Wisdom

Moses prayed in Psalms 90:12, "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom."

What an interesting prayer. There's something about a proper understanding and perspective on life that allows us to grow in wisdom. Without a proper perspective it's easy to become distracted, focus on the wrong things, be consumed by the moment, miss the meaning of our lives. In short, we don't grow in wisdom.

Wisdom as defined in the biblical sense can best be described as the ability or skill to live well. Proper perspective helps us grow in this skill. Understanding the brevity of life leads us to live now for what's eternal, what really matters, what will last. In the end, so much of what we focus on and lose sleep over just won't matter! God has given us all temporary resources (time, talent, careers, money, etc) that is to be invested and leveraged for eternal value. When we live for the eternal we are living well and growing in wisdom.

I was recently reminded of this as our team spent the past week in Bulgaria on outreach. Nothing like a mission's trip to energize you spiritually and help you regain perspective. By the way, beginning in June we'll launch our Summer Mission Bridge School, a discipleship experience designed to prepare you for a life on mission and living for the eternal. Below are a few pics from our MBS trip to Bulgaria. I honestly wish every person in our church could have been there with us. It was such an amazing time. I'd encourage you to think about joining us for our Summer MBS...it will change your perspective!

May you grow in wisdom,
-Ben

The Story

There is something amazing about a good story. There is a piece of joy or excitement or anticipation that grabs hold of you when you tell or even hear a good story. We sometimes forget the influence or inspiration that stories have in our lives; not just any story, but our story.

Jesus used stories over and over again, parables, to explain truths about Himself, God, His Kingdom and so much more. We read these parables found in the gospels, some familiar, others not so much, and we are moved to truly understand more about God. The most amazing story is, naturally, the complete story of Jesus. The story of how God came to earth and gave His life for us, is one that should never grow old. It should never grow dull to our ears or hearts when we hear or think about it.

Right now 11 people are preparing to leave for Bulgaria. They are going to bring encouragement to the Body of Christ that is there, and see God work through them to reach even more people for His Kingdom. However, they have no special tools: no PowerPoint, no fancy worship, no elaborate invites or gospel tracks. They won't have big and bold visuals with all the bells and whistles. They are, however, equipped with one special gift, their story. It is the story of what God has done in their lives. Some of their stories may have more "ups" and "downs" than others, but each one is essential and will be used by God to see many people drawn closer to Christ.

I think about my own story, my own parable of what God has done in my life. I think about how He has saved me and given me a new life. It is my own story of what Christ has done in me that moves me. This past Sunday, Pastor Ben read from 2 Corinthians 5 that Christ's love compels us. What God's love has done in us compels and urges us on. I think about how much Jesus has done and the transformation in my own life. I can only be urged to see the same happen for others. It is the same for all of us. God has truly done something in your life. Your story may not have many "ups" and "downs" but the grace and mercy of God has saved you none-the-less.

And so, your story too, should never grow dull. It should always be fresh and should compel you to tell others about what Jesus has done for you. It doesn't need to be elaborate with visuals and special effects or filled with six points and four scriptures on the plan of salvation. It just needs to be your story, about who you are, where you were, and where God has brought you to now. Have you told someone your story lately? If not, think about what He's done for you and let His love compel you to tell someone this week.

Compelled because of Him, 2 Corinthians 5:14

-Marc