Living a life that Matters

Isaiah 49:1. What is worth? God reminds us of our worth in this passage and how He created us to be who we are. We like to determine our worth by money, status and material things. But Jesus sees worth in all of us. I mentioned that last week’s ACT:S is a story about a woman names Sylvie. She lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is raising kids on her own and they make their income from digging in dirt for quality rocks that they can sell. Her story makes her look worthless to many of us, yet her story has enriched me. We need to see our worth in Christ and embrace it. I used to struggle with self-worth and how people viewed me. But today I love how God uses me and I see my worth in Him. I no longer need to worry about what people say about me or look to their approval.

Luke 12:22-24. God provides and He gives us all we need to get through life. We need to not worry about tomorrow just like the birds don’t worry about food each day. God sees us as more worthy than the birds. I know I used to worry about how to pay bills each day and found myself in credit card debt in the past trying to make things happen on my own. I need to trust God that He will provide and know He will take care of me. 1/3 of the world lives in poverty and I am truly blessed compared to most people. I want to be a good steward of my finances and leverage it for the Kingdom.

So how do we define poverty? Most of us limit it to just personal wealth. I like to also include lack of resources like education and medical care as well. I’m reading Psalms and the passage in Ps. 40:16-17 says we are all worthy and that God helps and delivers us from tough situations. He blesses us and He cares for those in poverty situations. God opened my eyes to poverty on a trip to Belize in 2006. I want to look at people in poverty-stricken situations and see the same worth Christ sees in them. God’s love for me has given me love for others. I may not have a lot of finances to give to others, but God has given me many other talents to help those in need. I am praying that He continues to work in my heart to be a blessing to others.

You can continue to monitor my drink fast here. This week is World Water Day (March 22). Here is a video on how you can organize your own water:walk.

On March 11, a massive 9.0 underwater earthquake hit near Japan which caused a tsunami. Thousands of people were killed by flooding and collapsed buildings. There are times I find myself questioning God when these crisis happen. But at the same time I do I see how it opens the doors for the gospel to presented. Japan is 67% unreached and Christianity makes up only 1% of the population. I downloaded a prayer guide that I will be using to pray during lent. I’m praying for the many families. I’m praying for relief and for the hearts of the people to receive the gospel.

 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.  Psalms 40:1-3 (NIV)