For many of us the desire to serve God in church or some other way outside our home runs through our veins. We want to contribute, we want to muck in. After all, that's the spirit of a Christian: We're part of a global effort to spread the Gospel.
Well... We all know that serving is a little complicated with an unbelieving spouse. It's complicated on one hand, but it can be exciting too.
With this in mind, next week we're going to start a series called 'Serving God when Spiritually Single'. To kick off you might like to watch this week's live video, below. In this video, one of our SUMites Paula Blackie shares her story about she has served in ministry despite having an unbelieving husband -- Yikes! That story got my own creative juices going, and I thought "We can definitely talk more about this," because serving takes a lot of forms.
So, I will leave you with this video, and perhaps you can share in the comments if there is anything particular you're grappling with in terms of serving? It'll help us write next week's series.
Following my last blog post on 'These challenging times', I thought I'd share a good question we can ask God next. It comes with an interesting God story too.
Hope you enjoy this one, and let's chat in the comments.
This is a short but powerful video teaching about the cycles of faith. How we join God in what He is doing and to stop fighting against Him. It's also about our current season.
In fact, Rosh Hashanah begins today at sundown. I recommend to push into the Lord in prayer and ask Him to reveal what He is doing in your life in this season and the assignments that being given after Yom Kippur. Hugs, Lynn
Sunday, September 29th is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. We've talked about this Jewish holiday over the years. In fact, the first time I'd ever been made aware of it's significance was because of a blog post from either Lynn or Dineen. For those who are not familiar or are new to this holiday, a simple "Rosh Hashanah" search on this site will provide you with a wealth of information. Feel free to check out the archives!
My prayer for us today is that we will each take away something fresh and new. Holy Spirit, reveal to us the heartbeat of God. Amen!
Rosh Hashanah isn't actually a biblical holiday but a traditional Jewish holiday. The term "Rosh Hashanah" means "head of the year" and is celebrated as the Jewish New Year. This is a two-day celebration that proceeds Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
In the beginning of this month, the Lord really pressed upon me to watch Patty Tower's talk that was given at the SUMite Summit this last April. I decided to go back and watch it again. (I will provide a link below so you can revisit that as well. It is absolutely worth a re-watch!)
As I sat down to think about Rosh Hashanah and what I would include in this post, I went back to my notes from Patty's message. There is so much good in this message but I want to point out one theme:
Joshua 6 - God gives specific instructions about the destruction and taking of the city of Jericho. In verse 20 we see the result of following God's plan and not their own: "So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city."
Patty called us to march around our house 7 times and shout, declare, pray and praise things into existence. It was in the great shout that the walls fell flat down.
Rosh Hashanah isn't in the Bible; however, the first day of Rosh Hashanah, is. Let's take a look.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’ ” - Leviticus 23:23-25
The Hebrew word, Teruah, in Leviticus for blowing trumpets is the same word used in Joshua 6 where they shouted with a great shout. The first day of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Teruah, is a day of blowing trumpets or shouting.
Notice what else it says in Leviticus about this day - you shall have a sabbath-rest. Yom Teruah happens to fall on a Sunday. The day we, as children of God, call our sabbath!
So, why is this important for us? If we are not Jewish, what is the point of celebrating this time of year?
We've already seen in our community some amazing things worth celebrating. Many professions of faith and baptisms with our spouses, children or others we love. Libby gave us a beautiful word about the SUMite community with her picture of the mountain. The SUMite Summit where some gathered in California being at the top and from that trickle, the waters of our faith continued to pool together to create a river at the bottom.
I truly believe something was activated in the heavenlies and we have set off a chain reaction. The enemy has been stirred to anger and we have seen much push back from illness, discord with our spouses and children, financial struggles, backsliding, strongholds etc.
However, I truly believe that God is calling His children deeper. I believe that He is stirring in us a hunger and thirst that can no longer be quenched by fear, pain or opposition tactics from the enemy. I believe that NOW is the time for us to press in all the more into the God of Miracles. NOW is the time to storm the gates of Heaven for our spouses, children, our complete freedom and healing. I believe that NOW is the time for us to suit up and prepare for battle.
There is a shifting going on right now. As we are in this transition period, it is up to US if we are going to take God at His word - for our destinies, purposes, signs, miracles and wonders. We cannot afford to give up or give in. The future of generations to come hangs in the balance. It sounds intense but don't worry! Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
There is so much more I could say but I've gone on a little long.
As we approach this Jewish New Year, what are the things you are coming to the Throne of Grace for? What do you hope to see in this new season?
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! -- Psalm 47:1 (Shout here is the root word of teruah ::grin::)
We are going to shake the heavens and the earth with our shouts! In the comments, give a mighty shout to the Lord. Thank Him for the victory you've been praying and waiting for! Decree and declare that these prayers are answered in Jesus' mighty name! Now it is up to you to take Him at His word. Trust. Believe. Wait and see. God is so good. And He is worthy of the wait. Hugs!
I shared with you at the conference that God has been speaking to me about cedars. I saw a vision of a tree that was my family
legacy. The deep roots were the word of God so deeply hidden beneath the soil. I wanted to share with you something that I have been working on. These are words that He has been saying about me. (To keep it from getting too long I will only expound on a few) Let's call today, "Motivation Monday." May these words be a motivation for you to believe what God says about you.
Elevator - one that lifts or raises someone/something up; exhorter - one who incites by argument, or advice; strongly urges; exultor - one who is extremely joyful; leaps for joy; rejoices); exalter - to elevate by praise; raise high; to enhance the activity of; intensify. (Deuteronomy 18:18; Proverbs 14:34; Psalm 68:3; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 3:13)
Deeply rooted - existing for a long time and very difficult to change; firmly established; deeply implanted. (Psalm 1:3; Colossians 2:6-7; John 15:5; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Daniel 2:22; Isaiah 45:3)
Ancient - (Jeremiah 6:16; Jeremiah 1:5; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 1:4-5)
Stalwart Matriarch - woman that rules or dominates her family, group or state who is marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind or spirit. (Psalm 68:11; Proverbs 22:6; James 5:16; Psalm 102:18; Psalm 103:17; Proverbs 14:1)
Legacy - something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past; carried over from an earlier time. (Psalm 145:4; Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Joshua 24:14-15; Proverbs 13:22; Psalm 78:2-4; Exodus 20:5-6; Deuteronomy 6:5-7; 2 Timothy 2:2)
Emanate Love - (1 Peter 4:8; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Colossians 3:14; Ephesians 5:2; Matthew 22:37-39; Hebrews 10:24-25; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 20:6-7; 1 John 4:11; 1 John 3:16-18)
Bethel - house of God. (1 Corinthians 9:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Peter 4:1-2; Psalm 119:37; Romans 8:5-7)
Anointed - to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance; to apply oil to as part of a religious ceremony; to choose by or as if by divine election. (Isaiah 22:22; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20-21; 1 John 2:27; John 15:16; Psalm 45:7; Isaiah 44:3)
Non-conforming - (2 Corinthians 3:12; Romans 12:1-2; John 17:14-16; Revelation 12:11; Luke 6:27-36)
Ornamental - one who lends grace or beauty; adorned - to enliven. (1 Peter 3:3-4; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Proverbs 31:30; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Genesis 1:27; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; 1 Samuel 16:7)
New - (Hebrews 12:24; Galatians 3:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Isaiah 43:18-19; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17; 1 Peter 1:3; Mark 2:22).
Storms, temptations and trials will come and try to divert your eyes. The deceiver will come and try to cause you to doubt if not forget these life fulfilling promises.
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.5 Love the Lordyour God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
--Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Do whatever is necessary to remember and cling to these promises. I love making jewelry (see photo above) so this is a good tangible way for me to see His word on a regular basis.
How great of a Daddy we have that He would speak something so special and unique to you individually. Let's talk in the comments: What are some ways that you remember His promises in your own life? What helps you to keep your eyes on the prize set before you?
Today I graduated year one of ministry school. This was the first half of a two year program that will lead to ordination.
I was very surprised to receive "The Heart of David Award" along with my certificate of completion. What an honor and joy!
The words "thank you" are not enough to express the gratitude I have for you, my beloved family without walls. Your love, encouragement, and support has tremendously helped carry me to this beautiful moment. Thank you to everyone who has given time, prayer, finances, Scripture and hugs. My accomplishment is your accomplishment.
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. -- 2 Thessalonians 1:11
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. -- Ecclesiastes 4:12
You all have helped me accomplish my dreams. In the comments, share something that God has laid upon your heart to accomplish. I want to pray over you and bless you today.
It was a Saturday night. The wine was flowing, and my husband and I were laughing with our friends. Then it happened: The host rolled his eyes, and said “Yeah, believing in God is like believing in Santa Claus.”
Oh dear. That was it for me. After five years of spiritual loneliness, I’d had all I could take. “Excuse me,” I said, and left the table. When I returned, I did not exactly bring a cheerful mood with me.
It was not my finest moment, and by the time I got home I was regretting it. “Why couldn’t I just have been gracious?” I thought. The truth was, my heart had just got too sore.
I talked to my husband about it later and he didn’t think it disastrous, but he did say one thing that stuck: “Ann, I know this is hard but please don’t ask me to change my social life because of your faith.” I hugged him and promised I wouldn’t.
I know many SUMites are in the same boat: We’re as far from a Christian bubble as a couple can be. Tricky as it is, though, I’ve come to see it’s right where I’m meant to be. This beautiful statement has helped:
The glorious Gospel of the blessed God has been committed to my trust.
(from 1 Timothy 1:11)
This makes me take a long pause. And commit to keep going.
As I began thinking about the entrusted Gospel, and the phrase “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19), it occurred to me that to be effective in a nation, it's helpful to intimately know the mindsets. And with my own ‘nation’ (atheist friends and neighbors), I can say this is how we’re rolling. I’m right there, intimately involved in their stories. I love the same things they love, I love them, and I understand the reasons for their disbelief.
As a mission field, though, I will say it feels impossible -- Partly because of the culture, but mostly because it seems that hearts aren’t up for God. Where there is no will, there is no Way.
Finding this impossibility tough, I decided to look at some great missionaries. “How do they do it?”, I wondered. I’d say the answer is that the Holy Spirit’s power pours down onto years and years of people's prayers. But there’s also a process and, to help me see that, God led me to one particular book: Millie Dawson’s ‘All the Day Long’. It was so good I want to tell you about it.
In 1953, Millie and her husband Joe moved from their comfortable, all-American life to the depths of the Amazon rainforest. They moved in with the Yanomami people, had their children there, and never left. It was primitive, dangerous and, best of all, impossible.
The book reveals how, over fifty years (fifty!!) the impossible became possible. Today there is a thriving Yanomami church right there in the Amazon, and for the Dawsons, it’s home. In amongst those fifty years, however, were many, many years where nothing was happening and no one wanted to know about Jesus. Hearts weren't ready.
What they did want was friendship, and the Dawson kids mixed and mingled in places where witch doctors were cooking up their stuff. Scary? Nope. The influence went one way only: The occasional witch doctor turned Christian. As I read the book, it seemed to me the kids were all part of winning the nation.
The other thing I realized was that culture is not the obstacle -- Hearts are. While I have fretted over the cultural strongholds in my neighbors' lives, I realize that culture is no match for Jesus. The real issue is whether people’s hearts are willing to accept Him and change their life trajectory.
The Yanomami nation was seemingly ‘impossible’ but for God, of course, nothing is impossible. Having seen and read about many impossibilities now, I do believe the same will happen for my nation. In the meantime, my husband and I are right in the action.
Do you have a nation that’s on your heart, whether it’s a group, aspect of society, geographical area, or family? Feel free to share in the comments and I'll pray for you. In the meantime, I thought you might enjoy this beautiful Kiwi worship song and blessing over the cities and nations -- from my nation to yours.
It’s July 1st. Half of 2018 remains, and we are merely beginning to step into the miracles and the Presence of God that Kingdom era offers. Today, I want to share with you my thoughts about what is happening in the Kingdom of God in this season. Below is an excerpt from an email I sent to our SUM leadership team last week.
Before I share, I also want to let you know that I’m being led by Jesus to teach about Kingdom honor and dignity. I witness a great deal of wounding in the church because of accusation against another brother or sister in Christ. I’m convinced that there is great error on occasions when a believer sins. And the restoration process is what I believe, harsh, unforgiving ….. it feels like punishment. As children of the Kingdom, we must learn to handle disagreement with our church family in a new way. In a way that is truly restorative, healthy, and with honor and LOVE.
Following the July 4th weekend, I will be writing about what Godly conflict should look and feel like, based on the Matthew 18 model. I also want to teach about the differing areas of leadership and how we understand our strengths, callings, and anointings and how we are designed to fit in in our church, our region and the SUM family.
If UNITY is the call of our Father in this season, we need to re-learn Godly conflict resolution. We must learn to see others through lenses of love and not fear or suspicion. It’s mandatory that we release judgement and condemnation and search out the areas where we agree, coalesce and center upon loving one another.
So, what say ye??? Ready for a powerful Word? The Lord is speaking and again, I believe He is calling the SUM Nation to this paradigm change first. We are on the leading edge of bringing the fullness of the Kingdom to earth. Hallelujah.
Okay, here is my perspective regarding our current season of the Body of Christ:
May I share what I’ve been sensing from the Kingdom. We are bearing witness to what I believe is the closing of the era of the church of man. Where mankind led people to the Lord through a relationship with church and people of a congregation. It has been a beautiful era of people loving and helping others find Jesus and grow up in faith. As with anything where people are flawed, the church is flawed and much of our denominational separation which grew out of that era was never the intent of our good Father.
So, I perceive that about two years ago the Lord began to move the people of God into what I believe is the era of the Kingdom. We are bearing witness to the miraculous. I know that I have. Within the last few years an entire new experience has opened up to the hungry people of God. We, as a Body, are moving away from the religious rules into the prompting/guidance of the Holy Spirit. Many within our SUM Community are experiencing a shift in the gifts of the Spirit, speaking in tongues, and visions, etc. Can I just say WOW and PRAISE JESUS!!
This doesn’t mean that the church is dead or insignificant. No, we are going to see a unity in the steams of faith. We will see divisions grow softer. We will witness church done in ways we haven’t seen before. Just take a look at our SUM church, we are a church without walls. We can expect the church to be different, but also it will be powerful. No longer powerless in our faith but filled with the miraculous and more. I till you I can’t wait for this move of God. I count it the greatest work and privilege that I will participate in my entire life, to walk in this season of the Kingdom.
Thoughts SUMites?? Want in on this??? Join me. I’ll share more beginning July 9th. See you on Facebook and Instagram. Hugs, Lynn
God wants to draw us closer to Him. He delights in using unusual and strange means to speak to us, drawing us away from the mundane routine of our lives to pursue Him. Since most of us are prone to living our lives independent of Him, He uses something unusual to catch our attention and draw us to Himself. He speaks in a cryptic fashion so that we have to seek Him for understanding. Many times He will use a vision, dream, impression, or some other phenomenon to get our attention.When we are captured by the phenomenon and begin investigating, God then speaks to us and brings us into His presence. -- Steve Thompson (You May All Prophesy! p. 52)
Hey SUM family, Tiffany again!
Over the years I have always been amazed at the God-sized things that people have done in ministry and missions. I have been overwhelmed by the time, talent, and treasure of the Church and yet I never believed that I would be able to do something as great as....fill in the blank.
5 years or so I came across a quote (for the life of me I can't remember the source) about how God doesn't set us aside as in cast us out but set us apart as believers for a greater purpose and calling. Sure, sure, I would think. I hear you, but that isn't a word for me. I am truly nothing special or unique. In looking back I have believed this lie for many years before that quote hit my eyes. Up until more recently I have been crippled by this line of thinking. What could God possibly want to do with me? I disqualified myself.
It wasn't until this last year when God really got my attention through my 40 hour a week job (one that I didn't even WANT in the first place) that I was FORCED to see how uniquely and wonderfully made I was for such a time as this. Honestly, it started with a hunger and deep desire for something more. It really is that simple. God WANTS to draw us closer to Himself. When we come hungry, begging for His presence...when we are feeding on His word and devoting time to know Him...He is so pleased!
Check this out:
Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was buringing with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. So Moses said, "I must turn aside now, and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up." When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." (Exodus 3:1-4 NAS).
Let me be the voice to say, don't get familiar with the mundane. Jesus didn't come for that type of life. He came to give us abundance. How amazing that we are seeing miraculous things going on in our midst! We are living in some pretty amazing times. I wonder if maybe God has been allowing such hardship and trial and suffering in our lives lately (even if lasting for a few years) to create a deeper desperation for Him. When we get too familiar with comfort, we end up getting lazy. We don't tend to fan the flame as diligently...as least I don't.
I am not sure what is coming but I get this impression of expecting...as if pregnant...expecting and waiting with anticipation for delivery. A birthing of something new, something special, something unique, something for such a time as this.
I came across this verse this morning and I was absolutely blown away by the word accomplish as this is my word for the year. How blessed we are to have such talents and giftings unique to our own situation and lives. I think of the beautiful drawings/paintings, visions, dreams, renderings, hobbies etc that have been revealed in our community.
If you are gifted to paint, by all means paint! If you are gifted to write, by all means write! If you are gifted to render images/collages, by all means do so! If you are gifted to write music or sing, by all means do so! I think it no coincidence that we are seeing so many works of art showing up and God using our talents and gifts in such a way. People are leaving the church buildings and I think we will be able to reach more and more by new ways of communication through the artistic!
Share in the comments some things that God is prompting you to do. After all, only YOU can fulfill this because it is God's purpose for your life. Lets lift each other up and spur each other on to ACCOMPLISH the callings on our lives. I'll go first: write a book called Vicarious to Victorious: stepping into the destiny that God had in mind for you; write a 30 day devotional on #FingerprintRevelations; pickup with Connecting Verses - where music and scripture collide.
Today is our conclusion to the Love Our Neighbor series. Walking through this scripture has left me permanently changed. My heart for people softened. This series brought with it the Kingdom Assignment. God gave us a chance to practice kindness, and goodness. He gave us a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus. He watched, as we loved our neighbor.
I understand this command in a way I never did before:
Matthew 22: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Our world reverberates with hate, bitterness, and broken dreams. When we give our love away a doorway opens. Kindness and compassion overcomes barriers, hatred, and anger.
It opens a door to share Jesus.
Today, right now in our country and in our world, doors are opening.
People come to know God usually through three circumstances; trouble, transition, and tension. The pressures of the terrible T's propel people to search for God. Our world is smack in the middle of all three. People are scared, they are in financial trouble, and tension mounts each day as we watch the nightly news.
Our opportunity is NOW.
From this day forward I will never be the same. I am going to live every day of my life, giving love away, opening the door for God. I will be obedient. I will be kind. I will live compassion. I will live for Jesus.
If we truly live in this kind of obedience, our unbelieving spouses, our children, our neighbors, the world will know there is a God and He lives and works in our lives.
Lord, this is my prayer for every reader who stopped here in the last few months. Let your Holy Spirit fill us so full, that kindness is in our every breath, love in our eyes, and compassion in our hearts. Let us live it. Let us be the door to share with this broken world the life-changing truth:
OUR GOD SAVES!
I ask this in the powerful, awesome, glorious name of Jesus, our Redeemer, and our Lord. Amen.
Please share with me what happened with your Kingdom Assignment. Whatever you did with your dollar is exactly what the Lord wanted. Don't judge it unworthy of mention. Allow the Lord Jesus to receive honor because you used God's money in some way to serve His kingdom. Write to me today a quick note. Please email me. You can read other's stories by going to the Kingdom Page through the link in the sidebar.
I am excited to see where the Lord will take us next. You should know I am always just as surprised by the Lord as you are when we walk through these journeys. Thank you for walking beside me. Your friendship, wisdom, and love are gifts I can never repay. But, I sure do tell my "Father" about all of you often. Have a blessed week, Lynn
Little did Lynn know that a kingdom assignment was already brewing back in May. A dear friend of mine found a lost treasure in a parking lot—a wad of money. She let the store know she'd found something valuable and left her phone number to call if anyone came forward. One phone call would gladly bring her and the treasure back to its rightful owner. She went to the police, but they basically told her there was nothing they could do. So she prayed for the owner to come forward and continued to pray for their loss all summer long.
One night at the hospital, she came to visit us. She handed me an envelope with this wonderful letter telling me how she'd found this literal "manna from heaven" on the ground. And how God led her and her family to give it to us. I was so amazed to hear the story and shocked when I opened the envelope!
God is so good. I couldn't imagine why he wanted us to have it, but I trusted him to know best. And since it was his money, truly, I wanted to tithe 10% back.
Then I got Lynn's letter and my dollar bill. I prayed about what I could possibly do right now with that dollar. I remembered that tithe I had ready to give to my church, and then thought I could take it and add to my kingdom dollar since I technically didn't earn it and felt free to use it elsewhere.
So off my little envelope went today to a friend in need, a check and that dollar. Yep, I "passed the buck," so to speak. (Now how could I resist using that one?) She can keep it or pass it on to another person as God leads her.
The joy of this is knowing that through a blessing I could bless another—the whole point of why we are here! God blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others. He never intended us to keep it all to ourselves. He even asks us to share our struggles so that others can share those blessings with us and share in that comfort—what I and my family have recently experienced in abundance.
We are all part of God's Kingdom. And His Kingdom is within us all.
"The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." — spoken by Jesus in Luke 17: 20-21
Introduction of our Assignment letter: Greetings: Servant of the Most High
I have an assignment for you that will change your life. A Kingdom Assignment. Before you say no, before you tell me you’re too busy, too untrained, or too ill equipped to handle one more assignment, think about this:
If you accept this assignment, you will take a small amount of money and increase it up to a hundredfold or more. You will have the means to help countless people – some with food and clothing, others with medicine or the gospel message- and in the process, no matter how much money your investment turns into, no matter how many people you will help, you will walk away with more than what your investment will ever make and more than those you’ve invested in. Interested? ~Denny Bellesi, The Kingdom Assignment
Enclosed is a small amount of money. This money arrives with three conditions. First, this money belongs to God; second, you must invest it in God’s work; and third, you report the results over the next 60 days to the Kingdom Assignment Page at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.
Thus our assignment was born. Into the mail went envelopes headed for destinations across America, Canada, Mexico, into Europe and reaching Australia.
I realize that our world economy is terrible and there are so many people in need. I know that many find themselves with very little and nothing to share with someone else. But, I also know that we serve an amazing God. When you look around you, always you can find someone worse off than yourself.
This assignment is about loving your neighbor. What little you have can be much to someone else. Take your dollar and offer it to the Lord. Ask Him to multiply it and show you exactly where you are to serve.
A few years ago our church also handed out a dollar one morning in the bulletin. They were given this very assignment. To follow are first person stories of the results of this assignment.
One Sunday you had placed a dollar bill in every bulletin and instructed the congregation to give it away. Since we were visiting I decided to save my dollar and bring it back to Portland, Oregon and give it to a woman that gives meals on Mondays to a large homeless population. I gave her the dollar, explained the story behind it, and told her that whoever she gave the dollar to she was to tell them it came from a southern California church and that God loves them.
We prayed over the dollar and she left to give out meals. All night she kept looking for the right person to give it to and finally near the end of the dinner she gave it to a homeless woman. She told her the story and the woman had tears in her eyes.
Last Monday night when the meals were distributed, that same woman came up and wanted to be baptized. Quite a return on a 1 dollar gift! I am sure you have more stories that confirm the love of Christ, but maybe not one where a dollar from that Sunday went so far away to change a life for eternity.
God bless your ministry.
Okay, this story is phenomenal but the story that truly sticks in my mind was this.
A new believer took her dollar and simply noticed a woman alone. She bought her a cup of coffee. Nothing big. However, this ended up a profound meeting. This woman was lonely. She just wanted another human being to notice her and spend some time talking with her. I burst into tears as our church member told this story to our congregation.
There are so many lonely people. Perhaps our Kingdom Assignment is just to help the lonely. Perhaps it is the beginning of a new world-wide ministry.
Okay, now it is your turn. Big or small. It matters not. It only matters that you followed the Lord’s prompting and became a servant such as the one in Matthew 25: 22-23. Well done good and faithful servant.
I plan to post some of your stories for others to read. Please write to me and leave your story in the comments on this page. God bless you, Lynn
The Kingdom Assignment envelopes are going into the mail today. On Monday I will share the assignment here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage and some of the amazing stories of others who desired to honor Jesus and love their neighbor.
So , I have a question for you. Are you growing in your love for God and are you growing in your love for people?
Galatians 5:14 The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Mathew 7:12 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
I submit this statement for consideration: You only love Jesus as much as you love the most unattractive person you know.
Is this true? If it is true, how do we love that person who is a child abuser, or an ex-husband, a boss who is critical, a mother who is cold distant or even cruel. What about a spouse who hates Jesus?
How?
Looking forward to your wisdom and your scripture verses. Be Blessed, Lynn
Okay, I am overwhelmed! I have heard from so many of you who want to Love people and honor our Jesus. Across America, through Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. We are part of this fantastic story about to unfold, The Kingdom Assignment.
It is not to late to join us. Click here to sign up and let Jesus change you, your kids, your spouse and let all glory fall upon the name of Christ. Thank you everyone who has written to me. I have so much to share with you as we move into this assignment. Hold on! The envelopes are almost ready to go into the mail.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Luke 10: 25 (NIV) On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Do you remember that last week I asked you to revisit this parable of the Good Samaritan with a fresh perspective? For many of us, this parable’s familiarity has reduced its impact in our lives. Beginning today and through out the next few weeks of our Kingdom Assignment, we will travel this road with Jesus at our side as our Narrator. We will witness the beating, the narrow road, the travelers who pass by, their motives, their conflicts.
We will listen in as Jesus talks to the “Expert in the Law.” We will discover what the loopholes are and hear what Jesus does not say.
I wonder how much of ourselves we will discover through this retelling of this fascinating story filled with robbers, deception, beatings, healing, heroes, and villains.
The Living Word of God is astonishing in that it is fresh, it still applies and it is life changing. I need to warn you this study will make you uncomfortable. For the word of God is living and active. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
This passage will perhaps reveal some of our preconceptions and the tension between our orthodoxy and what it means to love others. Certainly it will challenge us to see our neighbors in a new light. I pray with fervor, your heart, my heart, will be softened by the Word’s of Jesus. Mostly I pray that when we finish this trek, Jesus will look upon our lives and say, “Well done good and faithful servant. You have loved Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And you have loved your neighbor as yourself.”
Let’s get started:
Look at the Expert in this passage. This is a man who is well educated in the teachings of Torah and the prophets. It is likely he attended training at the Synagogue in his childhood or early adult years. I wonder if he was sincere when addressing Jesus and asking this question in which he already knew the answer? I wonder if he realized he hadn’t figured everything out yet.
I wonder if we might just share a little more in common with this man than we are willing to admit. He read his bible every day. He prayed, he really loved God. He served at church. He found it rewarding. He also talked with his friends about God and encouraged them in their daily walk. On his blog, he offered encouraging scripture passages and prayed for his visitors. Hummmm.
Do we ask Jesus questions knowing we already have the answer? If we are honest, we do. I do. Sometimes I am just not ready to live with the answer. I am not ready to give up that tiny little (or big) thing in my life the Lord has asked of me.
I wonder if you read these words and that “one” issue you are dealing with popped into your mind? Perhaps this is the one issue God wants to deal with these next few months. Are you willing to listen? Do you want to move into a new intensity with the Lord but He is waiting for you to listen? To obey?
Did I not say this journey might be uncomfortable? As I type these words, God is speaking to me of an issue he has called me to surrender and I have refused. Perhaps this is our time, our journey, our moment.
Oh Father, Abba,
I know you have called me to a new height in service and you are waiting for me to reach out and take your hand. Lord, I am afraid or unable to let go of this thing in my life. Beginning today Lord, you change me. My heart, my body, my very soul to take steps to become free from this bondage. I am unable to do it myself. You do it for me. I surrender and will look for those around me who you send to help me.
Lord, thank you for Jesus and for his teaching and example. Thank you for redemption through the blood of Christ.
Lord, change me. Change me through this journey. Teach me to love my neighbor like Jesus loves. In my Savior’s powerful name, Jesus. Amen.
Okay, I can’t wait for our next lesson: There is a loophole clause we must uncover. There are underlying tensions, and belief systems. We are gong to have a blast in the discovery. Hang on because it is God’s will we do not remain unchanged. Be Blessed, Lynn
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
I sat on my couch Tuesday morning with my steaming coffee and my bible. The sky outside was holding a tiny hint of light. It was early but I met my Savior to talk about what it means to really love our neighbor.
As I sat quietly, listening, the Lord said to me, “Make this real Lynn. Show the world that you, my children, love your neighbors. You know what to do.”
Whoa!
You know what?
I DO know what to do.
I immediately knew what to do.
We are all going to do it.
We are going to love our neighbor in such a blatant, radical way that the people in our home and our friends will always remember this assignment. Most importantly, we are going to love the world in such a way that the Name of Jesus is honored.
So get ready. We are going to be practical and real. Beginning November 1st we will affect change in our sphere of influence. You can involve your kids, your spouse, your community or keep this completely priviate between you and God. He will show each of us what, where and who.
Right now Jesus has prepared a Kingdom Assignment for you: It is in an envelope and ready to be mailed to your home. Inside this envelope is something very simple and very life-changing. This simple assignment will prompt you to show love to your neighbor.
This envelope contains a note from me which will take a couple of minutes to read. The Love Your Neighbor Assignment is simple and short. It will take as little or much time and effort that you are able to give.
This assignment is a surprise and I don’t want to share it here yet. Not until everyone has received his or her letter. The assignment is the same for each of us. However, I can assure you the results will be vastly different for all of us. I promise you this. If you accept this assignment, you will be used by the very hand of God and be forever changed by this experience. Don’t be worried or scared, trust the Lord to make, loving your neighbor, very real to you.
Are you willing to at least find out what it is? All you need to do is click here and email me your mailing address. I am the only one who will have your address and I promise I will not use it for anything other than to mail you one envelope.
We are approaching the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season. This assignment is subtle yet a powerful witness for Christ. We will thrill our kids and they will be in awe of our Lord. This is an opportunity to experience God. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
The catch? When you have completed your assignment, you are invited to share your experience with everyone here. Log on to the Love your Neighbor, Kingdom Assignment Page here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage and share what God does with this simple assignment. (Page will go up on November 1st.)
Let’s share how God moves in our lives. Share how God has affected your children's heart, your spouse, your friends and mostly your neighbors.
I will continue this series beginning Monday with some amazing teaching from; The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
God is so very good. Let’s let His light shine out through us in the Holiday Season. Be blessed, Lynn
Serving God When Spiritually Single
