My "not a fan." bracelet has afforded me a couple of opportunities to share my heart with people. Inspired by my wife (who put it this way first), when I was asked today, "what's that all about? Not a fan of what?"
I replied, "Jesus." And I let it hang there for a minute.
"Ah, not a fan. A believer."
"Not exactly. It's more than that..." The conversations that followed with two of my brothers and one of their friends were good. I can't tell you that I was speaking with immense clarity or powerful conviction. I fumbled through quite a bit. I was able to break the ice on a topic that has been concerning me for a while, though. My family is full of fans. I am afraid that when they meet Jesus he will tell them, "I never knew you." So, I need to really introduce them.
Only, it's not just them. God has laid on my heart for years now to be involved in the second half of our church's mission..."better disciples" or as Phil puts it, "those who know Jesus ought to know him better." When I think of the people who know Jesus, who believe in him, but who are strangers to him...when I think of all the people who may someday come face to face with Christ only to hear, "away from me evildoers," it breaks my heart...and I want to do something about it...no, more than that...I honestly feel like God wants me to do something about it. I feel this welcome conviction.
I don't know what is next for me. I do know I need to get my priorities in line so this mission is in its proper place in my life. I cannot treat it as an interest any longer. It is my purpose.
No reserves.
No retreats.
No regrets.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Prayer Requests and Praises for May 6
We praise God that Danee's sister Becky has a new job! We pray that God be with Becky as she has decided to move in with Timmy. Pray that God give James and Danee words of wisdom and love.
We pray that God heal Casey's body and make her feel better. We pray that God give the doctors wisdom and the knowledge to make her well again. We also need to lift up Steve and Casey at this time of decision. We know that this must be difficult and we pray that God rain down his peace and comfort on them. We pray especially for Micah, Malachi and Ephraim as they go through this transition.
We want to lift up a co-worker of Jill, Wendy. She was only 27 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure. They had to take her baby boy by cesarean because Wendy's liver shut down. He was only 2 pounds 4 ounces and 15 inches long. He is breathing on his own. Praise God! Wendy has not seen him as she is still very sick. We pray that God bring healing on her body and strength for her and her baby to keep getting better every day.
We want to lift up a co-worker of Chris, Peter. He is a non-believer and is against church. He doesn't understand why this is the only religion to believe in. He does believe in God. He called Chris on his way to the airport and asked to pray with him. We pray that God and His Holy Spirit give Chris the words to say while he talks with Peter. We know that he is already working on that as he has talked to him. We pray that while Chris is talking that God open Peter's heart and soften it so he can learn more about Christ.
We pray that God give our group direction for this summer. We pray that He give us the tools that we need to do whatever he asks us to do. We pray that God stretch us and teach us how to be fully devoted followers.
We pray that God heal Casey's body and make her feel better. We pray that God give the doctors wisdom and the knowledge to make her well again. We also need to lift up Steve and Casey at this time of decision. We know that this must be difficult and we pray that God rain down his peace and comfort on them. We pray especially for Micah, Malachi and Ephraim as they go through this transition.
We want to lift up a co-worker of Jill, Wendy. She was only 27 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital with high blood pressure. They had to take her baby boy by cesarean because Wendy's liver shut down. He was only 2 pounds 4 ounces and 15 inches long. He is breathing on his own. Praise God! Wendy has not seen him as she is still very sick. We pray that God bring healing on her body and strength for her and her baby to keep getting better every day.
We want to lift up a co-worker of Chris, Peter. He is a non-believer and is against church. He doesn't understand why this is the only religion to believe in. He does believe in God. He called Chris on his way to the airport and asked to pray with him. We pray that God and His Holy Spirit give Chris the words to say while he talks with Peter. We know that he is already working on that as he has talked to him. We pray that while Chris is talking that God open Peter's heart and soften it so he can learn more about Christ.
We pray that God give our group direction for this summer. We pray that He give us the tools that we need to do whatever he asks us to do. We pray that God stretch us and teach us how to be fully devoted followers.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Prayer Requests and Praises for April 29th
Prayer Requests
David's friend from high school, Kevin, came to church. Pray that God will help guide his steps and help him feel a sense of belonging in our church.
Steve, Casey, their family and the families in Africa as New Tribes is closing in their base in Africa. We pray for guidance, peace and direction. We also pray for the families they will leaving as they are emotionally hurting for them. We pray that this transition, whatever it may be, go as smoothly as it can for them. We pray that God watch over the families in this time of change and that they hold onto the Good News that the Cretsinger's have brought them.
Praises
James will be going to Spring Arbor to talk with the Dean of Education to talk about his passion and experiences and possible see if there is a place for him to teach. God is so good and has given James a sense of peace for whatever the outcome is.
Jessica is done with the LPN program! Praise that she has these coming months to enjoy her family and get ready for the baby.
Question from Not a Fan
If you were to die today what would people at work, your friends and family say about you? Is what everyone says the same?
David's friend from high school, Kevin, came to church. Pray that God will help guide his steps and help him feel a sense of belonging in our church.
Steve, Casey, their family and the families in Africa as New Tribes is closing in their base in Africa. We pray for guidance, peace and direction. We also pray for the families they will leaving as they are emotionally hurting for them. We pray that this transition, whatever it may be, go as smoothly as it can for them. We pray that God watch over the families in this time of change and that they hold onto the Good News that the Cretsinger's have brought them.
Praises
James will be going to Spring Arbor to talk with the Dean of Education to talk about his passion and experiences and possible see if there is a place for him to teach. God is so good and has given James a sense of peace for whatever the outcome is.
Jessica is done with the LPN program! Praise that she has these coming months to enjoy her family and get ready for the baby.
Question from Not a Fan
If you were to die today what would people at work, your friends and family say about you? Is what everyone says the same?
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