Missions

Suggested Topic : Missions

I'm sure many people went on a "mission trip" this summer, or at least at some point in their life. If you've done that, you've probably experienced a "faith high" or "mission high" during and just after you returned home. And a couple months later...did it fade? Most likely it did. And you start the school year saying "Oh, look at what God did then and I can't wait until next year!" Just in that statement, we have disqualified the now. Let's back track though...

How does one define missions? Well, I firmly believe it is going out and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people around you. Whether it is through words, or just by living and loving. That is missions.

A "mission trip" should not be defined by a church group going outside of their hometown, and spending a week serving another community (in or out of country). Is that all? By no means!! Missions is so much more!! A summer mission trip, or service trip is a part of missions but it does not stop there. In fact, it shouldn't start there. Before you even leave your home to go on a "mission trip" you should already have been preparing your heart by serving in some way where you live. Missions is a lifestyle. Everyday, there should be a "now" moment where you live out and share what you believe.

I can't stop singing Josh Turner's "Would you go with me" when I think of missions:

"Would you go with me if we rolled down streets of fire?" Sounds a bit dangerous, but would you go if God called you to serve or live in a dangerous place?  

"Would you go with me if we were lost in fields of clover?" It's not always fun to be lost, but could you go and lose yourself in God's love and get lost in sharing all of that with others? 

"Would you go with me if we rode the clouds together?" Can you pack up all you have, and go across the world? 

"Would you accompany me to the edge of the sea?" Is it possible for you to stretch your borders and your comfort zones in order to reach out for the lost and broken? 

God is a perfect gentleman. He won't ever force you to do anything. But He is challenging you. Step out of what's comfortable. There are so many rewards for obedience in that! He is extending a welcome and an opportunity for adventure in the place where you are now! You don't have to be stuck waiting for the next big thing.  

I have realized that I don't deserve to go out into the world and travel to different countries if I can't even walk out my front door and serve my own community. So I want to accept the challenge. I want to go into my community and listen to where the Holy Spirit says go and then, without hesitation, go and obey. By doing that, I am preparing myself little by little to be willing enough to go when He asks me to do the big, scary, and dangerous expeditions. 

I firmly believe that practicing in the "now" is the first stepping stone in order to launch a person out into the world. 

So, would you go with God? 

--sea'sthoughts--

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Psalm 103:1-3
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases," 

In the past two days, I've lost two dear women to cancer. Who saw that one coming?

So, why would I quote a scripture about the Lord healing all diseases? If God loves us, why would family, friends, and loved ones die of such a horrible disease like cancer? Why didn't either of these women experience miraculous healing? Well, I don't have the answers to those questions.

Something I heard this morning at church stuck with me, and I am extremely thankful for the Holy Spirit speaking through people. The preacher quoted Psalm 103, and plainly answered the question of why doesn't God heal all diseases. "He only heals when it is the best."

1. God wants what is best for us.
2. God knows what is best for us.
3. God IS the best for us.
4. God wants us to want the best.

So, perhaps God did not heal because it was best that He didn't. He was ready for these two women to join Heaven's choir. We all have the understanding that cancer is an awful and painful master. Those who are slaves to it endure so much pain. How wonderful is it to know that God brought them home to a beautiful, pain-free place? I have much more peace knowing they are both enjoying paradise.

{forgive me if this isn't the most encouraging...}
Psalm 103:15-19
"As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more." 

{but it gets better...}
"But the steadfast love of the Lord is from
everlasting to everlasting on those
who fear him,
and his righteousness to children's children,
to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.

The Lord has established his throne in the 
heavens
and his kingdom rules over all"

I have full assurance in this one simple fact: The love of the Lord is forever. I might be a flower in a field but His love is EVERLASTING. From generation to generation. My children's children may not always have me, but they will always have the love of Father God. My own father always says, in the midst of troubling times, "God has not fallen off His throne." And thank Him that He hasn't!! This brings me so much courage!! I am comforted knowing pain and suffering ends when we meet "death" and God will never stop loving His children.

Psalm 103:20-22 
"Bless the Lord, O you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his word,
obeying the voice of his word!

Bless the Lord, all his hosts,
his ministers, who do his will!

Bless the Lord, all his works,
in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!" 

I would like to encourage you, that even when terrible things happen on this Earth, never turn and question God. Praise Him and remember to be thankful for what you've had. Trust in the best, trust in God. He never fails.

--sea'sthoughts--

Expecting Expectations

"I never like to use the word expectation but I will make an exception. I am expecting BIG things this next year. I am ready to hear from God in ways that I never have before and I know I am going to grow. I have a lot of expectations but I have never really liked expectations. Partly because I know people have expectations for me and that's hard to think about when you really want to please people but you don't know how to meet their expectations. It's not as simple as just introducing yourself. "Hello Expectation! I am Sarah, may I do anything for you today?" No. That's not how it works and that can be frustrating. The thought has been rattling around in my brain for sometime that we should just drop all our expectations. When I expect certain things from people or circumstances I always seem to be let down or my expectations are not met.  However, why should I degrade God's abilities to that of what my human brain can comprehend? God surpasses all understanding so I KNOW I can expect THE BEST things from Him and He will NOT disappoint." I wrote this almost a year ago. Looking back on it today, I realize that I was right. But I was also wrong.

Firstly, I can tell you I was wrong because my perspective was askew. I was offended at people in my life for expecting me to respond a certain way. I was wrong to harbor this offense because they were right. My character proved that I would respond in that way and God's character in me should respond in the way they expected. (Don't worry, nothing terrible happened and I am OK)

I still don't believe expectations should be forced onto a person. It just doesn't seem right, or even moral, to expect a person to do or be anything that is outside of their character. It is vital to know a person's journey before you can expect anything from them. You need to understand their capacity and ability to handle certain feats. However, gaging people's capacities and understanding another person's capacity is not what I want to talk about, even though I have a lot to say about it.

No, no. I want to talk about expecting things from God. I don't think I would've ever guessed that I would reach a point in my life where I would be bold enough to EXPECT something from God. "Dear God, I expect you to (fill in the blank)." It sounds wrong doesn't it? It seems like I am challenging God in a way. But you're misreading the situation.

My problem is that I used to replace expectancy with hope. These are two completely different things.

Hope defined is: a feeling or desire for a certain thing to happen
Expect defined is: regard or belief that something is likely to happen.

When we rely on God, it is important for us to be confident in EXPECTANCY instead of just wishful and hopeful thinking. Don't mistake this difference as hope not being important. It is extremely important! But the fault is when you replace confidence in God's love with wishing upon a star. Expectation does not equate to hope. When I expect something from God, it is because I know His character. I know God is Love, Creator, Redeemer, Judge, King, Forgiver, Provider, Protector, and so much more. Therefore, I approach BOLDLY and leave no room for doubt. I believe that God is who He says He is so why should I be shy about expecting him to deliver? Disappointment surfaces when we appoint hope to something, or someone, that can not deliver. GOD DELIVERS. "When I expect certain things from people or circumstances I always seem to be let down or my expectations are not met. However, why should I degrade God's abilities to that of what my human brain can comprehend? God surpasses all understanding so I KNOW I can expect THE BEST things from Him and He will NOT disappoint."

I refuse to degrade God's abilities based on what I've experienced from other people. We are human, and human's are prone to error and mistakes. I will try my best to not over-expect anything from other people, but I will not reduce God to those standards. I have found boldness and confidence to ask God for anything(within reason and within wisdom) and expect Him to be true to His word. I can only trust that you will also reach that place in your relationship with Christ, where you KNOW His character and you will not be timid in expecting God to do as He says He will.

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and also in Jesus." John 14:1 

--sea'sthoughts--

Discovery

Isn't it wonderful to discover new things? I can answer that for you. Yes. Yes it is. It is absolutely amazing to experience something for the first time. When you are living in a different country, you almost experience something new every day. New phrases, new foods, new friends, new customs, new adventures, and more.

But what is even better is discovering new things about our creator and Father, God. I thought that the reason I came to Africa was to discover the next step for my life. While I believe that I have discovered a few things around that, I realized that I was wrong. God is meeting me here. I am learning more about who He is and who He has made me to be. Now you might be thinking this post is going to be about self-discovery and what not. Well, it's not. I am trying to emphasize the relationship part. I am discovering God as my friend. I can't tell you how long I've known this because it seems like forever. But I didn't ginosko know. Ginosko is the greek word for understanding not just knowing. So you know you are a child of God, but do you understand what that means???? You are adopted, and given inheritance and now you can be an ambassador for your daddy.

One of the first messages I heard here at Hatfield Christian Church was about ginosko. Now, this message did not impact me immediately. But hindsight is 20/20, and looking back on just this first term, I am realizing how important it is to know and EXPERIENCE God. Here at YOYL, I have time to wait and listen for God. We have even practiced hearing His voice. I do not even know how to put in words what it feels like to open yourself up and place yourself in God's arms. It is the most comfortable place in this world. And wherever you go, you are home. All you need to do is turn and fall into His arms. "He alone is my refuge, my place of safety, He is my God, and I trust Him." Psalm 91:2

Woah. Am I getting side tracked? Yes. So, discovery, the uncovering of something new.

You can be a baby Christian or a grandfather Christian and still not ever discover this. The beautiful reality that is God's love. But it does not stop there. Daddy God loves us too much to leave us where we are, and He cares for us so much, He wants to give us everything! He has the best for us because He is the BEST for us. Once I realized this it really simplified things for me. Now, understand that lately I've been in a season of simplifying but this is no easy task. I would have so many questions, I felt like a three year old that always asks dad "Why?" There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but for me in this season I feel God bringing me back down to the foundation He's built for me so we can get back on the same page to build up. So discovering the simplicities of His love has really helped me come to term with all my questions. I am completely at peace now.

And through this peace, He is revealing more of His plan for me. Before, I would come up with my own idea of what to do with my life. Those ideas would consistently change and that ultimately led me to not know what to do with my life which made me come up with this amazing idea to go to Africa to find out. But as I mentioned earlier, that was just God's way of setting up our meeting. Now I am working with God to map out OUR future. Because that's the thing. It is not mine. I have given my life to God and He is gracious enough to let me keep my free-will so I can CHOOSE His way.

Ultimately this is my biggest discovery. That by embracing this relationship with Him, and discovering more about my father, He will lead me through life. So I am walking with God hand in hand. We are a team. A family. And the greatest journey to be on is the one that He is on.

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9

--seathinks--

Step Up

"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." Hebrews 6:1

What is the first thing you think of when you hear to word maturity? I used to think of a responsible adult who was successful at their job. Yeah that's great but that is NOT what we are talking about here. I am going to tell you about maturing in faith. In this scripture the greek word for maturity also translates to completeness. Is your faith in God complete? I firmly believe that your faith can never be complete on this Earth. The day we join Jesus is when we reach full maturity and completeness.

We read this verse in our meditation time before LTS. I felt empowered to reach another maturity level in my faith. However, I realized that with maturity comes responsibility in the Kingdom. And how this responsibility is handled shows your maturity and how much you fully trust and rely on God. So I asked myself "Can you step up in faith and mature into the woman God has created you to be?" But how do you know you're ready to step up? Simple. How's your foundation. If you continue reading in Hebrews, it lays down the 'elementary truths'. Now it is not elementary in the sense that every young child should know this. It is that every new born Christian must fully understand the power of these things before they can mature. This is the foundation that God will build on. So is your foundation set?

Surely mine is good to go right? Nah. I realized after our LTS session, that there are areas in my foundation that are still setting. The concrete has been laid but now it needs time to dry and firm up. This takes time and impatience is an issue I deal with, but I am ready to sit down, shut up, and be patient.

Now when do we step up? Again, simple. Whenever you are ready, God will tell you to do something. Your obedient response is proof that you are working on maturing in faith. Sure it sounds easy to step out in faith and do what God says but are you prepared to step UP and tackle more of God's will for you? Are you ready to take on more responsibility? Once the maturity in faith is reached I am fully confident that anyone will be prepared to accept the challenge. The real issue is whether or not you are willing to obey. God is a gentleman and He will never force you to do anything, it is your choice to do as He says. So get ready, put your heart in the right place, and accept the challenge so that you may bring glory to our Lord.

--sea'sthoughts--

Begin Again (Back to the Start)

I can not believe that the last time I blogged on this blog was a little over a year ago! Not that I have followers who have been begging for me to write. But I can't even remember the last time I wrote about what I thought. (My other blog I keep for my adventures and life experiences) I realize now that I have missed out on almost a year of writing out my thoughts...for myself! I don't care what readers think (sorry not sorry) I need this for myself because I am not an extremely expressive person but blogging releases all of that. So I will begin again.

I recently moved to South Africa for a year. I am expecting God to work and move in BIG ways this year but that's a subject of discussion for another day. Anyway, we just started LTS (Life Training School) yesterday and man my heart is getting full! My brain is overwhelmed with all this information and I've been lucky enough to have all afternoon to process what we learn in the morning. We are discussing God as our Father. I already know this but it is so refreshing to hear it again and find something new! By coming back to this blog and re-reading some of my entries I am beginning to understand more about myself. I think God is taking me back to the little girl who was on fire for everything about the Lord...and I couldn't be more excited!

I think for the past year I have been stuck in an attitude toward God. I recognize this and I will deal with it later ok. But as I sit here, 9,000+ miles away from home, I find comfort in knowing that this is where God will meet me. Even though I have messed up and been distant with Him, His love for me has not changed at all. I am sitting here dumbfounded by how much I have changed and how much God is willing to accept that and fix it. My hardened heart is going to be softened again! And what a beautiful thing that is? To know that no matter what, God will always bring you back to the start. I truly believe that this is where God is taking me. He is taking me back to where it all began, back to His heart.

How do I know to go back to the start? It's been simple really. Since I got here, I've heard worship songs from my childhood and even some of the lessons I remember talking about when I was younger. Random signs have brought me to the understanding that God wants me to travel back to the place where my heart was only about Him.

Why would I want to go back to the start? HELLO! Who wouldn't? This is completely different from starting over. This is reminding me where I come from, what He gave me, skills and desires that have been lost or forgotten along the way. There is no better place than the beginning. This is my chance to be re-molded and renewed.

This may not make any sense to anyone reading this but that's ok. My life and my journey does not need to make sense to you. It makes sense to me and I understand that God is working in mysterious ways in order to take me to the place I need to be. For now, that is the beginning. In a few months I may be in a completely different place, and that is fine with me. As long as I am in the place God puts me I shall be content. So I'm going back to the start.

--sea'sthoughts--

RANT

So frankly, I have a LOT on my mind. I am about to go on a mission trip to Swaziland, Africa. I am so stinking excited! But that doesn't eliminate the random thoughts I have. Now understand that these rants really probably have nothing to do with my mission trip. It's just that these thoughts need to be typed and shared before my head explodes.

Rant 1: People who are trying to lead without having been anywhere. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Yeah that's great that you want to lead people to God and stuff, but you can only lead people as far as you've been. So ask yourself "Have I been anywhere?" and if the answer is no, then hows about trying to follow someone else before you lead the sheep off the cliff. Not that it's bad to have a leadership's heart. In fact that's GREAT! But understand and acknowledge that you must be led first, before you can be entrusted to lead others. Let me give you another example. Mamma bird raises her baby birds. Baby birds grow up. Baby birds must now flee the nest and learn to fly. Baby birds are now adults and they migrate with the rest of their family. Now adult birds come back home and raise their own baby birds. It's a cycle. The birds must grow, leave, have an adventure, and THEN they come back to raise up new leaders. You can't just hop out of the nest and start flying and assume you can lead. no. no. no. It just can't be done. There is nothing wrong with you, it's just you have not reached the capacity of knowledge and experience that is required to be a successful leader.

Rant 2: "Friendzone"
Just stop. Stop. STOP. STAHP. Guys and girls, the friendzone is a GREAT place to be!!! This other person is like your sibling! Your brother/sister in Christ!! WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU WANT TO DATE YOUR BROTHER OR SISTER? ya nasty, go back to Arkansas. But seriously. God wants us to develop a friendship BEFORE we pursue a romantic relationship. (and yes those of you who went to LTS, I'm really just re-iterating what they taught us). Value a friendship more than a boyfriend/girlfriend. Because if you develop the friendship and God tells you that y'all can date, you already have a friendship foundation! You can build love on that kind of foundation. It is IMPOSSIBLE to build a romantic relationship without friendship. What kind of house would that be? So just stop complaining about being friendzoned, because that's where you should want to be. You want to be friends because if you pursue a relationship that God does not want you to have, then you're just wasting your own time.

Rant 3: Can everyone please just be thankful for what they have? I'm tired of hearing people complaining about whatever. Yes, I am guilty of that sometimes but I really try to keep myself in check. Thankfulness is not just something you show at Thanksgiving. We should be in a continual state of thanking God for all the blessings He gives us. Just think about it. You are obviously blessed with internet access if you are reading this right now so that in itself is worth a whole day of praising God for. Need I go on?

So thank you God for everything, especially this chance to share my rants with the world wide web.

--sea'sthoughts--