Yesterday I read an article by Glenn Schwartz entitled Dependency. This article has really challenged my thinking. As a Christian, and as a cross cultural witness, am I helping or hurting the nationals that I work with in other countries when I give the ministry a monetary gift? This article stressed that as we teach new believers to obey Biblical commands, we can't forget the command to give. Even if in my eyes they are "too poor to give," Scripture teaches that we are to give out of what we have. The amount doesn't matter...it's the obediance that does. So, if a person has little, they give little, if a person has much, they give much. All of this is for God's glory, not personal glory.

When people in a village give to build their own church, their own school, to provide whatever they have identified as a need to be filled, they take ownership of it; they take pride in it. They take care of its needs as they arise. Plus, if a building is made with local money, local labor, local supplies, many people benefit from it. They avoid depending on outside help.

This has caused me to wonder..."What about the hospitals that have been built in villages? What about the schools? What about the libraries?" Do we enable the nationals or do we empower them with such things? It's a tough question. Is there a plan for leadership, ownership, money to sustain this type of building/ministy to be transferred or given to the nationals? Or is money always going to be "pumped in?" How much is enough? How much is too much? Is seed money a good thing as people get started on their project? There are so many things to consider.

I have had Ghanaians tell me that Europeans and Americans have given their country so much that now they expect it. "The funds have always come from outsiders so why should I work and worry about it?" is a common belief. If they wait long enough, people will come and do it for them.

Then I wonder, "What about matching funds at the beginning to start the project?" The nationals will have worked for and provided for part of the expenses. And, some have been donated by others. What would you do?

I know, I want to empower people, not enable them. I pray God will lead me as I prepare to move to and while I am living in Ghana. I pray that He will show me what to do.

When Did It Happen?

Lately I've been wondering, when did it happen? When did I become so obsessed with achieving a good grade that I've quit enjoying the class? When I first signed up for Perspectives, I wanted to audit it. But, you can't do that with an online class. So, I'm taking it for a certificate. At first, I was so overwhelmed with it. Then, I got to the point to where I really liked it. I still do. There is such good stuff in this class. It has changed my way of thinking forever.

But, now, as I do my homework, I am so focussed on getting the "right" answer, that I second guess myself & what I read. Does the question mean what is obvious, or is there an underlying focus, one that isn't so obvious. It's these kinds of things that I'm starting to do instead of just reading and letting the thoughts and information sink in.

What I need to get back to is enjoying the class for what it is and that's all. Accept it at face value. Ask God to use it to change the way I think about and act on the subject of world mission. And, as I complete the assignments, I pray that the Lord will show me how I can apply the information to my ministry.

Not Alone

I've been taught through actions and words that when something goes wrong, gets difficult or overwhelming to "pull myself up by my bootstraps" and get on with it. Easier said than done. In the past, I've trusted, I've expected people to do and be what they said. And, I've gotten burned.

I am a different person now, hopefully, different even from yesterday. Over the years I have matured and grown not only in body and mind, but in spirit also. But, it is still hard at times to reach out, to say to someone, "I can't do this alone. Will you help me?" It is not hard to do that when my computer takes on a mind of its own. But, when it comes to matters close to my heart, it is. I don't want to risk. I don't want to be vulnerable. I don't want to get hurt.

When I act on those types of feelings, I miss out on the blessings of God. He has put people in my life who have been a living Bible to me. Their actions speak volumes about their faith. Encouraging words, time spent together, prayer, and all kinds of blessings have come to me through the family of God. Sometimes I reached out, sometimes others reached out to me. And you know what? It didn't hurt!

The past few weeks, I have experienced a combination of excitement about going to work with the Dagara people, but I have also experienced doubt and frustration and I have wondered several times, "Will I ever get there? Will I ever return to Ghana? When, Lord? " As calls are made, discouragement shows it's ugly head. Finally, I realize that I can't do it alone.

I need a team of people who will walk with me, walk along side of me as I journey this road. Yes, God has given me a desire, a yearning to work side by side with the people of the Upper West Region of Ghana. I need those who will commit to pray, to encourage, to help with newsletters & finances, who will be my advisers for my spiritual life as well as my physical body. I need a "Home Team" who will keep me accountable, challenge me and lift me up before the Father.

Please pray for and with me as this "Home Team" is formed.

Challenges

Lord, sometimes I wish
you'd quit challenging me.
You're always at it.
Everytime I turn around,
You've got a new one
for me.
And your challenges
have a way
of turning everything
upside down.

They force me to change things
I'd like to leave alone.
They make me do things
I've never done before.
They knock all of the
complacency
out of me.
They're unsettling.

Forgive me, Lord,
for wishing you to stop
daring me
to learn,
to grow,
to give myself away,
to love,
to live.
Without those challenges
of yours
I'd die.

~ From Souveniers of Solitude by Brennan Manning

Achey Breaky Heart

A year ago today, I left for Ghana. I returned in the middle of March. It was my last trip there. I was hoping to move there this spring. I hate to admit it, but it looks like that won't happen. My heart aches to be there. My heart aches to be with the children of the Lawra orphanage. But, even more than that, my heart breaks for the Dagaba people of the Upper West Region of Ghana. My heart breaks because there are so many people who do not have a saving knowledge and day to day relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to be the Father's hand and feet in that area of the world. I pray that one day, the Dagaba people will throw away their idols, their juju and be unashamedly in love with Jesus bringing other with them.

Shades of Gray

I don't know where you live or what your winter has been like. Here, in western PA, winter has been long and hard. The sun has shone, the temperatures are climbing, the snow is almost gone and the birds are singing. But, everything is still a shade of gray. It is tiresome.

I find that my spirit is in a shade of gray lately. I have traveled a lot in January and part of February. But, the last few weeks I haven't. I've immersed myself in the on line class I'm taking. I am discouraged with the fact that I will not be moving to Ghana this spring. And, I wonder when it will happen. I need to get out of this gray scale in which I am living. My spirit needs revived. I need to see sunshine and feel it's warmth on me. I need to feel healthy and alive. I need to see that God hasn't forgotten about the vision He's given me. And, I need to trust Him to fulfill it.

Sometimes it's hard to get out of a gray world when you are in the same place, day in and day out. Things begin to get routine. That's what friends are for...to help us out! Tomorrow, I am leaving for a small town in North Carolina to visit a good friend. She will help revive my spirits. She will speak of God's love and care. She will remind me to look at where I've been and how far God has brought me, that our God is a Faithful God. She will remind me that my mountains are only mere molehills in God's eyes. She will be an encouragement to me. And, she'll spoil me. I need that sometimes. And, when I return, I know the sun will shine brighter, the road ahead will seem shorter, and my world will once again be colorful.

Lessons from Lost Keys

You may wonder why I took this picture. Well, last week I lost my keys. At first, I just grabbed the extra set to use. When I returned home, I started ripping my appartment appart looking for them. I even looked in the refrigerator! I finally decided that I had accidentally knocked them off my desk & they ended up in the waste basket. And, the night before was garbage night. So, if they fell in the waste basket, by now they were on their way to a landfill.

I emailed Staples for a new card. About 6 PM I called my landlord to let him know I lost my keys. Then, I got ready to go to a concert at one of the local high schools. As I grabbed my jacket, I noticed something in the bag where I keep my mittens & wintery kinds of things. It was my keys! What was lost has been found! I thanked God and then called my landlord to tell him I found the keys.

What I realized that night was that in some areas of my life it is easier for me not to expect anything. Then, I won't be disappointed. If I didn't expect to find my keys & acted as if they were gone, then I wouldn't keep looking for them. And, if and when they were found, it would be a time of rejoicing, "icing on the cake."

If this was the only area of my life that I respond to in this way, no big deal. But, if I search myself, I know that this is not an isolated case. I pray God will give me a spirit of excitement, of expectation of what He has planned for my life. I want to embrace it and look forward to it with great expectation!

Celebrating Life

During the last 10 days or so, it seems like there has been a lot of "celebrating life." First, Leon was born and a party was held in his honor last Saturday. He is so cute! Then, a friend died. I didn't know her well. Years ago, I went to her house for a small group Bible study. The thing that really got me is that she suffered so much. And, she was my age. There have been several people from my church who have died recently. Remembering and celebrating their lives is always bittersweet. For the last couple of days the sun has been shining, snow has been melting and birds have been singing. Another way to celebrate life! Life has been given to the dirty grey colored snow that has been part of our world for what seems to be forever.

I am involved in a Perspectives class...Perspectives on the world Christian movement. It, too, celebrates life...life in Christ. As I immerse myself in study, I think of Leon and I pray that he will become a man of God, that he will do great things for God because of His faith and beliefs. I pray that people will stand beside him and teach him. I pray one day he will embrace Christ for his life.

Those whose lives we celebrated have been believers and we can be sure that we will see them "on the other side." They have been involved in the building of God's Kingdom here on earth. Now, it is time for their reward.

I wonder...will the Dagaba people of Ghana celebrate life with ancestral beliefs and juju or will they celebrate life by glorifying God within the context of their culture. They can do this honoring ancestors, but not worshipping them. They can do this with traditional food, dance, celebrations, leaving out the juju. Because...Christ IS life!

A Fond Farewell

Last week, a heartbreaking thing happened. I had to say "good bye" to two of my dearest friends. Although I've only known them since Dec. 25, 2008, they were so very close to me, especially during the long, cold winter days (and nights, too.) Little by little they got old before their time...old and worn out. Until, I finally had to say "good bye, good and faithful friends." They were always there for me, in good times and in bad, in happy times and sad, always listening with their long ears, always understanding. They were very accepting of all my quirks of life.. No longer will they be a part of my sole (as in the sole of my foot.) They will be greatly missed. (Sigh!)

Attitude

I am taking an online class. I've taken three others and all went well. Information was clear and easy to find on the site. Links were easily found and worked and all information was uniform...if I was seeking an answer to a question about the course or an assignment, it was found. And, if it was on more than one web page or clicking on different links, the information was always the same.

Not so with this class. I don't look for discrepancies, but I find them. Or, if I click on a link to listen to a lecture, the page I go to has a variety of options, none of which look like it would be a lecture. When I email a question about an assignment, I don't get a definitve answer. Either my question is not clear or the person answering it doesn't understand what I am asking. None of my other classes were like this and it drives me up a wall.

I have to keep a positive attitude. We are not all perfect, especially me. I have to keep my "eyes on the prize" and keep working towards the goal no matter what it takes. I keep reminding myself that "I can do all things through Christ who stregnthens me." And, it is His grace that has gotten me this far.

I ask that you pray for me as I continue this class. I've learned a lot in the first three lessons. There is so much more to learn. May God grant me clarity and understanding as I continue studying.

Too Busy Not to Pray

Did you ever have one of those days when as soon as you become conscious in the morning you are busy? I do. My mind starts thinking of all the stuff I have to do, and then I start to do them so I can check them off my list. Other times, I get up with good intentions to be alone with God but first, I check to see how much snow we got or will get, or I'll call my sister or I'll just do this one thing, then I'll pray. But, it seems that the one thing leads to another that leads to another that leads....you get the idea.

I'm involved in a Bible study with a friend who lives 2 1/2 hours away. (I wonder what we'll do when I move to Ghana.) Anyway, we are studying the book of Mark. This week's chapter is Mark 5. Mark 5:16 was one of the verse that stuck out to me.

People were clamoring to see Jesus, to heal them, to hear Him preach and teach. It seems as if He never had a moment to himself. People were constantly emailing Him, twittering to Him, posting questions to Him on Facebook, texting Him, calling out to Him. I'm sure everything they wanted to say to Him, to tell Him to ask Him was important. And, He probably wanted to talk with them, answer their questions, touch each of them as He touched the leper a few verses earlier. He wanted to see each of the in a personal relationship with His Father and with Him. He wanted the Holy Spirit to dwell within each of them. But, He had to be ready to do this. He didn't just jump off His mat & start preaching, teaching, healing and changing lives. He withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

Jesus always took time to be with the Father, especially before and during times of ministry, and before before major events. He prepared Himself for the day, to strengthen Himself with the Father's love, His Word His will.

I know I need to have that kind of prayer in the morning. I need time to be with Jesus, to help me focus for the day, to align my priorities to His. I get so much more done. And, I'm at peace even when things get hectic. Those days when I take the time to pray, I get my entire list of "stuff to do" done in such a way that I add more to the list.

Prayer...the way to start every day!

Blessed to be a Blessing

I am taking an online course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. I have to admit, I didn't want to take it because it was just one more thing to do to add to the list of "stuff to do" before I move to Ghana. Between speaking engagements, stressing about driving in the snow and the other classes I recently finished, I have to admit, my heart wasn't in this.

What I didn't expect to happen in the midst of the course work (and there is quite a bit of it) is that I'm loving it. I was totally overwhelmed at first. Now, that the initial shock has worn off, I realized that I'm really liking the readings and the information this course has to offer. It has impacted me already & I'm only on lesson three.

I'm in the first section of the book which looks at the world christian movement from a Christian perspective. It seems that Genesis 12:1-3 is the pivotal point in scripture. This is where God first gives the covenant to Abram (his name change comes later.) God blessed Abram so that he would be a blessing and in Abram all the families of the earth will be blessed.

The blessing that is talked about in this portion of scripture is the blessing of a personal relationship with the One True God. All believers, as spiritual children of Abraham have the responsibility to share their faith in Jesus Christ and to lead others into a personal relationship with Him.

This Scripture gives us the hope of salvation and the responsibility of sharing it. Are you blessed to be a blessing? Are you sharing that blessing? God doesn't send everyone half way across the world to do this. But, He tells us that we are to do it, wherever He leads.

I'm following His lead. Are you?