Be Missional Right Where You Are.

Most of us that are 50 years and older remember carrying an Atlas map with us in the car to get around. Before Google maps, you had to find out where you were on the map, discover where you were going then decide which road got you to your destination the best. Of course now, a computer figures all that out for you.

So in Acts 1 when Jesus commissions his disciples, he reminds them they will be his witnesses in “Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” So too we have been commissioned to “go” to the ends of the earth, starting right where we are first. In order to be witnesses to what Jesus has done for us in our lives, there are a few things we can remember.

First, be present right where you are. Currently, our phones are such a huge distraction. We are constantly looking at them, even when we are with other people. We must discipline ourselves to focus on the people God puts in our path and interact with them for the cause of Christ. Jesus has passed the torch to us to be his witnesses and it’s hard to do that if you’re looking down.

When I was working on my MDiv, a great mentor of mine reminded me I’ll always have a book to read, a paper to write, and a test for which to study. My two boys who were very young at the time would not always be little to don’t miss the window of opportunity with them. So on my way home from my 5-year graduate level schooling, I found a landmark. When I arrived at the landmark, I’d stop thinking about school and start getting ready to interact with my boys and my wife. Being present with them has paid off. Be present with the people God has placed in your life.

Secondly, be prayerful. In Acts 1:14, we are reminded the followers of Jesus were praying constantly. We should be in prayer everyday that God would open our eyes to the appointments He sends us daily to be a witness. Prayer is the conversation you have with God that the Holy Spirit carries into the throne room of God. Be disciplined enough to pray when you driving, walking, working, and laying down. Ask God to reveal where He is working in the world and how you can join Him in what He’s already doing.

Finally, be perceptive. The seemingly smallest interactions are moments to be a witness and share the love God has extended to you. When you drop your kiddo off at school or use the crosswalk with your child. Teachers and volunteers can be reminded about God’s love through you. It could be the dentist or doctor you’ll see today needs some compassion extended. Maybe your boss or coworker needs to be reminded through you they are loved by God.

So be open and ready in every opportunity God will give you. Whether you are headed to worship on a Sunday morning or on vacation, God wants you on mission. If you are at the grocery store or the gas pump, God wants you on mission. When you are at the teacher conference or the staff meeting, God expects you to represent him well.

Dr. Suess says, “Oh the places you will go.” And this year, you will go lots of places. You are commissioned to be a witness so look like Jesus every chance you get. May the Holy Spirit empower you to overcome any obstacles so that you can realize the Kingdom of God in your life. Blessings on the journey.

"More than a Feeling..."

I am a child of the ‘80s. I love most everything about that decade…especially the music. A band out of Boston, Massachusetts started in 1975 and still is touring today. Of course, their name is Boston. They’ve had a great many hits. One of those songs is named “More than a Feeling.” Go ahead and sing the line…you know it!

However, the Apostle John reminds us that the love of God is more than a feeling, it’s a daily lifestyle. As a matter of fact, Paul the Apostle even says in Ephesians 5, “Imitate God (everyday)”. So how do I know how to imitate God?

Well, Jesus tells his disciples in John 14, “It you have seen me, then you’ve seen the Father. Me and the Father are one.” As a follower of Jesus, I simply need to look at the life of Jesus, found in any of the four gospels, and do what Jesus did…live like Jesus…love like Jesus.

You see, John tells us in his letter, 1 John, that love is how we know God. John says, “God IS love.” Most of us imagine him as a harsh referee, or a detached inventor, or a spoiling grandpa but none of these pictures are true. We realize that our God is a good, good Father. That imagine is used 245 times in the New Testament. So if God is a loving Father and we are called to imitate him, then we should also be loving in our life.

Love is also how we see God. In 1 John 4, John reminds us that God loved us before we ever loved him. We are called to this lifestyle of love if you claim to follow Jesus. God showed us his love by sending his only son while we were still sinners. Get your head wrapped around that! While you were rebelling against God, Jesus came for you anyway! What a wonderful God we serve!!

Some ways we might let others see this love of God in is right now could look like helping your older neighbor with the yard work or taking baked goods to those who are shut up in their houses. It might be just handing out cold water at a local event or march. Maybe you could write letters of encouragement to your city leaders letting them know you are praying with them over the city. Or sending a thank you card to the administrators at the school your child attends telling them you are praying for their wisdom and discernment during this difficult season of school.

Because love is how we follow God and we are indebted to him to do so. We ought to be loving on each other, not hating nor being mean-spirited. We follow Jesus and his life reflects a person who was inclusive, loving, forgiving, full of grace and mercy.

The word for “love” John uses every time is the Greek word “agape”. This word specifically means “unconditional love”. Love with no strings attached. As followers of Jesus, we do not say, “I’ll love you as long as you do what I want, say what I want you to say, live how I think you should live.” We love even our enemies unconditionally.

God reminds us of how much He loves us in John 3:16. He sent his son so no one would perish but all would have eternal life. And for those of us who follow God’s Son, we were adopted into his family. As children of God then, we follow or act like the Father.

So, be someone who transforms the world around you for good. Be someone who loves unconditionally. Be someone who shines the light of Jesus in everything you do. Blessings on your journey.