Have you ever been on a mission trip? If not, you probably know someone who has. You’ve either been part of the stories or you’ve heard the stories:
“We slept in a hut for 5 nights and I got 100 bug bites!”
“We had to take this bus for 6 hours to the next town and there were chickens, roosters and pigs on the bus with us!”
“I never realized how much I depended on AC till I didn’t have it!”
My missions’ experiences, from a one day trip to Belle Glade, to a 5 week mission in the Yucatan, have all required some measure of sacrifice. But here’s the thing—I, and everyone on my team, expected to sacrifice! We knew we weren’t going on a cruise, so we didn’t complain when our clothes got dirty, when we had to try new foods and when the heat was unbearable. Because we had voluntarily signed up for the mission, we had counted the cost and expected to be uncomfortable. The focus of our minds and our efforts was the people we were serving. It’s what I call a “mission mentality.” A mission mentality enables you to shift your focus away from your discomfort toward the joy of selflessly serving others.
Unfortunately, once the mission trip is over most Christians, including myself, revert back to a self-serving mentality. It’s almost like we have to get our passports stamped, be surrounded by another race and language, and have a cheesy t-shirt to surrender to sacrifice. Here’s the thing—as Christians, we’re never not on mission. Whether we’re living in a Mayan hut or in a comfortable middle class neighborhood, the call remains the same—to go out and make disciples for Jesus.
We have an opportunity, at Church at the Bay, to make an impact like never before with the launch at Steinbrenner. Right now would be an appropriate time to ask ourselves, Do I have a mission mentality? Does my attitude convey that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to enable more people to come to Jesus? Let’s count the cost, whether it’s the drive, the unfamiliarity, or the possible rejection by friends and then let’s take that and honor God with a gift of sacrifice.
Whether in a village in Mexico or a town called Lutz, there are thousands of souls desperately in need of the good news Jesus brings. With the launch on September 13th, we have an exciting and unique opportunity to serve, to sacrifice and to be on mission. What will your part be?
Jesus said, “And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.”
Acts 1:8
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Deadline for Conference
Hey Ladies,
Just wanted to remind you that the deadline to register with CATB for the Deeper Still Conference is this Sunday, August 23! Click on the link above for details!
Just wanted to remind you that the deadline to register with CATB for the Deeper Still Conference is this Sunday, August 23! Click on the link above for details!
Guest Devotional-- Lee Preiser
This summer I have been reading a book called “A Woman and Her God” by Beth Moore and various authors. The question that came to me as I read the title was: “What does that look like for me?”
Many times we read in the Old Testament where the writer states that He is “Our God”. He has chosen us and that means He has taken the first step in this relationship; the next step is ours.
I haven’t played a lot of sports in my life but I remember as a child playing baseball in the field across from my home with all the neighbor kids and waiting to be chosen. I didn’t want to be the last one picked and I can still remember how proud I felt when my name was called and the team cheered because I was on their side.
God has called every one of us by our name to be on His team. I believe King David wrote my heart's cry in Psalm 63 when he used phrases like “my soul thirsts for you,” “earnestly will I seek you,” and “your love is better than life”.
Now I am taking that second step towards God. I know life happens and circumstances can consume our time and energy but leaving my God out of my life is not an option I want to choose.
The past 6 months I have been looking for a job and ,as some of you know, it can be very draining, especially with you are not chosen for the position. I came to the realization that it wasn’t about me having the right job skills but being where God wanted me to be so He could make a difference in someone’s life through me. I have since found that place.
Like me, are you seeking to know your God more? My challenge to you and myself is to get to know your God who has chosen you. Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”
Many times we read in the Old Testament where the writer states that He is “Our God”. He has chosen us and that means He has taken the first step in this relationship; the next step is ours.
I haven’t played a lot of sports in my life but I remember as a child playing baseball in the field across from my home with all the neighbor kids and waiting to be chosen. I didn’t want to be the last one picked and I can still remember how proud I felt when my name was called and the team cheered because I was on their side.
God has called every one of us by our name to be on His team. I believe King David wrote my heart's cry in Psalm 63 when he used phrases like “my soul thirsts for you,” “earnestly will I seek you,” and “your love is better than life”.
Now I am taking that second step towards God. I know life happens and circumstances can consume our time and energy but leaving my God out of my life is not an option I want to choose.
The past 6 months I have been looking for a job and ,as some of you know, it can be very draining, especially with you are not chosen for the position. I came to the realization that it wasn’t about me having the right job skills but being where God wanted me to be so He could make a difference in someone’s life through me. I have since found that place.
Like me, are you seeking to know your God more? My challenge to you and myself is to get to know your God who has chosen you. Psalm 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”
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