HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
What are you thankful for?
Grace and peace.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
I Need Africa!
I was asked by Mocha Club to write about the concept of why ‘I need Africa more than Africa needs me.’ Mocha Club (www.mochaclub.org) is a community-based website where members can start a team and invite friends to join them in giving $7 a month (the cost of 2 mochas) to support a project in Africa. Mocha Club's vision is to provide a way for people who don't have hundreds or thousands of dollars to make a difference in Africa.
So, do I need Africa?! Great question! And yes, I most certainly do!! But why? Another great question. Well for one, I have never met a more genuine, self-less people group in my entire life. Back in 2000 I spent 3 weeks in Africa. Everyday I had numerous people ask to carry something for me (guitar, baggage, etc) or do something for or help me out in any way, shape or form. It really made me think of how selfish I can be. Sometimes I get caught up in, "what can this person or that person, do FOR me?" and not think of how I could (and should) serve them. The people of Africa embody the heart of Jesus Christ...they serve!
Is there another reason why I need Africa? Oh you...yes! In my world that is full of concrete, skyscrapers and traffic, Africa is a breath of fresh air (no pun intended...wait, maybe some pun)! The land is so beautiful. Taking in all of the features of the land (the mountains, the flatlands, the rivers, the waterfalls, the coastline) and the animals cause a sensory overload! Every time I turn around there is another incredible view.
So I've shared with some of the reasons why I NEED Africa. Now it's your turn. Share your thoughts in my comments; shoot, even blog about it yourself. Join in the worthwhile cause of recasting the damaging images that force pity over partnership.
But that's not all! Come back Dec 1st to see what Mocha Club is doing about reforming that image.
Grace and peace.
So, do I need Africa?! Great question! And yes, I most certainly do!! But why? Another great question. Well for one, I have never met a more genuine, self-less people group in my entire life. Back in 2000 I spent 3 weeks in Africa. Everyday I had numerous people ask to carry something for me (guitar, baggage, etc) or do something for or help me out in any way, shape or form. It really made me think of how selfish I can be. Sometimes I get caught up in, "what can this person or that person, do FOR me?" and not think of how I could (and should) serve them. The people of Africa embody the heart of Jesus Christ...they serve!
Is there another reason why I need Africa? Oh you...yes! In my world that is full of concrete, skyscrapers and traffic, Africa is a breath of fresh air (no pun intended...wait, maybe some pun)! The land is so beautiful. Taking in all of the features of the land (the mountains, the flatlands, the rivers, the waterfalls, the coastline) and the animals cause a sensory overload! Every time I turn around there is another incredible view.
So I've shared with some of the reasons why I NEED Africa. Now it's your turn. Share your thoughts in my comments; shoot, even blog about it yourself. Join in the worthwhile cause of recasting the damaging images that force pity over partnership.
But that's not all! Come back Dec 1st to see what Mocha Club is doing about reforming that image.
Grace and peace.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Challenge
This is my challenge to you (however many of you read this little blog):
Take a gander at your calendar or planner and for each day set up an "appointment" to sit and listen to God. I heard Mike Bickle say that if you schedule it on your planner, then you will follow-through with the "appointment" 80% of the time. I don't know about you, but 80% sounds better than 3-5% (or 0%)...
I have been doing this lately (ie. the past week) and it has been really good. The Lord is faithful and He is trustworthy. He will honor your diligence and speak to your heart. But I pray that it doesn't turn into a religious thing and that it doesn't turn into an "i have to..." chore. Those thoughts are from the enemy. Rebuke them as soon as they come into your mind...
During some of these times, really try to quiet your mind and your heart and listen. When you are in the Word, ask Jesus to open the Scriptures to you and speak through the written Word. You don't need a commentary on each and every book in the Bible. Instead, before you start reading, just pray that the Lord would speak to you through the Scriptures and show you new things concerning His heart. He likes that prayer...
Try it out. Even if it is for just a week and let me know how it went and if the Lord spoke to you...
Grace and peace
Take a gander at your calendar or planner and for each day set up an "appointment" to sit and listen to God. I heard Mike Bickle say that if you schedule it on your planner, then you will follow-through with the "appointment" 80% of the time. I don't know about you, but 80% sounds better than 3-5% (or 0%)...
I have been doing this lately (ie. the past week) and it has been really good. The Lord is faithful and He is trustworthy. He will honor your diligence and speak to your heart. But I pray that it doesn't turn into a religious thing and that it doesn't turn into an "i have to..." chore. Those thoughts are from the enemy. Rebuke them as soon as they come into your mind...
During some of these times, really try to quiet your mind and your heart and listen. When you are in the Word, ask Jesus to open the Scriptures to you and speak through the written Word. You don't need a commentary on each and every book in the Bible. Instead, before you start reading, just pray that the Lord would speak to you through the Scriptures and show you new things concerning His heart. He likes that prayer...
Try it out. Even if it is for just a week and let me know how it went and if the Lord spoke to you...
Grace and peace
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