I think I prefer to write observations backed by scripture, but today I want to share observations made through experience….

Here’s the facts:  I just do not want to fight anymore; I do not want to argue, I do not want to be defensive about my faith – I am willing to defend my faith and I will use scripture with anyone willing to listen, but my faith and the life I’ve experienced with my Lord and Savior speak for themselves.  I do not need to defend what I know God has done in my life.

I do not need to defend the church, either, from those who are quick to condemn us (the church is one body, united in Jesus, with many expressions).  We are all in different and unique places in our relationships with God and His Son.  We are all hypocrites, and as soon as we come to grips with that, perhaps we can move on and quit condemning one another.   Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23); and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8).  Let us get this settled:  God sent the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth (John 16:13), and it is the Spirit who convicts of sin (John 16:8) – those are not our jobs; our responsibility is to trust that God is big enough to do what he says He will.  Perhaps, when we quit trying to do what God said He would do, then we can get on with what He told us to do, which is actively being salt and light in the world.

So these comments come after my weekend in New York City—I am blessed, and it was my privilege to be a part of a team ministering to homeless people.  That included working in a soup kitchen, as well as going out at night in teams to hand out blankets, bottles of water, food, clothing, and toiletries to homeless people.  Along with physical blessings, we got to share hope, prayer, and the message of Jesus to anyone who was willing to listen—and many were!  I saw many Christians show up to give to those in need, it was such a blessing!  …and I got to thinking about all of the criticisms and condemnations of Christians, Christianity, and the church by non-Christians and Christians alike.  In the past I have tried to defend the Bible, the church, and Christianity—I know there are those who call themselves Christians and give Christianity a bad name—but today I choose to release myself from all legal obligation to defend.  …there is just too much work to do!

Too many people need to someone to listen to them.  Too many people need a drink of water.  Way too many people need hope!  I do not want to underestimate the gift of “unto the least of these, my brethren” (Matt 25:40) moments—I want to live with my eyes wide open to the many opportunities that surround me. There are little things to do and there are big things to do.  Each person within the body of Christ has gifts and a destiny to serve Jesus and bless others.  The job of the Holy Spirit is much too big for me, so I think I will let him do his job and I will ask God to let me know what my job is.

I was really excited about the opportunity to go to New York to be a part of this ministry.  It was not an easy one, it definitely stretched my comfort limits—but not in a negative or hurtful way, not in a way that I would feel exposed and hurt.  I could do this; I could be out there because this was something I wanted to do.  I wonder if there is a principle there.  In times past, I thought the great commission, the going out and spreading the good news about Jesus, and the hope He brings, was a difficult thing—kind of a “gotta do” rather than a “get to do” sort of thing.  What will happen if we replace the sense of obligation with a sense of adventure?

Father, I love adventures!  I believe you have the best kind—not easy but definitely exciting!  Let’s see, you go before us and make the crooked places straight (Is. 45:2); you will also be my rear guard (Is. 52:12), and speak to me when I turn to the right or to the left (Is. 30:21)—there is no reason to fear (2 Tim. 1:7)!  I know that not every opportunity excites me, but that is ok, you have not gifted me or called me to do everything.  You know me; excite my heart with the opportunities that are my best fit and the purposes you have for my life.  You have not called me to be a lawyer; you have released me from defending your honor or your people—do not let me get caught up in useless arguments, I pray–in Jesus’ name.

Perhaps I just cannot resist scripture.  This was just going to be about some recent thoughts and experiences; however in the telling, verses kept coming to mind.  It is that faithful Holy Spirit just doing His job…   I love how He does that!