The Light of Christ’s Gospel

4 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Cast Down but Unconquered

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We arehard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.

13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,”we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

Wakings:  Each morning I wake with a song.  Really, it happens.  Right now it is, “I shall not be moved.”  and I am smiling, almost laughing.

The 20 Second Principle:  When something comes up I can’t fix or find a solution quickly (like 20 seconds), I put it to prayer.  My back fence blew down in the spring storms.  “God, when will I get time to dig new posts, put up fence, pay for it?”  Go for it, God.”  Yesterday, my wife exclaimed, “Where did the back fence go?” Someone took it away.  I was only going to fix two panels, but the entire fence was gone.  In it’s place were steel poles neatly spaced and professionally installed.  I imagine today an entire fence will appear.   All new.  All professional.  All paid for by the neighbor.  All free in Jesus.  Thanks, Father.

Someone asked about budget for an item at the church.  We are a mission.  People are just learning that time, talent, and treasure must be contributed for a congregation to thrive and reach out.  Money doesn’t fall from heaven.  It comes out of bank accounts.  We are dedicated for every dime to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ love.

So, I responded, “We don’t have any money so what do you need?”  Simple right?  The 20 second principle says, “I can’t fix it.  It needs done.  Give it to God and let Him show up.”

Last night, I set a budget. “Okay, God, this will work for the next 90 days.”  Today, I received an email from a legislator, who wants to help us reach families.  He’s sending the money.  It will be what we need.

I believe therefore I speak:  It really is that simple.  I believe God has my back.  I believe God “ will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young (Isaiah 40:11)”  For me, that means if we are always adding new family and receiving new faith and new lookers, we will have what we need.

So what do you believe?  Really believe.