This summer I am working at Park River Bible Camp This week here in Park River is Jubilee Camp. This is a week where people with physical and mental handicaps come out to camp for a few days to experience the goodness of God in a very spectacular way. As I write this we are on our second night of three and already I have been blessed beyond measure.
On Sunday night we opened with a bluegrass/southern gospel concert with the Freedom Band, who came all the way from Canada (yeah Canada), and rocked our socks off. The joy and enthusiasm that was emitted from the crowd during most of, and after all of the songs was incredible. The band fed off of it and we worshiped our God that night with more joy than one could express. The next day was spent doing various activities around camp such as crafts, fishing, a hayride, swimming, and therapeutic recreation and with great willingness and joy, once again, the campers participated. For most of thesecampers life here at camp is one of the highlights of their year. When I look into their face and see them smiling and singing with so much life, despite not knowing the words, it brings joy and love flooding into my heart.
God has blessed us with great campers this week and great staff to work with them. I don’t write this simply to tell you about the great week of camp that we are having, but to encourage you to take a look into your life this week and ask yourself what your faith is like. Is it like the faith of a child, which Jesus says is all we need? Or is it cluttered and self-conscious and filled with worry, anger, fear, and sin? You know God does not look for faith that does not seek Him. Is your faith in Him truly causing you to seek Him or has it become so null and void in your life that you wonder if it still exists? I look at each of these campers and wonder what it would be like to have their faith or even just their lives. Not one of them can completely take care of themselves and are entrusted into the care of another. They know no other way. That is such a great picture of what our lives in Christ ought to be like, where we are completely entrusted into the care of our God in heaven. There is not one of us who can take care of ourselves; no matter how much we try, or think that we can, we cannot be self-sufficient. We may think that we can be for awhile, but when our lives are measured up against the Word of God and how things ought to be, we will quickly see that we are not. Maybe all it will take though is that first broken relationship or a constant anger in your life. Those things too quickly remind us that we cannot take care of ourselves and life around us; that we need to entrust ourselves with complete and childlike faith into the loving hands of our God.
And so, as the Jubilee campers continue to come here year after year and express their joy in Christ and hope in Him let’s learn a lesson from them and express our joy in Him as well.
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted July 2008
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Grounded
Grounded. This word conjures up many images in my mind. Including one where I am sitting at home on a Friday night during high school because I have been “grounded” for disobeying my parents. This is not the type of grounding that we are talking about here as the theme for this new website and college ministry. The grounding that we are talking about is being grounded in the love of God and in His Word, the Bible. Our prayer for you comes from Ephesians 3:17-19. They say, “So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and GROUNDED in LOVE, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the LOVE of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” May this grounding cause us to serve the Lord with both joy and gladness.
Many of you, I am assuming, have grown up in a Christian home and have been grounded in the Word of God. You know that He loves you and now think that everything is great. You are off in college and doing the things that you have always wanted to do. You are involved in extra-curricular activities, taking classes you enjoy, and hanging out with people of the opposite sex. Woohoo! Big whoop, if it means that you have walked away from your grounding in God’s Word and the love of God and your faith and confidence in Him, then something is wrong. Those activities mean nothing if they are causing you to sin and you have strayed from God. Come back to that grounding. That faith that was given to you by God. Come back to it. Turn from your wicked ways and come back to Christ and seek Him first again.
There are those of you though who have not turned away from Christ and are still seeking Him. Many are like Timothy who have been given a gift and are struggling with timidity and fear. You’re not quite sure how to go about doing what God has called you to do. My encouragement to you comes from II Timothy 2:5-7. They say, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and you mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well (sounds like a good AFLC family). For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Fear has become your guide and you have forgotten what God has given to you. This is Paul speaking to Timothy, his young apprentice in the faith, who has become like a son to him. These verses have been an encouragement to me and I know that they can be to you as well. Do not think that God cannot use you because you are young. Paul also encourages Timothy to not let anyone look down on Him because he is young. He had been given a gift and a responsibility to use that gift by God and no one but God ought to tell him when to quit doing what he had been called to do. Again Paul encourages Timothy to “continue in the things you have learned and been convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” I think that many Christians struggle in their and faith, wondering what God has called them to do and what gifts He has given to them. If that is the case for you then begin to seek God about this and get involved when and where He gives you the opportunity. Growth often comes through much trial and error; so if you can’t find your place quickly do not lose heart because He must have some work to do in you as He guides you to the place He wants you to go. We cannot live our lives in fear, for fear gives Satan an opportunity to come and place doubts and disappointment in our lives causing us to live in an ineffective manner. Be confident in Christ and the Word which he has given to you. You have been given a gift by growing up
grounded in the Christian faith and in God’s Word to us. Do not be afraid to go forth and do the things that God has called you to do. This is a quote that has encouraged me time and time again in the past couple of years and I pray it will encourage you as well. I am not sure where it came from but I think that I read it in a book somewhere.
"We must never underestimate the potential of youth. Throughout history God has called young men and women to rise up and change their world through the power of the Gospel."
Go forth and serve God with everything that you have, guided by the Holy Spirit; grounded in the love of God, knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted January 2008
Many of you, I am assuming, have grown up in a Christian home and have been grounded in the Word of God. You know that He loves you and now think that everything is great. You are off in college and doing the things that you have always wanted to do. You are involved in extra-curricular activities, taking classes you enjoy, and hanging out with people of the opposite sex. Woohoo! Big whoop, if it means that you have walked away from your grounding in God’s Word and the love of God and your faith and confidence in Him, then something is wrong. Those activities mean nothing if they are causing you to sin and you have strayed from God. Come back to that grounding. That faith that was given to you by God. Come back to it. Turn from your wicked ways and come back to Christ and seek Him first again.
There are those of you though who have not turned away from Christ and are still seeking Him. Many are like Timothy who have been given a gift and are struggling with timidity and fear. You’re not quite sure how to go about doing what God has called you to do. My encouragement to you comes from II Timothy 2:5-7. They say, “For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and you mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well (sounds like a good AFLC family). For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Fear has become your guide and you have forgotten what God has given to you. This is Paul speaking to Timothy, his young apprentice in the faith, who has become like a son to him. These verses have been an encouragement to me and I know that they can be to you as well. Do not think that God cannot use you because you are young. Paul also encourages Timothy to not let anyone look down on Him because he is young. He had been given a gift and a responsibility to use that gift by God and no one but God ought to tell him when to quit doing what he had been called to do. Again Paul encourages Timothy to “continue in the things you have learned and been convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” I think that many Christians struggle in their and faith, wondering what God has called them to do and what gifts He has given to them. If that is the case for you then begin to seek God about this and get involved when and where He gives you the opportunity. Growth often comes through much trial and error; so if you can’t find your place quickly do not lose heart because He must have some work to do in you as He guides you to the place He wants you to go. We cannot live our lives in fear, for fear gives Satan an opportunity to come and place doubts and disappointment in our lives causing us to live in an ineffective manner. Be confident in Christ and the Word which he has given to you. You have been given a gift by growing up
grounded in the Christian faith and in God’s Word to us. Do not be afraid to go forth and do the things that God has called you to do. This is a quote that has encouraged me time and time again in the past couple of years and I pray it will encourage you as well. I am not sure where it came from but I think that I read it in a book somewhere.
"We must never underestimate the potential of youth. Throughout history God has called young men and women to rise up and change their world through the power of the Gospel."
Go forth and serve God with everything that you have, guided by the Holy Spirit; grounded in the love of God, knowing that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted January 2008
Bible Study - Matthew 28:18-20
“Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, “All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age.” (Amplified)
1. Jesus gives the disciples a reason for them to go and make disciples of all nations. What is that reason? Does that not rock your world? It does mine.
2. What is the third command that Jesus gives to the disciples after telling them to go?
3. Do you think that we sometimes forget about this command, and maybe the second one too, when it comes to modern day evangelism? We get told to ask four questions, make five comments, and our good deed for the day is done. I think that we have lost sight, at least to some extent, of what the Great commission really is, or maybe we have actually lost sight of the promise that comes along with it.
4. When you talk to someone about your faith, do you honestly believe that Jesus is with you and that His power is there with you as well? Do you think that the Holy Spirit could actually be at work, or you are just doing it do it?
5. One final question. What are you doing to play a part in the Great Commission?
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted March 2009
1. Jesus gives the disciples a reason for them to go and make disciples of all nations. What is that reason? Does that not rock your world? It does mine.
2. What is the third command that Jesus gives to the disciples after telling them to go?
3. Do you think that we sometimes forget about this command, and maybe the second one too, when it comes to modern day evangelism? We get told to ask four questions, make five comments, and our good deed for the day is done. I think that we have lost sight, at least to some extent, of what the Great commission really is, or maybe we have actually lost sight of the promise that comes along with it.
4. When you talk to someone about your faith, do you honestly believe that Jesus is with you and that His power is there with you as well? Do you think that the Holy Spirit could actually be at work, or you are just doing it do it?
5. One final question. What are you doing to play a part in the Great Commission?
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted March 2009
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Bible Study - Faith in Action
Read Hebrews 11
1. According to verse 1 what is faith?
2. After reading the whole chapter how would you describe faith in your own words?
3. Is faith simply a belief you have in your heart or does it require more than that?
Read James 2:14-26 for further study.
4. Name at least 10 examples of an active and living faith, naming specifically the work each person was called to do.
5. To you, which one stands out the most? Take some time to reflect and seek God about why it does.
6. Is there anything in your life that God is calling you to do by faith? What step is He asking you to take? What is keeping you from doing it?
7. Take some time to share with one another what you believe God is calling you to do; talk about what it means to truly live by faith in today’s world, especially our extremely secular society.
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted May 2008
1. According to verse 1 what is faith?
2. After reading the whole chapter how would you describe faith in your own words?
3. Is faith simply a belief you have in your heart or does it require more than that?
Read James 2:14-26 for further study.
4. Name at least 10 examples of an active and living faith, naming specifically the work each person was called to do.
5. To you, which one stands out the most? Take some time to reflect and seek God about why it does.
6. Is there anything in your life that God is calling you to do by faith? What step is He asking you to take? What is keeping you from doing it?
7. Take some time to share with one another what you believe God is calling you to do; talk about what it means to truly live by faith in today’s world, especially our extremely secular society.
by Justin Kantonen
originally posted May 2008
Monday, January 18, 2010
Speak Out - Who Knew
This past summer is one that I know I will never forget. Going into it, I had lost the best friend I’d ever had. I was devastated from losing Amber, but made it appear as if I could care less. One day in August, while I was on my fifteen minute break at the Gap, I got a text from Amber asking me if I wanted to go to Malibu in 2 days. I was in shock! I knew there was no way it would work, it was literally 2 days before. I had no paperwork, no payment, and I’d never even been to Younglife before! God clearly had something else in mind for me, “For I know the plans I have for you, declared the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. I ended up being given the opportunity to attend a one week trip in this paradise called Malibu. I didn’t even have a relationship with God at the time, but like it says in Romans 8:28, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” And he loved me enough to send me on the 12 hour trip to one amazing Younglife camp.
Wow! Never would I have expected for it to change me as much as it did. The week I spent at Malibu was by far the most incredible and life changing week of my entire life. My 7 days there changed me for the rest of my life. I renewed a lost friendship. I made memories that I know I will never forget. I’d grown closer with people I barely knew at all before and I met people who are a ridiculously huge part of my life now, people who I can’t imagine my life without.
Above all else, I committed my life to Jesus Christ. This was hands down the best and most important decision I’ve ever made. My life has changed 1000%, for the better. I plan on living every single day of my life for Jesus Christ, and I am not afraid to tell you about it. I pray that my relationship with God gets stronger and stronger every day. The more I get to know Christ, the more I excited I am to get to know him even better. I thank him so much for pursuing me long enough, and for finally making me realize that choosing to have a relationship with him is the best choice that I could ever possibly make. I also thank him for Younglife. It honestly is an incredible organization, that completely changed my life. While at Malibu, I met my best friend Jordan. As our friendship grows stronger, our faith does as well. I know that there will be some trials along the way, I’ve already experienced a few, but I have absolutely no doubt that it is completely worth it. Like it says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him, who gives me strength.”
Going in to the summer of 2008 I was a high school girl, living through her friends, with no idea of what her plans are after graduation. Coming out of it I am a Christian, completely on fire for God, and a Younglife student leader, who is hoping to attend Bible School in the fall. My Christianity changed every aspect of my life. I’ve never been happier than I am as of now. Never have I felt so lucky, content, and blessed. I know that God has something great in store for me, and I am so eager to find out what it is.
There was a superb Christian singer, Mark Wagner, at camp, and his lyrics are a perfect summary of my testimony, “Cause I’ve never been loved, never been loved like this. It must be some kind of love, love only you can give. And now I live, for the way that you love me.”
by Jade Hoiby
originally posted February 2009
Wow! Never would I have expected for it to change me as much as it did. The week I spent at Malibu was by far the most incredible and life changing week of my entire life. My 7 days there changed me for the rest of my life. I renewed a lost friendship. I made memories that I know I will never forget. I’d grown closer with people I barely knew at all before and I met people who are a ridiculously huge part of my life now, people who I can’t imagine my life without.
Above all else, I committed my life to Jesus Christ. This was hands down the best and most important decision I’ve ever made. My life has changed 1000%, for the better. I plan on living every single day of my life for Jesus Christ, and I am not afraid to tell you about it. I pray that my relationship with God gets stronger and stronger every day. The more I get to know Christ, the more I excited I am to get to know him even better. I thank him so much for pursuing me long enough, and for finally making me realize that choosing to have a relationship with him is the best choice that I could ever possibly make. I also thank him for Younglife. It honestly is an incredible organization, that completely changed my life. While at Malibu, I met my best friend Jordan. As our friendship grows stronger, our faith does as well. I know that there will be some trials along the way, I’ve already experienced a few, but I have absolutely no doubt that it is completely worth it. Like it says in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him, who gives me strength.”
Going in to the summer of 2008 I was a high school girl, living through her friends, with no idea of what her plans are after graduation. Coming out of it I am a Christian, completely on fire for God, and a Younglife student leader, who is hoping to attend Bible School in the fall. My Christianity changed every aspect of my life. I’ve never been happier than I am as of now. Never have I felt so lucky, content, and blessed. I know that God has something great in store for me, and I am so eager to find out what it is.
There was a superb Christian singer, Mark Wagner, at camp, and his lyrics are a perfect summary of my testimony, “Cause I’ve never been loved, never been loved like this. It must be some kind of love, love only you can give. And now I live, for the way that you love me.”
by Jade Hoiby
originally posted February 2009
Speak Out - The Word Is Alive
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any twoedged sword, and piercing as far as the division of the soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the
heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
A few months ago, I started volunteering in the Emergency Room at a hospital near my home. I thought it would be a fun and exciting thing to do, and I haven’t been disappointed. I didn’t expect, though, that I would have the opportunity of working with a Muslim girl just a few years younger than me. As the weeks went by and we gradually got to know each other better, she started sharing more and more about her personal life, such as family problems and hard decisions she was trying to make. Soon, we got on the topic of religion.
I have always prayed that God would give me chances to share His Word with others, and He blessed me with another opportunity in the hallway of the ER of this hospital. My Muslim friend started telling me how her father wanted the family to take a trip to Mecca. As I asked her questions about her Muslim faith, she told me the things one must do to be good enough to make it to heaven. Then, curious of what I believed, she asked what the “three Gods thing” was, meaning the Trinity, and why we thought Jesus was so important. This gave me the open door to share with her who Jesus was as the Son of God, and what He has done in my life, saving me from the penalty of all my sins.
She thought it was cool that I believed in God, but was very strong in her Muslim convictions. I shared a few verses with her, but she didn’t seem to really realize the impact Jesus, being true God, made by dying on the cross and rising again. In fact, she said Jesus was just a prophet, a very good man. As I left that night at the end of my shift, I felt hopeless. I started to question myself, “Did I say anything right? She didn’t seem to grasp the importance of what I was saying at all! She had grown up in a strict Muslim family her whole life. How will her heart ever change?”
As I drove home with a heavy heart, the song “The Word is Alive” by Casting Crowns came on the radio. God must have known what I needed to hear! The chorus of the song says, “The Word is alive, and it cuts like a sword through the darkness with a message of life to the hopeless and afraid, breathing life into all who believe. The Word is alive, and the world and its glories will fade, but His truth, it will not pass away. It remains yesterday and forever the same. The Word is alive.”
Then it hit me. Of course my words can’t change someone’s heart, but the living Word of God can! It’s not me that can save a soul or convince someone that they need Jesus. It’s His Word, which is “living and active…and piercing as far as the divisions of soul and spirit.” That is what changes people’s lives. Salvation is about Christ, and God’s Word is about Christ. We should always be ready to share our faith, and in doing so, should always be ready to “preach the Word.” (2 Tim. 4:2) The Word is alive.
by Lydia Franz
originally posted December 2008
heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
A few months ago, I started volunteering in the Emergency Room at a hospital near my home. I thought it would be a fun and exciting thing to do, and I haven’t been disappointed. I didn’t expect, though, that I would have the opportunity of working with a Muslim girl just a few years younger than me. As the weeks went by and we gradually got to know each other better, she started sharing more and more about her personal life, such as family problems and hard decisions she was trying to make. Soon, we got on the topic of religion.
I have always prayed that God would give me chances to share His Word with others, and He blessed me with another opportunity in the hallway of the ER of this hospital. My Muslim friend started telling me how her father wanted the family to take a trip to Mecca. As I asked her questions about her Muslim faith, she told me the things one must do to be good enough to make it to heaven. Then, curious of what I believed, she asked what the “three Gods thing” was, meaning the Trinity, and why we thought Jesus was so important. This gave me the open door to share with her who Jesus was as the Son of God, and what He has done in my life, saving me from the penalty of all my sins.
She thought it was cool that I believed in God, but was very strong in her Muslim convictions. I shared a few verses with her, but she didn’t seem to really realize the impact Jesus, being true God, made by dying on the cross and rising again. In fact, she said Jesus was just a prophet, a very good man. As I left that night at the end of my shift, I felt hopeless. I started to question myself, “Did I say anything right? She didn’t seem to grasp the importance of what I was saying at all! She had grown up in a strict Muslim family her whole life. How will her heart ever change?”
As I drove home with a heavy heart, the song “The Word is Alive” by Casting Crowns came on the radio. God must have known what I needed to hear! The chorus of the song says, “The Word is alive, and it cuts like a sword through the darkness with a message of life to the hopeless and afraid, breathing life into all who believe. The Word is alive, and the world and its glories will fade, but His truth, it will not pass away. It remains yesterday and forever the same. The Word is alive.”
Then it hit me. Of course my words can’t change someone’s heart, but the living Word of God can! It’s not me that can save a soul or convince someone that they need Jesus. It’s His Word, which is “living and active…and piercing as far as the divisions of soul and spirit.” That is what changes people’s lives. Salvation is about Christ, and God’s Word is about Christ. We should always be ready to share our faith, and in doing so, should always be ready to “preach the Word.” (2 Tim. 4:2) The Word is alive.
by Lydia Franz
originally posted December 2008
Speak Out - What Would You Do?
A friend and I went out to lunch after church with our Pastor and his family. On our way to the restaurant something happened that is challenging me to take a look at how I am living out my faith. Here is the
question: What would you do? Here is the context. We exited the freeway and sat at the red light on the off ramp, next to us stood a homeless man with a sign asking for help. Our pastor said “Oh man, what do we do?” Then he turned, looked back at us and said “Girls, what would you do?” I looked that homeless man in the eyes and was filled with shame. In that moment I didn’t have an answer. In theory the answer is to help him. The dilemma was more of how. There lies the struggle for me. How do I help? I know I need to help. God has blessed me, has compassion on me and loves me. Where is outflow of love for my God and Savior in my life? Lately I’ve been asking the Lord for two things. The first is that He would grow my love for Him and the second is that he would grow my love for people. I know that there are lost and desperate people out there. When confronted with one I was not prepared to help, to reach out, and to love that person.
Colossians 3:12-17 says “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
When it comes to applying the Word of God to my life, the word that often comes to my mind is: Intentional. I was confronted by this man’s needs because we happened upon him, not because I was intending to help someone in need. There are two areas here in my life that I am challenged to change. I’m challenged to be prepared. I’m challenged to think ahead to what I can do and how I can help when the needs arise in the moment. What will I decide, now, to do the next time I see a homeless person on the side of the road, asking for help? What will I do the next time I have the opportunity to share Christ’s love and salvation with someone? I need to decide these things and be ready help, share and love. I’m also challenged to be intentional. I cannot wait for someone to happen along. I need to go. Where can I go to help the homeless? Where can go to I witness to people?
On the radio on the way to work today “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath was playing. Here are the powerful lyrics:
Verse One: Looked down from a broken sky, Traced out by the city lights,
My world from a mile high, Best seat in the house tonight,
Touched down on the cold black tile, Hold on for the sudden stop,
Breath in the familiar shock, Of confusion and chaos,
All those people going somewhere?, Why have I never cared?
Chorus: Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I keep missing,
Give me your love for humanity,
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Verse Two: Step out on a busy street, See a girl and our eyes meet,
Does her best to smile at me, To hide what’s underneath,
There’s a man just to her right, Black suit and a bright red tie,
Too ashamed to tell his wife, He’s out of work, He’s buying time,
All those people going somewhere?, Why have I never cared?
Chorus: Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I keep missing,
Give me your love for humanity,
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the once forgotten (repeat)
Verse Three: I’ve Been there a million times, A couple of million eyes,
Just move and pass me by, I swear I never thought that I was wrong,
Well I want a second glance, So give me a second chance,
To see the way you see the people all alone
Chorus: Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I keep missing,
Give me your love for humanity,
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the once forgotten (repeat)
Our discussion on what to do continued. Our pastor asked us if it would be okay if he dropped us off at the restaurant and went back to bring that man some food. So he dropped us off at the restaurant and went back to bring that man some food. By the time he got there, the man was gone. Sunday as we ate lunch, Sunday night at Young Adults Bible study as we shared areas we feel the Lord is challenging us to grow, Monday as I went through my day, and now this morning as I write this, that man and this issue is heavy on my mind. It is a moment I don’t want to forget. It’s a moment that has impacted me and I pray the Lord uses to change me.
What will I do?
What Would You Do?
by Naomi Andrews
originally posted November 2008
question: What would you do? Here is the context. We exited the freeway and sat at the red light on the off ramp, next to us stood a homeless man with a sign asking for help. Our pastor said “Oh man, what do we do?” Then he turned, looked back at us and said “Girls, what would you do?” I looked that homeless man in the eyes and was filled with shame. In that moment I didn’t have an answer. In theory the answer is to help him. The dilemma was more of how. There lies the struggle for me. How do I help? I know I need to help. God has blessed me, has compassion on me and loves me. Where is outflow of love for my God and Savior in my life? Lately I’ve been asking the Lord for two things. The first is that He would grow my love for Him and the second is that he would grow my love for people. I know that there are lost and desperate people out there. When confronted with one I was not prepared to help, to reach out, and to love that person.
Colossians 3:12-17 says “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
When it comes to applying the Word of God to my life, the word that often comes to my mind is: Intentional. I was confronted by this man’s needs because we happened upon him, not because I was intending to help someone in need. There are two areas here in my life that I am challenged to change. I’m challenged to be prepared. I’m challenged to think ahead to what I can do and how I can help when the needs arise in the moment. What will I decide, now, to do the next time I see a homeless person on the side of the road, asking for help? What will I do the next time I have the opportunity to share Christ’s love and salvation with someone? I need to decide these things and be ready help, share and love. I’m also challenged to be intentional. I cannot wait for someone to happen along. I need to go. Where can I go to help the homeless? Where can go to I witness to people?
On the radio on the way to work today “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath was playing. Here are the powerful lyrics:
Verse One: Looked down from a broken sky, Traced out by the city lights,
My world from a mile high, Best seat in the house tonight,
Touched down on the cold black tile, Hold on for the sudden stop,
Breath in the familiar shock, Of confusion and chaos,
All those people going somewhere?, Why have I never cared?
Chorus: Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I keep missing,
Give me your love for humanity,
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Verse Two: Step out on a busy street, See a girl and our eyes meet,
Does her best to smile at me, To hide what’s underneath,
There’s a man just to her right, Black suit and a bright red tie,
Too ashamed to tell his wife, He’s out of work, He’s buying time,
All those people going somewhere?, Why have I never cared?
Chorus: Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I keep missing,
Give me your love for humanity,
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the once forgotten (repeat)
Verse Three: I’ve Been there a million times, A couple of million eyes,
Just move and pass me by, I swear I never thought that I was wrong,
Well I want a second glance, So give me a second chance,
To see the way you see the people all alone
Chorus: Give me your eyes for just one second,
Give me your eyes so I can see,
Everything that I keep missing,
Give me your love for humanity,
Give me your arms for the broken hearted,
The ones that are far beyond my reach,
Give me your heart for the once forgotten (repeat)
Our discussion on what to do continued. Our pastor asked us if it would be okay if he dropped us off at the restaurant and went back to bring that man some food. So he dropped us off at the restaurant and went back to bring that man some food. By the time he got there, the man was gone. Sunday as we ate lunch, Sunday night at Young Adults Bible study as we shared areas we feel the Lord is challenging us to grow, Monday as I went through my day, and now this morning as I write this, that man and this issue is heavy on my mind. It is a moment I don’t want to forget. It’s a moment that has impacted me and I pray the Lord uses to change me.
What will I do?
What Would You Do?
by Naomi Andrews
originally posted November 2008
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