Cause and Effect

There is a need for clear articulation surrounding the Cause of Christ in America. The simple fact of the matter is, we can not expect to effect our world unless first we clearly articulate the cause. Cause will always precede Effect. Therefore, if we are unable to clearly identify and personalize the cause then the effect will be scattered at best. The scriptures tell us of David in Acts 19:36 that he served his own generation by the will of God. If there is something that is lacking today it is our ability to serve our "own generation." There are clearly generational differences among us, but I believe if the cause is great enough, then the Lord will allow those to arise that can serve their generation, but first the cause must be stated! Look at the life of David, he was emboldened by the the Cause! He asked as a young man, " Is There Not A Cause?" Whenever he veered off course, the Cause would bring him back, and therefore the effect of his life was one that served His generation by the will of God. We also find in the life of Esther the statement. " I Have Come For Such A Time As This!" Again, Esther was filled with Passion towards the Cause. The Cause clearly gave Esther purpose.

Everyone wants the results without first understanding the cause! The cry of this generation is the desperate scream for a clearly articulated cause. The cause must be greater than, This is how it has always been done, or Do this because it is right. My friend, if we truly believe that the Hope for this World is the Cause of Christ, then we must unleash our creativity and articulate the cause to our generation! Until we do this the effect will be minimal at best! The cause will bring purpose! The cause will bring passion! The cause will bring sacrifice! The cause will build momentum! The cause will carry through the difficult times! This generation is desperately wanting to commit to a cause, but it must be a cause worthy of dedicating ones life to. Unfortunately many of the causes we promote are nothing more than mediocre at best. The most powerful cause must outlive us, but many of our causes are not even large enough to outlive us. We must pray for a vision that is greater than us!

I desire nothing more than to effect this generation by serving them by the will of God! The Cause of Christ is what wakes me up in the morning. The Cause of Christ is what carries me! If I had a prayer, it would be that we would all fall in love with Cause again!

Administering Grace

I am currently reading a book by Eric Geiger entitled, Identity. I would recommend the book to anyone that wants to do a study on our identity in Christ. One portion strongly stood out to me and I want to share it with everyone. -

Identity by Eric Geiger- page 114- 1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

While God's grace is administered through His servants, His grace is administered in various forms. Because we are different, with unique spiritual gifts, God's mercy is expressed in a variety of ways.

One weekend I taught this principle to the people in our church. I emphasized that God's grace is like water: purifying and refreshing. And we are honored to administer His grace. To illustrate a myriad of water dispensers were placed on the platform.

Perhaps God has gifted you to be a sprinkler. You spread God's grace to a lot of people in small ways. Perhaps God has gifted you to be a water pot. You nurture a group of people over time. Or maybe God has gifted you to be a pitcher. You refresh people with hospitality and tangible acts of service. Perhaps God has gifted you to be a pressure cleaner. You bring change and leadership into situations that need a fresh touch of God's grace. Maybe God has gifted you to be a dropper. You think your contribution is small, but your contribution is essential.