Passions?

What is your purpose in life? Do we have a purpose in life? Is there really a reason why we are on this earth?

Some people say it's to live life to the fullest, have fun, party, be adventurous. Some say it's to travel the world and discover new uncharted territories. Some say it's to live a good life and do more good than harm. Others say it's to live life to honor and glorify the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. To share the love they have in Christ to others and love others as Christ loved us.

What is your passion? What makes you tick? Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years? When you die, what will you have to show for yourself? Will you leave a legacy for your children? Will you leave a trail of kindness wherever you go?

I have a passion, and that is Africa. I feel as though no one can go on living the life they have set for themselves after they see and understand what is going on in africa. How can Americans live their lives in their bubble of wealth, medocricy, and selfishness? Maybe your calling is not to drop everything and fly to Africa, but what are we doing to reach out to the community we live in? How can we say that we are followers of Christ when we are in our comfortable cacoon, reading about the terrors of the world but doing nothing to stop them? How can we rationalize our actions?

Personal History

As a student at a prestigious Bible school, there is always the lingering danger of indoctrination. There is always the possibility of knowing multitudes of information but not really knowing Jesus. In an intellectual environment, we sometimes lose the flare we first set out with. Through endless readings about Calvinism, Armenianism, and the meanderings of Ryrie and Strong, through the debates over Dispensationalism and Covenental theology, we get hopelessly lost. We get hung up on the 5 points of Calvinism and forget the real reason we are here. We forget to love. We cease loving others and in turn, we cease loving God.

Why was Mary weeping at Jesus' tomb? She cared nothing for doctrine or theology. Pharasees could have easily made a fool out of Mary doctrinally, but they couldn't deny the fact that Jesus had cast 7 demons out of her. He blessed her immensely through that but she also knew Him. "... she turned around and saw Jesus standing there and did not know that it was Jesus ... Jesus said to her, Mary!" When she heard her name she knew at once that she has a personal history with the Christ and that she knew Him. "...She immediately turned to Him and said to Him, Rabboni!" (John 20:14, 16)

"The one true sign of discipleship is intimate oneness with Him- a knowledge of Jesus that nothing can shake" Oswald Chambers

My Commitment as a Christian

I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me - my banner will be clear!

-Author Unknown