|
|
Monday Ministry Moment
1-26-2015Cheryle M. Touchton - Director
Ever said, "I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off"? Have you ever actually witnessed that phenomenon? Unfortunately, I have. I vaguely remember witnessing a headless chicken running wildly in circles for a few moments before it collapsed and finally became our lunch at my uncle's farm. That memory matches how I feel when I've forgotten that my time is God's business.
I used to think time was about time management. I've taken and taught many time management classes. Unfortunately, when I'm trying to "manage" my own life, it doesn't work. I over extend to the point that time management techniques are useless because there aren't enough hours in the day. I last in that mode about as long as the poor headless chicken. The proverbial "dropped balls" slam my self-esteem into the pavement with them and the resulting frustration and hopelessness usually leads to a marathon of reruns of Law and Order and makes me easy "lunch" for Satan.
A few years back, I discovered a secret. If I ask God every day for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out, He will say yes. My time becomes more like Jesus feeding 5,000 people with a few loaves and fishes than like a headless chicken. When I'm listening to God, wonder of wonders, everything gets done and when I look back, I'm energized by the that miracle.
This weekend, we routed the end of our vacation through Jacksonville, Florida to pick up my car and drive it back to State College, Pennsylvania. At most, we had 40 hours in Jacksonville that included 2 nights of sleep. Urgent action items included buying groceries, unpacking, washing clothes, repacking in the car, visiting my doctor and filling prescriptions, visiting grandchildren we didn't see on vacation, buying and setting up a computer and reprogramming my old iPhone for our new employee, Melinda Samaan, visiting Uncle Bobby, meeting with our staff members and CPA, and getting my hair done. Bob had to fit in an 8-hour workday. It seemed impossible and made me tired to imagine it. I planned everything right down to the second and also asked for knowledge of God's will and the power to carry it out.
When we drove into our garage, we saw the packed Christmas decorations that needed to be taken to the shed. We had two ministry groups about to use our house and Bob felt led to make our garage more useful for our guests by putting Christmas away. Inside, I was reminded that Shiloh's puppy paws had hopelessly shredded and stained our bedspread. I felt led to shop for a bedspread for our honored guests. I don't enjoy shopping. It seemed too much, but we let God direct our steps.
My brother agreed to bring his truck and help Bob with the Christmas. I found a lovely bedspread that was on sale...in 5 minutes. When Bob announced that he felt led to take amplified speakers to his Uncle Phillip's house and set them up so his uncle could hear television better, I almost dug my heals in. We were trying to beat a wicked snowstorm to State College and it seemed impossible but I remembered the tiny fish and loaves miraculously feeding 5,000 and relaxed.
Then, the Holy Spirit reminded me that my best friend's mother lived in a nursing home next door to my doctor. She is nearing the end of her life and I needed to visit her.
As I rushed through the halls of the nursing home, a tiny wheel chair bound woman tugged on my jacket. "I'm lonely," she said. "Would you sit with me for a few moments?" By my human calculations, the timing didn't seem possible but of course, I sat, spoke scripture, and prayed with her.
As we packed the car, I was energized. In fact, I felt a little like Peter must have felt walking on water. Everything was done. God even gave us time for a leisurely lunch with my brother and sister-in-law. We got away on time and arrived in State College the next night an hour before the snowstorm.
Time is God's business. Don't mind if for him. If you let Him, He stretches it to accommodate his purposes. Are you overwhelmed by time, feeling like a headless chicken? I submit that it isn't a time management problem but a spiritual one. Ask God for knowledge of His will and for the power to carry it out. He will say yes. Listen to the still small voice and obey. Certainly, write the steps down if necessary, and yes, even use those time management techniques if they help. Work your way through your God driven list and don't be surprised or stubborn when He sends additional instructions. Walking on water is so much more fun than running around like a headless chicken. |
|
|
|
|
Quick Tip: Time Is God's Business
|
|
The Scripture Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-16 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand; Psalms 34:14 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6 |
|
 | | Time |
- Daily, ask God for knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out.
- Listen and obey. If you seek God's will first, everything necessary will get done.
- God will establish your steps.
- If you get nervous about time, remind yourself that you trust God.
- When you hear God, allow no doubt or you will get seasick as your time tosses you into a choppy surf.
|
|
|
|
|
 | | Tips: Evangelizing |
Take the Time
If you think you don't have time to share your faith:
Stop! Take the Time
The world rushes, thinking they have no time. We are on an eternal clock. No matter how busy you are, if you ever wonder for a second if someone needs to hear about Jesus, could use a Christian helping hand, or needs prayer:
Stop! Take the Time
Count on the scripture that promises that if we seek first the kingdom of God, everything else will be added to us. Take that moment and enjoy the blessing of the Holy Spirit using you and stretching your time.
Need Help Evangelizing?
|
|
 | |
|
I was on vacation this week but the work continued. Our ministry has partnered with Good Samaritan Ministries in Jacksonville, Florida. They feed the hungry and we give the Gospel. Our Director of Ministry Development, Melinda led the charge and 2 people got saved. Later, she led a young mother to Christ. Lying under the covers on a massage table, I taught my Christian massage tec how to lead her spiritually seeking fianc�e to Jesus. I didn't have what we call our "Evangelism Cheat Sheet" and when I offered to drive one over to her later, she said, "But you are on vacation." I joked that I'm never on vacation but because of the work I do, I'm always on vacation. Gospel Partner Cathy Tubbs and I leave to evangelize at Mardi Gras on February 12 so be in prayer about that. If you live near there, please join us. We are trying to coordinate events in Branson, Missouri, Jacksonville, Florida, Manchester, Tennessee, Phoenix, Arizona, Washington, DC, Seattle, Washington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, State College, Pennsylvania and other places. Let us know if you want to join us. Invite us to your area to coordinate an evangelism event. We started planning today for the 2015 Pocket Full of Quarter's Journey.
Click Below
|
|
 | |
From Melinda Samaan
Director -Ministry Development
THE ASK
|
Twenty Six Souls find Jesus in a Walmart parking lot in two and a half hours...it would only happen at Bonnaroo!
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent?..." Romans 10:15
The Walmart parking lot, in Manchester, Tennessee, was filling with young people who would be camping overnight there, waiting for the gates to open for Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Anticipation was filling the air. Some had driven halfway across the country to attend this 4 day festival that has been compared to a modern day Woodstock. Three beautiful young ladies, fresh out of high school were among the many who were more than happy to "kill time" chatting with us as they "camped out" waiting for the big event to begin.
They were best friends and went everywhere together. They were not, however, all headed to the same eternal destination. Two of them had never met Jesus. Before our team of five evangelists moved on to talk to the next group, though, their destinies were sealed and the two lovely young ladies had invited Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. Their Christian friend thanked us profusely. Twenty four more would pray to receive Jesus during the two and a half hours Cheryle and Tonya spent in that Walmart parking lot, training three new evangelists.
Ticket prices started at $300.00 per person and have already jumped to $325.00. They will continue to rise steadily until opening day. This year, we have 6 evangelists booked for this event in June and need to purchase their tickets now. Will you please help us win souls for Jesus at Bonnaroo, by making a donation for tickets today?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:27
|
|
|
|
|
|
