$$$

In our discipleship we are reading Shane Claiborne’s book “Irresistible Revolution.” I’ve been really challenged to live as a good steward of the earth and to dig into the words of Christ regarding money and possessions. Claiborne calls Christians to reject the lifestyle of living in excess, but instead to abide in the words of Christ and follow in His footsteps. Needless to say, we’ve all been wrestling with what this means for our lives. I do know that I firmly believe that the rich needs the poor and the poor needs the rich. I could write paragraphs of what I think, but it would be most effective and sufficient to allow the Word to do so.

Paul Writes:
“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich,yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich… Our desire is not that other might be relieved while you are hard pressed but that there might be EQUALITY. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality.”

Jesus Teaches:
” Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

Jesus warns us that people will die with all their possessions…”This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34

John the Baptist preaches to repent and be baptized. Then he goes on to say that if you have two tunics (coats), give one away to someone in need.

My world has been pretty rocked through this teaching. I think a lot about the rich young ruler. And the phrase that runs through my head over and over is “it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle then for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I hope even this simple blog causes you to stop and think and be challenged by the Word.

Ministry Update:

Cassie and I went to the prayer session for the family who lost their brother. It was good. It was just us and a few neighbors and the family. They fed us and we looked at photos. It was sweet. We are planning a birthday party for a little girl we call “Cupcake.” She is turning 5 on Saturday. We are throwing the party here at the AIM house and of course there will be plenty of cupcakes! 🙂 The family of cupcake is all invited to come and everytime we see them they can’t quit talking about it. They have their outfits already picked out (their Sunday best) and are planning what food they are going to bring. They are precious!

In Ocean View yesterday we had an incredible day of ministry. Everywhere we went, God placed people in front of us who were so hungry for the Lord. We spent some time praying off the bondage of alcohol from this one lady. When we said “Amen” we looked up and all three of the ladies were crying. After a sweet goodbye we promised to visit them again. It was so great because each person we ran into was ready to be encouraged and have the Truth of Christ proclaimed over them. We left and had such joy!

I know that I say this so much, but God is really opening so many doors every day. Today we met two new people who just want us to sit and talk to them and pray for them. Yesterday we met six new friends! The people here are hungry!!! They are thirsty!!! I feel so excited to be in the middle of all this thirst and hunger and have the very thing that satisfy! To God be the glory!

Tavern Update”

I’m so excited to say that we prayed over the tavern today and felt the freedom to walk into it! Maybe you think that is petty and small but it’s a huge deal for us! We met the grandson of the owner. His name is Joel. Please pray for the heart of Joel. As of right now, he is not interested in selling the tavern (surprise surprise) but I believe God is at work bringing things together. Remember Joel in your prayers! Pray that his heart will change and he will desire to sell it. Pray for his salvation. Pray that he will become hungry and thirsty for Christ and desire to talk with us even more. Pray for me and my team, that we would have open hearts and ears. If this is not what God wants, pray that we will listen to what he really desires of us. I’ll keep you updated as soon as we learn more! Thanks!!

HE Provides,

Amber