Faith or just beliefs?

A living faith takes risks based on beliefs.

A living faith isn't always constrained to our strengths.

~ Rahab: Building Courageous Faith 

Becca Zinn, Vineyard Community Church of West Philly

 

What is God asking of you? 

I'm in this spot that I'm ready to be wild and adventurous. Actually, there's been little time in my life when I wasn't ready for adventure. Recently though, it seems the biggest adventure has been rearranging furniture just to have something different. 

I love listening to messages like the one the quote came from above. I get fired up and ready to do something. Then I just can't figure out what it is I'm supposed to do. So I wait. And that's ok because I do see God doing things. A dream here, a conversation there. Everything that is going on in life seems to have the anticipation of a burning fuse moving toward a very thrilling burst of energy - like a fireworks display.

I don't think I'm unusual though. I think God does this for every person who seeks after him. He invites us to participate in what he is doing. 

Think of the most exciting thing you have seen in action - a professional ball game, a beautiful performance of any kind, anything that you enjoyed and you know that it took lots of talented individuals working together. Now imagine the one in charge of that event inviting you to be involved in making it happen. You say you don't have the skill to help and the coordinator responds with oh, that's no problem. I'll give you the ability to do it. Anything that doesn't turn out just right, I'll fix it.

That's what God offers each of us. It is a big production intended to involve lots and lots of people - all who believe. The big finale is expected to be far greater than any of us could ever ask or imagine. Far greater than any of us could do without each other and without him.

Sound exciting? Want to prove you believe what God is capable of? Saying you believe is easy. Living your faith, well, it's a whole lot more exciting than just believing.

What is God inviting you to do? Still not sure? You are not alone. Find someone you look to as a spiritual mentor. Talk it out and have them pray with you. That's what I'm planning to do. 

Maybe it's just knocking on a neighbors door to introduce yourself. Whatever it is, let's not miss it. Make 2009 the year you go beyond believing and start living your faith. It's worth the risk.

What is Faith?

Faith is not choosing to believe. Faith is accepting what God has revealed to you.

Maybe I'll write more on this later. It just seemed very significant to me this morning after waking from an intriguing dream.

Dignity and Justice for All

Today is Human Rights Day. For most of us in the US, human rights seems to be an issue of the past. It is not.

You need to know...

• Human trafficking (slavery) is the second most lucrative crime in the world - $32 billion
  
• It is estimated that at least 27 million people are currently enslaved around the world - yes, some are in the USA.
  
• Read more at www.love146.org 
  

You can help bring heaven to earth through prayer, financial support, making others aware, and whatever way God leads as you listen to him while you visit these links.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Talking vs Doing

Modern Day Slavery

Change might start with you by simply getting to know a neighbor.

Wonderful Counselor

       For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
       Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 

~ Isaiah 9:6-7

Counselor - Even though I know this isn't true, there is something instilled in me that really wants to believe that being a Christian makes life trouble-free. That perspective comes out as "Why, Lord?" as if bad stuff isn't supposed to happen to me or to that nice neighbor or that innocent child. However, the fact that the Christ was called "counselor" indicates to me that trouble is expected. 

Increase... from that time on and forever  -  We talk a lot about expanding God's kingdom but until recently, I was under the impression that we were just kind of getting other people on board for when his kingdom comes. 

The phrase "from that time on" messes up that idea. If his kingdom isn't coming until Christ reappears, then it wouldn't need to continue to "increase," would it?

We can't see it clearly but the Kingdom of God is here. It was established when Jesus Christ humbled himself to become a man. The eternal life-giving source of the Holy Spirit was in Christ making all things new - healing, restoring dignity, uniting Jews and Gentiles. 

Jesus never intended for us to keep hanging out, just telling others to be happy until he comes back and cleans up the mess we've made. No, he said we would do even greater things than he had been doing. (John 14:12) He promised we would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes - not when Christ returns.

Go read about what Jesus "had been doing" in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Then cruise through Acts and see what happened after the believers received the Holy Spirit. Now ask yourself, "am I doing even greater things than Jesus did?" 

In today's language, we might also call Jesus our Outstanding Life Coach. Life Coaches are not cheap. It would be foolish to hire a Life Coach and not put into practice what was learned in each session.

Lord or Concierge?

Please visit www.love146.org.

Would it make a difference if this were your child?

"See, I am doing a new thing!" (Isaiah 43.19)

The Kingdom of God has come. Is Jesus your Lord or is he your vacation concierge?

We are to carry on the work Jesus began. That is to restore the kingdom through the power of the Holy Spirit given to us because of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the first fruits of the new creation. The work between the first fruits and the final harvest is happening now. Are you participating in making all things new?

Vineyard Church of Columbus is hosting a seminar on human trafficking on January 24, 2009. Watch for more info to come at www.vineyardcolumbus.org 

Every Parent will enjoy "Toy Packaging"

Be sure and click for the free download of Toy Packaging. Then go buy the entire album - there is a good variety of songs beautifully done as only Sara Groves can do.