I recently read an article called Failing Forward, by Mark Batterson. It really challenged me. Right off the bat he says, “If we allow our failures to define us, they can ruin us. But failure handled properly is the best thing that can happen.” Anytime that I have “failed” at something I have always gotten really discouraged. But it wasn’t until I read this article that I asked myself a series of questions: Did God plan on my failure? Or did my inexperience cause me to fail? What was the purpose of this failure and what do I need to do to avoid the same outcome?
I want to make the most of every situation, and lesson. So in order to make the most of every situation, I have to ask myself these questions and constantly evaluate my life. I also have to get to the point of my life where I am more afraid of missing opportunities of “teachable moments” than making mistakes.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Mardi Gras '10
The other students and I just returned from a missions outreach in New Orleans, LA. This is my second year, and their first. Let me just say that I went in to this with no expectation except that God was going to totally shift my mind completely, and move in radical ways.
The amount of people that attended from other churches and schools was pretty intense. All together there were about 340 people telling people about Christ on the streets of Mardi Gras. It was amazing. Before we headed to the streets the leadership of the outreach prepared us. They sent us out two by two (guy and girl) just like Jesus sent out the Seventy-two. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves (Luke 10:1-4).
They were sending us out to win people to Christ by his love. One major thing that I learned from this trip is that we should leave our house every morning with the same purpose, just as we left the place that we were staying to go minister to people on the streets. It became so real to me. Jesus is who I live my whole life for, so why was it so hard to bring him up in conversations with people? Not just the people that I will never see again at Mardi Gras, but people that I see everyday- my family, or the people that I have a relationship with and surrounded by.
Jesus moved in and through us as we ministered to people. His glory was shown through the abundance of our weakness, and people were saved. Their lives are being transformed. There is no reason that the people of my everyday life cannot share in the same joy.
The amount of people that attended from other churches and schools was pretty intense. All together there were about 340 people telling people about Christ on the streets of Mardi Gras. It was amazing. Before we headed to the streets the leadership of the outreach prepared us. They sent us out two by two (guy and girl) just like Jesus sent out the Seventy-two. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves (Luke 10:1-4).
They were sending us out to win people to Christ by his love. One major thing that I learned from this trip is that we should leave our house every morning with the same purpose, just as we left the place that we were staying to go minister to people on the streets. It became so real to me. Jesus is who I live my whole life for, so why was it so hard to bring him up in conversations with people? Not just the people that I will never see again at Mardi Gras, but people that I see everyday- my family, or the people that I have a relationship with and surrounded by.
Jesus moved in and through us as we ministered to people. His glory was shown through the abundance of our weakness, and people were saved. Their lives are being transformed. There is no reason that the people of my everyday life cannot share in the same joy.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
dsputes
Matthew 18:15-17 says, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ever matter will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, treat him as your would a pagan or tax collector.”
Yes, Jesus is talking about solving disputes. This is how disputes of any kind should be approached. We have recently learned what the apostles did when it came to division in the church. The first step that they took was recognizing the problem. One thing that happens when we ignore problems is that they only get worse. A step that they took that goes along with recognizing the problem is making sure that it is a legitimate problem. You just have to have wisdom when it comes to this.
One major thing, the apostles did not blame anyone or take any sides. They were able to take the fingers that were pointing and place them on finding a solution. When we are placed in the middle of a dispute we have to keep things fare.
Another way that they were able to see disputes through was through the understanding and willingness of change. Adjustment is needed to happen to fix any problem, or grow in any way.
The last thing that the apostles did was delegate authority. You would hand this job over to those who are available, capable, and qualified. Once you turn it over, give them your focus in prayer.
Yes, Jesus is talking about solving disputes. This is how disputes of any kind should be approached. We have recently learned what the apostles did when it came to division in the church. The first step that they took was recognizing the problem. One thing that happens when we ignore problems is that they only get worse. A step that they took that goes along with recognizing the problem is making sure that it is a legitimate problem. You just have to have wisdom when it comes to this.
One major thing, the apostles did not blame anyone or take any sides. They were able to take the fingers that were pointing and place them on finding a solution. When we are placed in the middle of a dispute we have to keep things fare.
Another way that they were able to see disputes through was through the understanding and willingness of change. Adjustment is needed to happen to fix any problem, or grow in any way.
The last thing that the apostles did was delegate authority. You would hand this job over to those who are available, capable, and qualified. Once you turn it over, give them your focus in prayer.
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