Our purpose is love..

“Do you know your purpose in life?” It’s the big question everyone seems to want answered, Christians and non-Christians alike. To be honest, I came to bible school asking that same question, but found an answer so different than I expected. Yes, there can be one big main thing that God has put in your heart that you’re passionate about, but I realize more and more every day that it’s all about the everyday things that He’s called us to. How often do we over look them? 

There are ministry opportunities ALL around us.  What about the girl crying in the hallway, or the person in the wheelchair at the store?  God’s Word says, "When we’re faithful with the little, then God will give us much."

 I’ve been challenging myself lately to get uncomfortable. I think lots of people are waiting for God to “hand” them a ministry, business, or a great opportunity. Right now, are you doing exactly what He’s called you to do? Did you feel prompted to text someone and see how they’re doing? Or pray with someone who needs it? Or apply to Bible school? We’re called to act out the desires that God has placed in our hearts. 

In the Bible school class “Growing up Spiritually,” I remember the teacher, Dr. Edwin Miranda, mention walking in love with your roommates and being an example of peace even at your house. That’s real spiritual maturity, and growth in that arena, is a process. Your calling in life will also be developed by the people you surround yourself with!

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34-35 The Message (MSG)

   

Love is not just an emotion; it is the most powerful force in the universe.  God is love. Actions of love are such a loud witness. Sometimes we don’t even have to speak a scripture to them or pray for them. Just show love. That’s our ultimate purpose.

But practically, does that look like preaching a crusade to thousands, or ministering to the small villages of Africa, starting an orphanage, becoming a doctor or nurse, leading worship, being a youth pastor, being a business owner? I’m convinced that God can use anyone to accomplish any and all of His purposes!

When I was in Bible school, I saw myself be transformed in the little things in life.  Now as a staff member, I see spiritual development in the students as the school year progresses.  God is so faithful to finish what He has started in you.   Fulfill your calling. You can start today in the little things….

love always: Natalie

But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?”  Then the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?”

“A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. (Exodus 4:1, 2 NLT)

What an eye opening question? How many of us find ourselves in this situation, well, in a sense. 

Moses is wrestling with the thought of his own competency and ability. Human response many times is to look at our lack. What can I do? Who would listen to me? Common questions for most, if not all people.

Being called by God to accomplish His will is an extraordinary blessing and honor! The awesome reality is, we are all called to be ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). We have all been called to accomplish great works (Ephesians 2:10).
So often we reply to God's calling with our lack. I don't have this or I don't have that. But I want to encourage you to look at what is in your hand!
What do you have in the natural that you can surrender to God, and allow Him to put His supernatural touch on it? For Moses, it was his staff. It was what he had in his hand.
In the natural, sure, it was just a stick. In the natural, sure, it was just his voice. It was when he surrendered what was in his hand by faith for the use of The Master, that those natural elements became powerful tools to free a nation.

What is God asking you to do? What is in your hand, and more importantly, is it surrendered to God?

Mark 

I've (Natalie) been going through the book of Acts I'm now in chapter 13 so I decided to go back and skim over the chapters i've read and see what i've underlined. I noticed a common thread in ALMOST EVERY chapter. The words "Filled with AND controlled by the Holy Spirit".


Hmmm I decided to think on it a little bit more... So as I sat there I really felt like the Holy Spirit prompted me to see what followed when those words were written.
And this is what I found..... In Acts 4:8 it says "Peter was filled with AND controlled by the Holy Spirit". Then later (in verse 14) it shows this...

WOW!!!! Then.... again in Acts 6:5 is says "Stephen was filled with AND controlled by the Holy Spirit"
So I skimmed down and look what I found just below it..

Can you just imagine with me for a minute what would REALLY happen if we would live out our lives "filled with and controlled" by the Holy Spirit. I believe that it's not enough to just be filled. We have let the Holy Spirit have free reign and control in our lives. I have to say that when this happens we will see the lame walk, the blind see, the brokenhearted made whole. There's not time for this generation to sit back and just "be filled" we have to walk it out! When we walk every day "Filled and controlled" people will NOT BE ABLE TO RESIST the wisdom we speak out and live out (like it says above in vs 10).

Today is the day to see the book of Acts come alive.....