All I Need.

Don't finances drive you crazy sometimes? Just when you finally get caught up or you're making some progress stuff happens. Today I had to take my car in for the dreaded transmission test. I am awaiting a phone call and bracing for the dreaded figures I'm going to hear on the other end to the tune of potentially $2000. As I've been fighting stress and frustration over this I was reminded of a song today by JJ Heller called 'All I need'. It's a song based on Psalm 23 (included below) and it has been such an awesome reminder to me that I don't need money to make me happy. I don't need my plans to always work out. I don't need my way to prevail. No, truly, God is my shepherd and it's in His presence that I have everything that I need.

1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Spontaneous Prayer Night.

Today my neighbor across the street, Ted, came over and asked me if I could pray together with him concerning the tropical storm that is out in the gulf of Mexico right now. So tonight we stood out on his front porch for about 6 or 7 minutes just praising God for who He is, thanking Him for all of His provision and blessings in our lives and asking for His mercy upon our state. We prayed that He might bring much needed rain from this storm and spare us the destruction that is also possible as well. I was reminded of the power of two or more people standing in agreement with each other and coming together to seek God and His will and to claim His promises towards us. Corporate prayer, like corporate worship, is encouraging and it spurs us on in our faith and it invigorates us as well.

It says in Matthew 18:19-20 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." What would happen if in our neighborhoods we traded in 5-7 minutes of random conversation or watching TV in the evenings for spending that time talking to God together instead? What kind of God-sized things would we begin to see God do around us? How awesome would it be to experience God's presence through our praying together? What if we really began seeing the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven? I think it's time that we started turning some of our neighborhood conversation into prayer conversation with our heavenly Father. He loves to hear from us. You should give it a try!

in Christ,

Brian

Evidence and Brooklyn Teen Challenge.

In 1963, David Wilkerson co-authored the book, The Cross and the Switchblade. The story covers David's first 5 years in New York and became a best-selling phenomenon. More than 15 million copies have been distributed in over 30 languages. In 1969 a motion picture based on the book, was released. After 45 years, the story continues to inspire renewed faith in God's ability to overcome problems that even the most determined human efforts cannot resolve.

Teen Challenge is a Christian-based organization, founded by David Wilkerson. The purpose of TC, nationwide, is to help people who have life-controlling problems and initiate the discipleship process to the point where the student can function as a Christian in society.

Today Evidence, our high school ministry team, lead worship for and were introduced to the ministry of Teen Challenge. It was a powerful morning. After being a part of a dynamic morning chapel service lead by Pastor Will, the team heard amazing testimonies of how God had rescued and transformed the lives two young women and two men. All had awe inspiring stories of how they had hit rock bottom and had turned to Christ. The people we met were so full of God's joy, so eloquent in sharing God's word, I was almost incredulous as they described their former lives.

To meet four truly walking miracles, helped all of us to be truly convinced, that no one is beyond the love of God. It was both humbling and encouraging at the same time.

What a pleasure to join in as co-laborers with those whom God has used to radically change countless lives of those that most of society, including many of their own families, had given up on.

Until the Whole world hears,

Joe

P.S. Tomorrow we minister on the Staten Island Ferry. What an opportunity to spread the light of the gospel.

Evidence on mission in New York.

So tonight we just finished sharing food, blankets, supplies and the good news of Jesus' redemptive love to the homeless in New York city. For roughly 4 hours we canvassed the city that doesn't sleep, meeting in the places known to be frequented by the those without a home. We worked till past midnight in what was still a beehive of activity as we went back to our host facility for the night.

I think of 3 scriptures as I process the day.

Jesus didn't own a home.

Matthew 8:20 Jesus replied, Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.

If we serve the least, we are serving Jesus

Matthew 25:35-36
35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

40 The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.


This world is not our home.
Philippians 3:20
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Thanks for sending us be His hands and feet,

Joe and Evidence (high school ministry thru music team)

P.S. Pray for us

Into the Unknown.

Well, in three days our team will be heading over to Riga, Latvia for 12 days of youth camp and quality time with Pastor Petr’s church. As with almost any trip you take, the next few days are filled with running errands and getting things in order. With this being my fourth year to go back to Riga, I have found a few things to be true each year; 1) I spend the few days before we leave stressing about what needs to be done. 2) I begin to worry about the plane ride over (being both claustrophobic and afraid of heights, long plane rides can be a little frightening). 3) I survive the plane ride and enjoy every second of serving the youth in Riga.

I loved Brian’s analogy yesterday during the service about his daughter Emily. In case you weren’t there, he told the story of how at children’s camp, his daughter was afraid to do the zip line but got up the courage to take the “leap of faith” and enjoyed every second of the ride. Like Brian said, our faith in Christ is often like that. Many times we are afraid to take that next step in faith…not sure what the ride has in store for us. For me, even though I know I always enjoy our time in Riga, I still tend to worry about the details of the trip and if I am really the right person to go. But as soon as I take that first step (which is always the hardest), I am overwhelmed by God’s plan for me and for those we encounter. I love Isaiah 41:13, “For I hold you by your right hand- I, the Lord your God. And I say to you ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’” So what do we have to fear? If you are in a place where maybe you are feeling fearful of taking that next step, toward whatever it may be, think on this verse and know that the Lord your God is holding your hand helping you every step of the way.

Walking in faith,

Lindsey

The Story of James.

Last week I was touched by the story of a little boy named James. I had heard about James through several of my friends; James is the son of a sorority sister to many of them. Via Facebook, I was directed to a blog sharing James and his parents’ story.

James is an 8 month old little boy who sadly was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After what seemed to be a successful surgery, his parents learned that the tumor had come back, and had come back worse. After being told that his prognosis was not good, his parents were faced with the toughest decision I can imagine- do they ask James to keep fighting this tumor, knowing treatment would probably not work, or do they bring him home and let him enjoy his last few days with those who love him. After deciding on the latter, James’ parents brought him home and showered him with love for a few more days before he succumbed to the tumor and went home to be with his Father.

A few things struck me hard when I heard this story. First, my heart broke for these two parents; I cannot imagine being faced with this situation. Second, as I was reading the blog and the comments from readers, I was amazed at how many people who did not personally know this couple were praying for them and sharing this story. Joe has written a lot lately about the unity we believers have. This was a true testament to that. However, no person can heal what they are going through. Despite all the encouraging and heartfelt words that were said, none of them can mend the brokenness they are feeling. But, there is One who can. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Is there any burden He can’t lift? No, there’s not. James’ parents know this, and I want you all to remember it as well. Healing is in His hands; ask and it will be given.

http://jamescamdensikes.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-07-17T20%3A15%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7 (this is the link to the Sike’s blog about James)

-Lindsey

Being with Dad.

Flying back from Georgia last night I was reading a book my grandfather had given me. A little 4 year old boy was one of the main characters of the book and at one point his dad asked him why Jesus had to die on the cross. The little boy's answer was very simple...'Well, Jesus told me He died on the cross so we could see His Dad.' His dad, a pastor, was thinking through all the heavy theological words like propitiation, justification and expiation and then his son drops this very simple explanation on him.

As I contemplated this little 4 year old's answer different thoughts began to flood my mind. I thought about John 14:6 where Jesus tells His disciples that 'He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through Him.' I've always focused alot on the way, truth and life part but it's interesting that the focus of this statement perhaps is really on what our main objective in life should be, 'coming to the Father.' It is powerful to begin to look at God's story through this lens...a holy yet intensely loving Father who longs to be with His children and yet sin and rebellion create this chasm and barrier. He sends messages through angels, men, prophets and gives them promises and a beautiful set of laws. Finally He does the unthinkable to bring them back to Himself for all time....He sends His one and only Son, Jesus, to come to us, identify with us, walk among us, and ultimately die a horrible death so that we could be with our Abba, our Heavenly Father for all eternity.

So let this be our aim today...coming to our Daddy...When we are tempted to sin and go a different way, let's remember that the cross was necessary to remove the barrier between us and a radical loving Father that wants us to be with Him. In the Father's presence is true joy, peace and life. Away from the Father is utter loneliness, grief, hollowness and misery. Let's press on towards being with our Dad today!

in Christ,
Brian

Content.

Hebrews 13:5-6
5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have;

for He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,

6 so that we confidently say, The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.

What will man do to me?

I've been very familiar with this verse for many years. But I may have missed the full meaning. I've always focused on the first verse about not loving money and being content with what I have.

But why are we content? Because we have enough. Not really. We are content because He (Jesus) will always be with us, and we are assured He will not forsake us.

Simply put, seek to please our Heavenly Father ...........find contentment and confidence.

Seek to please people, ............... Well to quote the old rock song,

"I can't get no, .....Satisfaction"


I am more than satisfied with Jesus.
Until the whole world hears,

Joe

We Are United.

We are united in Jesus Christ
We are the soldiers of the light
We don't wrestle flesh and blood
But principalities of the dark
We do our marching to one beat
Crushing the enemy under our feet
We are mighty in our stand
With God's word in our hand

A dear friend reminded me of this song in an email tonight. We sang that same song the Sunday after 9/11 nearly ten years ago. It was recorded by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I plan to take our high school singing group "Evidence" to worship there this Sunday afternoon in NYC.

It is obviously a song about unity in the body of Christ.

in Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17:22-23, He intercedes for us praying,

22 " The glory which You have given Me I have given to them,

that they may be one, just as We are one;

23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity,

so that the world may know that You sent Me,

and loved them, even as You have loved Me."

Unity allows the Holy Spirit do His complete work in our lives, and together, and only together, we have a credible witness of Jesus being the Son of God, sent by the Father, because of His great love.

If I understand Jesus' prayer, my own spiritual growth is In some measure related to my oneness with other believers.

There is much that is wrong in the world and often the daily news is negative. It is easy to be frightened and discouraged. But Jesus is very clear that we are not to be fearful. He clearly states that He has overcome the world.

I have a friend who recently watched a very suspenseful movie, then had to house sit all alone. Suffice it to say, my friend didn't get much sleep. Why? Because we are very vulnerable when we are alone. And so fear grows.

But when we are unified as a body of believers, standing on God's word, love grows, faith grows, fear diminishes and the gospel is boldly and gracefully proclaimed to the world.

So let us be of one mind, and one heart.

Serving together......Until the Whole World hears,
Joe McKinney

Doubts.

Hello there this is Brian writing to you from Georgia. We are on the third leg of a national tour that began with SB kids camp near Huntsville to Branson MO for a family getaway and now a few days in Georgia visiting with my wife Whitney's family. We attended my in-laws church this morning and the pastor shared a message on the topic of doubt. In Matthew 11:3, John the Baptist, while in prison, sends some of his disciples to ask Jesus a very surprising question, 'Are you the Expected One (or Messiah), or shall we look for someone else?' This is very odd considering that John was the prophet who was preparing the way for Jesus and who earlier had said, 'Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world'.

John was in a dark place. He was locked up in prison by Herod and he suspected correctly that his death was eminent. John, like all of us, experienced doubt when earthly conditions had become incredibly difficult. I know in my own life I have had times where I have doubted my call to ministry and I have even doubted my own salvation and sometimes struggled with thoughts about the reality of God Himself. Jesus' response to John's doubt is powerful.

First He sends John's disciples back to him in order that John not be alone and isolated. He then quotes from the book of Isaiah how the Messiah would give sight to the blind, heal the lepers and help the deaf to hear. This is a reminder to immerse yourself in God's words when you are struggling through doubt. Lastly, He does not condemn John for his doubts but on the contrary commends John and declares that among all men who have been born of a woman, no one is greater than John the Baptist. So when (not if) we go through seasons of doubt let's surround ourselves with brothers and sisters in Christ, read and absorb God's Word, and know that Jesus delights in us even as we struggle and doubt.

in Christ,

Brian

"The Human Experience"

This past week I have been on a documentary film kick, so yesterday David and I sat down to watch one called “The Human Experience”. In this film a group of guys from Brooklyn decide to experience life in different ways; first, through the eyes of the homeless in New York, then with a children’s home in Lima, Peru, and finally in a leper colony in Ghana. I loved everything about this film- it did an excellent job showing that regardless of where and how we grew up we all have this innate need to feel purpose in our lives. One thing that really resonated with me in each of the groups was that they all seemed to agree there must be some purpose for their life…they had been through so much that there was no way God didn’t have a reason for them to still be alive.

Martin Luther King, Jr. said it perfectly when he said, “We must rapidly begin the shift from a ‘thing oriented’ society to a ‘people oriented’ society”. When we do this, our focus will turn from the latest technology and fashion to our brothers and sisters and those in need. We all have a need to feel purpose. That purpose comes from a relationship with our Father. What a difference we could see if we spent the majority of our time reflecting God’s love to those around us! So ask yourself today, are you living a “thing oriented” life or a “people oriented” life?

Lindsey

1 John 4 :: Love

This morning I was reading in 1 John 4 where the overwhelming theme of the chapter is love. One of my favorite verses (partly because it's easy to memorize too) is found in this chapter - 'We love because He first loved us.' - 1 John 4:19. Throughout this chapter the disciple John is reiterating the words that Jesus shared with them the night before His crucifixion about His love for them and how above all they were to love one another.

This morning I was thinking how we cannot give what we do not have. I know for me when I don't take time daily and throughout my day to absorb and take in His unshakeable and unconditional love for me, my heart and soul go to the default ingredients of stress, worry, impatience and selfishness. This chapter of 1 John also makes it very clear that what is coming out of us (Godly love or selfishness) is sending a message to the world around us about the nature of God. So let's allow His Spirit to fill us with His love and may it overflow out of our lives to put Him on display for the world to see.

in Christ,
Brian

I Love You to the Moon and Back.

Yesterday, Jane and I were in a shop in one of our favorite places in the world, Black Mountain, NC.   I saw a metal art piece that had a crescent moon and cut out words that said, "I love you to the moon and back."   Many of you may not know that my wife Jane's maiden name is Moon.  So I am always on the lookout for little what nots that have the moon referenced in some form or fashion.

 

Later that night, though not full, the moon was very bright.   I began to think about how the moon lit up the night,  though it actually produces no light on it's own.  It is entirely reflected light.  I remember as a kid, how I would take my telescope and focus in on the moon, fascinated by it's detail and luminescence.

 

We as Christians are to be like that.  Paul writes, in 2 Corinthians 3:18 "we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lords glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

 

Spend some time with the Father.   Get a long, clear unobstructed view of His majesty, love and transcendence and you will radiate the glory of Christ in your life.

 

Until the Whole World Hears,
Joe McKinney

If Faith Can Move The Mountains.

So over the last few months my favorite song has become “Waiting Here for You” by Christy Nockels. I’ve admitted to you before that waiting has been a tremendous challenge for me. My generation encourages, and often times demands, speedy results; a huge contrast to what God often asks of us. With David and me getting ready to move up to Denver at the end of this year, so many things continue to run through my head; where are we going to live? Where is he going to work? What on earth are we thinking leaving a church we have practically grown up in to go to a city where we hardly know anyone? My type A personality wants answers to this now, but day after day I continue to hear that comforting reminder that He has huge plans in store for us and we will be taken care of.

In thinking about what to write today, I went to my bible and opened it up to a devotional about waiting. It pointed out two things that I have often seen in my own struggles with patience and waiting. First, many times we attempt to cope with a long wait by trying to help God move His plan into action. Second, we often end up assuming that what we have been waiting for will never happen. Are you guilty of these? I know I am. But let me remind you of Sarah, Abraham’s wife who waited ninety years to have a son. She struggled with both of these as well; from rushing God’s timing by having her servant give birth to Abraham’s child, to laughing and doubting when God revealed that she indeed would have a child. How silly she must have felt when she realized that God had been faithful all along. So, I know I am not the only one out there who struggles with this issue. If you do too, I encourage you to do the same thing I am going to do; give it away. He will be faithful.

With my hands lifted high,

Lindsey

(Citation: the devotional mentioned above comes from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Sanctuary: a devotional Bible for women)

On Our Behalf.

I’m really excited to be starting an internship in the fall with an organization called Justice for Children. Basically this advocacy group steps in when cases of child abuse or neglect go unsolved. I will be working alongside a caseworker and lawyer to look back through the case to see if anything was missed in order to give the child another chance for justice.

During my interview, I realized how important an organization like this is. For those people who cannot find grace and second chances on their own, organizations such as Justice for Children step in and speak on their behalf to try and gain it for them. And as I was learning more and more about the group, I would think to myself how blessed I am to have never needed someone to step in during times of crisis and speak for me. But I was so wrong. As believers, we have the ultimate advocate continually stepping in on our behalf.

1 John 2:1 states: “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.” How amazing is it that we have the Son of God pleading our case before the God of the universe because we alone do not and cannot deserve His grace. Thank Him for His role of advocate in your life today; it is for no other reason that we can approach the Father and have an intimate relationship with Him.

Lindsey

God Is In The Details.

I must say during these hot months of July I love getting out in the morning when there is a whisper of coolness in the air and the sky is full of color from the sunrise.  This morning I was out in the garden and as I was watering the different plants I was thinking about my bell pepper plants.  One thing I've observed about them is how you could have a decent size bell pepper growing and not even realize it because it gets enveloped inside a multitude of leaves.  It hit me this morning (I can be a little slow) that this is a careful little detail in God's provision for these peppers.  If these peppers are totally exposed to the raging heat of the sun they get scorched and are no good, yet they are protected by God's design in that they have this canopy of leaves that shade them perfectly to allow them to mature.  It made me think that if God is that much in the details of this obscure little plant, how much more is He ready to be my provider?  How much more does He know exactly where I live today and what I am going through and what is best for me?  He truly is a loving Father and He's waiting for me to trust Him today.  I was reminded of Jesus' teaching from Matthew 6 today.  Here it is below from the Message version:

30 "If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers - most of which are never even seen - don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? 31 What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. 32 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. 33 Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 34 "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes."

May you drink this in today.  Relax!  Let go and trust in a God who is in the details and knows you and cares for you today!

in Christ,
Brian

God's Glory.

Great Devo from new website called fqworship.com

DEFINITION
Glory / Glorious :: 1. deserving great praise, adoration, worship, and honor 2. entitled to great renown; delightful; wonderful; completely enjoyable.

INSIGHT
The power of God’s glory is so great that when Moses asked, “God, show me your glory.” (Exodus 33), God had to put Moses in the cleft of a rock and cover him with His hand as He passed by… all so Moses wouldn’t die when He saw God’s glory. Pretty intense! This exposure to God’s glory leaves Moses glowing as he walks back to meet with the people of Israel. Moses’ short time with God left the impression of God’s glory upon him. The scriptures continue to talk about the glory of God and the renown of God. Over and over, when men encounter this glory, they are changed. Saul, lead persecutor of Christians, was changed by encountering God on the road to Damascus. He was blinded, healed, and forever changed. His life became an instrument to bring God glory. So, what does it mean to give glory to God? He is worthy of our highest praise and after an encounter with Him, our lives reflect this glory! Amazing encounters with God’s glory change us and keep us coming back to Him.

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” -John Piper

WORSHIP OUR GLORIOUS LORD
Lord God, your glory stretches farther than we could ever imagine. Have your glory today. Have your glory in this place, in our lives, in this moment. God, let us see your glory and once again be changed. Your glory has always been and will forever be!

Amen.

Anything to Declare?

The following is an excerpt from Karen Mains’ Soul Alert…

“Whenever citizens return to the United States after traveling overseas, they are given a U.S. Immigration form to fill out. One question always asks: Do you have anything to declare? A good test of soul alertness is how diligently we search ourselves to see if there is anything we need to declare about the condition of our souls. Self-examination, repentance, and confession are the hallmarks of spiritual maturity. So, do you have anything to declare?

One pastor recently explained to a group who were eager to grow spiritually, ‘It is as though there is a long rope that connects our soul to God. When we sin, the rope is cut and we are disconnected. When we repent and confess, the rope is knotted and it is a little shorter. Throughout our lifetime, though sin disrupts our relationship with our heavenly Father, the great gifts of repentance and confession draw us closer and closer to the heart of God.’”

1 John 1:9 says, “But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Have you searched your heart lately? If not, I challenge you to do so today. Is there anything you need to declare to the Father?

-Lindsey

Pray For Those That Lead.

Happy Fourth of July! What a blessing it is to have freedom! Today is the day we celebrate indepence, freedom. I was reading the following Scripture out of 1 Timothy 2 today which says, "1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. 2 Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message that God gave to the world at the proper time."

Paul is charging Timothy (his spiritual son and pastor of the church in Ephesus) to get serious about prayer. He charges Timothy first of all to pray for those who are in authority over you. For over 200 years men and women have prayed for this country and for its leaders. When our leaders are operating according to God's leading it results in 'peace and quietness.' To be able to go on a walk in your neighborhood in peace and quietness is a a gift from God. It's in this environment that we have opportunities to freely live out the life Christ wants us to live and to freely share the good news that Jesus 'gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone.' So today let's thank God for this gift of 'peace and 'quietness' and let's thank Him and pray for our leaders and public servants who have paved the way for us and who lead us today. May you have a blessed fourth!

in Christ,
Brian

On A Mission.

Last night I was privileged to hear our youth choir, Evidence, give a concert. In a few weeks, they will be heading up to New York to do mission work and serve through their music. As I was watching this group of high school kids, I thought about how privileged we are to be called to do God’s work. It truly is a huge task when you think about it…God is entrusting us to do His work for Him while we are on this earth.

David and I are both very passionate about mission work. With this being my fourth year going to Latvia, I have come to love and look forward to the time that I spend there. Before we leave, we always try to emphasize Romans 12:4-6 to our team:

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”

You may never travel to another state or country to do mission work, and that’s ok! But be sure to use your gifts somewhere. I’ve come to realize that God does not only call us to serve and evangelize in order to expand His Kingdom; He does it so we can experience His greatness. There is nothing more humbling than being God’s instrument used to brighten someone’s day or change their life by pointing them to Him. So this weekend find some way to serve; bring snacks for your child’s baseball team, help your neighbor with her groceries, or serve with your family at the Food Pantry. But for a little while find yourself uncomfortable; because sometimes in our discomfort we are able to see Him more clearly.

Serving for Him, Lindsey