Life with God

What Does It Mean to Practice World Missions In Todays World?

Nick Bogardus — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:23:49 -0800

Here is some helpful insight from Peter Cha to this timely question.

I read something today that AW Tozer wrote in the early 1960's that is on topic.

"How long do you think it will be, if Jesus tarries, before some of the amazing new churches like those in the primitive Baliem Valley of Iraian Jaya, Indonesia, will be sending gospel missionaries to Canada and the United States?

If that upsets you, you desperately need to read this chapter.

I have a reason for suggesting this as a possibility at some time in the future. In Chicago, I was introduced to a deeply serious Christian brother who had come from his native India with a stirring and grateful testimony of the grace of God in his life.

I asked him about his church background, of course. He was not Pentecostal. He was neither Anglican nor Baptist. He was neither Presbyterian nor Methodist.

He did not even know what we mean by the label, "interdenominational". He was simply a brother in Christ.

This Indian had been born into the Hindu religion, but he was converted to and became a disciple of Jesus Christ by reading and seriously studying the New Testament record o the death and resurrection of our Lord.

He spoke English well enough to express his Christian concerns for the world and for the churches. I asked him to speak in my pulpit.

Through that encounter I realized that unless we arouse ourselves spiritually, unless we are brought back to genuine love and adoration and worship, our candlestick could be removed. [Rev. 2-3] We may need missionaries coming to us, indeed. We may need them to show us what a genuine and vital Christianity is!"

-AW Tozer, Whatever Happened to Worship, pp. 81-21

Good Girl?

Cara Davis — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:24:11 -0800

My 16-month-old daughter is learning to talk. Well, she talks already, but in her own language, so I guess I should say she’s learning English. She knows a number of words, like dog, baby, bye-bye, amen and the obligatory mama, dada and nana. She’s also learned to repeat a phrase she hears from me often: good girl. She doesn’t pronounce it perfectly, but I recognize it because she repeats it after she hears me say it. Whether she obeys something I’ve asked, or finishes her food or accomplishes a new feat, I’m quick to point out I’ve noticed and appreciate what she’s done.

Today in the car, though, she said it without my prompting. “Good girl?” she seemed to ask. My heart swelled when I heard her ask and I assured her, “Yes, good girl.”

I also recognized the question as one that’s near to my own heart. I often find myself asking God, “Good girl?” I don’t use those exact words, but the intention is the same. I long for some reassurance now and again from my Heavenly Father that I please Him, that I’m living in the way He intends for me to, that I’m moving in the right direction.

Seven times in the first chapter of Genesis God looked at his creation and “saw that it was good.” He didn’t say it was good. Things that he said were spoken into existence. He simply saw that those things were good. He never said it. And as much as my heart asks, “Am I good?” I never get an answer.

With the introduction of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in chapter two of Genesis and the subsequent rebellion, humanity fell into a state of sin that could only be redeemed by the arrival of the good news in the New Testament. While those who accept that good news are in the process of being redeemed, the total restoration won’t be complete until the life after this.

Because of that, there is no one who is good, but God (this echoes throughout the Bible in Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3, Ecclesiastes 7:20 and Romans 3:12). But we do have the option of acting good until our original created nature is restored. “Model the good,” The Message translation says. “The person who does good does God’s work” (3 John 1:11).

I often have to correct my toddler’s behavior; I recognize that she’s not always a “good” girl. It’s my job to shape, mold and direct her behavior. And when she is “good,” she’s simply modeling behavior that I’ve taught her. Her motivation for repeating that behavior is the positive reinforcement she gets from me.

I realize that God has given me tools to do the same. I can read His word (and then do it), I can practice spiritual disciplines to increase the Holy Spirit’s ability to guide me, and I can surround myself with fellow believers who model the “good” – God’s work.

If I do that work faithfully, I do have a promise in His word that I will finally hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23, NIV). That will be a good thing, indeed.

Review: 'Holy Curiosity'

Cara Davis — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:03:37 -0800

Holy Curiosity: Encountering Jesus’ Provocative Questions (Baker Books)
by Winn Collier
paperback, 12.99

Winn Collier writes with a pastor’s heart and a journalist’s inquisitiveness. The combination fits well as the title to his new book, Holy Curiosity. In it, Collier takes a look at a handful of well-placed, probing questions that Jesus asked His followers.

Unpacking these inquiries create a fascinating framework for successful Christian living today. With questions like: Who condemns you? Why are afraid? How much bread do you have? Why do you doubt? What do you want? Collier hits on heart issues like shame, fear, doubt and desire that often prevent Christians from living in authentic, deep relationship with God and others.

Collier weaves in ancient and contemporary insights for a well-rounded, soul-stirring read that ends all too soon. Any Christian who wrestles with questions of faith will find a kindred spirit here.

Conversations with God

Becky Tirabassi — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:46:28 -0800

I'm continually encouraging people to make time for God in their lives--regular, daily, alone time with God--and not just when they feel like it, or if they have time, or because it's a good thing to do. In fact, I down right beg people to make an appointment with God, both talking and listening, humbly confessing and boldly requesting, and even recording--in writing--their thoughts and His answers.

Why? Why am I so adamant, so determined, so "hard core" about spending time daily with God? Here are at least two good reasons: (1) By the time people even ask my advice, they are usually struggling with something all-consuming, and (2) God has the answer they're looking for--everyone else has good ideas, personal opinions, possible suggestions, or even ulterior motives!

So what would happen if you made an appointment with God everyday--and kept it? Everyday He'd meet with you; you'd get your "marching orders," you'd hear Him tell you (maybe softly on some days, but on others days, it would be loud and clear) that He's all you need. Most important, you'd hear, know, and feel His love for you.

Who doesn't want to hear God's voice and feel His love?

If I can encourage you to pray more consistently (rather than haphazardly), or if you have a question about prayer, or there is a barrier in your conversational relationship with God, maybe I can help? Give me a try...ask me a question and I'll get back with you as soon as possible.

Be encouraged,

Becky

John is Doing Something Amazing, but He Needs Our Help!

CJ Casciotta — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:02:16 -0800

My friend John has an awesome blog called human3rror.com It's got a ton of great insight from a guy who communicates Christ's involvement in every aspect of his life, as a dad, friend, son, husband, creative web director for this small, podunk church in Georgia called Northpoint, etc.

John has an amazing opportunity to go back to Korea and meet his birth mom. Something that rarely if ever comes a long in someone who's been adopted's life. On this journey, John is asking for a couple of things: prayer, some financial support, more prayer (this reconnecting is going to be a pretty huge deal with the Korean media and could be a sweet opportunity for John to communicate the voice of heart and Christ to the nation.)

It would be great if we as a Conversant Community could ralley aroundbros like John and support him as God calls us to. If you feelcompelled by this story and want to dig deeper into it and find out howyou can help, read his blog here.

The Tao of Craiglist

Cara Davis — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:14:31 -0800

I’ve bought and sold a number of items through the free classifieds on Craigslist.org over the years. I’ve met a myriad of people from all walks of life through it, and today I had the privilege of getting to know one of them.

Miriam responded to my ad for some of my baby girl’s dresses for sale. I offered four of them as a lot and she wondered if I could sell one separately, the teal one with the smocked collar, and if I could meet her for the exchange. The divided price of the lot would make it just $7.50 – hardly worth a special trip for her or for me, but I felt like I need the money, so I figured, why not?

We met at Chick-fil-A just down the road from where she dropped her two boys off for school this morning. She walked in with a full-term belly, dressed warmly for our first cold Florida day in a black turtleneck, dark jeans and tan suede boots. We met and she sat down to talk a few minutes.

The dress I sold her is for the child she’s expecting. Her due date’s tomorrow. She’s a doula by trade but had to quit working a while back because of some health issues that developed before the pregnancy. Miriam has a cyst on her brain, which has caused excruciating and debilitating headaches. She also has a thyroid problem. She suffered through immense pain and dozens of medications until her life was coming to a complete halt. Her quality of life had diminished, and she was barely eating and taking care of herself. She was unable to enjoy and nurture her two young boys the way she wanted. She got fed up.

She says with the help of God she slowly got off the meds, changed her diet and exercise regime. Little by little, the pain has gone away. She is still looking into medical options for the cyst in the event it does become an issue, but for the most part, she’s preparing to be a mom again, this time to a little girl, who I can only imagine will be as beautiful as her mother.

Before her health issues began to take over her life, Miriam worked for a teen “life” center that steers at-risk teens away from having abortions. She talked about how they pray with the kids, encourage them to give the babies up for adoption and accompany them at the birth (most have no family support). I couldn’t help but parallel this Miriam to the Bible’s Miriam, Moses’ sister, who hid him in the bulrushes to save him from Pharaoh's decree that newborn Hebrew boys be killed. Her work was not only life-giving and affirming, it helped change the course of history. What a beautiful mission.

Miriam reflected on what she and her husband have been through and said that bad things happen, but they’ve learned to adjust their perspective about them. She believes that they only serve to help you appreciate and value what’s most important in life.

I briefly shared with Miriam about my journey the past year – of having a baby, losing a grandparent then a parent – and how it has caused me to pause for reflection with questions like, What’s important in this life? Am I really pursuing the things that matter? Does the way I respond to hardship reflect the faith I say I have?

What I didn’t tell her was meeting her has also impacted me greatly today. It has reminded me that being a mother doesn’t mean I have to neglect my own health and wellbeing –to the contrary, much depends on me being healthy.

Miriam’s story and her attitude about life is peppered with grace, thankfulness and hope – things I find myself short of often. Miriam has a beautiful spirit about her – an inner beauty that spills out. That’s got to be God’s grace in her life. I wonder if others could say the same of me.

She asked me to keep in touch and to let her know when I’m ready to sell more of Madilyn’s things. I’ll do that, and more. I’m going to be praying for Miriam – praying for her complete healing so that she can continue her work in whatever capacity she chooses and that her two boys and her girl can watch and learn about their loving Creator from one who has submitted her life wholly to Him. I’ll be praying for myself, too, that I will always be open and receptive to the unusual ways that God speaks into my life – including through total strangers connecting through the Internet.

Here Nor There (Segue Series, Intro)

Chris Simning — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:24:06 -0800

My luggage slammed against the well-worn pavement. The handle on my suitcase snapped into place. As I pulled my possessions, I could hear the small wheels spinning along the sidewalk. Vehicles rushed in. Passengers emerged from car doors. I was in the middle of this pandemonium of flux. Voices rang over loud speakers. People stood in lines of make-shift labyrinths wrapping in and around corners. Cell phones embraced ears. Fingers danced upon keypads.

Destinations have always been an intrigue. A travel document with my name of it makes me a recipient to transience. I have lived the life of a vagabond even though I reside in the comforts of suburbia. Airports become that mechanism, a mosaic of strangers by which we share a commonality regardless of nationality, belief systems, or indifference. Airports are hubs of limbo transitioning us to localities; people; and dreams.

I never thought the day would come. I didn’t think my life would amount to anything. Looking back, it has been an autobiographical blessing. There are those who argue that my life is what it is because of me – my will power, my optimistic fervor, that determination. Some herald me a hero, resigning what has happened as a tragic mishap due to unfortunate circumstances. I have been labeled their inspiration. I don’t want such a responsibility. I would fail if you knew my inner workings. I struggle with depression. I am lonely. Sometimes, I want to quit. No... this is God’s story.

With that said, speaking was not on my to-do list before I died. I used to cry when talking in front of a group. Now, airports are like reporting to an office. Traveling is protocol, a commonplace. It is neither here nor there. Conversations get stirred. In random fashion, I remember when a baby caused me to crack a smile while tears trickled down my face upon reading a book. And I wonder how he is doing, or what she is up to, though I talked to them for not even an hour on the airplane – and that just once. I travel nationally as well as internationally speaking about my story of brokenness.

Life is a series of segues. We have a ticket in hand that grants us access to a destination. Unlike the transactions we are privy to purchasing, this one is free - yet it seeks all we have. Our ultimate destination is Heaven, of course, but currently we wrestle with neither here nor there. The team at Conversant Life asked me to share my story in printed form. In the next several weeks (???), I will be writing a series entitled, Segue. It is an autobiographical blog sketching out segments, which may or may not be in chronological order but will at least get the process rolling. My goal is to post a “chapter” every week. My desire is that you will be encouraged in your own series of segues weaving the tapestry of your life.

What are we doing with that ticket in hand? Am I making the most of every opportunity?

Start 'em Early

CJ Casciotta — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:37:49 -0800

Ok. Need your help with this one. This kid grew up to be....?

Advent Conspiracy

Caroline Ferdinandsen — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:44:08 -0800

It's nice to see what some churches are doing this holiday season. Check out this video:

Finding the Ultimate Gift

Cara Davis — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:47:46 -0800

Jason Stevens has grown up swimming in family money. He’s never worked a day in his life, and he’s had every pleasure known to man at his disposal. Jason has it made ... until the day his grandfather, Red Stevens, who built the family fortune, dies. In his will, Jason’s grandfather has a special gift earmarked for him. But he can only receive the gift if he’s willing to go through a series of tests that will teach him the value of life. Jason begrudgingly accepts the challenge — with his eyes only on the prize.

So begins the book The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall.

It’s not until a young girl named Emily who is dying of cancer and her mother come into Jason’s life that his motivation for achieving that prize changes. While Jason may not be able to save Emily’s life, he can help her fulfill her ultimate dream. After giving her the gift of a perfect day, Jason realizes his life’s purpose is giving back to others.

The Bible says that to whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48). It’s Jason’s choice to give back. By doing so, he gains much more than money. He gains a wealth of gifts like the gift of friends, the gift of family, the gift of gratitude, the gift of dreams and the gift of love.

The concepts found in this book and film cover more than simply “paying it forward.” They uncover the true essence of love and faith. They awaken the soul — a soul that was created to crave meaning, purpose and fulfillment. Since the defining attribute of God is love (1 John 4:8), the soul’s cravings can only be fulfilled by loving others and through a willingness to give all for the sake of others.

What do you have to give? Who is in need around you? Who can you reach? This holiday season focus on treasuring the gifts you give and receive that don’t come wrapped beneath the tree. Start by reading the book watching the film that has been made from it. There’s even a resource kit available through www.theultimategift.com that your loved ones can work through to help you tangibly experience the lessons found in the story. But whatever you do, remember that your life will be most fulfilled when it fulfills others. Now go, and give ...

(This content is adapted from an article I wrote for Everyday Woman magazine.)