We're Everywhere and We will Change the World

Today is called “Ascension Sunday” in commemoration of Jesus "moving on up" to Glory! Well, the actual 40-days was last Thursday -- but it takes a glorious Sunday to join in a throng together (well, maybe not a throng in body, but in spirit) to rejoice -- not only that Jesus was raised from the dead, but eye witnesses saw Him showing up and speaking up to give them "famous last words" of teaching on how to be great witnesses for Him. Acts 1:3 verifies it: "After His suffering, He presented Himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." I love that -- convincing proofs -- no fake news there! Hallelujah!

On the 40th day, Jesus took His apostles with Him to the Mount of Olives where they watched as He ascended to heaven. Oh, to have been an eyewitness! But, thank goodness, Jesus said in John 20:29 "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” We believe! It gives me holy chills to think about it.

The last words of someone we love are typically the most important words because we hold them as a treasure. Listen to Jesus' parting words. "Go into all the world and preach the good news!" (Mark 16:15). Honestly, I've reconsidered what that looks like. Once upon a time, it was missionaries who were "sent out". But, here we are, still in the throes of the pandemic, and if ever Jesus words resound louder than ever -- it is during this time. Churches were closed but it didn't stop Christ's message from "going into all the world". We witnessed it via satellite, Zoom, social media, and many other ways.

Those who opposed and killed Jesus hoped it was a "done-deal". But, oh, contrare! Agnostics, atheists, and unbelievers -- then AND now -- must be surely disappointed. We are not hiding. We are EVERYWHERE! We need to keep reminding ourselves of that, especially when the negative voices, quarreling factions, undermining and dissentious groups try to convince us that we're a minority and on the losing team. It looked that way in Jesus' time on this earth. But, like the disciples who went on to change the world, we, too are commissioned to change our world and share the good news of love and hope -- everywhere!

There are massive numbers of us who are followers of His message. We are EVERYWHERE! It's a message we stake our lives upon. It's a message of undaunted faith and determination to love unconditionally -- even to those who oppose us so drastically. This opposition we face is not new at all. The message of Jesus will not be destroyed, stamped out, or washed from the face of the earth. The Good News of Jesus Christ still stands and still goes into the world.

Indeed, we are everywhere, and it is up to us to change our world. The more we realize the mandate of our Lord to be His devoted followers -- living out His ministry in words, actions and deeds, the more His message of love will be perpetuated. In this photo, Jesus is pointing His followers and you and me to "GO"! We are replying to that POINT: We will go, and no matter where we are -- WE WILL CHANGE THE WORLD!

Letting the Whole World Know

We are seizing so many opportunities to share good news via technology. We sure need that good news! Facebook and FB Live, YouTube videos, teleconferencing, Instagram and other forms of communicating hope-filled messaging. Before the internet and social media, many of us Jesus followers were quite reclusive. Our faith stayed at home. Jesus “talk” was easy there. We’d pray around the dinner table or at bedtime for typical family needs. It was faith between us four and no more.

But, HELLO, 2020! Who would have thought, way back when, that we would, one day, be visually interacting with people around the world without leaving the comfort of our homes? We are seizing these opportunities to live our faith outloud online before countless numbers of people. Not to mention, when all doors closed for worship in our churches, that we could worship with our churches online. We are sharing great faith videos and images that encourage and build up each other. We've realized that we ARE the church to our world.

We have become evangelists and have been unleashed to spread the good news from behind a computer or a cell phone. I see you. You know who you are. You are the ones who share scriptures, prayers, quotes and videos bearing faith-filled and hope-filled messages.

When Jesus said in John 14:12, “And greater works than these (the works that He performed) will you do….”, He was foretelling about what we could accomplish. It is time for us to raise our voices even louder. As children of God, we are family! It’s time to keep putting faith-building, fear-destroying words out there. We never know whose life we might impact because of something we posted on social media. There is so much power in our words. When we change our words from complaining, whining, blaming or criticizing to faith-filled, encouraging, loving and caring words, we change our world.

Let’s be billboards that make God famous. We are missionaries because we are on a mission. We have been sent. We were sent the second the first spark of life flickered in our mother’s womb and now to wherever we are today and to whoever crosses our paths – via the street or the internet!

When we read Jesus words in Mark 16:15 to "Go into all the world and preach the good news", little did we realize we could do it right from the comfort of our homes. So, let's preach that good news today! So many need to hear it!

Trucking for Jesus

I met this beautiful couple at a Holy Spirit Retreat this weekend. Leon and Lorraine, who, by profession, are truck drivers. I learned about the benefits of being a truck driver – especially when you have your spouse with you and she's a driver, too. Though the financial blessing is right at the top, for this couple who have traveled together for over 20 years, it is far beyond the financial rewards. They are on a mission to touch as many lives as they can as God's messengers of "Good News". I heard stories of men and women (some of which are “ladies of the night”) whose lives were turned around by their fearless witness of Christ.

I’m sure you’ve been at a church service where the youth group is going on a mission trip to a foreign country or a young person is going into a seminary or someone else is going into “full-time” ministry. They’ll get applauded for their “full-time” spiritual work. There’s a division between “full time” spiritual work and worldly “secular” work. One sounds like it’s serving Christ and the other sounds like we’re serving ourselves. Unfortunately, we’ve been led to believe that a secular job isn't sacred and it's just impossible to bring glory to God in the marketplace.

Au contraire! My new friends bring glory to God when they drive their truck filled with cargo. They make God famous when they bring the light of Christ wherever they go and oftentimes, that light is so bright that the lost are drawn to them. And, you know what? We, too, bring glory to God when we help a friend move from their home to an apartment; when we roll down the window of our car and give that one standing on the corner with a sign to give them the love of Jesus in words, food or money.

Each of us has been charged to bear fruit in a way that honors God. We do that when we are involved in loving our neighbor. If God has made you a farmer, a lawyer, a nurse, a teacher, then that is a sacred calling in itself. We don’t have to be the pastor to go into "full-time Christian work" just because we think that is what you have to do if you love and serve God.

As I matured in my walk with Christ, I came to realize that when I wake up each day, I AM His disciple, His messenger, and His ambassador and devoted follower as I ensure my words are kind, generous, loving, sincere and caring and my actions are those that do reflect God's love and mercy.

So if we aren't being nudged to go to Africa to serve in an orphanage, it doesn’t mean our reach is any less. It’s not any less spiritual. It’s not any less filled with potential and purpose.

We serve a God who is not boxed in by time, circumstances, or geography. He is everywhere, all the time, with everyone. Every day we have the opportunity to touch someone's heart who will touch their family's hearts who will touch their communities and who will touch the world. All God is asking of us is our willing heart to be His hands extended to a hurting world that needs our words of encouragement and our hands of tender loving care.

We are Christ’s ambassadors. If we don’t represent Him to the marketplace and world and give out the good news, who will?
Mark 16:15 " Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel (the Good News) to all creation."

Spread the Good News!

Everyday, we make choices -- to listen to negativity -- especially in the news and then pass that bad news along. We also have the option to do what Jesus said, "Go into all the world and spread the GOOD NEWS!"

I remember my early years as a Christian how difficult it was for me to share God's "Good News" to those around me. Sure, I did my best to be a reflection of Christ's likeness in my words and deeds, but I wasn't what I thought a disciple was supposed to be like -- the one who queried "Are you a Christian? Do you want to go to heaven when you die? Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ?" Those words not only intimidated me, but they frightened me when I thought about what the response might be and how I would respond back to them. I remember my church sending us out door to door to hand out Gospel tracks and how difficult it was to engage in conversation with the people at their front doors.

I thought, "How in the world can I be a true follower of Christ if I don't share -- especially since He gave those words "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15

As I matured in my walk with Christ, I came to realize that when I wake up each day, I AM His disciple, His messenger, His ambassador and devoted follower as I ensure my words are kind, generous, loving, sincere and caring and my actions are those that do reflect God's love and mercy.

"Going into ALL the world" isn't just about across the oceans, or even knocking on someone's front door, but it's about the smile we offer to the cashier who passes along her smile to the weary wife who’s grabbing a quick lunch, that helps give her the strength to hold the hand of her husband when she gets home that's battling cancer.

We don’t know how the kind word we speak to a friend will give her the courage she needs when she goes to her workplace and has a chance to answer the question, “What’s so different about you?”

So if we aren't being nudged to go to Africa to serve in an orphanage, it doesn’t mean our reach is any less. It’s not any less spiritual. It’s not any less filled with potential and purpose.
We serve a God who is not boxed in by time, circumstances, or geography. He is everywhere, all the time, with everyone. His work in and through us is spontaneous, thrilling, sometimes crazy, and oftentimes the most joy-filled experience EVER. And in any given moment, if we want to know the best place to start sharing His love, all we need to do is look down at the ordinary, sacred ground right under our feet.

Everyday we have the opportunity to touch someone's heart who will in turn touch their family's hearts, who will touch their communities and who will touch the world. All God is really asking of us is our willing heart to be His hands extended to a hurting world that needs our words of encouragement and our hands of tender loving care. THAT is God's GOOD NEWS!

A Summer That Changes Everything

I'll always have fond memories of the missions’ trips our family took because those trips changed everything about the way we viewed what we had, and what we may not have had. It's a culture shock to see how other people live who are not afforded the conveniences, the comfort and the many blessings we encounter daily, and take for granted.

So, to see my grandchildren, Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace, packing and getting all geared up for their Guatemala trip with over 50 from their church, and to be so excited about the opportunity they'll have to impact people there, was so inspiring to this Nana. Payton amused me with all his “must haves” for the trip: first aid kit, Allen wrench, small “Barbie” fishing pole and tackle (he’s caught some whoppers with that little pole), Papa’s walking stick, lots of snacks and his waterproof “Outdoor Bible”! Alexia carried Papa’s snake skin coin purse. I loved that Papa is getting to go with them (in their hearts, as missions was his passion).

My hat’s off to the youth leaders that are taking these kids – no doubt, it’s a work-out to orchestrate the journey, making sure these kids’ own personal needs are met, and to keep up with each and every one. You know that they know the rewards will far exceed whatever work-out they’ll have. They are having a huge part of giving these kids – not a trip to Disney World for their own pleasure – but to a country where they can be a bright light to darkness, and seeing how these kids’ lives are changed as they are used by God to bring change to others.

Honestly, if you or your children haven’t had the opportunity to go on a missions trip, I urge you to consider taking one. It causes a new perspective of the blessings we have and helps us have compassion and sincere desire to bring change to someone else’s world. It's not about "What's in it for me?", but about "making a difference in other people's lives".

I'll never forget taking a busload of college students to Mexico where we were going to be "Jesus personified" to them. And, as it turned out, we left there being far more inspired and blessed to have encountered people who not only were radically transformed by God's love and light coming from us, but to see how little they had, yet were so joy-filled with the greatest gift they could ever receive -- coming to know Christ as their Savior. Their love for God was so much more than what they could get from Him -- it was about loving God with all their hearts -- because, basically, He was all they had. It certainly altered our consciences from "needing more" to "thankful for what I have".

Though we may not be going on a missions trip this summer, it doesn't mean that we, daily, don't have a mission to fulfill. In fact, when we leave our homes and when we walk through our doors, we are entering our mission field. Missions: an important assignment carried out for going out into the world and spreading faith and good news. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." And I love St. Francis' words "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words".

What is our mission field? I believe it is to everyone that we encounter on a daily basis. The clerk at the store, little children, the homebound, the family next door, the yard man, our own families & friends, our neighbors -- just anyone we have the opportunity to BE A BLESSING to and share the LIGHT of Christ with.

Perhaps, we need to develop a Mission Statement for our lives that keeps us focused on our calling to missions. In Genesis 12, where God makes His covenant with Abram. God tells Abram that He will make him into a great nation and that He will bless him. And then, what God says to him in the last part of verse 2 just may be our Mission Statement, too. "You will be a blessing."

That's it -- whatever we do, wherever we go, whoever we encounter -- our mission is "TO BE A BLESSING". Isn't that a great way to live? On purpose, outside of us 4, and no more -- TO BE A BLESSING in our communities or our school or office building or gym -- BE A BLESSING, and in doing that.....we will be IN OUR MISSION FIELD!!! If we do that....then this will be a summer that changes everything!

Preach the Gospel -- WHO Me?

I remember my early years as a Christian how difficult it was for me to share God's "Good News" to those around me. Sure, I did my best to be a reflection of Christ's likeness in my words and deeds in everyday life, but I wasn't what I thought a disciple was -- the one who queried "Are you a Christian? Do you want to go to heaven when you die? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior?" Those words not only intimidated me, but they frightened me when I thought about what the response would be and how I would respond back to them. I remember my church sending us out door to door to hand out Gospel tracks and how difficult it was to engage in conversation with the people at their front doors.

Then how in the world could I be a true follower of Christ -- especially since He gave those words "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creatures." Mark 16:15

As I matured in my walk with Christ, I came to realize that when I wake up each day, I AM His disciple, His messenger, and His ambassador and devoted follower as I ensure my words are kind, generous, loving, sincere and caring and my actions are those that do reflect God's love and mercy.

"Going into ALL the world" isn't just about across the oceans, but it's about the smile we offer to the cashier that can later be passed along to the weary wife, who’s grabbing lunch, and help give her the strength to hold the hand of her husband we’ll never meet as they battle cancer.

We don’t know how the kind word we speak to a friend will give her the courage she needs when she goes to her workplace and has a chance to answer the question, “What’s so different about you?”

So if we aren't being nudged to go to Africa to serve in an orphanage, it doesn’t mean our reach is any less. It’s not any less spiritual. It’s not any less filled with potential and purpose.

We serve a God who is not boxed in by time, circumstances, or geography. He is everywhere, all the time, with everyone. His work in and through us is spontaneous, thrilling, sometimes crazy, and oftentimes the most joy-filled experience EVER. And in any given moment, if we want to know the best place to start sharing His love, all we need to do is look down at the ordinary, sacred ground right under our feet.

Everyday we have the opportunity to touch someone's heart who will in turn touch their family's hearts who will touch their communities and who will touch the world. All God is really asking of us is our willing heart to be His hands extended to a hurting world that needs our words of encouragement and our hands of tender loving care.

You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field

I heard the story of someone who had such a heartfelt desire to open a Food Pantry, but it seemed door after door slammed for his great and worthwhile idea. Then he heard someone say “Why are you waiting on all the right answers and all the right buildings and all the right team? Why don’t you start right now with volunteering at the Food Bank, or collecting food and items to take to one of the charities here. You’ll be planting seed for your dream.

Quite often, we have the plan all figured out and THEN, we invite God to come along and join in that plan. But, God is the Pilot NOT the Co-Pilot of our lives. I love this photo I posted here today. “If God is your CO-PILOT, then swap seats." From personal experience, I remember time after time that we put together the plan, made business cards, brochures, signs and got the offices. The problem was, we forgot to bring our CEO in on the grandiose ideas. Sometimes the “good” ideas aren’t the “God” ideas. We usurped our ideas instead of getting His plans and ideas. When He pilots the ship or airplane, we can be sure He will position us for the most success at the right time.

Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace, my grandchildren, flew to Guatemala yesterday with 50 others to minister there for a week with their team. They’ve entered their mission field. Last night, our Life Group volunteered at James Mission – a beautiful ministry here in Tulsa for Foster and Adoptive families. We sorted and organized clothing items and placed them into their designated bins that will be apportioned to those families in need. We didn’t have the original vision for James Mission, but the Reyes did. And, God impressed upon our Life Group to be a support to them. We entered OUR mission field.

The good news is, as soon as we walk through the door of our opens, we are entering our mission fields. Missions: an important assignment carried out for going out into the world and spreading faith and good news. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." I love St. Francis' words "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words".

What is our mission field? I believe it is to everyone that we encounter on a daily basis. The clerk at the store, little children, the homebound, the family next door, the yard man, our own families & friends, our neighbors -- just anyone we have the opportunity to BE A BLESSING to and share the LIGHT of Christ with.

Perhaps, we need to develop a Mission Statement for our lives that keeps us focused on our calling to missions. In Genesis 12, God made His covenant with Abram. He told Abram that He will make him into a great nation and that He will bless him. And then, what God says to him in the last part of verse 2 just may be our Mission Statement, too. "You will be a blessing."

That's it -- whatever we do, wherever we go, whoever we encounter, our mission is "TO BE A BLESSING". Isn't that a great way to live? On purpose, outside of us 4, and no more -- TO BE A BLESSING here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, there where you are -- in your school or office building or community club or PTA or YMCA -- BE A BLESSING, and in doing that.....we will be IN OUR MISSION FIELD!!!

They're Everywhere!

I went to see "Risen" on Good Friday. I highly recommend it. I enjoy seeing faith-based films and anything related to Jesus up on the big screen. It inspires me to visually see what I know from the Bible and I think it's great for others to have that kind of exposure to the Gospel. Getting that "Good News" message out, however, is key!

Bottom line, I believe there is nothing that can replace God's Word. Yet, I can enjoy a movie and how a director and producer team up to interpret what they know, and depict how they feel will make a good movie. I can distinguish the truth through the filter of God’s Word. Movies should be seen first as entertainment, and whether or not every detail in a movie is Biblically accurate, we can be inspired by a piece of artwork like this, just like we can a song or a painting or statute.

In this film, it was so thrilling to have a visual of what it must have been like after Jesus came back to life -- especially in the mindset of a non-believer (Clavius, a Roman soldier). The producers of the film took their artistic liberties in giving us some things to think about, particularly from the point of view of Clavius.

Here's one of my favorite lines in the whole movie, and it still resonates big in me. Bartholomew (one of the disciples) was a joy and faith-filled, disciple -- especially having seen the risen Christ. He had been found and was being interrogated by Clavius, with the intention of Bartholomew leading him to where the disciples were hiding out. Clavius said, "I'll kill you now if you don't tell me where His disciples are. Tell me now!" Bartholomew broke into the biggest smile ever as he joyfully answered, “THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!"

I loved that....and, yes, WE ARE EVERYWHERE and, like the disciples who went on to change their world, I have recounted Bartholomew's words countless times to others since I saw the movie. That's you and me. Now, we continue to manifest the words of Christ to "Go into all the world and preach the good news!" And if we're EVERYWHERE, then what are we doing to change our world? The more we realize the responsibility and mandate of our Lord, to be His devoted followers -- living out His ministry in words, actions and deeds, the more His message of love will be perpetuated. Isn't that what our world needs so abundantly?

Though the masses have continued to try to stamp out His message, it will continue to live on. It's unstoppable. Shouldn't we be living that mission with all our hearts? We're in quite an elite army. Our Captain is unfailing and relentless and we know HE WINS! When it's so easy to get wrapped up in matters that are so trivial.....instead, shouldn't we be the lights that carry His message on to CHANGE OUR WORLD and literally, BE EVERYWHERE....in our schools, politics, workplaces, government offices, churches, marketplaces, homes....yes, EVERYWHERE!

#Risen #GoodNews

You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field

Day 244 of Photo Inspirations -- You Are Now Entering Your Mission Field
I was ALMOST booked to go on a missions trip to Korea and China in November with an amazing organization called Voice of China & Asia that is doing such an incredible work through their Bible ministry to the poorest of rural believers. Bibles are being legally printed in China but there is no Bible distribution system for over half of China’s population (600+ million) who live in rural areas. Here upwards of 14,000 new believers per day are professing Jesus Christ as Savior. But, they don’t have access to Bibles. Voice of China and Asia is filling this need by providing hundreds of thousands of Bibles for them.  That's what I'll be a part of, hopefully, in April, next year.

But not going with the team in November, doesn't mean that I, daily, don't have a mission to fulfill. In fact, when I leave my home and when I walk through my door, I'm entering my mission field. Missions:  an important assignment carried out for going out into the world and spreading faith and good news. Jesus said in Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." And I love St. Francis' words "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes use words".

What is our mission field?  I believe it is to everyone that we encounter on a daily basis.  The clerk at the store, little children, the homebound, the family next door, the yard man, our own families & friends, our neighbors -- just anyone we have the opportunity to BE A BLESSING to and share the LIGHT of Christ with.

Perhaps, we need to develop a Mission Statement for our lives that keeps us focused on our calling to missions.  In Genesis 12, where God makes His covenant with Abram. God tells Abram that He will make him into a great nation and that He will bless him. And then, what God says to him in the last part of verse 2 just may be our Mission Statement, too.  "You will be a blessing."

That's it -- whatever we do, wherever we go, whoever we encounter -- our mission is "TO BE A BLESSING".  Isn't that a great way to live?  On purpose, outside of us 4, and no more -- TO BE A BLESSING here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, there in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or there in your school or office building or community club or PTA or YMCA -- BE A BLESSING, and in doing that.....we will be IN OUR MISSION FIELD!!!