I have been extremely challenged by the latest book I have been reading. Revolution in world missions. The latest chapter talked about the great commission and missions and how it can only be the preaching of the gospel. He talks about missions as preaching the gospel first and foremost. Sometimes we debate whether it is more important to feed (with food) people first or to feed them with the gospel (spiritual food). I used to believe that we could do the social gospel first, feed them and then see if that makes a difference. Now I am not so sure anymore. He is adamant that it must be spiritual food, saying that yes we can feed them with food to keep them from starving, but without the saving knowledge of God they are going to hell.
Amanda, remember the other day when the four of us went to Milky Way (sorry Su-ann) and the guy that came up to me asking for money. I was reading in the book the next day and as i was thinking about it, I feel I was totally wrong to give him money, and the verse that came to mind was here Obviously not that he was going to be healed, but more to the point of here is what is more important than the money you are looking for. Yeah I know I am not at the point in my life to say that to anyone, but maybe instead I could have handed out a tract. Hope I get there someday. I have already received a kick from Su-ann, although not approved for by the prez Hmmmm,
16 comments:
mike, do you notice that you have apologized to me twice in your last few blogs... feeling guilty, are ye? hehehehehe..... maybe that ROYAL KICK did something?? hehehehehe.
we have a saying at work in ER,
"People don't care how much you know unti they know how much you care."
more later, when i am more awake.
sr
Glad you like the blog Biby.
Me feel guilty never...well there are times...I always wonder if I ever go to far with pot stirring. But I love to push the envelope and the buttons that are inside the envelope ;) I will tell you about one of those experiences at the BBQ Monday. Of course looking back now, I still have some good memories.
SA and I were talking yesterday...oops not meaning to rub it in, Mike. But anyhow - I'm not sure exactly what fence you are on anymore. From talking with you on and off the blog I think you are walking with the Lord - maybe not perfectly (but who am I to judge), but I believe it is sincere, and that you are trying. None of us will ever perfect that walk - so tell me were you want kicked to and if it is a good place I will kick!
Thanks for the verses on both blogs - while the kids are swimming this morning I will examine them more closly.
Amanda
So sorry SA...oops...SR:) I know that and it was a slip, It was actually meant to be just an S. I will proof read from now on! I'll consider my wrist slapped. It's just all those A's in my name. If anything is signed A2 it will be from me. I have a friend I email a lot and she is A and I am A2 - then I don't have to worry about typing my name two or three times to spell it right.
"A2"
Mike I by no means are saying that you are wrong in your feeling that you should not have given to the guy on Sun - that being said when I read that passage I could not help but think that Peter probably didn't have any money to give to the beggar. I was in part influenced by the message version of that passage. But I'm not saying you are wrong in your comment.
I would have given him the money too! Sometimes I think I'd rather make a mistake and give it to someone who doesn't really need it than make the mistake not to give it to someone who really does. Maybe God thought he NEEDED that slurpie we saw him with after (just kidding)!!!
I left a comment on the other passages on the small group blog.
Amanda
Mike! I'm coming for bread tomorrow!!!
Good afternoon. A2D2 and SR, and Melly nelly. So do you have your new car Su-ann? How about calling it BLOG ;) Just a suggestion.
I still feel A2 that I should not have given money, and thing next time it would be different. Guess we will see because ther will be next times.
I think there is still a searching process going on. I don't feel like I have been "walking" yet, but in some ways I feel he is finding me, afterall if it were up to us to search for Him we would never find Him. But I believe He puts it on our hearts that He is near.
See ya tomorrow at bread day kid. It is now served in the staff kitchen.
Have a great evening all.
He is near Mike and He is calling your name. He loves you.
deb
if you don't feel you should give money then that's what you need to do - you have a good heart and you need to follow it.
i have been a christian for 37 years and i still am searching too! it seems like the more i learn the more i want to learn - the more of life i experience the more life i want to experience. there are so many times in my life that God has had to come and find me too!!
just talked to SR and she blog this aft b/c she doesn't have her laptop and that she is really excited because it's only 5 more sleeps.
A2
forgot a word in there i meant she couldn't blog because.....A2
Thought I'd check in what's happening in Mike's Mind....sounds like you are making steps, Mike, and that gives me joy & brings a smile to this silly ol' bear...glad to hear new friends (yay, SR)are kicking you to the right side. (Maybe the old friends weren't kicking hard enough :):)~)
I agree with A2 that sharing Jesus doesn't necessarily mean that we don't give physically as well...I'd rather be dooped and give to someone who doesn't need it than to miss out on being Jesus' hands to those who do...
do you know who I am yet, Amanda?
I am enjoying the blogging on here, it has definitely had a positive experience in my life as far as searching, and new friends, and continuation of old friends. So I will continue to seek and search and "enjoy the ride".
Poor Su-Rann :) hope she gets back to her laptop soon.
I am sure your kicks were also helpful, and I still remember getting that one particular physical kick a few years ago :):):), I guess timing is everything :)
hey carla is that you????? Amanda
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