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!

BAM -- Be a Miracle!

Jesus gave us a command "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15. Our world may be to our next door neighbor, our community, state and around the world.

Yesterday afternoon, our two young missionaries, Payton Wallace and Alexia Wallace, returned home from Guatemala (along with the other 51 who were with them) -- exhausted – wanting a shower and just go to bed to regain their bearings at home. But, not before we squeezed them for as many details as we could get about their trip.

They were beaming as they shared about the 31 different locations where they ministered through skits, singing and speaking. They went to several schools where young people were hungry to hear the stories of Jesus and the love He has for them. I’m so thankful the Guatemalan government welcomes the Gospel being shared. The latest report is that over 3,500 people gave their hearts to Christ during their week of ministry. And if that wasn’t thrilling enough, the ways our student missionaries were touched by God, themselves, was the icing on the cake. Lots of stories of life transformation from the locals, as well as our own young people.

Of course, our little blondie, Alexia, attracted those beautiful brunette girls wanting to touch her hair, asking her what shampoo she uses. Girls will be girls – everywhere we go!

I was overcome with joy as I watched their tired eyes glisten as they shared so many stories of faith, the students who were touched in so many precious ways and the excitement to go back again next year.

I talked about this before they left in my daily FB post, but just to re-emphasize how beautiful it is for our kids to have these kinds of opportunities. As parents (and grandparents), we want and hope many things for our children. We want them to be well educated, well-rounded, kind and compassionate, athletic, musical, and the list goes on. I sincerely believe that there are ways to grow our children in ways that no sports team or high dollar vacation could ever compare to. If we believe we were created to give glory to God with our lives, then we probably believe that about the lives of our children as well. God can and will use each of us right where we are, if we submit to His plans for our lives and seek to love God and others every day. We don’t have to go anywhere special to be used by God.

However, I have seen, with my own eyes, how going on a mission trip can change the course of a life. Going on mission trips changed me countless times, so I know that He can do that with our kids, too. When we leave the comfort of our homes with the intent of being a blessing and serving others, I believe that it pleases God to answer those prayers we have for the hearts of our children to be changed in the process.

We know from God’s Word that it is better to give than receive. So, what if we actually lived that out in our lives and took our kids along for the ride? I realize there are many valid points for staying home and serving those in our communities, but if a foreign missions trip comes up for your children (and even you), then seize the opportunity.

"Being a miracle" is not only a blessing to the ones we're giving to, but somehow, the satisfaction of having helped someone, brings rewards that money can't buy and no one can ever take it away from us. What could ever compare to "being a miracle" in someone's world?

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!!!

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!!!