Despite Ourselves

Have you ever experienced a rough week, and when you look back on it you realize it was a blessed week? God reminds me of this all of the time. Ministry is not always fun, and it is definitley not glamorous for those who really giving it all of their best.
This week I had two encounters with people that truly have made me uncomfortable when I think about them. Alot of my days do not end until 9:00pm, and most are always filled from morning until 9:00 staying busy and active.
Thursday night we had a great, challenging Bible Study. As I was leaving at 9:00, two young men from the neighborhood walked up (the zip code in our neighborhood is one of the top 5 in Texas for crime) and said "Can we talk to the Pastor?" Honestly....I thought about saying "No! He has already left." I was tired and it had been a long day. Most of the people who walk up to QTM are looking for hand outs, and I really was not up to it. As usual the scripture flooded my mind and soul and I could almost hear Jesus saying "Do not judge, least ye be judged." This young 19 year old named Brian looked at me and said "Could you bless me?" As I gazed at his tattoo's, his sideways hat, and his shirt that said 'I love Haters!' compassion filled my soul. Needless to say I spent the next 30-45 minutes sharing truth and hope with him. What a finish to a long day...
This morning I was excptionally tired. I went to QTM to help the youth set up for their fund raiser to raise money for their mission trip to Panama this year. I worked hard physically,and mentally on Friday, and fatigue was taking its toll. I decided to walk fromt he ministry home to just think about some things (Takes 50 minutes) and as I walked out the door a lady was about to get in her car with her 15 year old daughter. She hollered at me and said "Are they closed?" I said "Yes" as I kept walking. I thought to myself when I had seen them "Just looking for another hand out." I did not get more than three steps and called back out to them "Wait, what can I help you with?" The lady shared the purpose of their visit, and I quickly asked them where they go to church. The ladt snapped back at me as she rolled her eyes "No Where!" I could tell she wanted something from me, but did not want to hear what I might share. I told her and her daughter to follow me inside. I told them "I am going to help your daughter, but I need to share soemthing with them as I get the money her daughter needed. I looked at the mother and said "Kim, you have four kids, a car that I have no idea how it keeps running (I would not have given $50.00 for it) a preacious daughter who is trying to become what God has created her for, and she has no chance in life does she?" Tears started pouring down her face, and continued to share Jesus with her and her 15 year old daughter. They both stood there in my office crying and then my heart sank when Kim looked at me and said "What do you whear for church, we don't have proper attire." I told her Jesus does not care what she looks like, he cares about her and her children's future. Kim shook her head as tears continued to flow down her face, and when her daughter looked at her mom to get her approval to hug me, I almost lost it too. I pray they come to church tomorrow and find that they can have life in Jesus.
I do not like to share alot about how the Lord uses me, because it is about Him and not about me. The purpose in sharing is that maybe all will see that 'DESPITE OURSELVES' God wants to use us. Pastor's, Teacher's, Elder's, Deacon's and all other Christians fight the battle of SELF, There is not one who struggles at times either wanting to do the Lord's work, or feeling they have done enough. I am being transparent with you all. It is not easy for me either at times, but the Lord has shown Himself to me larger than ever when I find myself fighting me~

'The Challenge'

One of my favorite things in life is to be challenged, and to challenge others. This may seem strange to some, but it keeps me extremely busy and on course. Every morning 90 people get text's of scripture, quotes, and challanges to start ther days off with the challenge of living for Him.
Every Sunday morning (before most roll out of bed to get up for church), I get to chat and pray with my dear friend in Phoenix, Arizona, Dan. It is always a time of sharing what the Lord has done in our weeks, and share 'God Moments' before we pray.
Reecently Dan has been blessed by having his son's meet him every Saturday morning for breakfast, a time of reading the scripture, and a time of sharing what the Lord has been showing them. This past Sunday he shared that now they would be coming up with a new 'Challenge' for each other each week. There challenge this week was to bring a 'Homeless' person home to eat with them, or take a homeless person to eat. Wow! What a challenge. I cannot wait until tomorrow to hear the stories about their week, and all that happened.
This has lead me to do the same in our Bible Studies, and beginning tomorrow to our ministry. Apathy will only lead to apathy if we are not challenged and inspired to live out what we believe and profess.
Today, I want to challenge each of you with this "Tomorrow is Easter Sunday, and probably the best time to get a friend, acquainatance, or family member into church. Ask someone to join you." If you were not planning on going to Church tomorrow, then I challenge you to go and maybe get a 'Kick Start' on starting a new life, and a new day. Christianity is pretty simple, "Die to self, and live for Christ." Without the Jesus death on the cross, then there would be no resurrection. This leaves no hope for anyone. Unless we die to our thoughts, habits and ways, then we too will not be ressurected with Him. Daily challenge "Die to me, live for Him!"