Faith Journeys

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The search for excitement

Some days, for me, have themes. Today’s theme was excitement. 

One of my favorite things to do is get other people to talk about what is exciting to them. 

If you’ve ever wondered about how to carry on a good conversation, this is key. 

There were several times today that the excitement was palpable. And it was awesome. 

Nothing gets me more excited than watching someone else getting excited. 

The reason why is because excitement leads to action. 

Excited people are passionate and zealous to do whatever it is that causes their blood to get pumping and their adrenaline to rush. 

I have a myriad of passions and interests, which all have one common purpose: helping others come to know Christ and the full reality of what it means to be in relationship with Him. 

As a Christian, everything else I love to do is fluff when compared to the Great Commission. 

However, God does want us to use our varying interests as opportunities to share His love with the world through friendship with others. 

This is not earth shattering revelation, but it’s important for us to understand. 

Excitement and enthusiasm are indicators. Look for clues as you talk to people. 

What gets them excited? 

Is it aimed in the right direction? 

The answers to these 2 questions will show you a lot. 

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Not-so-fun lessons

IMG_1566If you know me, you know that I like when things are fun. The more fun something is, the better! 

And, today, I had to learn a not-so-fun lesson…

 

I had to bite my tongue and walk away from some unnecessary rudeness that was directed towards me. 

What I wanted to do was react–I was angry!

What I chose to do was to walk away and to forgive.

Everything within me wanted to lash out. The words were right there, aimed and ready to be fired.

Honestly! I’m a student at Rhema! I sit under the Word for 3 hours a day. And I can’t control my tongue? 

It was this thought that stopped me from doing something stupid, from tearing someone to shreds over nothing, really. The lady was being herself and I know her heart was not to send me into a frenzy. 

Why am I sharing this story?

Because words matter and reputations are ruined in minutes. 

And here’s a reason even better than not making yourself look like a fool:

Every person matters. Tearing someone down is destroying what God says is most important. 

This is why the Bible talks a lot about how to interact with others–and giving someone a piece of your mind is not one of God’s instructions.

Now, let me throw the grenade, the thought that had me repenting pretty fast: 

How many times have I been forgiven for being careless with my words? 

BOOM!!!!

Put down your weapons, Audra. This is no time to attack.

Some lessons are not fun to learn. The sooner you learn them, though, the sooner you can get back to helping and loving others, which is the most fun you and I will ever have. 

 

 

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More than a nice story 

I hope there are movies in Heaven. I hope there are story times with the patriarchs and prophets and everyone else in between. 

Because the Bible gives us glimpses, but there are details I want to know!

One of my teachers joked with us in class that the Bible would read much differently if women wrote it. 

The cool thing, though, is that God told us about the important areas in great detail. 

He even set the story in cultural contexts that have been thoroughly studied out by scholars for hundreds of years. 

I love the fact that there will always be more for me to know about God’s Word. 

Everyday I learn more and more about my Father, about how He wants me to live. 

The Bible is not just a nice story–it’s God’s rescue plan to save us from the darkness of sin. 

The Bible is God’s will written out, so there’s no need for us to wonder what He wants us to do. 

And maybe you don’t get why I love the Bible so much, maybe you find it hard to understand. 

Here’s my advice: Pray and ask God to give you understanding–even if you’re not the praying type–and I guarantee that He’ll answer that prayer. 

God’s heart is for every man and woman to know the depths of His love for mankind. 

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A happy change

Once again, my Saturday was awesome. 

I went to Joplin to watch the Rhema basketball teams play in the last games of a tournament. 

Boys came in 5th place and girls came in 3rd place. 

The scenery is beautiful between Tulsa and Joplin. This is my first time living in the Midwest, so everything about this place is part of the adventure.

My friend Holly and I rode together to the tournament and it was fun to go on a mini road trip. 

We ate lunch at a local barbecue place, which was my first time eating barbecue since moving. How did I go that long without it?!? 

I digress…

This past week’s been a lot of fun because it’s the first time in a while that I’ve had something going on everyday. 

I’m just taking things one day at a time and soaking up all of these experiences. 

If I want to do something, I give it a shot. What can it hurt?

If I want to get to know someone, I stick out my hand and introduce myself. What can it hurt?

Sure, I’m still my awkward, goofy, and cheesy self but I’m starting to embrace it more and more. 

Some days are harder than others. Some days I miss home. 

For the most part, though, I’m simply grateful to be in Tulsa. Being a student at Rhema, seeing faith in action is changing me. 

And I am happy about this change. 

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The Power of a Dream

There was a time I really wanted to play in the WNBA.

Can you imagine that?

I can’t anymore because let’s face it: my athletic abilities are not that great. Playing intramural sports is fun, but I’m by no means a MVP. 

But when I was 10, I saw myself playing ball with the big shots. I saw myself on the court, dominating the competition! 

Tonight at a Bible study, the pastor said something that caught my attention:

The imagination is our spiritual womb; it’s out of our imagination that dreams and desires are birthed. 

The pastor’s statement gripped me because my personal belief is that Christians should be the most creative people on this planet. 

The Creator of the Universe lives inside of us! 

Jesus doesn’t require you to cash in your personality in order to follow Him. I’m not quite sure when being a Christian became synonymous with being boring and unoriginal.

It’s simply not true! 

Let me be clear: I am not advocating becoming an all-about-me Christian. This should be a given anyway since Jesus Himself taught us to live selflessly instead of selfishly. 

The fact remains, though, that when you accept Jesus, you are more alive than you ever were before! 

Who you are–personality and all–explodes to life when God moves into your heart. 

Deity lives inside you! You are one with Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

The more I understand this truth, the more excited I am to dream big with God. 

And your dreams and my dreams are not selfish in their motives when the purpose is to see God become real to others. 

It’s time to dream big again…

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Share your story

I want to share a praise report with you…

A father and daughter were reunited because my dad shared our story with the father. 

The father is watching our video series to help him navigate this new relationship. 

And a couple of other men are now encouraged to reach out to their abandoned children, too. 

I am incredibly humbled by this news, especially since sharing this part of my life has been a stretch for me.  
Thank the Lord for allowing my dad and I to help others. God gets all of the glory because it’s only by His grace any of this happened. 

Abandonment is a big issue in our world. A growing percentage of children are being ditched by the people who are supposed to love them the most. 

Sadly, most of them see God as another bad parent and walk the other way. 

One of the biggest desires of my heart is to help these hurting children–child and adult alike–see the love of God for them. 

The revelation of God’s love will heal the wounds of broken hearts. 

The power of redemption is best expressed through the narratives of redeemed and restored lives. 

I encourage you to share your story and watch how God uses it to change lives. 

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Are you really listening?

The story of Jesus talking to Peter on the seashore is one of my favorites. 

I think we can all relate to Peter because his life is the most relatable of the disciples. This guy was zealous, but made some mistakes along the way. 

Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” 

Peter says, “You know I do.”

Jesus responds, “Go feed my sheep.”

This happens two other times. Jesus is questioning Peter to check his heart while also giving Peter a job to do. 

Peter got a little exasperated at Jesus, but Jesus wasn’t bothered–until Peter compared himself to John. 
“What about John, Lord? What’s his job? Where’s his heart?” Peter asked in reply.  

Jesus was firm in His answer: “What about him? We’re talking about you. If John lives until I return again, is that any of your business?”

Pastor Hagin shared at church tonight how it’s important to work and serve where God has placed you right now. 
Standing firm, staying in position is only possible when you are secure in who you are in Christ. 

Jesus was giving Peter instructions and the next words out of Peter’s mouth are “What about John?”

Maybe God’s been talking to you for a while and you’re too busy looking around at others.

Just something to think about…

I know this is an area where I have to be on guard. 

The comparison trap keeps us from hearing God’s voice effectively because our attention is divided. 

Remember: God is always talking to us. All we need to do is get quiet and listen up. 


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The gospel changes lives

I read a story today about a little boy who almost died of AIDS and all of the complications it causes. 

He was brought back from the brink of death by a missionary who gave both him and his father medicine and the gospel. 

  For over a year, I have been a sponsor of Amazima Ministries, which was founded by Katie Davis. 

You may know her from her blog, Kisses from Katie, and her book by the same name. 

Each month I learn about a child in the sponsorship program. A part of me travels to Uganda each month and it’s cool to see how God takes my small part to positively affect the lives of countless children. 

One day I want to travel to Uganda for missions. Ever since I first heard of Katie’s work, I’ve wanted to go there myself. 

The gospel is changing the lives of Uganda’s children, which make up a majority of the population due to wars and AIDS. 

Imagine how different of a place Uganda will be as these children grow in the knowledge of the Lord and take their place as leaders!

Missions–and supporting missions–gets me fired up. 

We are told to go to all the world and preach the gospel. There’s a lot of work to be done between now and when Jesus comes back!

You should check out their website (link above) and seriously consider sponsoring a child. 

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Our job, His job

I read at the end Acts today that King Agrippa was almost persuaded to become a Christian. 

Paul shared the gospel so effectively that King Agrippa’s statement showed what it all boiled down to:

It was a choice. 

King Agrippa wasn’t confused about anything. He simply made a choice to decline the offer. 

The reality is that we all have a choice to make when it comes to Christ. 

No amount of arm twisting or beating people over the head with a Bible will convince everyone to accept God’s free gift of salvation. 

Of course, the goal is always to see others come to know Christ. Their eternity is at stake!

We’re all called to share the gospel with the world. The Great Commission given by Christ Himself is not to be ignored. 

Just remember that the choice to accept Christ is a personal one. Our job is to share the gospel and to pray. 

The Holy Spirit’s job is to work in their hearts. 

Don’t confuse your job with His or confuse behavior modification with true relationship. 

Paul told King Agrippa it was his hope that he be saved. At the end of the conversation, though, King Agrippa made a choice. 

Paul never spoke with him again (that we know of) but he knew that King Agrippa understood the gospel message. 

We all have friends and family who are almost convinced. They’re sitting on the fence because of doubt and unbelief. 

Keep praying!

Keep looking for opportunities to talk about God. 

There’s too much at stake for us to give up so easily. However, we can’t forget that the choice is not ours to make for them. 

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Heavenly Birthday

I just got back from a birthday party that turned into a prayer and worship meeting. 

It’s no surprise because my friend Kristin has a heart that beats for worship, for Jesus. 

There’s nothing like coming together as one in worship. 

It was hard to leave the house. We were all so filled with the joy of the Lord. Our cups were running over! 

I’ve never been to a birthday party quite like this one. Something Kristin said is stuck in my mind:

This party is not really about me–it’s all about Jesus. 

Colossians 3:3 says, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

As Christians, we understand that our lives are not really our lives. We are dead! It’s Christ who lives and operates through us. 

Every moment of every day is to be lived in surrender (even on your birthday).

This night of celebration was beautiful. Fellowship, friends, and worship are 3 things that go together well–whether it’s a birthday party or a church service. 

I am thankful for Kristin and I know that her 19th year will be awesome.