Limping


This past weekend rattled me a bit. I think that I'll keep this post quite short. I am deeply challenged by this question, 'who is my neighbor?' As I consider the intensity of needs around the globe.... as I consider that there are people who will put their heads on the ground tonight with no food in their stomach.... as I consider that malnutrition will cost multiple lives today.... as I consider that a large portion of this world does not have access to clean drinking water..... I really want to steward what God has given me. I really want to be well known for being beautifully generous.



I think that people in Crestview... people across the world are asking, not only about our theology or our deep study, but about how we are making a difference in the name of Christ for the glory of Christ so that we meet the practical needs around us. I think people are asking of us, don't merely tell me about your faith. Please show me! (eerily similar to the book of James!) They want to see action. I am constantly asking God to make us a place of action... a place that lives and breathes this Christ-life.


Personally, Susan and I are asking how we might use what God has given us for Him. We are wrestling with taking the 'stuff' that God has given us and using what we have in our hands to elevate His name. We are praying about the 'fun' things that we have and the joy that God has given us and how to best use those for His fame. We are praying about the utilization of our resources and using a larger portion of our budget to give away toward the needs of the nations.


So, I'm wrestling with a continuing loss of self-indulgence and a deepening in God-indulgence. I think that the heart of being able to give my life, resources, and deepest passion away to the Kingdom advance is something worth wrestling with. I can't rest until the 'good news' of Jesus Christ is given away to the poor, the captive, the blind, the oppressed, and the needy. Wrestle with me. Let's limp together!


Needs abound. God meets needs. He uses us!


For the Glory,
Mark