This hour and a half in the afternoon is sacred ground. Jordan is sleeping, and if I've gotten a good night's sleep (aka if I'm not napping), I can actually look at God's Word and enjoy some intentional fellowship with Jesus for a bit. I started to "apologize" for turning my blog into more of a devotional thought, but then I remembered that would be silly to be sorry for. After all, the best thing I can "give" to my readers (Emily and my mom and myself) is good news from God's Word. Now, don't get me wrong. Pics and updates of Jordan are fun, too, but ultimately, thoughts on Christ and his love for us are all-satisfying, all-saving, and totally worth writing down, if you ask me. :)
So, here goes...
"I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Cor. 9
Paul, the writer of 1 Corinthians, is hard-core urgent about saving people from God's coming wrath. My tendency is to put Paul in a category all of his own: MISSIONARY/EVANGELIST. That way, I don't feel guilty for not sharing in his urgency. After all, I'm just a stay-at-home mom.
Wait a second....Do I honestly believe that the wrath of God is coming?
Uh-oh. Stefany just said "wrath of God." She's gone crazy. I better stop reading her blog now.
I know. It's so much easier to talk about the GRACE and LOVE of God and skip the wrath part, isn't it? But, here's the TRUTH. The wrath of God is coming on sin... once and for all. And, the only escape from this punishment for sin is JESUS. (THAT'S WHY WE CALL IT "GOOD NEWS.") So, literally, there are two possible endings to each of our stories: 1)God's wrath because of our sin, or 2)God's grace because of our CHOICE to admit we need a Savior and surrender to Jesus.
Eeek. Not super fun to talk about, I know. Especially in our culture. We like to make sure that everybody is "good" with everybody else, you know? "Whatever works for you" kind of mentality. When in reality, the hope lies in John 14:6, and NOT "whatever works for you."
So.... all that to say.... I can no longer separate myself from "Crazy Paul: Missionary/Evangelist." If I believe that God's wrath is coming on the sin in this world, and if I believe in John 14:6, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, well, then, I guess I better get my butt in gear and start being urgent too, huh?
Question... how can a stay-at-home mom be urgent as Paul is urgent in sharing the saving news of Jesus Christ?
Answer... L.O.V.E.
How? Pray like crazy for salvation to come in the lives of those who don't know Jesus yet. Seriously. When have I had time like this to pray? I can pray aloud with Jordan. I can pray silently while he plays. I can pray while we take our walks outside! Pray, pray, and pray some more. Why not???
How else? Keep my eyes and ears open to the needs of my friends, neighbors, community, world, especially those who don't yet know Jesus. Who knows? Maybe God will use me in their journey to Christ. I want to be ready for that.
So... all that to say. Mom, Emily, myself, let's be urgent. :) Thanks for reading and not stopping at the part about the "wrath of God." I know, if you are like me, you probably wanted to. :)
Love you all!
Oh, and of course some super cute pics as a reward for reading the longest post ever....
4 comments:
thanks for the reminder about what I can do today. PRAY!
That is powerful friend. I love the two shout outs and have missed catching up on your blog. I hope to do the same tomorrow. God has really been working on me too. I can't wait to catch up. Love ya.
I can promise you that if you pray with your little man he will grow to talk to God as you do! Thanks for the reminder to "love on those who need it most". They are everywhere! Love you!
Aw, I read your blog, friend! And I'm praying for YOU! Thanks for another great post!
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