My topic is one faith (Ephesians 4) and since the topic is so broad, I am not sure whether to talk about mustard seeds, martyrs, righteousness or forgiveness.  Should I demonstrate a trust fall, or blind fold one of them and have them listen as I walk them through a maze.  Should I talk about the assurance of things hoped for? Should I do an exegesis of Romans!  What do you think?  I would love some ideas!

It’s so difficult because its so complete and big and complex, but at the same time it is so simple and straightforward:

⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   ⁹Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!  Romans 5:7-9

This sort of reminds me of some of the words of Paul over in Philippians  

Do all things without grumbling or questioning,  Philippians 2:14 ESV 

 ¹⁰I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength.   Philippians 4:10-13 (New International Version) 

 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NKJV) 

Well that reminds me of another sign I saw on this trip, at the Big Biscuit Barn just a few miles from my home.  “Praise the Lord, Eat A Biscuit”.  Hm,, I think I am heading to breakfast….

Anyway, as we were leaving the exhibit there was a quote painted on the wall.  For some reason the quotation really resonated with me.  So, as we were leaving the museum and heading back to the last Tour Mobile of the day, we were stopped at the exit and were asked to be interviewed for a survey the museum was doing.  (I think we have sucker on our foreheads.)  So after a discussion about the exhibits with this nice college student, she presented us with a magnet with the same quote on it.  In fact she said it was her favorite.  It seemed worthy of sharing with ya’ll as well.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me. (Martin Niemoller)

Remember that no matter how big or small the injustice, it’s our responsibility to help others , and to stand up for what is right.

³ Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.  Psalm 82:3 (New International Version)

Later in the evening, I was given the opportunity to watch  Harding University’s drama team called Theatron perform several skits with a message.  In one particularly impressive skit, the final message was, “it took us two minutes to write and practice this skit, and it may only stay with you for two minutes – unless you do something about it”.

So since I received the same message twice within two hours, it seemed fitting to share it with you this morning.  We can’t just talk it.  We can’t just say love each other.  We can’t just say, yes I care about people.  We can’t just say I love the Savior Jesus, we have to live it out!  We can’t just sit in our churches and bounce the message off the interior walls.  Live it out today!

²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.   James 1:22-24 (New International Version)

The interesting thing about that is that one of them was just not really excited about this at all and was quite nervous about the proposition.  It was the whole concept of a new endeavor that had him a little worried.  Turns out, or so it seems, he has had a very enjoyable experience. And it was the same for us, this is the first time we had left both boys and gone our own way for YEARS ( maybe FOREVER).

And so it is with our lives.  Ray even referred to it yesterday.  Sometimes, we feel so comfortable in our own place that its hard to leave that comfort zone and experience new things, or even to challenge our selves to grow.  But as Mary Poppins says “a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down” and as our Lord and Savior says ” a mustard seed of faith moves mountains”.

Step out there today.  Whether it is forcing yourself to speak to someone, sharing your faith, expressing your thoughts, experiencing something new, or even ordering something different from the menu!  Or Maybe you need to let go, as Amy and I did, but in a larger sense and put more of the handling of life’s events in the hands of the Lord.  Do it today, step out of your comfort zone and see where you get taken.

⁸Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New International Version)

There’s a stirring deep within me
Could it be my time has come
When I’ll se my gracious Savior
Face to face when all is done

Is that His voice I am hearing
Come away my precious one
Is He calling me?
Is He calling me?

I will rise up
Rise up
And bow down
And lay my crown
at His wounded feet

Such powerful words and truth is God can use me where ever I am. We are giving serious thought to mission work and your prayers for God’s guidance through this process and evaluation are much appreciated. For the time being I know God can use me anywhere I am and there is truly a stirring deep within me and I need to RISE UP, take my Cross, and follow HIM!

Matthew 16:24 (New International Version)

24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Now I know what you are thinking and no, I don’t have an excuse.  I didn’t even have an excuse when Father Reggie asked my wife and I point blank, “Where were you before?!”  The question almost knocked me out of the pews!

For the past week, this question has bounced around my head like a pinball.  Where have we been?  What were we doing that was more important?  I have had some ideas, but no definitive answer.  Father Reggie didn’t look at us any different or make us feel unwelcome however – very much the contrary.  He simply smiled, patted me on the back and enthusiastically said, “Well… welcome!”  It didn’t matter where we had been, it only mattered that we were here now.

Do you ever feel that way with God?  Just don’t know what to say, nothing great to come out of your mouth, feel as only a dog could like you?  Well, we don’t have to worry about that, check this verse:

Romans 8:26-27 (New International Version)

 ²⁶In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ²⁷And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. It’s ok if we don’t know what to say, we have an intercessor!  Wwhether you feel inspriational, don’t know what to say, or just feel ashamed of yourself, God already knows and hears you.  Have a great day!

So I go off for a few days, and a few of my fellow buffeters keep up the encouragement for the remainder of the week.  But before I do here is a simple reminder to always consider others and and keep  a check on the words you use throughout the day today.

¹¹ A word aptly spoken
is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11 (NIV)

You can never underestimate the power of the words you use.  Make sure they are supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

So isn’t it good to know that as followers of the Christ, there is no due date.  Well, there will be a judgement day, and for those not follower the Christ, that will be quite a problem.  But for those who have put on the grace and mercy of Christ, your sins will have been paid in full, and on the due date, your balance due will be a big fat zero!

²³May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (New International Version)

So, doesn’t knowing that you owe nothing and that its been paid for you provide some relief from the anxiety of the day and create a desire to repay that through your actions?  Get out there and impact those around you today.

Its freeeeeeeeeeeee!