IF IT'S GOING TO BE A DAILY GRIND....

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me."

Luke 9:23

Days of smoothicity and troublelessness are deeply desired by each of us. Yet, not one reader is unaware that our days are unable to escape the "rubbing of the wrong way" moments in addition to problematicalistic struggles. Such an observation is not intended to be negative; but it is to place before you the idea that negativity does reside on our streets, huh?

As one grows into the framework of Jesus, it seems that the "grindier" life will become. Why? Because His mission was to rescue the broken, build the abandoned, and...and to save the sinful.

Thus, we find ourselves in a dualistic setting where we are doing what we can to bring relief to all around us who are stymied by the sin-mark while, simultaneously, in deep need of His forgiveness for our own personal abrasivilistic miscues.

Jesus hit earth with a mission to rescue in order to encourage a deeply broken people. And then...and then He handed off His mission to any who would buy into such a marvelous concept. Simply believing involves carrying heavy weight due to grueling determination to give a boost of hope to those around us who are seemingly buried in malfunctionalistic stress and struggle.

May we join the many who continue to labor at following the road of the Cross so that all people of all lands may have opportunity to experience the beauty of Jesus' fantastilistical mission...of rescuing the world. And, yes, such a road is mighty, mighty rugged. So...

...IF IT'S GOING TO BE A DAILY GRIND...

 LET THE BELIEVING BEGIN!!

Ah...it's a new day! Welcome to the world of possibility and potential. I pull alongside of you with understanding that many of you face deep and wide stress and struggle. I, therefore, wish to join the voices around you to hopefully give you a boost.

"Believing" must not be relegated to churchilistic concepts. It is to be a way....a true way...of life. Believing is one's conviction regarding reality when the "seeing" part isn't yet on the table. Believing is the eyesight of the heart....and it is truly real.

While the idea is older than the hills, to believe is to do our walk with a most endearing creative element. Believing causes things that "aren't yet" to eventually come into existence.

Let the believing begin...again...today!!

 AS GOD BREATHES LIFE

I find the learning of and knowing God in places to be excitingly fascinationalistic in nature. The closer we draw to Him the more amazement there is to be discovered....consistently so.

I wish to encourage you about a simple and yet necessary process of which we all encounter and experience. I speak of breathing.

Life insists that two factors prevail; inhaling and exhaling. Death results when one of these elements refuses participation. If you would, permit me to direct your attention to a similar coordination; giving and receiving.

Awesome life is experienced when one is able to give valuable treasures to others while, simultaneously, has the ability to receive similar generosity from others. Some people struggle to do both; able to give with no willingness to receive..or...are very willing to receive with no interest in giving. One without the other is to curb the inhale/exhale process of one's spirit.

So...I encourage you today to be alive in the Kingdom of God by breathing well. Inhale with delightful receptivity while you also exhale with intentional generosity. When these two traits exist, such a person is "LIFE" to be around.

As God breathes life....LIVE...and in such a process be a blessing to all. May you breathe very well...today!

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 THE MARVEL OF JESUS

Jesus was incredible beyond description. He could make wine out of water. Oddly, he could make a sidewalk out of water. Drink it or walk on it; the Marvel of Jesus was that he could adapt on the spur of the moment with great flexibility.

Us? Well, we don't exactly find the need to take a stroll upon a nearby lake. But we do find it meaningful to walk through rugged days coupled with difficult settings as if such a trek was smooth and lovely.

The Marvel of Jesus is that his call toward us, to us, is not one of Sunday School discussion only. It is Monday walks and Tuesday jaunts through confusing waters and woods. And yet, it is precisely upon such days and situations that one's faith has opportunity to begin to bloom.

Jesus believed in relatives....and friends....and enemies. Church isn't sitting in rows only. It is standing up and walking upon the turf of rigorous challenges because, in doing so, a message of hope supplied by Father begins to come into view.

The Marvel of Jesus....remains active as His Spirit is embedded within you and me to travel through the hard times and difficult days. In doing so we give true hope to dear ones who are nearby.

If He could make wine out of ordinary water and then a sidewalk out of ordinary water, imagine what amazing things He just might do through ordinary ones like you and me!

May! We! Live! Very! Enthused!

 THINGS WILL WORK OUT

Romans 5:5 provides this life-altering truth..."and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Each of us has our fair share of troublesome times. And God matches these infractions with holy promise. We will not be disappointed. Hope will arise.

It is likely that your days are pelted with angst. About the time you think you have one issue resolved, another breaks out. This is life's pattern. Yet, God places an overlap. He shares the reality of potential hope. And, He goes on to say that we will be pleased; not disappointed.

We. Will. Not. Be. Disappointed.

Hope's location is ultra-significant. It is not located any further away than....your heart. His Spirit has been poured out within our hearts. I would say that this is fairly close proximity. Wouldn't you?

I'm highly sympathetic to your overwhelming struggles. I happen to have a few of my own. We are in this together. Yet more, (no, most) importantly is that God awaits with relieving solution.

God promises...things will work out. Our work is to believe Him.

GOD'S POWER IS YOUR POWER

Even the title doesn't quite seem right, huh? And that's a part of my point. We talk the talk of faith; but we tend to deny major tenets. We are given a holy assignment; a very holy one. We are to take up OUR crosses and follow Him with the identical mission as when He carried His.

From the cross perspective, God's power resides in us. It isn't mainly in our church attendance. Nor is it located in our Bible knowledge. His power is in our carbon-copying the dying of Jesus for the saving of sinners.

Regarding the "as for Jesus/as for us" parallel, take a gander at Hebrews 9:15-22 where it concludes, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."

Do you get the extreme of Jesus? Yes, I believe we do. We buy into it completely and rightfully so.

But...do you get the extreme of yourself? That as others offend, hurt, sin against you...and that you are to boldly maintain that exact extreme that Jesus did? Do you understand that this world is not in deep hurt because it can't find a church primarily? It's in deep pain because it can't find duplicationalistic cross carriers.

The power for community healing is found in the dying of its church adherents. The restoration of one who is guilty as sin is not found in their apology; but in the believers absorption of the sinner's guilt. This force (this power) is Christianity-gone-real and when it goes real it will be Christianity-gone-viral.

Yes...we get hurt. Furthermore, others get hurt by us. The call to stop sinning is one element. The insistence to die for the sinner is the mantra of Jesus the Lamb...who was slain. We like the go to church part. The slain part, though, is what helps individuals find their place of acceptance and value. The Cross explains us, defines us, and as it kills us...gives us true life.

God's power...really is your power. Be serious about it for others will get well when we can sacrifice for their well-being. Thank you God for giving us a mission that...gives life to the hopeless and the helpless...like You did for us!

TWO PLACES OF BIRTH UPON EARTH

TWO PLACES OF BIRTH UPON EARTH

One of God's powers among and within us is the awareness to be thankful. I know that many of you have terribly rough times; genuinely so with absolutely no doubt about the intensity nor the struggle. Yet, I want to be one of those voices in your midst that would encourage you to look for the blessings, His provisionary blessings, within the region of each challenge.

For every stress we deem substantial, someone else has a much larger one that they would be very happy to trade for ours. This doesn't diminish our serious load. It does, hopefully, bring about a perspective that we may find reason to be thankful.

God came to earth as a man specifically to be subjected to brokenness; our brokenness. Not only does He understand our stresses, He beat them...every...one...of...them.

We do not deny the trials nor the tribulations seemingly everywhere we turn. And neither do we ever submit ourselves to that deceitful temptation of hopelessness. Nope...not once.

God is the very author of life...two places of birth upon earth...life from the womb and life from the tomb. Both...give such an incredible signal of, "You've got to be kidding me! This...is just awesome!"

THE BOOK THAT OPENED MY EYES

I have many favorite authors and books. Max Lucado, Philip Yancey, and Chuck Swindoll (and more can be listed) are three of my dear friends who write perpetual masterpieces. Their books inspired my mission and supported my spirit. But one special author opened the door that I might begin to learn from these friends.

His name? E. Stanley Jones. His “The Divine Yes” constructed my faith and I never got over it. All of his writings set me on fire. But The Divine Yes put sense and practicality into my faith. It transferred my actions into synchronized partnering with Holy God.

I applaud you for your favorite books. Maybe you would want to list the one that awakened you to see God in clearer fashion that others might find gain.

For me, The Divine Yes is still at the top of my list. It is where I began to realize that everything truly is a YES!

THE WORD OF GOD...FROM STONE TO FLESH

God first gave mankind instruction written in stone. We would know this as the Ten Commandments. It was the Law. Such was presented to be hard and rigidly concrete as if set in...stone. The Law was given to reflect man's hardness of heart.

But, later on, along came Jesus. The message from God, displayed within His Son, shifted from hardness to flesh. The transition is forever impactive because the adjustment was from concepts and principles to nature..our new nature. The former is unyielding.  The latter? Perpetually flexible.

Is is any wonder that it is much easier to lay down the law than it is to lay down our lives? One comes from hearts of stone. The latter flows from hearts of love. The Holy Spirit ushers in the latter by PERSON-ally (via Jesus) flowing through our hearts day by day.

Don't be a religious grump. Be a spiritual carer of people. Dare to let others see you as one who cares; not one who scares.

FAITH IS MORE THAN A SCORECARD

Faith is one gigantic trait that, even in the world of religion, tends to somehow find itself buried within the confines of a formatic ritual. Practices, doctrines, and results tend to dominate. And...each of these three are certainly major tenets of an authentic belief system. Yet the difference I'm addressing is more of whether we are actually suited up and in the game or are we merely sitting in the stands with scorecard in hand?

Are we experiencing the daring moves of God within our walk? Or, are we offering applause when we see others on the field having a breakthrough. Our real work is to suit up (in Christ) with the intention of participating in the actual game of faith versus boredom.

Faith isn't a blink of a moment on our way to completing the three or the five or the eight steps to the plan of salvation; depending on who has devised and issued the plan. Faith is the main thing about knowing, believing, and following Jesus. A problem, a most serious one, is that religion has vaulted itself into which pleasantry group over what are the risks of following our Savior.

Faith is more than a scorecard. It's rewarding to see this element increasing within the church world. Could it be that denominational lines are blurring because increased faith is occurring? I'm one who thinks so. My walk over 71 years has gone from indifference to God, to legalism in church, to trying to lend myself to development in the Spirit. I like the breakthroughs while bemoaning my own notorious and obvious lack.

This I know. Faith is more than a scorecard (used as proof text) hoping to demonstrate our doing church right. It is the transformationalistic leading of the inner person from self-definition to the God-one. We have much entering yet to do. How fun is that? May we grow in the opportunities faith opens as we find ourselves less self-reliant and Jesus totally competent.

Faith is more than a scorecard. One who believes it is most likely is merely engaged in church-attendance mode rather than Holy Spirit expectation. I speak not from criticism. Rather, I nudge with a wow-factor that God can do with us, through us, and for us things that will scare the tar out of us.

We. Say.
Go. For. It. Now.
Enjoy. His. Results.

ENTHRALLMENT IS ALL IT'S PROMISED TO BE

I encourage you to awaken to the wonder all about you (just in case you've been tugged by distraction). It's so easy to lose track of successes for you are surely pelted by difficulty and distress. No one is exempt. While we do not pretend that our walk has no problems, we can factually and actually count the many acts of wonder that are happening to and for us. So much so that we hardly notice how automatically we are being surrounded by blessings...immensely galore.

Take inventory of a few of the simpler things, routine things, of life. For instance, note the price of gasoline increasing. Bemoan the rise if you want...or celebrate the reality that you have a car when parts of the world do not. These ride the bus...or walk.

Consider the commonality that you are reading this thread. Many have no eyes to see. You get the picture by now.

I once lived on the under side of life. Poor Terry. I was a whining, complaining, accusing waster of my time. I was the only one who could call my own hand. When I did, transitioning was immediate as if turning on a dime. It wasn't a matter of others changing their ways in order for me to enter happiness. All it took was a re-framing of my thinking trends.

How would I choose to use this tool known as perception? I seemed to be the only one in my voting booth. So why not elect to have a very good day? Ah, finally I learned how to cast my vote. I checked the box for ENTHRALLMENT.

Be enthralled with life. Certainly you are attacked with frustration and even injury. But don't let these become thieves. Instead, train them to become your cheerleaders toward an even more productive life. You can do it. And, would you know why? It's because you get to be the one who decides what items will dominate you mind.

Go have a really good day...for it...awaits you...now!

THE GREATEST DAILY CHALLENGE

I John 4:8 issues a profound statement, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." While such a comment is world-changing in truth, it has become possibly a yawner in church. We likely tend to like those we like and don't like those we don't. Follow me? Let us sense the apostle's weighty call for reason of giving us true ability to impact our communities.

Is not the fundamental and most fierce challenge among us all that of loving others? Aren't we caught guilty of preferentialicity; you please me and I'll like you? You offend me and I'll keep score you scoundrel?

A Christian's trademark is not that he belongs to a church and attends regularly. No, it is always that nature which exudes from the cross; not getting our way that others be given greater care. This beauty will always need to be seen throughout our walk as we seek to increase in our ability to love others; even those who test us to our limits.

We, as believers in God, can only be verified as truly following Him by our love for others...even when others are a tad bit difficult to treasure from our own strength. No, such an assignment cannot be completed unless....unless the Holy Spirit is given our permission to bear His fruit within us for we cannot possibly muster love for our enemies (and aggravaters) on our own.

The only reason that we cannot bring ourselves to love all others is one. The Bible spells it out. We do not allow the love of God to flow through because, quite honestly and accurately...we don't know God. This challenges me every day. How about you?

BREAKING THE BONDS OF INDIFFERENCE

All of us are in the toughest war; that enormous battle for our souls and spirits. It's heaviest hitter is INDIFFERENCE. Who cares? Offer a shrug? Find your ammunition to blast away at the other side; believers or un. Indifference is wily because it is poised as most innocent. What could be wrong with neutrality?

Neutral: neither pro nor con. It's clarion call is, "Who cares?" Yet, the bulk of the living populace would be in strong favor of life after death. Would resurrecting from the grave in order to enter a new life to never die again be an important factor? I would think that few would shrug their shoulders in an "I can take it or leave it" attitude.

Therefore, I encourage us to break the many bonds of indifference that come our way. They are there for a reason; to neutralize us into unbelief. Oh, I'm aware that the mockings are quite abundant. And the pointing out the failure of those who take a stab at believing? Everywhere one turns. This should tell us something about how drastic the believing factor is to the hearts of men and women. One should wonder why belief in God and all that goes with it is so adamantly opposed if He and His system are fake; illegitimate.

I know. I know. You've got a reason, a legitimate one, as to why you will have nothing to do with faith in God. Yet, consider that one day you will die. So far its only happened to others; but your day is getting closer. And what say you about your next future? Shouldn't we be wowed and enthralled at the concept that just as a seedling planted in the ground arises from the dead and into a beautiful flower, that the same style will be of ourselves?

Jesus lived and died...and lives. He broke the indifference code. We aren't called to believe in the church. It's full of us...who are there because we can't save ourselves one moment. We are called to believe in the one person who broke death's indifference code. He ruined the hopes that cemeteries held. He will devastate them...because....they. will. not. keep. us.

Break the bonds of indifference for such is our personal prison without bars. And would you take a guess at why this indifference is so prevalent? It's the easier way out. However, I think we are worth more than a habit of "Who cares?" Each...should care...a lot. Eternal life is real. Hear Him call.

WHY CHURCH IS EXCITING

Truthfully, I never saw it coming. I've been to church since a little kid. Parts I liked. Parts I didn't. The Kool-Aid and cookies were my big draw! The rest was simply a matter of putting in my time.

It's the latter that I find sensed by so many...in church. And, I'm not critical for I once lived there. Yet, the good news that I wish to convey day after day is that life in the church is to be profoundly electric with hope, wonder, and accomplishment.

Ritual kills.  Jesus said so. Life (for us) was and is always his target. Church is not the stiff formation that can be perceived by many who attend. It is the opposite...the breakthrough to abundant (Jesus' word) life!

I encourage you to read your Bible; not so you can say you read it. Rather read to believe. Dare to believe that what isn't yet in your life (your world) can be. When impossible becomes reality, you are striking gold in the kingdom of the interaction with Father.

You can't buy it. Neither can you talk yourself into it. Your role is to believe God. He will supply the "how tos" and the "wherefores".

Church is exciting because it is God-activated and our trump card is that we believe Him over doubters who wish to be negative toward the true spiritual walk.

DON'T JUST BE A BERRY PICKER

Life is enormous. It breathes, it moves, it unfolds. If such is centered upon the rigors of the here and now, fatigue will ultimately set in. However, if one peers into the present with eyes for the spiritual, then satisfaction and reward come about.

When things are going right, they are going right. When inclined toward the spirit part of our walk, even when things are going wrong, right things are simultaneously in the works. I love this about our life in Jesus.

I like a comment offered by Elizabeth Browning. "Earth is crammed with heaven, and every bush is aflame with the glory of God. But only those who see take off their shoes.; the rest just pick the berries.

Don't just be a Berry Picker. Take the time to stop, look, listen, and feel (take off your shoes). See, hear, sense the marvel all around you. It's. Called. Living.

WHY IS IT SUCH A CHALLENGE TO FOLLOW THE SON OF GOD?

Church is taking a big hit in today's societal "push 'n shove" for attention.  For a large part, this intended godly entity has been moved to the back of the bus due to both neglect and indifference.  I have no idea how I have contributed to this misalignment of spiritual significance. 

Religion is a slight-of-hand of Satan.  He doesn't care that we go through the motions.  He just doesn't want Jesus to become our conviction of Life.  He doesn't mind that we have Bibles or even believe in them.  He just doesn't want us reading them.

In my own fragment of the Christian world, we have strong emphasis on three, what we might call, vital signs; (1) Command, (2) Example, and (3) Necessary inference.  Go to the Bible and find where these three things are clearly taught, spelled out in its simplicity.  The latter of the three, necessary inference, is inserted by Restorationists to make the Word say what we couldn't get it to say otherwise. 

This three-fold, man-made, guide shoots ourselves in the foot.  The latter one permits a student to make desires of the mind or preferences of our practice to reach any conclusion for which we might inwardly yearn. 
     1.  Believe in the Bible; but seldom open it? 
     2.  Believe in prayer; but seldom practice it? 
     3.  Believe in evangelism; but seldom personally engage in it? 
     4.  Believe in giving; but seldom surrender to it?
     5.  Believe in loving one another; but seldom beyond those we already love?

Why do I think from this slant?  Granted, it is very likely that there are a hefty number of church members who would not fit the above inclinations.  Yet, I think this way....because as the preacher...I was this way.  I was a Bible-promoting, Bible-pounding, smart-mouth who was guilty of each of the above five charges.  That's....how I know. 

I had the rules down...best I could anyway...with intent of mastering them all.  My problem was that I didn't know Jesus and I didn't believe that I, personally, could make an eternal difference for people.  Welp, there went the Great Commission right out the window!  So, my alternate route was to be egotistical in what little I knew and critical of other religious people because they apparently weren't as sharp as me.

Why is it such a challenge to follow the Son of God?  Mankind (men and women) (just like you and me) have an inordinate amount of bias within our religious veins.  This leaning or preference has formed a barrier to the heart; the heart of self and the hearts of others.  It, then, keeps us from learning....learning of the perpetual, continual, vast wonders of our mighty Creator. 

May we prune away some of our own dead limbs before we approach the forest of glorious community.  Hope is for them.  They learn of it via those of us who find it ourselves.

CHURCH: IT'S MARVEL AND IT'S REJECTION

The Bible is simplistically clear: the foundation of authentic life is not found in the true church but in the head of it...the Savior of it.  The church that Jesus is building is a glorious entity, but itself is not our saving grace.  Jesus is.  We have long strayed from the very Truth we proclaim by substituting preferential regulation of religious habit for explorational heart connection to the  Adventurous Leader.  Jesus broke the mold and breaks the back of a system that became nothing more than same ol' same ol' deadening practices. 

The above would be a significant part of why the world rejects those among us who do what one can to display a lively faith.  Sadder, this is why communities are loaded with former church attenders.  It offered a routine that seldom pressed for individual growth.  Rather, we developed a format that kept the "church people" content without ruffling our highly touchy feathers.  This is an unwritten doctrine in many of our well-established congregations. 

Such a trail disrupts every generation when focused on tradition rather than exploration of increased faith.  To be clear from personal experience, vast amounts of Christians will assemble today to see that the order of worship doesn't include anything "out of the ordinary"; in others words, our controlling tradition of "the way we like things".  Our comfort has never been His goal.  The Cross may be key here.

The truth of the matter--or the Truth of the Matter--is that we are deeply engaged in an ongoing battle to break from personal hesitancy and hiding at the cost of risk.  Safety, once again, has been the religious mantra ever since that escapade of denial in the Garden.

The church is to be a marvel of God.  It is to be outrageous in its faith, its reach, and its remarkable distance....going into all of the world.  For we believers, there will always be the call, God's call, to abort the self-security of hiding within the framework of seeing that church is done right for sixty minutes. 

As remarkable as the true trek of Jesus is, the Word of God calls for us to duplicate it.  We are to believe deeply, serve mightily, and bravely approach unexplainable possibility.  This develops a joy and a needed excitement within the hearts of every generation for, regardless of age, we are to be new day by day.

Today there will be millions gather for "church" possibly under the guise of "doing church right".  This strain is embedded within all denominations as well as the many who broke from the tight reigns of denominationalism...only to eventually develop as very similar independent habit-forming, self-satisfying deadening doctrine.  This is the trait of routine religion of which killed the Master as he insisted that it be broken up.

The marvel of the church is that we are forever learners who hold tightly to Jesus while he takes us places we could have never imagined; in worship, in service, in vision, and in outreach.  The rejection of the true church, while so many parade such a stance with pride, is that our church habit can be found to strongly replace spiritual flexibility.

The Good News is...and there is always such a facet...that every individual can transition from rejection to marvel as quick as a heartbeat.  When we choose to enter the vast and glorious unknown of Kingdom potential by cutting the habitual ties anchored to safety, we will have entered the terrain of the working God. 

Go.  For.  It.  Best.  You.  Can.

HOW DOES ONE AGE NEW?

The world of God is beyond strange.  It is always on the grow.  How ironic that the biggest battle over new concepts comes from congregational settings.   Church after church, member after member...all battle an endless and fatiguing war of the new.  Some make the adjustment quickly while others become devoted to ending any such drive.  But these latter combatants choose not to label it as growing in the Lord.  Their/our/my cry is directed at warding off words like "new" and "change".

The Kingdom is most baffling to God's followers because these two words bring mixed reviews.  They stir enthusiasm and ambition in some; yet trouble and heartburn for others.  However, it is a clear biblical principle that each disciple is to perpetually advance (grow/increase) into the realm of the next level of followship and fellowship.  We are not to be baptized...and then fossilized.

I was reading an article today about the Chicago Cubs manager, Joe Maddon.  Maddon is the oldest manager in the Majors.  He is quite successful at his role and his team gives my Cardinals a firm challenge year after year.

At age 64, Maddon has a most intriguing insight.  "I feel like I've always remained contemporary, not by plan, but I've always been curious."  He continued, "We are all raised in different generations.  And whatever generation you come from, you're always going to have an old-school method to it.  You know, from when you grew up.  But in referencing the past, you have to stay current with what's going on now--or even what's occurring down the road."

The magic word of that interview to me is "curious".  From that comment one can determine that this manager is most exhilarated by the success of now; yet is attentive to what else can develop.  Curious.  This word inspires because, for me, it wonders what else can be.  What could become?  What would take place if?  How might we reach more, teach more, believe more, improve more?

This trait, or the lack of it, seems to consistently separate the dreamers from the regulators; the flexible from the rigid.  I've seen both, thought like both, and been both.  One lives in consistent aggravation while the other pursues yet an alternate perspective to draw more into the Kingdom Life.

How does one age new?  How is it that we can reflect the biblical truth that we really are newer day by day?  One of the ways is to grow new, think new, believe new, and...be in awe of God that such is His idea.  It is up to us to see that the concept of faith...even as some visit us on Sunday mornings...is a lively movement forward rather than a scene of taking us back in time.  With God, even churches are to age new.

LEARN--LEAD--LEAP

When I begin a post, I try to write the final sentence first.  (It is already on the screen as I now type this comment.)  It is the goal, the message in a nutshell, of what I want you to take away.  Afterward, I write with a form of leadership to hopefully help you arrive at a practical and useful destination.

Our walk seems to be a rather simple procedure of learning, then leading, and then leaping.  Learn what's needed, lead out beyond habit-forming restrictions, and then leap into the unknown and unfathomable future is surely anything but a boring and mundane trip through the corridors of life.  I'm sympathetic to every hesitant person as this old world has a way of talking us down from taking the jump into what possibly could be the greatest move of our so-far lives.

Our God, among His many traits, is Creative.  And, He calls us to imitate His Word(s).  A threat to our Christian virtues is that we will operate on our own understanding rather than the daring trust of His unexplainable, unpredictable style.  God doesn't fit the fear-mold that tends to dominate the brain-trust of humanity.  We must be careful to refrain from believing we have a better common-sense grip on life than....than God.

Common Sense is too often the hooded villain who wishes to hold faith at gunless point.  It marches into every business meeting and stands with bold guard over nearly every decision.  Common Sense is often found to be fearful of three things: learning, leading, and leaping.  Why is that?  Trusting in ourselves?  Possibly?

Too much of the Christian field is being sabotaged; not by exterior interference but by interior hedging in three areas.  Yep, they've been named.  I go through this perpetually in my daily walk.  I'm either looking over my shoulder hoping I escaped my critics or else I'm inwardly insecure due to my own self-criticism. 

Therefore, should you be somewhat like me, I cheer you on.  We can be wonderfully grateful for the faith(ful) of our past.  Do hear the calling.  No believer is along for the ride.  It is not our goal (first) to go to Heaven.  It is our call to step up to the incredible dynamics of faith.  May we dare walk out into uncharted waters of opportunity...just as Jesus once walked out onto the threatening waves only to use them as the new highway of world impact.

(And here it comes...my final sentence...written at the beginning.)
Learn from your past!  Lead from that learning into the now!  Leap by the learning and then leading...into the future!

GOING INTO ALL OF THE WORLD...IS SOMETHING TO BE LEARNED

The longer I experience ministry the more I note how similar we all are.  Talents vary.  Missions are surely versatile.  Personalities are indeed different.  Yet, one thing is a plague to each.  It's a Devil tactic.  Fear.  I was a student in the Fear 101 course for far too long.  I learned how to negotiate threatening circumstances and avoid all potential interactions among those other than the closest of friends. 

My goal was to protect myself from looking badly.  I had two self-satisfying mottos.  "Try Not To Mess It Up."  My second motto was similar, "If It Needs To Be Done, Someone Else Can Do It Better".  I lived, as a minister, under the umbrella of these two doctrines.

Outgoing?  Oh, I really was....toward those within my relaxed friendship borders.  But beyond was not even a question in my mind.  I.  Wasn't.  Going.  There.

Going into all of the world doesn't necessarily mean we go on a mission trip to Alabama or to Nigeria.  It means we are on call to see others, reach to others, engage with others day by day.  To be frank....I just couldn't do it.  I carried a Bible in my hand and the denial in my heart.

Of course, now I am able.  But it took years of overcoming hesitancy.  Where I now marvel is how convincing I was to myself and to others regarding my excusivity.  I could explain my cowardice away in a heartbeat because I couldn't do one main thing...engage with strangers. 

Truthfully, however, I had no legitimate excuse.  I didn't know that such a trip could be learned.  I didn't want to know it. 

So I cheer you on to have the confidence to see strangers; even colleagues of whom you fear interaction.  Relax.  Know this.  Everyone is alike.  We all have our fears, our torments, our insecurities.  I know of not one--not one--exception.  We can learn--that's the good news--to reach out, reach toward, without one exception.

The call to go into all of the world, I felt, was always for others.  I liked the idea.  My intention was to be a contributor toward it.  But I didn't believe that God could do for me what I saw Him doing for others.  Yet, He will, He can, and He does....for every one of us.  I don't blame you for holding back or holding out.  But I encourage you to want to learn how to develop His personality within yours that such a tandem might go all over the place...into all of the world.

Afraid?  Oh yeah, I lived there for decades as the preacher.  Guilty?  Oh, certainly.  Resentful of hearing such messages?  You know it.  Able to learn to do it?  I'm still the student.  Progress is in motion.  How about you?