Wanted! Dead or Alive

Textbooks often describe the Wild West towns of the early 1800’s as charismatic time periods of our American history. As I prayed and continued to wonder why it was God spoke this ever so distant era upon my heart to rely His message, it was revealed to me almost as if I had traveled back in time. I closed my eyes and pictured myself walking down one of the dusty, dirty, searing hot town streets. I couldn’t help but to notice the numerous Wanted signs displayed on post office windows, saloon entrances and most vibrantly exposed within the town jails. You would’ve been able to stare straight into the eyes of those who were pictured here. These were the worst of the worst, the most notorious criminals that posed the greatest threat to society. Their capture was imperative and often times a reward was offered to entice any information that would lead to an arrest......dead or alive.

As Christians, our very belief poses a threat to satan and his legions of demons. However, belief alone is only half of it. We are told that even the demons know the power in which God holds as James 2: 19-20 so accurately describes. “Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?” Do you have a reputation in hell? Is there a Wanted sign circulating with your name on it? Do you pose a threat to the forces of darkness so great that a bounty has been issued for you? In Ephesians 6:12 Paul writes to the church in Ephesus “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.”

Often times, it’s easy to become stagnant in our faith, not making any real impact on the kingdom because we allow ourselves to observe from the sidelines without ever making an effort to get in the game. I truly believe that it’s not for a lack of desiring to, but more about how we perceive what it should look like. Each one of us has already been equipped with the spiritual gifts we need to get the job done. Did you get that? God has ALREADY given YOU the tools to succeed. There isn’t a course exam to pass or training seminar to attend. 1 Corinthians 12 describes what spiritual gifts are about, and focuses on the importance of being a unified body of Christ. We all have a purpose and a place. Together, we are able to maximize the effect of our combined gifts for kingdom power. I encourage you to meditate on the words Paul writes throughout this chapter and truly listen to what it is God is trying to speak to you.

Is there a co-worker in the office who is at risk of salvation because you dare to speak truth and life into them? What about that mom at the PTA meeting who just moved here and is looking for fellowship? And you know that neighbor who keeps asking you over for coffee but you just don’t have “the time”, what you don’t know is that she really just needs an ear to listen, as she feels trapped in a loveless marriage and doesn’t know where to turn. Until you realize that you don’t need a biblical degree or an auditorium full of listening ears to make an impact for God’s kingdom, you will miss the everyday opportunities to touch humanity, and that my friends is what the enemy desires most.

My prayer for all of you today is that you will STOP listening to the lies the enemy offers you and START believing in what it is God has in store for you. It’s one thing to hear His word; I pray that each of you continues to find ways to use His word. Wake up each day with the honor of knowing that there is a picture of your face in hell with a Wanted sign on it.

Are you ready to become a force to be reckoned with? If so, make sure you smile for the camera!

Stefanie Calens
Writer

What Hope

A few years ago I had a chance to take a vacation to South Africa. While I enjoyed the excitement of Cape Town, the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the ocean and the countryside, and seeing the wild animals on the safaris, I couldn't help but feel a sadness when I saw the people. Our guide told us the country is filled with poverty, crime, disease--particularly AIDS—and despair. We were especially warned when in Cape Town to be careful about pickpockets, and not to go into certain areas of the city. "How awful. What hope do these people have?" I wondered.

And then two things happened. While our bus was traveling through a marketplace, I saw a sign hanging at the back of one of the stalls that proclaimed, "Jesus is my Savior!" And in the shop at one of the lodges where we stayed, a man behind the counter was wearing an interesting looking pendant on a chain. Upon looking more closely, I saw that it was a cutout figure of a man's face. "Is that supposed to be Jesus?" I asked boldly. "Yes," he replied proudly. "I came to know Him 10 years ago." I was at peace. What hope do those people have? The same hope we all have—Jesus Christ. He reaches out to us wherever we are, whether we're rich or poor, or whether we're in the United States or South Africa.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."- Psalm 42:5

Lois Thomson
Writer