Come follow Him

The past series of columns about the Church, Christians and how we demonstrate our love and devotion to Jesus Christ has been a challenge. There is a need for evaluation constantly in our individual and collectively as we walk as believers. Evaluation is without question one of the most difficult task we ever undertake. As a minister are my sermons relevant and timely is often a question to consider. Are the words people hear out of my mouth thoughts that leave a positive impression of the difference that Jesus can make in them too. Being an attractor or a distraction is a work in progress for me personally. To admit failure is difficult and to accept a struggle to deal with can be miserable at times and rewarding once you have made it through. Miserable because Jesus never promised we would not have to walk through valleys and be required to climb mountains. Rewarding because of the confidence we gain in having learned to trust Him and to continue to step forward even when there appears to be no light to shine the way.
The Church is the greatest instrument of organization, purpose and blessings. Organization because we have one leader, Jesus, who has also provided a spirit for our daily walk He has given us clear direction throughout scripture as to our purpose. To go, teach, and make other disciples. The church is the vehicle He gave us to use as we work together as followers. It is designed to be the instrument by which we build up God and edify each other.
Christians are the designated key factor by which the Will of God is completed. Christians are the vital link for observation by others and the viewing of our lives should mirror the actions and love of God and be his instrument of service as directed by the Holy Spirit. This is not an easy task, following Him that is. Consider that when Jesus called James and John to follow Him, the instructions were to leave their nets, leave their boats, leave their careers and just follow. For some Christians there will be a total and complete change of direction in their lives, while for others, it will be a learning process of how to use where they are and what they are currently doing to His glory and as a demonstration of our commitment to follow Him.
Evaluating my life as a minister I can easily become sidetracked by focusing on a singular event or experience. When I feel like I’ve been hurt, I can easily become bitter; want to quite and even plan to give up. Missing the bigger picture because of our narrow focus reminds me of that moment when Jesus and the disciples were coming down from the mountain being on such a high note they were missing all the hurting people they were passing as they walked down from their spiritual high. I have often found myself in that same position, and I’m not proud of that fact. Yet, it is amazing to watch Jesus. Just one simple touch of the treads of His garment and He ask, “who touch me?” The disciples were quick with an answer that made good sense. There were many people reaching out, how could it make sense that Jesus would recognize one individual touch? Simple, He made us in His image. He designed us with his chosen skill and talents and He knows all about us, even before we know ourselves…that’s why!
Today is the day, are you in?

Until then

Who would Jesus love? Who will we love? A challenge -- thanks Ray Botlz

For the past several weeks I have been writing a series of columns about the church, Christians and the opportunity we have to follow Christ making a real difference with our individual lives. Conservative and liberal are words some like to use to describe folks. Personally I am a Bible Conservative. I believe the Bible is God’s word and it is the road map for our lives. I am also a Bible Liberal. I once had a sin debt that was heavy and it chained me down. Because Jesus came into my life I was set free and now I am at liberty in Him. It is amazing to me what seems to upset folks and I am always disturbed when folks discredit God’s ability to use anyone and everyone.
Recently a friend of mine shared his status on Facebook by saying he was listening to his favorite CD of all time, “Honor and Glory” by Ray Boltz. In his update he said, “throw judgments if you want”, “I believe God was in his music”, he shared. I agree with my friend, there is no doubt that God has used and continues to use the music of Ray Boltz to touch and change lives all for the cause of Christ. I know his music has certainly stirred my heart in offering praises, thanks and considerations. Watch the Lamb is a challenging song when you consider the position of those that observed the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross or even those that participated in that event. The post my friend made yielded some 22 responses. I am not sure why Christians find it necessary to be the Holy Spirit, but some have no confidence in the Holy Spirit to work in an individual life. It reminded me of the old mountain saying that states, “Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water”. Ray Boltz has certainly been used by God and my personal experience with Jesus leaves no doubt in my mind of His ability to love us, forgive sin, restore individuals and yes, even provide grace and mercy despite the fact of our ability to understand. Most of us want God to work in the way WE think no matter what He thinks. Consider one of Ray’s new songs entitled, “Who would Jesus love?”

I used to wear a bracelet asking “what would Jesus do?
All my faith and my promises quickly fade from view
I tried to do my best, but what I did was never enough
Then I asked the question, “Who would Jesus love?
Would He only love the one who look the same as me?
Would He only offer hope if he saw similarity?
Would He leave the others waiting like a stranger at the gate?
Would He discriminate? Tell me who would Jesus love?
Now I can buid a bridge that can reach from me to you
Or I can buld a wall instead if I don’t like the view
Cause I make the decision on how to follow through
I don’t need a bracelet to know what He would do

There is no doubt what I am called to do. There is no theological education necessary to follow Him. 1 Cor 13:8 is quite clear. Love is the greatest thing and if we are going to make a difference for Him, then our actions, words and demonstrations must reflect the love He gave on the cross of Calvary just as the Bible says. “For God so loved the world….He gave…” The only remaining answer to give is will we give as He gave?.

Until then