A Word from Mother Teresa

I never thought that I would be posting a quote from Mother Teresa, but my friend Paul has been wrestling with her! (See his post here.)

Here is MT’s great quote:

“The Lord has willed me here where I am. He will offer a solution.”

Sounds like for all of her differences in theology, she understood sovereignty and trust. A person of this kind of faith and confidence in God’s ability to work all things together for good is a person who can make a positive difference.

Mike

What Should I Say?

“Let us try in all simplicity and honesty to go out to our home to translate the language of high faith and heavenly enthusaism into the plain prose of daily conduct, so that all men can understand it.”

Abide in Christ, p. 184

“And now, just as Christ was to show forth God’s love, believers are to show forth to the world the love of Christ…. They by living and loving just as He did, are to be perpetual witnesses to the love that gave itself to die.”

Abide in Christ, p. 180

Evangelism is more about how you say it, when you say it, and how sure you are of what you are saying than what you are saying. Remember the power of Acts 1:8 is not self-generated or self-sustained.

Mike

Be Anxious for Nothing

I read a great quote that nails the truth, exactly where I am, exactly what I needed to re-hear: 

“We don’t need to be anxious becuase we know that  God is watching over us carefully and affectionately. We can let go of our concerns about how quickly we are reachingthe destination and simply enjoy the journey. If we are truly trusting in God, it is up to us to surrender control and let God carry us over life’s rapids and rough places. Resting in Him can be the most difficult challenge. Determine to let the peace of God rule in your heart and mind. Purpose to rest in God’s perfect peace.”

Life’s Ultimate To Be List, p. 17

I am at peace again,

Mike

Great Online Worship Music

http://www.allworship.com

Now as soon as I type that title, I realized I have set myself up to marginalize or alienate some people. THIS IS NOT MY INTENTION. My hope is that you will begin to utilize the benefits of the internet. Please find a great online station that you can play whenever you are surfing. Think of it as spirit protection. It is infinitely more difficult to surf lustful images when listening to “Your Grace is Enough”. Not impossible — you can sear your spiritual sensitivities — but it just might help. To keep the evil thoughts at bay, flush regularly with good thoughts! (see Phil 4:7)

Happy God-focused Listening,

Mike

@ the Beginning

Where are you in your spiritual journey?

Are you growing in your spirit (i.e. your non-material person)? Are you more interested in spiritual topics today than you were a year ago? A month ago? This time last week?

Is there a significant change and growth process going on in your life that is developing your reputation with others as a spiritual person? 

How would you know if you were growing “significantly”? Who determines significance?

I understand God to be the source and cause of all of my genuine spiritual growth. I find that spiritual growth can only be measured by the standards of excellence which He Himself has revealed in Scripture. His standard is identical reflection and imitation of His heart. The things that please Him ought to be the things that please us; the things that grivee His heart, grieve ours as well. To the extent that I am agreeing with God on more and more topics and more and more of the time I am growing.

Colossians 1:9-12 gives four action phrases that describe this kind of spiritual vitality:

1. bearing fruit in every good work
2. increasing in the knowledge of God
3. gaining strengthen in the power of His might
4. giving thanks to the Father

All of these spiritual traits come directly out of a knowledge of God’s will that literally controls my life. That knowledge comes through a study and apploication of His inerrant, inspired special revelation to us, His Word. Anything other than this resource from the Source is suspect, at best.

Striving to be fruit-bearing, knowledge-growing, strength-gaining and thanks-giving,

Mike