Exactly, What Are We Doing?

I know it has been a long while since I have sat down to write...but I'm back. I'll try and make my post short and sweet. Having said that...

There were two point made during Bible Study (3 September, 08) that really stood out. I would like to call them "meat questions". They pack a hard punch when one sits and think about them.
1. If Jesus being the Word (John 1) had to use the Word, how much more should we? Let that just simmer for a moment. How can we as Christians even think to survive without reading, using or saying the Word?
2. "Sometime we don't have victory because we don't want to let go of some things." In other words, sometimes we would rather suffer than to forgive, let go of baggage, change our surrounding, get over forgotten issues, and on and on. What might be the something keeping you from your victory.

I can say that both points were able to find a "spot in my bed". What about you?

When is your mission complete?

During this weeks Pastoral Bible Class several questions were asked in regards to Shadow Mission and Mission. As the questions were being raised and answered be various individuals, a thought hit me. Of course it may just be my brain working over time. One of the questions that sort of took me on a brief journey was whether individuals in the Bible, Like Esther, completed their mission in the one act that is recorded in the Bible. The Bible, though a historical book that spans many generations, only gives us brief glimpses into the lives of those who are mentioned. Very seldom are we given "over the years" coverage of lives like Moses, David or Paul. However, if these men are examples of the others mentioned, there is a great possibility that there were continual missions in their life. Often time, one mission lead to the next mission. Maybe, there were small missions that fulfilled a greater mission.

I think many times we think of missions being something big that makes a grand stage. But many times it may take back stage to a someone else's "grand" mission, like Mary the mother of Jesus, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Jonathan, or Eliezer. All of these individuals had a very important mission of being a support to help others fulfill their mission. I mean after Jesus forgave and healed (spiritually) "Evangelist" Magdalene she became a follower of Jesus. We are not told the extend of her support in his ministry - and no we are not going to include the Da Vinci Code's belief- until we see her later at his Resurrection. Do your really think all she did was become the first to declare the gospel? Is it possible that she was apart of Jesus marketing/evangelistic team? Her daily mission may not seem very big, but every mission (no matter how many pats on the back you don't get or if no one writes it in history) is important to God.

I think its like Rick Warren put it in simple term - live everyday of your life on purpose. There is a daily mission, but we have to be sensitive to God to fulfill it. We may never know what it is until after it is done. My mission today may be to call a member who has been going through spiritually or to pray for that person who came to mind for know reason. You see our mission or purpose is not always clear to us at the moment. But I think that is why we pray for God's wisdom and guidance each day. "Lord order my steps in your will today..."

I have to say that I believe that every believer has a continual mission and purpose. There is a our daily mission and then there may be our MISSION. It just may not seem "grand" enough to us to call it a mission. But if that's what God purposed for you today - then its the mission that he gave to you.

The floor is open...

*please refrain from using individuals names (those who may have been seen in the news in a negative light) as this is a public forum meant to encourage believers.

Listening For Our Purpose

During this Wednesday's Pastoral Bible Study Class the Bishop posed a question as she ministered concerning understanding our purpose or mission. The question was "can you hear from the Lord when you are busy with the cares of life?"

Now maybe I should back up for those who were not there. The basic theme of the lesson was being in the position to hear and answer the call of God. Several examples were given, 1. Isaiah (6:8) 2. Paul (his conversion) 3. Judah (in Judges 20), to show that in order to hear the complete Word of the Lord one must be in the proper place to hear from God.

As we desire to know our mission with clarity and certainty, we will only know after we have surrendered ourselves and entered into the place or the positions where God's voice can be heard. One thing I loved that was said, was that we as individuals "must hear from God" and not seek after men to speak to us for God. Being a typical PK, the last thing I want is for someone to walk up to me and tell me "thus saith the Lord," when God has not said anything. I've seen too many people move because people said move. But what did God tell you in the quite place? Others may so go, but God may have said sit and learn. Who do you listen to? In fact are we more moved by people's voice and desired mission for our lives? Are we even concerned about the shipwreck that is due to ensue from following people? How do we even know if we are hearing from God?

This is where I shall open the floor for your discussion.