What is your definition of Fellowship?
I am reading a book by Chuck Colson that talks about being the Body, the Church Body. Today I read about Fellowship.
I think that Fellowship is mistake for the warm fuzzy comfortable Social situation.
The dictionary meaning is...
the condition or relation of being a fellow: the fellowship of humankind. friendly relationship; companionship: the fellowship of father and son. community of interest, feeling, etc. communion, as between members of the same church.
I can see how our modern ideas of Fellowship make it about social connections but lets take a look at the early church idea of fellowship.
In Luke the disciples devoted themselves to fellowship, to prayer and to teaching by the apostles. Fellowship was a priority to everyone.
The greek word, koinwnia is fellowship in community. The exact meaning is (a) the thing shared in common in some way by all parties involved as relationships, blessings or burdens, privileges, or responsibilities (all believers in Christ share many things in common); (b) the person(s) doing the sharing with others; (c) the person(s) with whom there is sharing; and (d) an abstract quality of the concept of fellowship, with no object, used alone as in Acts 2:42.
How many of us go to our small group for Fellowship? Do our relationships protray fellowship? Sure most of us get out to church but do we share everything with each other in that setting? Do we care enough to listen?
Take the time to take joy in those around you that are in life celebrations, to life discouragements, and be in community of fellowship with your church group and with those close relationships!
that is all that I have!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Here I am, Lord send me
Song by Downhere
Here I Am...
Sometimes your calling, comes in dream Sometimes in comes in the Spirit's breeze, You reach for the deepest part of me, And call out for the things of eternity.
But I'm a man, of dust and stains, You move in me, so I can say,
Here I am, Lord send me, All of my life, I make an offering, Here I am, Lord send me, Somehow my story, Is part of your plan, Here I am
When setbacks and failures, and upset plans, Test my faith and leave me with empty hands, Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand? I know that you will finish what you began.
These broken parts you redeem, Become the song, that I can sing (chorus)
Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness, And the fear that I'll fail you in the end, In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces, I can't put this together but you can.
Wow, when I first heard this song on the radio, I cried, ok...no actual tears were shed but God had moved in my emotions, this song desribes what He is doing in my life right now. I have said to God this summer Here I am...send me!
So for those of you that don't know, and that would be most of you but God is working big in my life this past year. It has been a journey I would like to call this My Adventure in Faith.
A little fill in for those that I haven't been able in contact with, a year ago today I would say that I stepped out in Faith, nothing holding me back, it was a clear step. In planning a vacation to Kenya, God had stripped me of all that I was comfortable with, I had no car, and I packed up everything and put it into storage. That was my life getting shaken up.
I asked God why, why would my life get so uncomfortable?
He then answered and asked for more, what more can you do for Me?
Through lots of prayer and seeking out God, that more is a calling of my life to Kenya.
Yes, God is calling me to Kenya to serve Him there, to serve the people of Kenya to love them and to share what I know. To leave a part of me with the people that God loves and to be a mentor.
I have been accepted by African Inland Mission in their short term ignite program, I have no idea of where I am going, or when I am leaving but God knows. God knows the big picture of this mission but I am just excited to see how He will use me.
I have seen God work in this all year long and know that His timing and His promises are perfect in every way. God has taugh me to fully rely on Him and surrender my life to Him.
I pray that you will come along side of me to pray for me and be a support to me in this new journey in my life, I am excited to bring you along.
Hebrews 11:1, 8
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Here I Am...
Sometimes your calling, comes in dream Sometimes in comes in the Spirit's breeze, You reach for the deepest part of me, And call out for the things of eternity.
But I'm a man, of dust and stains, You move in me, so I can say,
Here I am, Lord send me, All of my life, I make an offering, Here I am, Lord send me, Somehow my story, Is part of your plan, Here I am
When setbacks and failures, and upset plans, Test my faith and leave me with empty hands, Are you not the closest when it's hardest to stand? I know that you will finish what you began.
These broken parts you redeem, Become the song, that I can sing (chorus)
Overwhelmed by the thought of my weakness, And the fear that I'll fail you in the end, In this mess, I'm just one of the pieces, I can't put this together but you can.
Wow, when I first heard this song on the radio, I cried, ok...no actual tears were shed but God had moved in my emotions, this song desribes what He is doing in my life right now. I have said to God this summer Here I am...send me!
So for those of you that don't know, and that would be most of you but God is working big in my life this past year. It has been a journey I would like to call this My Adventure in Faith.
A little fill in for those that I haven't been able in contact with, a year ago today I would say that I stepped out in Faith, nothing holding me back, it was a clear step. In planning a vacation to Kenya, God had stripped me of all that I was comfortable with, I had no car, and I packed up everything and put it into storage. That was my life getting shaken up.
I asked God why, why would my life get so uncomfortable?
He then answered and asked for more, what more can you do for Me?
Through lots of prayer and seeking out God, that more is a calling of my life to Kenya.
Yes, God is calling me to Kenya to serve Him there, to serve the people of Kenya to love them and to share what I know. To leave a part of me with the people that God loves and to be a mentor.
I have been accepted by African Inland Mission in their short term ignite program, I have no idea of where I am going, or when I am leaving but God knows. God knows the big picture of this mission but I am just excited to see how He will use me.
I have seen God work in this all year long and know that His timing and His promises are perfect in every way. God has taugh me to fully rely on Him and surrender my life to Him.
I pray that you will come along side of me to pray for me and be a support to me in this new journey in my life, I am excited to bring you along.
Hebrews 11:1, 8
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Call Upon ME...I WILL listen
And Iwill listen how powerful is that, how honest is God to us, a promise that we will take for granted.
You know in times that things seem quiet from God is when you really need to take the time to listen.
God has been quiet with me forever it seems like but HE has been chatting non stop!
Step of Faith...is that all it is...or is it courage??...is it trust?? is it just doing it?? Trust, Faith, Courage to just do it and know that God will be with you every step of the way.
You find that God asks you to do things that are NOT what you want to do?
It is always against what you think is what you want to do...that is how you know it is from GOD!
God is outta control...but baby I am holding on!
You know in times that things seem quiet from God is when you really need to take the time to listen.
God has been quiet with me forever it seems like but HE has been chatting non stop!
Step of Faith...is that all it is...or is it courage??...is it trust?? is it just doing it?? Trust, Faith, Courage to just do it and know that God will be with you every step of the way.
You find that God asks you to do things that are NOT what you want to do?
It is always against what you think is what you want to do...that is how you know it is from GOD!
God is outta control...but baby I am holding on!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Come to Worship
Well God has really laid this one on my heart most recent and I have to get it out in words.
We are called to come and worship. Worship to me is giving my heart to God...surrendering the love that He gave me and laid it all out at His feet. Worship is not just making a joyful noise...nor is it dancing to the rymthm of the beat. But in all prayer, surrendering, listening to God, and being quiet with God or just being able to read His word and know that we serve a great and Mighty God as He!
Coming up to the retreat I feel God wants us all there....to come to worship...come fall down on our knees! Renew the passions of our love for God and follow Him where he wants us to be. Not just do what we need to do. God is so much bigger than we can even imagine. He knows our every need and He knows our thoughts, why not, then if He wants us in full glory would we not give that back to Him.
As change is inevitable in our lives God gives us seasons of happiness, suffering, joys and sorrows. God takes us through the mountains and the valleys. But all for a purpose. The purpose of growing and to learn to know His will for our lives. We are unable to worship when we hold onto things material things and when we forget God and make it all about us. Those are the idols in our life, as reminded this afternoon those things that are not allowing us to experience FREEDOM, not allowing us to experience GOD. We all want more passion in our lives, the passion of serving God...but what is holding you back...what are you holding on to that God is not your focus, He is there but not fully or really there.
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
1 John 5:21
Are you being real to yourself?
Are you able to be vulnerable with God?
So as I finish my rant from God, who are you going to serve, yourself or God? who are you going to worship? What does worship mean to you? Do you have freedom?
This is your challenge.
We are called to come and worship. Worship to me is giving my heart to God...surrendering the love that He gave me and laid it all out at His feet. Worship is not just making a joyful noise...nor is it dancing to the rymthm of the beat. But in all prayer, surrendering, listening to God, and being quiet with God or just being able to read His word and know that we serve a great and Mighty God as He!
Coming up to the retreat I feel God wants us all there....to come to worship...come fall down on our knees! Renew the passions of our love for God and follow Him where he wants us to be. Not just do what we need to do. God is so much bigger than we can even imagine. He knows our every need and He knows our thoughts, why not, then if He wants us in full glory would we not give that back to Him.
As change is inevitable in our lives God gives us seasons of happiness, suffering, joys and sorrows. God takes us through the mountains and the valleys. But all for a purpose. The purpose of growing and to learn to know His will for our lives. We are unable to worship when we hold onto things material things and when we forget God and make it all about us. Those are the idols in our life, as reminded this afternoon those things that are not allowing us to experience FREEDOM, not allowing us to experience GOD. We all want more passion in our lives, the passion of serving God...but what is holding you back...what are you holding on to that God is not your focus, He is there but not fully or really there.
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
1 John 5:21
Are you being real to yourself?
Are you able to be vulnerable with God?
So as I finish my rant from God, who are you going to serve, yourself or God? who are you going to worship? What does worship mean to you? Do you have freedom?
This is your challenge.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
How to lose a Guy in 10 days or Less!
Ok...so I am not really trying to lose a guy or anything like that, but thought it would be a fun title and then write nothing even close to the subject.
Ha ha...well mostly it has to do with the substitutional relationships part of the last postings...but if I give you advice...then I will have to heed that advice and try it on my relationships...so right now it is just a thought! If you have advice feel free to share.
So anyways, I am writing today feeling not so stressed but not so relaxed. Will there ever be a time when I will feel like myself again.
Something that I am toying around with in my head is actually quite interesting, for those that are actually reading this and I am not just typing the musings that are in my head for the fun of it will or will not be that surprised.
Well, the count down is on, I leave for Africa in 3 months and one week, my journey continues on. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Not sure what I will do, there is so much to do!
But something that I have been pondering that God has spoken to me is the call, the call of do I stay or do I go!
I feel as if God is preparing me for something more in this last few months, the question that has come up is what if I am meant to stay in Kenya, what exactly does God have planned for me there.
Several people have commented to me about staying, are these people confirming what God has spoken to me?
Really God, is that you? I know that I am notorious to hear God speak to me that it is just his silly notions...silly that's all it is. but then I wonder...
So as I write this, you know that our God is a God of wonders but also of Miracles, He doesn't ask us to do anything that we are not prepared to do rather He has made each of us unique!
Ha ha...well mostly it has to do with the substitutional relationships part of the last postings...but if I give you advice...then I will have to heed that advice and try it on my relationships...so right now it is just a thought! If you have advice feel free to share.
So anyways, I am writing today feeling not so stressed but not so relaxed. Will there ever be a time when I will feel like myself again.
Something that I am toying around with in my head is actually quite interesting, for those that are actually reading this and I am not just typing the musings that are in my head for the fun of it will or will not be that surprised.
Well, the count down is on, I leave for Africa in 3 months and one week, my journey continues on. I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Not sure what I will do, there is so much to do!
But something that I have been pondering that God has spoken to me is the call, the call of do I stay or do I go!
I feel as if God is preparing me for something more in this last few months, the question that has come up is what if I am meant to stay in Kenya, what exactly does God have planned for me there.
Several people have commented to me about staying, are these people confirming what God has spoken to me?
Really God, is that you? I know that I am notorious to hear God speak to me that it is just his silly notions...silly that's all it is. but then I wonder...
So as I write this, you know that our God is a God of wonders but also of Miracles, He doesn't ask us to do anything that we are not prepared to do rather He has made each of us unique!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Substitutional Relationships!
Ok, it is now 2 months later than my last post. I have been busy with life and with work but my new found frustration that has got me so hairy about right now is...Substitutional Relationships!
Leads back to can Christian gals and guys be friends but with nothing more of a relationship between them?
My matter of fact opinion is that it is pointless.
Which nice Christian female needs a guys that will never ever be interested in them to be the "Best Friend" someone that they can convide too all their deepest darkest secrets, their struggles, their latest crush, the ideal woman! No wonder I am frustrated I will never be what they are looking for...and what they are looking for...doesn't exist...and sadly enough I know that I am right.
Or the guy that tells you that you need a guy in your life because you don't need to work as hard as you do you deserve to stay home and cook a man dinner.
ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Surprised that I feel the way I do? Honestly I love everyone that I am friends with but there is just some guys that don't deserve a woman until they know how to treat them all.
Brothers and sisters...learn something here. We are all human, we don't deserve to be treated the way we are by guys that take advantage of us in our spiritual keen sense, we are better than that!
Whew...I feel better already!
Leads back to can Christian gals and guys be friends but with nothing more of a relationship between them?
My matter of fact opinion is that it is pointless.
Which nice Christian female needs a guys that will never ever be interested in them to be the "Best Friend" someone that they can convide too all their deepest darkest secrets, their struggles, their latest crush, the ideal woman! No wonder I am frustrated I will never be what they are looking for...and what they are looking for...doesn't exist...and sadly enough I know that I am right.
Or the guy that tells you that you need a guy in your life because you don't need to work as hard as you do you deserve to stay home and cook a man dinner.
ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Surprised that I feel the way I do? Honestly I love everyone that I am friends with but there is just some guys that don't deserve a woman until they know how to treat them all.
Brothers and sisters...learn something here. We are all human, we don't deserve to be treated the way we are by guys that take advantage of us in our spiritual keen sense, we are better than that!
Whew...I feel better already!
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