Realizations and the Moon

I started reading a new book last night. I have been trying and wanting to read this book for years now, but have only just gotten around to it. I only read one chapter of it last night because I wasn’t feeling too well and was falling asleep trying to read. So I not so reluctantly put the book down. I knew I would read another chapter the next night.

Tonight is Wednesday. At prayer meeting, my dear pastor mentioned to the church that we need to pray about what to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. I wrote it down in my prayer journal. When I got home, I opened my prayer journal and decided I would start to pray for the Christmas offering right then and there. I prayed an embarrassingly short prayer that God would show me what to give and that I would give joyfully and with an obedient heart. So, after I prayed I was going to go straight to sleep, but decided to pick up the book and read a chapter first.

I read five.

The words on the page enthralled me. I watched the story of a man who whole-heartedly rejected the Word of God come to break and follow God with absolutely every he had. In part of the story, this man had faith in God to supply his every need. He mentioned how quickly God taught him the difference between a want and a true need. At one point in this man’s life he needed a shilling, 12 pennies, to mail a simple letter so he could stay in the country. He found his shilling, but God prompted him to give it to a man who lived in the slums. He obeyed, and turned around to see the postman with a letter for him containing much more money than he needed.

As I read the words on this page I looked up from my bed. I saw the pretty pink curtains over my window. I felt the warmth of the blanket I was lying under. I had a closet full of pretty clothes that not only kept me warm, but looked nice also. I am in no way suffering. Not that God calls every Christian to suffer financially, but when I am hard pressed for money, I don’t have faith…real faith that God will provide. I started thinking about all the materialistic blessings in my life. I was at a school where my tuition, room and board and then some were completely paid for and I sometimes complain about my classes…how ungrateful. I have a car that is paid off and always has gas…although not always a full tank. I am blessed beyond measure.

I suddenly realized why I hadn’t gone straight to bed. I saw God answering my prayers right before my eyes, just as I had asked him to simply an hour prior. God wants me to give by faith. God doesn’t just want me to necessarily put in an extra 20 for Lottie Moon. He wants me to trust Him to provide my needs just as the missionaries are trusting to receive enough in Lottie Moon to be able to buy groceries to eat that month. God wants to use my obedience and faith to touch the lives of missionaries around the world.

I have heard so many messages on tithing in my lifetime, and have always agreed with tithing. It is an act of obedience towards God. But it is SO much more than an act of obedience. It’s an act of faith in our Creator. Our Father in Heaven is a King. We trust our employers to pay us each month, and yet we won’t trust the Lord of the entire Universe to provide our needs. Is our God not bigger than money?

This year, I want to give by faith. I want to obey, but I want to obey by faith.

Are We Becoming The Corinthian Church?

I read 1 Corinthians 5:1-5 and I've been pondering something all day long. Are we, the body of Christ, becoming like the Corinthian Church.

¹ It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named^[a] among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! ² And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. ³ For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. ⁴ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁵ deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.^[b]
Ok, so let me explain what I mean. In this specific situation in the church there was a case of incest. Incest was strictly prohibited both by Roman and Old Testament law. It's speculated that it was with the man's step mother since the text specifically says his father's wife, not his mother. Paul's letter was written to believer's of the Corinthian church, so it is assumed that this man is a believer. Paul is reprimanding the church for not disciplining the believer. The church had gotten too tolerant of sin in the church was the main point.

Have we, the church, gotten too tolerant of sin? In a world slam full of teachings of tolerance, are we letting that belief infiltrate the church too much? Are we trying to appeal to a worldy school of thought in order to keep from stepping on toes? Maybe it's time to reevaluate our ways of disciplining and be sure we aren't letting a little sour bit spoil the whole lump.

In the United States, particularly in the south, many times we are defined by whether or not we go to church, and what kind of church we attend. Each church has certain reputations and stories attatched to it. "Did you hear so and so joined such and such a church?" "Oh yes, you know that's one of those charismatic churches right?" Or how bout Baptists don't dance...we've all heard that one. So many people in the south are now defined by their denominations. A friend and I were discussing this matter today, and it made me think of what I have been studying in my morning Bible reading. In 1 Corinthians Paul is writing to the Corinthians about some problems they had been having in the church. One of the problems was bragging and arguing about who they were of.

1 Corinthians 1: 10-13
¹⁰ Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. ¹¹ For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. ¹² Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” ¹³ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

How is this any different from believers arguing about denominations? There is one way to be saved and that is through grace by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the power of His resurrection. If you believe in Christ, you are of Christ! Everyone who is of Christ belong to the body of Christ. Paul is speaking to believers in this passage. He is not talking to a specific denomination. He isn't speaking to the ones whom he baptized. He is speaking to Corinthians who had turned from their sins and believed in the power name of Christ. Over and over again we are told to be unified with other believers. How are we as believers trying to mend broken relationships and bridge the denominational gap in order to be Biblically unified with believers? Are we even trying to do that? Do we honestly realize it isn't the name on the sign outside your church that defines who you are or what you believe? Our standard should be the Word of God. Our measuring stick is the life of Jesus Christ! Any judgement we pass ought to be at the revealing of the Holy Spirit, not by our own standards. (1 Corinthians 4)

Now don't get me wrong, I attend a church with a denomination. I am a member of 38th Avenue Baptist Church. I believed God wanted me to serve and grow at this church, and I have. I do not think denominations in and of themselves are evil or wrong. I do, however, believe we have put far too much weight on the name of the church instead of what is preached there and where God is calling us to serve.

So fellow believers, let's bridge this gap and learn to love with the love of Christ. Andfollow and obey God about what church we are to serve him in. Oh, and then let's actually serve God and grow spiritually. Lost people need to see Christians shining the light of Christ both to fellow believers and to the rest of the world. If we can't even show love to each other, why should a lost world believe we will show honest love to them? Let's shine the light of Christ, and let the Holy Spirit flow from us.

Tis The Season?

I've been very interested in seeing how Christmas this year would play out. Why? Chrstmas day falls on Sunday. Here in the Bible Belt I knew it would be particularly interesting. I would assume that most people in this area would at the very least claim to be a Chrstian, regardless of specific denomination. So out of these professed Christians, how many are going to church on Sunday? How many of those of us who believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin; who claim that He lived a sinless life so that He could die for he world, who was a part of a prophetic plan that was in place from the beginning by an all-loving all-knowing God and Creator of the universe, will put aside our materialistic traditions to go to church to worship our Lord? How many of us will wait to open gifts until after church so that we can teach our children, our families and our friends that Jesus is our Lord, and a holiday that has been immensely commercialized will not keep us from falling on our knees to give thanks and praise? Ladies and gentlemen, is Jesus really the reason for the season? Or will we, the ones who profess Christ as our Savior, show the world that tradition and materialistic things are more important?

surprise!

I have recently been doing a marvelous Bible study with a very dear friend. We do a daily study on our own and then try and meet up once a week to discuss the study and what God has been doing in our lives. It's a time I treasure very much. Yesterday we met during our lunch breaks. I am essentially broke and brought my lunch to work and ate it so I wouldn't have to spend any money. We settled on meeting at starbucks. Traffic was pretty heavy yesterday. (Throw a little precipitation around and people go nuts on the roads) I was just waiting on my friend to show up. In the mean time, I re-read part of my study just to refresh my mind about some of the quotes that stood out to me that week. The couple next to me got up to leave and the woman looked at me and said, "I really like that book you're reading. Here's five dollars, go buy yourself a cup of coffee." I tried to refuse the money but she insisted and so I accepted. How amazing is God! I pray God blesses that woman ten-fold for that tiny act of completely random kindness that she showed toward me. I wish there was a way to do the same for her. God takes care of His children.

early to rise...

So last night I was reading the book of Isaiah and felt impressed to read some in the morning. So I thought to myself, "good idea, I'll read when I get to work." Well, apparently that's not what God had in mind. I leaned over and set my alarm clock and proceeded to roll over on my other side to prepare for a good night's sleep. I suddenly almost heard an audible voice saying, "Um, no...not what I meant. Set your alarm for 5:45." 5:45!!! I said, "really...that's so early. I have to get up early enough as it is. Surely this is just my imagination. God wouldn't be telling ME things like this..." HA! never say such things...never even THINK such things. God said, "Melissa...roll back over and set your alarm or I'll wake you up." I said, "yes, Lord." So I did. 5:45 rolled around and my alarm went off. I woke up, sat up and prayed. Now, I'm not exactly used to getting up before the sun is, and even less used to functioning before the sun is up, but I tried. After I prayed I fell back asleep thinking my alarm would go back off at its original time of 6:45 (which is still super early for me) My alarm did not go off at 6:45. Apparently I forgot to set two alarms. I also didn't ask God to make sure I was up at 6:45...I just asked Him to please not let me be exhausted today (I'm not). I woke up at 7:24 and was late for work. No one said anything about me being late, I'm not tired and I obeyed. Sounds like the start of a good mornig. Moral of the story? When God says get up early...you better listen.

Praise Him with...a shout?

This blog may get me in trouble. I'm ok with that. I'm not sure anyone actually reads this, so perhaps I won't actually get into any trouble, but even if I do, I'm ok with it.

Last Sunday morning was fantastic. My wonderful pastor has been preaching a message on Psalm 23. I never ever knew there was so much information in Psalm 23. I think he should write a book on it. (hint hint) During this message a visitor, who happened to be sitting close to me, was very...vocal...about her opinions on the message. To be a little more clear, she shouted. Not just arbitrary loud noises, but encouraging affirmations of joy about God's word. I thought it was fantastic! Apparently not everyone shares my opinion. I understand that there are those who seem to think a church service should be somber, quiet and "sacred." Who am I to disagree with adults who must know more than I? So I won't just give my opinion, I'll do what makes people rreeeaaaalllly angry and give God's opinion. Let's start with Psalm 150.

Psalm 150

Let All Things Praise the LORD

 ¹ Praise the LORD!
        
         Praise God in His sanctuary;
         Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
        
 ² Praise Him for His mighty acts;
         Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
        
 ³ Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
         Praise Him with the lute and harp!
 ⁴ Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
         Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
 ⁵ Praise Him with loud cymbals;
         Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
        
 ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
        
         Praise the LORD!

Does that sound like a somber worship service to you? Yeah, me either. In 2 Chronicles the Bible speaks of the children of God praising Him with voices loud and high. (2 Chronicles 20:19 if you don't believe me) Psalm 98:4-6 says, "⁴ Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.⁵ Sing to the LORD with the harp,With the harp and the sound of a psalm ⁶ With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the LORD, the King." Sounds like a lot of shouting going on.

The woman in church was not shouting to be disruptive, she was doing so to praise the God of her salvation! It didn't bother the pastor. In fact, it got him pretty fired up about what he was preaching.

So here's where I'm really going to get in trouble. Shame on you people who try and quench the Spirit of the most high God. Shame on you for supposedly praying for new visitors and then staring at the visitors when they display something you aren'y accustomed to. Shame for not making her feel most welcome. The church service isn't about your likes and dislikes, it should be about God. She was praising God and you want to stop her? She has a faith that she will unabashedly share! We could all learn something from that sort of "reckless abandon."

Let's praise Him with a SHOUT!

mi manchi bella italia

Italy is a country rich is scenery, culture and history. From the food to the Alps, there is no denying the breathtaking beauty this country has to offer. One of the famous hot spots in Milan, Italy is the Duomo. The Duomo is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. It’s Gothic and Baroque architecture can leave the viewer in awe. Many would say this is a testament to the religious influence in Italy. Italy is definitely not unreligious. The role of the priest was to originally be an intercessor, but has now, in many cases, only become a hindrance to the true spiritual intimacy God has intended for us.  Salvation is gained through good works, not grace and faith. Many Italians, however, completely do away with the idea of religion. One missionary described them as being not post-modernist, but post-christian. They’ve been there, done that and are not interested. Most are agnostics and atheists. Palm readers, psychics and other esoteric activities are active in much of the nightlife in Italy. Prostitution is also a large problem in Milan. Many of the parks that are filled with families and couple by day are swarmed with drug dealers and prostitutes by night. As spiritually dark as the city may seem, there is also a thirst and openness to the gospel. Our team did a lot of street singing and evangelism. One day, after singing the precious song Jesus Loves Me (Gesu Mi Ama) a woman approached us and started asking questions. She said she had never had hope, and we sang with hope. She accepted Christ that day on the side of the road at Moscova Plaza. She asked us to pray for her husband who was in prison in Iran. She now has hope. After singing in church Sunday morning, the pastor informed us that four people were saved, two requested baptism and a 5^th person was on the verge of understanding and accepting Christ. One day we went to work with Youth With a Mission about 30 minutes outside of Milan. We evangelized before the concert and two women accepted Christ. They said we sang with the songs of angels and wanted to know why we sang. After the concert that night two more women were saved.

Many think of the founders of the protestant faith when they think of Europe, but unfortunately the same is not true within Europe itself. Many governments label evangelical churches as cults and are creating laws to ban house groups and gatherings of “cults.” Most don’t even know who John Calvin was. In Italy, although 85% of the population claims Roman Catholicism as the religion as few as 15% of those actually attend church. There are proportionately fewer born-again Christians in Spain than in Japan. In more than 50 nations of highly secularized Europe, many people who are numbered as Christians have never heard the gospel.

Why should we pray for Europe specifically? First, Europe is a key to impacting the world. With the European Union, and its historical influence on the world, it is safe to assume the trend will continue. Impact Europe, Impact the world. Second, there are nearly 400 unreached people groups within Europe. One of these people groups are the gypsies. A missionary in Italy told me there is a growing church movement among the gypsies in Milan. Her church is currently working on reaching more gyspy groups. Lastly, God is on the move through Europe. As sad as the situation may appear, God has his hand on Europe. That was evident to the group as we sang through different cities within Italy. As one of the young men of a church in Brescia said to me, “We, the youth of today, are God’s instruments for change!” Milan is the second largest city in Italy with about two million people. For those two million people there are 100 Italian churches and about 30 foreign churches. There are almost 3 million in the whole state in Mississippi. For those 3 million people there are about 2500 southern baptist churches alone.

  

I could give you statistic after statistic and fact after fact. We could read every book on the market about missions. Missions for youth, for college aged, for baby boomers for senior adults. No book is going to “solve” anything. What is boils down to is this: are we going to surrender to the mission God has for our lives? Will we accept the Great Comission? God didn’t say if you want to, if it’s convenient for you then go into the world. He commanded us and said GO! He also said to go into all the world. That means Hattiesburg, Laurel, California, Italy, Peru, China, Japan and the rest of the world. We can make any excuse we want to...I don’t have the money, I’m too young, I’m too old, I’ve never flown. Do we not know that our God is bigger than our finances, our age and our fears? In our weakness his strength is made perfect! How shall they hear unless they have a preacher? God has called us...us. His church, His children. He wants to use US! How marvelous to be wanted by God. He wants to use us for his glory. He wants us to seek his face and His will and let ourselves be guided by Him like Moses was. Let’s stop making excuses and start responding to Him.

Italia

I could write for days about the experiences I had while in Italy. Let me begin by explaining why Italy. I’m a member of a small singing ensemble at William Carey University called Carpenter’s Wood. We had the glorious opportunity to travel to Italy this year to evangelize and sing in Milan. We were there for 15 days, and I had the time of my life. It was my first trip to Europe, my first time experiencing jet lag and my first mission trip where I needed a translator instead of being the translator. Although, Spanish and Italian are so similar I actually ended up doing some translating…go figure. We worked with several different churches in the area. While there were frustrating aspects of the trip, I saw God’s hand move, and people were saved! I simple cannot wait to go back to Milan and do the work of God again.

shoes

A man is like a pair of shoes. No really, think about it. Some men are like a fabulous pair of heels. They sparkle in the window, they pull at your heartstrings. Essentially, it's love at first sight. But, after just one night in these shoes and your feet are so mad at you. You have blisters, they're sore and sometime you might even have a cut or two. Some women say these shoes are worth it and wear them every day. They must run out of bandaids quickly. Other women decide that these shoes are nice to wear every now and then. Some men are like grandma shoes. They are comfortable as all get out, but you don't feel pretty wearing them at all. Some women have decided that it's better to be comfortable, but have no pizazz in life. Every now and then, however, you can find a beautiful pair of heels and miraculously they don't pinch your toes. These shoes will make you feel like cinderella. It's a beautiful feeling when you finally find such a glorious pair of shoes.

L is for the way you look at me

So it's upon us once again. The big day. I've been around the flowers and hearts and pink cookie for weeks now. I'm convinced Valentine's day gets bigger every year. Today I am sick. I really didn't want to miss church. Dad's messages are always compelling. Being alone in the house has allowe me to sit back and think. So, I turned on the TV and put it on a worship service. As the worship leader started the songs and the camera turned toward the congregation God convicted me. The songs they were singing were beautiful. The message of God's love toward us, of his faithfulness and mercy. The story of the gospel of Christ was coming off their lips, but when I looked at them I was heartbroken. How can we sing of such a miracle and not be moved in the slighest. I realize we aren't asked to put on a show for God, but we are asked to worship. In light of Valentine's Day, how can we think of the unbelievable love God has for us and stand in His presence and show no emotion, humility, brokenness, remorse, or feeling of any kind. When we can speak of such a God and not be moved, there is something wrong. THINK of what God has done for us. We deserve death. God gave up his only  child to not just bear the physical pain of death, but the emotional pain, the spiritual pain and compete and utter rejection from His father. All of that so that we could live. God doesn't want us to just exist, he wants us to LIVE. He wants us to live a life of joy and fulfillment. God's love doesn't fail. He is eternally patient and kind. He keeps no record of wrong. He loves us. He wants us. Let's repent and allow ourselves to be moved by God.

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can definitely hurt me. It's amazing how mistakes can haunt you the rest of your life. It's unbelievable how harsh words can creep up under your skin and bite you. I found out the other day that apparently people think I'm shallow and skanky. My immediate verbal response was to just shrug it off and not worry about what other people think of me. The seed had been planted though. The people who say these things about me are defintely not a part of my every day circle of life, so why should I care what they think...right? I do. It got me thinking "am i shallow?" Do the people who think I'm a bad person...are they right? I've always thought I was an alright gal. I mean I know I messed up but isn't that what second chances are for? Well, it's really getting to me. Now I'm even doubting the authenticity of some of the people who claim to be my friend. How do I know what you really think of me? How do I know if what you tell me to my face is true, when I hear that you say things about me behind my back. Words really do hurt. I know I care too much about what others think of me, but in this culture appearances are everything. Apparently, second chances don't actually exist. Oh they do in name...but forgive and forget? That's not real. I wish people could get to know me before judging me. I wish people actually cared. I wish people would watch what they say because words can have a lasting effect and can really wound someone. I wish people would understand, accept and move on from the fact that I have been stupid and dumb and I own up to my mistakes. But I'm not the only one who makes mistakes. Let it go.

Double Standard

I hate double standards. I hate them with a passion. However this life is full of them. A man can sleep with as many women as he wants and will always get more women and will always get a pat on the back from his buddies. A woman who does the same or even half of the same thing will get disrespected, slandered, gossipped about and labeled as damaged goods. I have seen it with my own eyes. I have seen a guy get back with the same clothes from yesterday and get a fist pound from his boys for his latest conquest. I have heard men talking about which girls they knew they could sleep with. How incredibly disgusting. Do we do anything about it? No! Why? because "boys will be boys" isnt that what we've been saying since they were two? MAN UP! Ok so let's pretend that it's the woman's fault. The woman should be chaste and have self control and be good. Will most guys pay any attention to her? Not really. So being "good" doesn't always demand respect of any kind. So what do we do? Should a woman embrace sexuality to the extent that a man does and try and demand the same respect that men are so carefully able to maintain?  I don't think so. Ladies it's time to up the standard. I don't want a man who doesnt have the balls to respect me. I don't want to deal with a man whose only interest is to brag to his friends about how i was compared to the last girl. I don't want anything to do with that kind of man. It may be a lonely road but I'm holding out for my romantic ending. Men, it's time for you to grow up. Guess what you aren't fooling anyone with your pathetic act. Learn to appreciate and respect a woman. Quit blaming others for your own mistakes. Quit expecting a woman to give you everything she has and holds precious within one day of meeting you. Learn to believe in love. GROW UP