GO TELL!

Often times I hear this:  “HELP!  I don’t know what God wants me to do with my life!”  There have been countless books written, Bible studies taught, sermons preached and good advice given regarding that age-old question.  Guess what?  I struggle with the exact same thing.  I struggle with direction or with piling things on my plate until I confuse myself and get way off track from my calling.  During those times, I have to ask God again- “WHAT DO YO WANT FROM ME?”  During my time with the Lord this morning, He gently answered me and led me back to His plan for my life.

So many times, we focus on the BIG Assignment and completely forget the small things and in reality- that’s the bigger picture.  Here’s what the Lord reminded me this morning:  “Whoever is in front of you at any given moment is your ministry assignment!”  How often do we dismiss those people in front of us on the way to execute or plan ”our ministries?”  How often to we get annoyed with interuptions, not seeing those as opportunities?  How often to we wait for people to come to “our ministries” before we ever open our mouth about Jesus?

Everytime God speaks to our hearts, we can be sure it’s Him if it lines up with His written word.  This morning, I was reading in Acts about Paul.  Paul’s main ministry was missions.  He was a missionary, preacher, church planter- that was his ministry assignment, but see this:  Acts 17, Paul was serving in Berea.  Because his life was threatened, he caught a ship and headed off to his next assignment.  As he waited for Timothy and Silas in Greece, the Bible tells us he got disgusted with all the idols he saw around him and discussed it with the Jews and other like-minded people at their meeting place.  I love this part:  “And every day he went out on the streets and talked with anyone who happened along.  He got to know some of the Epicurean and Stoic intellectuals pretty well through these conversations!”  Also- skip over to Acts 20:24  “What matters most to me is to finish what God started:  the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.”  Paul was faithful to share Christ with one at a time- or thousands.  That reminds me of Jesus- right?  The famous Bible verse John 3:16 was a one on one conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus.

Back in Paul’s day- he was limited in some ways.  He could only tell people about Jesus that he met physically- face to face.  He didn’t have a website, a facebook page or twitter to keep sharing his testimony to those people once he left town.  Curious bystanders couldn’t google and see what his great message was all about.  They either had to get the message from someone else or hear it when Paul came back. I’ve been challenged this morning to be like Paul.  I’m remembering that I should share the love of Christ with everyone I enounter.  At the same time, I want to do the same with people that encounter me even when I’m not aware.  Being that I have a website, facebook, myspace,twitter, reverbnation, shoutlife- people encounter me!  My heart’s desire is to take advantage of those opportunites and make sure they’re hearing me share Christ.  I-personally don’t want the only way people hear about Christ from me is by attending my events or by purchasing my products.  All of those media outlets are platforms and our voices are being heard- even if we aren’t there speaking.  What an incredible opportunity!

God calls us to be faithful to share His love.  I just feel so strongly that our time is running out.  All we have to do is watch the news!  I’m just feeling a renewed urge to encourage my friends to get fired up about sharing the love of Christ.  Get creative, and take advantage of EVERY single opportunity!  Sometimes it feels completely pointless when we don’t see immediate results- but the truth is, we will never know how God uses our seeds, when we are faithful to plant!

When I first came on the music ministry scene with nothing but a CD in hand, I was told I needed a website and the best thing I could do was to look around at other websites for ideas for mine.  I was totally shocked at how many sites I visited that didn’t have a plan of salvation or a personal testimony.  I felt very strongly I should have that on mine, so I prayed and asked God to help me write something.  I have to say, it took a very long time of writing and editing and honestly- it’s still too long and needs more editing- BUT wow.. It was so worth it.  I got the sweetest email from a complete stranger across the country who randomly found my site and read “Heart Check.” I’ve been amazed to read how God orchestrated it all.   Here’s my only point- When we are faithful to share the love of Christ, a testimony or a plan of salvation, God will use it for His glory.  If one person’s life is changed- it is well worth the effort!

So- what’s God’s will for me and you?  To share His story, His love, His grace to every person we encounter or encounters us whether that’s one person or thousands, strangers or family, enemies or friends.    My challenge is this:  Please don’t wait until people come to your concerts, buy your music, attend your church or visit your Sunday School Class before they hear the gospel from you.  Everyone that has trusted Christ has a story to tell.  Only you can tell it!  On your mark.. get set,… GO TELL!!!!  Hurry!!!~

If I can every help you with your relationship with Christ, please email me at pastorrhonda@heismyrock.com

Have a GLORIOUS week!

Pastor Rhonda