Sometimes, there are special God ordained events that will surprise us. We speak to someone for the first time, and the discussion begins to move in a fruitful direction. Within a short time, they are ready to make a full commitment to Jesus (like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40). And we are surprised.
But the surprise should be unwarranted. You see, the Holy Spirit is working in hearts all over the globe at this very moment. He is drawing people to himself in ways we do not see. This goes on in the hearts of many people for many years. Then finally one day, they meet up with you (or God brings them to you). Their hearts are ripe for the harvest of the Gospel because the Spirit of God was working in them for years.
No need to be surprised. One day evangelism is rare and maybe non existent as God was already at work in them for a long time. And when that one day thing happens, don’t get too hung up with your special evangelistic gifting. The Master Evangelist, the Holy Spirit was already at work.
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To get your foot in the door, minimum is all you need. Minimum signifies that you are in, you are a part of the team, accepted.
Once you go beyond the minimum, you enter a different sphere. Your investment is greater, and the risks are higher. Your perspectives change. Your buy-in is greater. Your level of engagement advances from casual observer to one of deep involvement.
But minimum is all you need to be on the team. But daily, choose to go beyond minimum to a greater level of engagement. Just because you can.
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The more you have been hurt, the more difficult it is to forgive. You begin to think: “I have the right to hold a grudge.” A right is an entitlement. By virtue of something, you are endowed with a right.
As human beings, we have the right to forgive. We are entitled to that. As children of our wonderful Father in heaven, you are entitled, endowed, and obligated to forgive. It’s your right. Don’t let anyone steal that from you.
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So what does God owe me? Where is the balance sheet tipped in my favor? The bigger question is, if such indebtedness is possible. Although I understand the concept expressed through those words, I question it’s logic.
God has given us life, breath, and everything we need to live. As Creator and sustainer, he has given us all that we have. For God to be indebted to us, we would need to give him excess of what he has already given us.
The problem with the above statement is that it implies that God will repay according to the good you’ve done. It’s as if he owes us something due to what we have done. But is that possible?
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I’d rather love my enemies from a distance. But to love and do good to them? That’s too much connection. That much proximity puts me at risk of being hurt again. Yet the words of Jesus continue to disturb us.
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6:27-28).
Doing good to your enemies may impact their heart and change their attitude towards you. But it may also give them more opportunity to do harm. You enmity would continue to grow and develop into something completely unbearable.
But what if you allow God to change you in the process? We know your enemies won’t change. The Holy Spirit will begin working on your ego. You’ll learn a better way to handle pain. You’ll experience the comfort of the Holy Spirit in a deeper way than ever before. Your value as a person loved by God will become your identity. So go ahead. Love your enemies. And do good to them.
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When your world view is limited, you are confident that you are right. There are no alternative options other than your view.
While I was a student in Seminary, I remember a wise neighbor who questioned me about my reading habits. She was older than my parents and quite wise to discern my narrow way of thinking. She said, “Alexi, you’ve got to read people you disagree with. It’s the only way to sharpen your mind and your perspectives.”
That was a challenging time for me as I was sure of my point of view. But I’m glad I took the advice. Now I challenge myself with journals that oppose my perspectives in numerous ways. I’m still a bit hard headed, but hopefully smoother on the edges.
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Why can’t we all get along? Why are some people so irritating? Why are some so down right evil?
Although we don’t want any of these negatives, there is a place for them. They contrast and highlight the good. Without the evils, the good won’t seem so good. We would just take it for granted.
Evil was not part of God’s plan, and there will be an end to evil. But Satan has impacted our society so much that there are many who think doing good is only an alternative. But for an appointed time, let it be so. These evils will help in highlighting the good.
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When tragedy strikes our friends or acquaintances, we are often at a loss regarding what to do. Of course, there are emergency services and organizations that handle the brunt of the professional tasks involved. Although we don’t want to get in the way or even attempt to replace what they do, it’s clear that we are not sure how to respond.
According to the need, and according to the willingness of the people to accept our help, we need to extend our hand of care. Keep your words to a minimum but keep our hands open and ready to help in every way possible. We’re not to expect anything in return as Jesus said “You received without paying; give without pay.” (Matthew 10:8).
See your response as a contribution to this world and into the lives of people. That’s why we are placed here in this world as a community. Ultimately, what you do to help others will become an investment into God’s kingdom.
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When the road is pitch dark with no street lights and raining, it’s beneficial to have another car in front of you. You just need to follow.
Thankful for those who have gone before us. They shed the light in dark places. Their light puts us at ease. Their presence gives us hope. We can do this. Even when it’s dark, we’ll make it through.
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It obviously takes effort to look cool. That coolness shows up in the kind of clothes you wear, the brand of devices you use, the vehicle you drive, and other external items that define coolness. It’s a popularly recognized image of sophistication that you hold up to other people. Whether you want to take the effort to do this or not, it’s your choice, your preference.
There’s another level of coolness that goes deeper. This coolness is expressed through your work. Do your work with excellence and focus. Have the tenacity to push for the best of your ability in your work. Without immediate results or financial benefits, keep working your best. Put your heart and mind into the task and do your work at a higher level.
This “coolness” also takes time and effort just like the other one – maybe much more. I’m not sure if you’ll get the same level of recognition as looking cool. But surely in time, it will show up in your work. Over several years, the results of your work will bear fruit.
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