Growing in Faith: We need to talk

 We need to talk. We need to confess. We need to repent.

...but to who?

In this new year, are you willing to make yourself available and make time to intentionally reach out to others? Creating a space for conversation, confession, repentance and relationship? Are you willing to call others "out" in love based on the commands of scripture?

John the Baptist did just these things and so should we. (You can read more in Matthew 3!).

Despite what others thought of him, John the Baptist remained true to the mission God set before him. Not worried about appearance or popularity, he lived in the woods wearing clothes made of camel hair and ate "weird" food like locust and honey. (Would you go out of the way to be friends with a person "like that?") 

Yet, people WERE drawn to him...not because he was eloquent or popular (or wore nice clothes) but rather because God was with him... and in him... and directing him. Those were the qualities that drew people to the wilderness (so don't be apologetic or embarrassed or ashamed with where God has you right now because chance are He wants to use you just AS YOU ARE...just WHERE you are).

While in the wilderness, John stayed true to his mission. Without hesitation and with Truth, he spoke to the Pharisees (who were opposing his actions)...not to condemn them but to show them a different way. He invited them into the baptism and then left the choice to them. Are you inviting others into the grace of God? I know for me, I struggle with judging other people's motives and creating unreal scenarios in my head. Moving past this, we must invite others into the grace of God! If we don't, then do we really believe what we believe is true, life-saving stuff?!?

John was patient (and available) to listen to the repentance of those who drew near to him. He used his gift of encouragement and gift of serving to baptize those who came. ...giving of himself.

When Jesus came to John and asked to be baptized, John witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event...heaven opening before him, upon Jesus. You see, when we yield to Jesus and obey His leading, in turn we get to witness miracles of great faith (whether it be someone coming to faith for the first time or resisting a temptation or the like). 

From this short passage, we are challenged to rethink our thinking! ..our thinking about our role in the Kingdom... rethink how and where we "do" ministry. 

How is the Lord challenging you to rethink your faith walk? Like John the Baptist, are you willing to listen and respond to others...making space for others within your rhythms of 2021? Seek the Lord.

• Matthew 7:7:
  

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.