Outcast

Have you ever let a person’s outer appearance determine whether or not you speak or love on them? As sad as it may seem, I know I have been guilty of this and God dealt with me big time on it. I’ve even said to God at times “there are some crazy people out there and I don’t want to get caught up in any mess.” It was like I was trying to find any little reason to back out of stuff. I do believe God gives us wisdom and the Holy Spirit will compel us to approach those that are in need. But sometimes God may make us do something out of the ordinary.

In todays society there are so many people dealing with AIDS, addictions, prostitution, colts and all sorts of other problems. It is sad to know that some people, even believers have rejected these people.

In Mark 1:40-41 it reads; A man with a skin desease came to Jesus. He fell to his knees and begged Jesus, “You can heal me if you will.” Jesus felt sorry for the man so he reached out his hand and touched him and said, “I will. Be healed.” NCV

A simple touched from Jesus made a world of a difference in that man’s life. Jesus was not concerned by the man’s apperance, character, sickness or anything. He just saw a man in need who was depending and believing in Him.

We have the opportunity to make a huge difference in our community if not the world! But as Jesus did, to make a differnce we have to be willing to be different and do things that may take us out of our comfort zone. Let’s be filled with the same compassion Jesus had. We have to do things with the love of God. Without God’s love we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13: 1-2).

Let’s Love everybody and not shy away from those in need!

Peace!

God Out of The Box

This is an amazing read! The Author, Chuck Ripka, explains Just that in this book — taking “God Out of The Box”. Ripka explains how we limit ourselves and what God can do in our lives. One of the main reasons we limit ourselves is through a lack of obedience. When we can fully and truly trust God and obey Him, He will then be able to do the extraordinary in our lives.

The author also talks about how as we go through the process of earning God’s trust with the smaller things, he will then open doors for the larger things. Here are some of the principles that are covered in this book:

• Above all else, God desires our obedience.

• When we obey God, He takes care of the bottom line.

• Stop praying only for others. Start praying with them.

• When God opens a door, our job is to walk through it.

• Get Comfortable being uncomfortable for God.

• You can run but you can’t hide from God.

So far this book has been a great inspiration. I will let you know more as I progress through the chapters.

Peace!

Thursday Night

The service tonight at Embrace was off the chain. Pastor John R. preached an incredible message tonight. If you didn’t make it out tonight you missed an awesome service. From praise and worship to the word God delivered, the night was truly amazing. Pastor John has been preaching a series on transformers and finally tonight, the young adults were able to experience the teaching.

He spoke on how we have the power to transform. Here is a very brief run-down.

1. Getting Plugged in: How do we get plugged in? Prayer, The Word, Resisting Temptation, Being Obedient.

2. Understanding the Power: God has given us access to the same power He used to raise Jesus. (Ephesians 1:19-20): and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms. The enemy is after us because he know that we have the ability to destroy him.

3. Flipping the Switch: We have to follow God’s will for us. Some of us have been Christians for a long time and we stay in our word, we pray, we have an understanding of the power but we remain closed.

I pray that God will allow us all to realize our value in Christ. Through Christ, we have the power to make a difference. Let’s put it into action!

Thanks Pastor John!

Peace!

Out Reach!

What an incredible day so far! Today the Shine Team and many other volunteers gathered together in the Calvary Gymnaisum. We were celebrating the Back to School Bash! Hundreds of kids were bused in from different neighborhoods. As they made their entrance into the gym, they were welcomed with cheers, screams, and excitement from the Shine Team and Leaders. This particular Outreach event gives kids the opportunity to come to know God if they don’t already have a relationship with Him. The event is full of Praise and Worship, Games, Dancing and just lots of fun with jesus. At the end of the service the kids are equipped with backpacks and supplies and most importantly, Jesus Christ. What an awesome way to start off the school year. This event gets Larger and Larger every year. God is so awesome!

Shout out to Pastor Jennifer and everyone who was involved!

Peace!