CCF'S SURVIVAL. GUIDE
Wednesday 3/21/07
“Your message burns in my heart . . . I cannot keep silent.” Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV)
God is passionate! He loves certain things and hates others. And He impassions us for the things He cares about deeply. He impassions different people for different things. Whatever it is you will know it because you will feel compelled to speak up or do what you can to make a difference. Once impassioned we cannot keep from sharing what God has burned into our heart: “…a man’s heart determines his speech” (Matthew 12:34 TLB).
God may impassion you to champion a cause; often it will relate to something you have personally experienced such as abuse, addiction, divorce, depression, a disease, a social evil, or some other challenge. God uses passionate people to fulfill His purposes. He may give you a burning desire to fund new churches, support Christian missions, or make special ministry opportunities possible. You may be given a passion for reaching a particular group of people: college students, businessmen, teenagers, singles, foreign exchange students, unwed mothers, prisoners, victims of incest, even those with a particular hobby or sport. If you ask God, He will burden your heart for a specific country, ethnic group, or sub-culture.
God gives each of us different passions so that everything He wants done, will get done! But do not expect everybody to be equally passionate about your passion. Learn to listen to and value the other person’s God-given passion, because nobody can do it all. Never belittle somebody’s passion: “It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good…” (Galatians 4:18 NIV).
What do you feel passionate about today? Do something about it!
Karen
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Fast Returns on My Fast - March 1, 2007
There really something in fasting. I am committed to fasting the first day of each month this year. No food, just liquids for a full 24 hours. Well, on March 1, 2007, it happened that I had fill in for one of my specialists who had to an injury the previous day. So I covered the two classes scheduled for March 1st. I was a bit nervous about conducting the class full of teenagers who didn't know me. We all know how students like to get over on the substitute.
But at the same time I was excited because this was my day of first fruits, my day of dedication. So I was able to calm my nervousness with the eager anticipation of what God was going to show me today. This situtation was all a set up to begin with.
I stayed in prayer mode all day. I especially prayed over the atmosphere in the classroom. I had received reports of caution about the students from my specialists. And I got double warnings from my specialists, and the students in the first class, about the students who attended the second class. I got all kinds of warnings about how they don't want to participate and they will give me the most trouble.
Well, it was the exact opposite. Both class were very enjoyable. All of the students participated, listened to instruction, laughed, took their tests, and enjoyed their free time. It was just a great experience. Two young ladies even came back unexpectedly during their lunch period to talk to me about college. My specialist was shocked to hear my report. I was very happy to see the evidence of the great rapor she has built with her students. They really like and trust her and are taking in the information she is teaching.
The other half of my praise report from my day of fasting is about a financial blessing I recieved the next day. My office's management company had a "Bright Ideas" contest where they asked everyone to submit ideas for improving the office environment and/or services. They manage a number of properties all over the DC metro area. I submitted a few ideas last month. I got a call from the marketing manager informing me that I won the second place prize for the best idea - $125 AMEX gift certificate! My "Bright Idea" was to create a directory of the various services within a 3-4 block radius of each office building. Instead of creating a written directory, they decided to create and electronic directory with maps. So we can easily find all the restaurants, coffee shops, cleaners, banks, office supplies stores, hotels, drug/convenient stores, FedEx drops, metro stops etc. all within a 3 -4 block distance from our office.
This extra cash was really a blessing. There are so many little things I need for my new home. I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of this entire month.
But at the same time I was excited because this was my day of first fruits, my day of dedication. So I was able to calm my nervousness with the eager anticipation of what God was going to show me today. This situtation was all a set up to begin with.
I stayed in prayer mode all day. I especially prayed over the atmosphere in the classroom. I had received reports of caution about the students from my specialists. And I got double warnings from my specialists, and the students in the first class, about the students who attended the second class. I got all kinds of warnings about how they don't want to participate and they will give me the most trouble.
Well, it was the exact opposite. Both class were very enjoyable. All of the students participated, listened to instruction, laughed, took their tests, and enjoyed their free time. It was just a great experience. Two young ladies even came back unexpectedly during their lunch period to talk to me about college. My specialist was shocked to hear my report. I was very happy to see the evidence of the great rapor she has built with her students. They really like and trust her and are taking in the information she is teaching.
The other half of my praise report from my day of fasting is about a financial blessing I recieved the next day. My office's management company had a "Bright Ideas" contest where they asked everyone to submit ideas for improving the office environment and/or services. They manage a number of properties all over the DC metro area. I submitted a few ideas last month. I got a call from the marketing manager informing me that I won the second place prize for the best idea - $125 AMEX gift certificate! My "Bright Idea" was to create a directory of the various services within a 3-4 block radius of each office building. Instead of creating a written directory, they decided to create and electronic directory with maps. So we can easily find all the restaurants, coffee shops, cleaners, banks, office supplies stores, hotels, drug/convenient stores, FedEx drops, metro stops etc. all within a 3 -4 block distance from our office.
This extra cash was really a blessing. There are so many little things I need for my new home. I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of this entire month.
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