Don't sit by them!

People don't think your smart when criticizing everything and everybody - EVER.

Jesus taught mostly about Kingdom work, bringing HEAVEN TO EARTH daily.

Jesus was known first by miraculous signs (service), not words - you?*

John 3:2 NLT

First eleven...

"People who give to others give healthier, happier lives to themselves."*

*http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_activism_cure/

Self indulgent no more...

From this post forward my blog is going to change dramatically. It seems that by their very nature blogs are self indulgent and retrospective - mostly about things that most people do not care about. So I want to change the nature of this blog to focus on 11 interesting words. Why 11? I guess why not. The words will come from many sources but always remember that what I mean will find its' basis in Scripture somewhere. (I will include sources but that is not part of the 11!)
What to expect? A brief line that I hope makes you think, focuses your attitude, or is simply entertaining in some way. I will try to include a picture or a video to accent the words.

Well - here goes. Enjoy and if not it will be short!

Dave

Leggo my eggo...

A shortage of Eggo waffles? A shortage that might last until mid 2010? How can we survive this situation - forget world peace, government health care take overs, deficits - no the real crisis is Eggo waffles.

Isn't it amazing how papered we have become - every convenience right at our finger tips. It seem that even God is our butler. I was amazed to see, while channel surfing, a Christian TV show claiming that we can gain financial prosperity if we plant a seed ($25.00 donations) and we can even master a system that will guarantee a God produced miracle. Imagine that, miracles on demand - sort of like a genie! My have we got a warped view of how the world was designed to work. What makes us think it is always about our comfort, prosperity, and health?

God has a calling for all of us and it is not primarily concerned with what we value - or what we are taught to value in our culture. God might be calling you overseas, into the missions fields in your area and beyond, or into the lives of those around you. As Francis Chan, a pastor and author says,

"It is true that God may have called you to be exactly where you are. But it is absolutely vital to grasp that He didn't call you there so you could settle in and live out your life in comfort and superficial peace. His purposes are not random or arbitrary. If you are still alive on this planet, it's because he has something for you to do."

A speaker at camp from International Justice Mission (IJM) said that God calls us to be willing to give up four things: Comfort, Security, Control, and Success. We need to be willing to sacrifice these things if called upon to serve God's purposes - Really? Really! (He replaces those with Adventure, a closeness to God, ultimate purpose, and the gifts of the Spirit - love, Joy, Peace...)

A relationship with GOD is not easy but it is the best way we could ever live. Are you willing to give up what you value most for your Lord or not. Really! It is true but boy I love my comfort and security! I am working to let go when called upon -- now your turn to wrestle with it. (Look at what the Bible says and realize I am sugar coating it!)

Peace and joy,

Portage Dave

Grocery Store Musical HQ 2009

Inspiration of the day - I love this sort of thing. Actively try to make someones day today! Let me know how it goes!

Portage Dave