January 2011

What Are You Going to Do This Year?

Another year has come, which also means another year has gone.

It is a good time for reflecting on our lives and be asking ourselves some hard questions. Questions that will challenge us as we face a very challenging future.

I just finished watching the movie "Blind Side", with Sandra Bullock, based on a true story about a family that took in a young black man who had no place to go, and how it changed their lives and his.

We often help others from a distance by giving to some cause or ministry organization that helps underprivileged children and young people. Sometimes we even get pictures and letters from the one we have "adopted" long distance. Understand, I am not downplaying the importance of these opportunities whatsoever. If you support these ministries, keep it up.

The burden of my heart is about becoming Christ incarnate to someone first hand. To personally get involved with another eternally bound individual who needs someone to love and believe in them. To put yourself out there this year and invest in someone.

We invest so much of our time and resources in things for ourselves that leave us feeling empty and dissatisfied, and making no real positive difference in someone else's life.

We worry about putting ourselves or the things we own at risk.

What is really at risk is that person, that individual out there. There have been times when that person at risk out there was myself, and somebody cared enough to invest in me.

So what is the answer?
First, we need to know Jesus Christ for ourselves so we can offer Him and the hope He gives to others.

What Really Matters

Secondly, we need to ask God who that person is out there that needs us.

Don't feel worthy? Not a good excuse!
Don't fee capable? Not a good excuse!

If you pray for God to bring that person into your life, God will also give you the strength, wisdom, and courage to be a positive impact on their lives.

They are not looking for someone perfect: they are looking for someone who is real, genuine, and consistent in their relationship with Jesus Christ and with them.

We need to either be genuine and be Christ to others in this world, or stop using His name in vain. If we speak the name of Christ, we need to living it out in the power of His Holy Spirit.

Jesus is calling us to step up and stand up for His kingdom.

Who are you mentoring?
Who are you loving?
Who are you pouring your life into?

If we are pouring our life into anything less than another person, we will finish this life, (no matter how successful we may appear), with nothing more than a bucket of ashes.

If you want to know the joy of living life to the fullest, live for others.

Where to Start?

If you are not sure where to start, I would be more than happy to meet with you over coffee or lunch and discuss it with you.

Mentoring and investing in someone else is a wonderful adventure that will change your life and theirs, as well as be a great benefit to the kingdom of God.

Do be in prayer as we are wanting to give more time to this ministry. Please pray for the finances to help make this happen.

Thank you. Pastor Rick, Pastor of a church without walls.