Monday, May 19, 2008

As Iron Sharpens Iron

"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. " Proverbs 27:17

This weekend has been anything but 'dull'. It started out Friday morning with my husband (my best friend) Mark and I sharpening our rummaging skills...seeking and successfully finding a nice, used kitchen table and chairs for our oldest daughter. Then later on that afternoon we had the opportunity to serve alongside other friends for a few blustery hours at an outdoor book sale...with proceeds (over $2,000!) going to help support the Compassionate Life Foundation and their work with orphans and widows in Swaziland, Africa. Then before the crack of dawn Saturday morning I had the blessing of meeting with some Bible Study Fellowship friends/leaders as we thanked God for the many truths and blessings He has showered upon us this year through our study of Matthew. Once home, I was blessed to spend some uninterrupted phone time with my dear friend (and sister in Christ) Becky in Boston. A time of laughter, tears, encouragment and just catching up on life. After that my husband and I took a leisurely walk in a local county park with man's best friend...our dog Rapha. Then today was baptism Sunday at church. A powerful time of worship and hearing many men, women and children give testimony of what their faith in Jesus Christ has meant in their lives. And tonight, wrapping up the weekend, a small group of friends met at our house for pizza & fellowship as we let lesson #2 of 'The Truth Project' sharpen our biblical worldview. Now it's late. The house is quiet, and I'm tired...ready to call it a day. But not before giving thanks to God for the many friends He has used to 'sharpen' my walk with Him. Thank you Jesus!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

The Great Commission

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20



We all know what it feels like to be 'sent' don't we. We're sent to the grocery store for food. We're sent across town to run errands. We're sent to the neighbors for a cup of sugar. In a few short weeks athletes from all around the world will be 'sent' to represent their countries in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. All different scenarios, but each with a specific purpose. So then...what does it mean & how does it look when we're sent by God? Good question! Looking at these verses, I see some hints. First hint: there's authority behind the sending. The God of the universe is backing us. (No small thing there!) Second hint: The supernatural power of God is in action. We may feel inadequate (we are!), but God can and will enable us to do what He's called us to do. Third hint: there's work to be done - make disciples. People who are willing to hear about, learn & live for God & His Son Jesus Christ. Fourth hint: It's an adventure. My friend Jen would often say "God has a wild imagination!" So true! And is there anything more exciting than to be willing and eager to go wherever God might send us? Fifth hint: We never go it alone. Wherever God sends us, He's promised to be with us. So whether He 'sends' us to the grocery store, the neighbor's house, across town, Beijing, or Africa ...being 'sent' by God truly is the greatest commission!