The American Church



I have seen the fervor, zeal & passion of a new believer in Christ. I have heard stories of the Underground Church. I have seen the faith of a child. I have seen an old(er) man still faithful in his old age. I have seen a man walk away from his faith. I have seen (American) teenagers doubt their faith.

In the midst of cleaning today, I ran across some old Voice of the Martyrs magazines. Stopping the cleaning process & beginning to read them, I was again amazed by the amount of pain, torture, suffering, trials, hardship, loss etc (even death, for some) that these new believers have undergone joyfully, in the Name of Christ.

And it got me thinking- how lazy and complacent us American Christians are! How much do we really desire growth in Christ? How much effort do we put into our relationship with Him? How many hours do we spend in prayer, fasting, memorization & Bible reading? How desirous are we of wisdom, understanding & knowledge?

Years ago, I wrote down a quote that read- "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church." (author unknown) I wonder today- How much more faith would us Americans exercise if we were the ones being persecuted???

I am reminded of a quote that my dear friend Megan references all the time-"If Christianity were a crime, would there be enough evidence to condemn you?"

I wonder how much different our nation would look like if Christians really lived out their faith? I wonder what impact we might have on our culture if we really lived like we profess to believe?

Just some food for thought. :)

Light Your World!



Last week, I was reading a book about modern-day revival- where we're lacking, what we've lost & how to regain it. It's taken me at least 8 months to finish it, but it was a great book! And it's great to be reading again!!!

I know I'll post at least one other thought from this book eventually, but here's the idea that's on my heart currently.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. I
n the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Our personal responsibility is to unveil the reality of the Kingdom through every aspect of our lives. This is the Church's ministry to the world. We're called to be "full-time ministers," no matter what our "life occupation" might be.
Our job is to let our light shine! To be Christ's hands & feet in our world. So that when unbelievers experience us, they will see the difference in us & might glorify God!
We should be moved to take personal responsibility to let our light shine wherever God has placed us. To speak words of Truth right now, right where we're at. To bring light into our homes, workplaces, Churches, neighborhoods etc. We need to catch the Vision.

We can't wait for somebody else to take the responsibility. I once saw a sign that read "I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized- I AM somebody!" A photo of that sign is currently on my bulletin board, to remind me everyday of my personal responsibility.

This is what a "strategic, missional mindset" looks like- to constantly be thinking about what you're saying, doing & thinking. To be aware of other peoples' needs & hurts & how you may bless them with the gifts, resources & talents that God has given you.

"It's time to go public- let your light SHINE!"