Are You A Slave?

Someone asked the question the other day. Do you consider yourself a slave of Jesus as Paul did in writing to the Corinthian church. Here is my reply.

Yes, I am a slave...a bond slave. The Lord Jesus has set me free from my chains of sin and given me complete liberty to choose a direction to walk. Like Peter I have to say, "Where else will I go Lord, You have the words of life." I have chosen to submit myself to Him now willingly. I have given up my right to make money...I have chosen to make some hard decisions and not to pursue money but to pursue relationships and to encourage others in their relationship with Jesus. I have suffered greatly in one sense because of these decisions, but I have also had the privilege of seeing God provide in ways that causes Him to receive glory and honor. If we never live our life fully trusting in Him, we never get to experience His provision. I we take control of our life and are able to do everything on our own where is the need for God? As a bond slave it is my Master that tells me what to do. I have to admit that at times it is very hard, but if I will pray and talk with Jesus He speaks the words that set me free and help me to do the right thing. Just the other day I was riding my bicycle home from the store. While I was riding I was telling God how hard life was for me and I was asking if all of the sacrifices are even worth it. I wasn't sure I was even making the right choices. As I was riding along and talking with Jesus I looked down and rode past a coin in the street. I turned around and picked up the quarter and the first words I read on the coin was, "In God We Trust". I knew immediately that God was asking me once again to trust Him. He was encouraging me to be like Peter and "choose" once again to trust Jesus. To choose to be a "living sacrifice". I will continue to be His bond slave because He has the power of life.

Clothing Giveaway: Jesus People!

I am always amazed at God's faithfulness when we step out to serve and touch people in love. Yesterday's trip downtown to give away clothing, first-aid supplies and personal hygiene items was such a great time of connecting. We had so many wonderful conversations, times of prayer and giving of practical aid. We can sense that the people there trust us and value the efforts we make to help out.

The theme that kept coming up all morning was to be faithful in the small things. This was a topic that others kept bringing up and it became obvious it was the theme of the day. We talked amongst the homeless about how the giveaway is just one small act of sacrifice and service...but if each one of us would live a life of sacrifice and serve the other God could literally use us to change the climate on the streets. Many of them had stories already of the small things that they are doing to help others on the streets. We talked about how Jesus is the example of true love, sacrifice and service and how he can give us strength through by His Holy Spirit.

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Patrick had a wonderful conversation with a gentleman during the giveaway who came to church today. Patrick is working hard to help meet some of his immediate needs and perhaps someone can come along side and help too.
During the giveaway Ralph came up and asked for prayer. When he was asked what he would like prayer for he responded that he wanted to give his life back to Jesus. He had become addicted to alcohol and let it push him away from Jesus. We prayed for him and then encouraged him to pour out his heart in prayer. He did and God heard from heaven I am sure. We encouraged him to not isolate and to connect with the family. Who knows, we may see him joining us soon.
Shortly after that we got to meet "Amanda" who is dying of cancer. She had visited Santa Barbara once before and when she was diagnosed she "came here to die." We listened to her story, prayed for healing and then bought her a round trip bus ticket to visit her 7 year old son in L.A. who she gave up to the foster care system. She will be back in Santa Barbara in a day or two and we are praying she will make good on her promise to visit us and be baptised. There was a sparkle in her eye as she left and was giving thanks to Jesus. She has a good friend on the streets who is a Christian and is working with her. Please pray for them.
After we had packed up a few of us were sitting around talking about the day when a group of college aged kids came up and asked us if we would like a free lunch. Turns out this crazy bunch of Jesus lovers were down there to provide a meal for the homeless. We went down and joined them for a wonderful meal, worship and fellowship. I was so encouraged to see these guys out there all on their own providing such a banquet. They had one of the homeless guys cooking the food they provided which was carne asada, sausages, pasta salad, tortillas and dessert. They had chicken in the cooler they were going to cook for dinner in a couple hours too! I was humbled as I stood in line with my friends who we just gave clothes to and was served by this gracious group of Jesus People.

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