Tag Archives: witnessing

“But As For Me” Theology

We’re teaching our children not to go the popular route, not to make decisions based on the popular vote or according to a poll of peers. We’re teaching them to think independently — teaching them “But as for me” theology…

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

“But as for me, I will call upon the Lord, and He will save me” (Psalm 55:16).

“But as for me, I will sing of your power; I will sing joyfully of your unfailing love each morning” (Psalm 59:16),

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

Though the world chooses idols, we’re choosing Jesus.

Though it is tempting to put our trust in men, we’re putting our trust in Jesus.

Though it is hard not to give in to depression when reading the headlines, we are delighting in God, because His power is greater.

Though it can be hard not to rush ahead in our own strength out of impatience, we are waiting on the Lord.

What the world says? Nope.
What the Bible says? Yep.

Prayer
Father, Help us as we strive to be more like Jesus day after day. Give us the strength, the encouragement and help us obey. You are our source. We love you, Lord.

Today Matters.

This day – any day – may feel mundane right now. But, one day, our grandchildren and great grandchildren will read history books about our time, and they may even wish they lived in our era to make some kind of difference on the hurting world around us now.

So, let’s not throw a day away by looking at it as inconsequential, especially when we are the central character of our own story – a story that impacts the world around us, sending ripples and waves, in a way that positively affects those around us. We have within us the ability to make a lasting impact through our words, our actions, our attitude and our resources.

My grandma told me that, during WW2, she went door to door with her wagon to collect metal to help support her country. She was 11. She did what she could do to help, even as a kid, which she carried into her adult life as a pillar of her community. She was an amazing example to me of how to positively affect the world around you.

Psalm 139 talks about the value of your life. It says every day was ordained before even one of them came to be. It’s no accident God made you the way you are with the gifts and passions He gave you, in the community He placed you, at this specific time.

We just need to open our hands and ask, “God, Show me your plan for my day. I yield to you. Please give me everything I need to live the life you called me to.”

The Positive Side of Rejection

Here is something beautiful I have learned from something difficult:

When you have gone through a form of rejection, but you turn to God, you come to learn that, no matter how people see you or respond to you, you will always be good, as long as you go to God.

So, instead of living your life – your calling – with reservation, you live it with boldness, knowing that – whether they reject you or not – you are going to be good as long as the Lord is behind it, and that — holding back out of self-consciousness can cause you to lose far more than rejection can.

So, next time you feel led to do something by the Lord — something bolder than you naturally feel comfortable with — move ahead confidently in that, knowing that the worst outcome of putting yourself on the line is rejection, but the best possible outcome is obeying God and fulfilling your calling.

And, when you are willing to get out of your way to go God’s way, there is absolutely no telling the supernatural, unexpected fruit and blessing that can result.

A practical example?

You feel led to share about Jesus with a friend (or even stranger), but you are afraid to because they might think you’re weird or reject you?

Remember that you are making it about you when really it is about obeying God and loving them.

The worst outcome is they shy away from you, but the best outcome is that they receive Jesus, experience healing and joy in their life, and spend eternity with God!

We really have to love people more than we hate the idea of being embarrassed.