Grace Outreach Blogs http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/ These blogs provide an interactive learning opportunity. We will post blogs that call for action and sacrifice. We hope you will be challenged to reach a hurting world with truth and life. Read the blogs and leave your comments to futher develop our understanding of our mission in this world Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:23:28 CST en-us Copyright 2008 Grace Outreach Recession Proof Principles http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/recession-proof-principles/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/recession-proof-principles/ Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:23:21 CST Sunday I gave my first message of a two-week series called: “Recession Proof.”  Here in short is what I believe God is promising in Malachi 3:  “If you tithe you will see God do three things: 1. Open the window of heaven to the extent we can’t contain the blessing. 2. Hold back the things that unexpectedly consume our finances. 3. Give good favor with those who observe us.  If God protects us against the unexpected consumption of our finances we will certainly become recession proof.  While others are loosing their financial stability God is insulating us against this consumption.  I’m not suggesting that we may never need to cut back but rather that we have a supernatural protection against financial failure.

The primary objection by some to this teaching is that it this promise was given under the Law.  However, if you look at this in light of the “blessing” that Abraham received from Melchizedek by tithing to Him Hebrews 7:6, you can conclude that the promise of blessing from tithing is a timeless truth.  Abraham’s tithing/blessing transaction with Melchizedek took place before the giving of the Law. 

One more thing to consider about this timeless truth, the grace giving teaching in 2 Corinthians 8,9 gives a promise of God increasing our ability to give in the sowing and reaping promise.  This would mean that if we give faithfully God would give us the ability to sow further seed in the ministry.  God said test me to see if I will not pour out a blessing from heaven as a result of tithing.

As you walk through this difficult economy, don’t forget God is in charge and it is wise to follow His principles.  God will be faithful to His promise, trust Him.

]]> Your Story http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/your-story/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/your-story/ Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:33:10 CST

Do you hesitate when someone asks you questions about your life? I know I do. I used to hate sharing my testimony to groups or even sharing information about my life or my family with someone.

The labels of “missionary” or “evangelist” are titles that I have never been fond of. It’s strange to say that, knowing that the passion of my life, other than my family, is to see lives impacted by Christ and sharing truth to people around the world. Not to mention, I have the humbling opportunity to serve a ministry such as Grace Outreach.

But still, those terms are not something I enjoy being called because I think they have such a stigma to them. I picture loud yelling preachers, healing someone with their “power” and things like that. Definitely, not my style!

I am not a speaker, or a preacher of any kind. I’ll leave that to Tim! But I do know that on times I have been blessed with being asked to share my story. I used to hate it, but it is now a joy that I have in sharing what God has done. You see, the stories of our lives are really not even about us. They are about Christ and everything he has accomplished in you and through you.

I read this article years ago, and still return to it for an encouraging perspective;

“Our Supporting Role

I don't know about you, but for the longest time I mistakenly believed that
My life was a story about me. This being the case, I have a vested interest
In how my life turns out. When I see the script take a turn I don't
Like-one that I perceive is unfair-I lobby for a change to the script,
Threaten a strike if I don't get what I want, and ultimately claim that I am
Entitled to a fair standard in my life.

But the story isn't about me. It's about God. I'm only playing a
Supporting role within the larger story about the main character's adventure
To win his true love. Life, fundamentally and quite simply, is not about
What I do, what I gain, who I know, or how I die. Life is about knowing
Christ, walking with God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide me in
Fulfilling my role. I know I will witness the end of the story one of these
Days. But while I read that God will wipe away all our tears and that there
Will be no sorrow or heartache in heaven, I am motivated now-while I am on
The stage of life-to play my part well because I can't help but believe that
Once the curtain is drawn, this will make the celebration so much sweeter.” - Preston Gillham

Now this is a powerful perspective to have!

Ask yourself, what is stopping you from sharing your story? What’s coming in the way from getting involved in reaching the lost? Is it finances, your job, or maybe just you?

Challenge your perspective today and draw close to God while asking Him where in your life He wants you to step to the side and let him take over!

Realize that God is blessing you today.

]]> God’s Sovereignty and the Election http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/gods-sovereignty-and-the-election/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/gods-sovereignty-and-the-election/ Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:04:58 CST It is six o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, November 4th.  I have already voted by mail in ballot, but I’m excited for all the people going to the poll today.  My wife, Kimberly will be going to the poll and voting after she drops off the kids this morning.  What an incredible country… I love America.  I don’t need my candidate to win to love this country. 

I know some people who are so concerned about the electorate getting it right they have forgotten that God is in charge.  What a blessing it is to trust God for my family, my church, my country, my finances… to trust Him for everything is the safest most secure place to be.

By the time you read this it may already be over.  Did God agree with you? Did He answer yes to your prayers?  Let God be God, submit to Him and rejoice. There is a purpose.

]]> Why are Christians so easily offended? http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/why-are-christians-so-easily-offended/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/why-are-christians-so-easily-offended/ Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:16:40 CDT I find many Christians are afraid to love non-Christians.  They seem to have a fragile love for others, one in which they love until they see some flaw in the one they love.  It seems to me that when a person personalizes the actions of others, they create misery for themselves.  Usually offense comes from weakness. We may judge the flaws of others because it makes us feel better about our own inadequacies.     

Should we ever judge behavior?
The person doesn’t see the difference between what is right and wrong behavior is doomed to his or her own failure.  However, the person that is trying to find out “who” is right or wrong may have overreached in his/her role in society.  We need to distinguish between behavior and people. Of course we can judge someone’s behavior without rejecting him or her.  The question is, why is it so difficult to discern what is right and wrong and still love people?

Should we love flawed people?
If we don’t love flawed people we will have no one to love. People are fascinating and we should see them as God does, His creation even though fallen and flawed.  People don’t need our censorship; they need our love and consideration.  “Jesus came not to condemn, but to save.” What would happen if Christians loved deeply, meaningfully and with genuine acceptance?

Is the sin of others contagious?
It is clear to me that those with whom we associate will impact our lives.  So how can we stay close to God and love sinners?  Must we hide from them?  Should we drop all friendships that are not with “godly” people?  The point of balance may come by analyzing the impact that our friendships have on our life.  For example, if I find myself being sucked into a actions that breach my values when I’m with certain people, I need to be careful how much time I expose myself to them.  It is my responsibilities to set boundaries and limits on the power these people have in my life.  We need to be exposed to good influence and yet love those who do not share the same values as us.  This balance of time and influence is crucial to being relevant to a hurting world that needs Christ. Christ prayed for us in John 17 and asked His father that we would be protected from the world not removed from it.

Tolerance with discernment:
I think we need to avoid personalizing the behavior of others within a heart of discernment and tolerance.  Tolerance is not accepting sinful behavior but looking at the one sinning through the eyes of love.  Let’s love authentically.  How can we do this?  We must realize that love is a divine source.  Galatians 5 gives us the formula for loving, surrender to God, walk in the Spirit not the flesh.  In Romans 5:5 we are told that the love of God is manifest from our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit.  We need to be so surrendered to God that His love permeates our life and causes us to see others as God does. Next time you feel offended by the actions of others, check and see if this is coming from insecurity.   Love well… love often…

]]> Kawee http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/kawee/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/kawee/ Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:50:30 CDT Read about Kawee. Kawee - Kawee with flower We so fell in love with this sweet girl.  She so longed to connect with us.  She manifest the beauty of Christ and compassion of someone who has lost much in life and found healing in Christ.  Tamara Jackson has written her story. Check it out: Click to read Kawee's story

]]> Thailand http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/thailand/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/thailand/ Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:51:19 CDT Thailand Update

We have been here three days and our experience has been painful in watching human tragedy.  It is clear; when a society turns to false Gods they will suffer great harm.  I preached this concept a few weeks ago in dealing with the importance of honoring God as God, or you will suffer consequence socially and physiologically, http://gograce.org/sermon/the-big-ten-commandments-3--4. What we saw in Bangkok was so disturbing that we are looking for alternative routes to Mae Sot where we are going to be doing our primary work.  The immorality in Bangkok is staggering in its lack of respect for human life and sexual propriety.  

We arrived in Mae Sot via the longest bus ride we have ever endured.  Suffering for Jesus?  Not so much!  We have made incredible contact here in Mae Sot and are looking to go to the orphanage this morning.  Scott Laughlin and I met two pastors from the states here this morning at 6:30 AM.  Some of the ministry team is sleeping… O to be young again.  We will be uploading pictures tonight. Stay tuned!

We love you and miss Grace San Diego.  We long to be used here according to God’s calling.  Pray that we will be wise and ready.

More tonight…

]]> What About Burma? http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/what-about-burma/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/what-about-burma/ Wed, 28 May 2008 14:44:39 CDT Just weeks ago a cyclone hit Burma and has killed thousands and made homeless an unbelievable number of people. The Myanmar (Burma) government has been holding off help from the nations for fear of international interference in their Junta. This situation is getting worse. Lives are being devastated right now.

Cyclone in BurmaI heard a man say, “Thank God I didn’t know anyone there.” The human tendency is to see tragedy as our responsibility in our world: my family, my friends, and my people. Jesus, when asked, "who is my neighbor,?" answered by giving the parable of the Good Samaritan. His point: your neighbor is anyone who has a need that you can meet. It is disturbing to think that a tragedy at this large of a scale can comfortably be dismissed by those of us who don’t see it each day.

The problem is that the cyclone hit and the attack on the Karen people by the government has not slowed down. Some of these people are fleeing over the border into Thailand and finding some sanctuary from the military assault on their lives. It is possible to feel their pain in the love of Jesus. I will be going to Thailand in July to be meet with a local minister to see what we as God people can do. Please help reach these people for the love of Christ.

]]> Call To Action! http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/call-to-action/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/call-to-action/ Thu, 15 May 2008 16:57:46 CDT My Father led a destructive life. From prison, drugs, women, violence, crime, etc. You name it, and he did it. He was known as a harsh and intimidating man. In September of 2007, I sat next to his hospital bed. Here he was, a 6'5'', 280 lb man that was completely weak and hopeless. The drugs killed his immune system. He was in a coma. The nurses told us he could hear our words, but I really don't know if that was true.

Whether he could or couldn't, I spent time alone with him, speaking to him about his life. I told him that I forgave him for never being there and that I loved him unconditionally. I told him the truth, that God loved him intensely and that He has already been forgiven. I went on and said, "Dad, all you have to do is accept Jesus Christ. He died just for you." Tears ran down my face.

Not truly knowing if my Father had heard any word of what I said, I knew that I could not withhold speaking truth to those around me ever again.

This was a call to action.

What will it take for you to hear God's call to action for your life? God has all of the power and can use you and use his power through you.

My prayer is for you to realize your purpose, your "calling". The time is now!

Why are you here?

God gives us a clear directive;
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:30-31

]]> Living Like Christ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/living-like-christ/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/living-like-christ/ Sat, 03 May 2008 16:56:02 CDT Karen Child"I have never been one to sacrifice on someone else's terms... i want to make my sacrifice and I want to do it in my way and in my time." If we are honest with ourselves, we would admit this is our feeling. Sacrifice without control is not the way we want to live. God has called us to suffer for His name. i don't know what that means in the 21st Century, but i know that God wants me to live for more than my personal gratification.

I want to call you to a radical life where you reach people who need what you have, the Lord Jesus. Would you be willing to go to Thailand and make a difference in the lives of kids? Would you be willing to raise the money for the trip? Would you be willing to go through cultural training? Would you be willing to take your vacation time to go to this third world country where you would be stretched everyday to make an impact for others?

If you are ready to go... Join us at Grace Outreach to impact the world.

]]> What's Your Mission? http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/whats-your-mission/ http://www.gograce.org/grace-outreach-blogs/whats-your-mission/ Fri, 02 May 2008 16:50:20 CDT

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the {life} which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Galatians 2:20

Growing up I always found myself around negative influences. I quickly learned that anywhere I went I would be confronted with the things of this world that tear us apart and destroy our families. It had in fact, destroyed mine.

I can now look back and see how God had protected me in so many ways that I did not have the eyes to see at the time. God used key people to strategically guide me directly to His love. He purged me through life's failures again and again. He still is. There are people God uses to help me, teach me, pursue me and love me.

It's my turn.

What am I doing? Nothing. I'm stepping aside really. If I decrease, I trust God will increase and then He will use me. My job is to wake up in the morning and go straight to my knees to surrender. It's hard at times, but humility and love is the key. It is God's mission, not mine.

What is your mission?

Are you in the way of God using you? I encourage you to step aside and step up to go to the places you may not want you to go but know that God is leading you there.

I am praying that you will use this website as a resource but also join us on God's mission to share His message of love, hope and grace to His people.

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