Reflections on dying for Christ

I just read a chapter of Dangerous Faith that was talking about persecution and suffering in the first century church. Joel mentions that throughout history the church would grow tremendously when suffering took place. There have been many people who have been killed for their faith and instead of killing the message they were preaching, their deaths paved the way for others to come to know Christ.

On Sunday at church, my pastor talked about Philippians 1:21 where Paul says "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" which I have been meditating on for the last couple of months - trying to understand what this might look like in my life. That day it took on a new meaning to me. Even though the method of death may be painful, am I truly willing to live my life or lose my life for Him? I know that life in Christ is the only life worth living for, the only life that cannot be taken away and the only life that has eternal gain. But do I know that in my heart and not just my mind? Not always.

In addition to that, this next question posed a challenge that knocked me out of whatever apathetic state I have found myself in. Are you living in Christ? If not, then have you connected with the love of God lately? Because if you have been connecting with the love of God then you will naturally be drawn to making Him your life. That's what I want - to connect with the love of God. The last couple of weeks have been hard and I'm not sure if it's winter setting in or busyness distracting me from disciplines but either way, I've been coasting and I don't want to anymore. From past experience, connecting with the love of God will pull me out of that spell quickly.

So pray that for me and I'll be praying that for you. I'm praying that you will be able to feel His love today in a way that refreshes your spirit and draws you closer to Him.

An Effective Use of Time

Tonight I am able to say that I didn't waste my evening. I spent it reading, Dangerous Faith by Joel Vestal, a new book out by NavPress that talks about living a missional life wherever your mission field may be. Joel has traveled to more than seventy different countries around the world and his stories are shocking, awe-inspiring, challenging and compelling. Since my heart already resonates with his passion for missions, it has been quite easy for me to look forward to reading. But tonight I am humbled at my own desire to live the "American dream." I don't want to retire one day and find myself asking questions like "Is that it? I have lived a comfortable and predictable life. But what have I really accomplished with the time I was given?" Instead, as Joel points out, I hope I can be like Paul at the end of my life and say,

"I 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV)

I'm reminded that this life isn't about me or what I have to offer. Everything that I have is God's. Everything. And His magnificent plan will take place with or without my help. Therefore, it is a great privilege to be part of it all and there is nothing better that I can do with my life.

It's been a good evening. I wish I was more consistent in using my extra time effectively. But before I go, here's one more quote that was included in this book - it was encouraging to me.

God did not make the first human because He needed company, but because He wanted someone to whom he could show His generosity and love. God did not tell us to follow Him because he needed our help, but because He knew that loving Him would make us whole.
~Irenaeus