You know how you can get these funny thoughts in your head and you just can't get them out. Mine, last week, happened to be that I felt it was time to bring our blog back to life! At first I asked the question, 'Why?' It then became clear that God wants to use Liz and I to encourage and equip other followers of Jesus who could possibly be wrestling with the same things as us. So keep an eye out; this could potentially become a routine where we blog twice a week or even 3 times a week! Yikes!
To catch you all up from where we left off (with the blog of course), I (Chris) have become a Junior High Pastor, Liz and I have added two kids to our life (Malakai Gretsch 2yrs, and Laila Pearl 8months), and Liz has also started a new ministry at our church which ministers to moms with young children. Needless to say, we definitely have our hands full juggling this thing called life. I'm sure many of you understand the juggling we're doing and possibly more as you add extra children into the mix. Liz and I, however, still feel an incredible call to live our lives on 'mission' no matter where we live. Whether it's across the globe or back at home where it looks (in our case) as vocational ministry. And to be compltely honest, if I wasn't in vocational ministry, we probably would still be volunteering with the youth group, worship team, and Liz would probably still be leading this new ministry for moms with young children. Why you may ask? Because our hearts burn to share the love of Christ with others and help people grow in their walks with Christ. Simple. Intentional. Transformational (that's the work of the Holy Spirit).
On this early Sunday afternoon I'm just getting home from having my first "official" meeting with my Student Leaders for this new school year. I was reminded how important 'Discipleship' is. It's our 'mission' given directly to the original disciples by Jesus and passed down throughout the generations to us. This doesn't have to be hard. All you need are some older people that you like hanging out with, who follow Jesus, pouring what they've learned into you, and you taking what you're learning, and pouring that into a few people whom you enjoy hanging out with who are younger than you (or spiritually speaking younger than you). The even easier part is you're never alone. You get to do this with God and you don't always have to have the answers. Takes the pressure off right? Whether you realize it or not, God has given you insight and wisdom. Pass it on. If you ever come across a question you don't know the answer to, you have a wonderful opportunity to model what it looks like to seek out the answer together. Your children are a great place to start and practice (if you have your own children). Be encouraged. You don't have to be a professional to start ministering to others. You only have to be willing. You'll see God transform you "by the renewing of your mind" and suddenly the bible will begin to come alive to you in new ways. Don't put it off. Start now. It's such a blessing to pour out your life with the OVERFLOW of what God is pouring into you.
Love God (with your whole life; heart, soul, mind), Love Others. Simple.
Let's pray. May we be refreshed daily as we seek first your kingdom Lord. Amen.
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make very effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4:1-6 (niv)
~Chris~
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