Passionately Following God's Call.............

Ephesians 3: 20-21 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Passion is what we lack in today’s society. Truly passionate Christians doing God’s work because of his call, are out there, but they are in the minority. Many Christians are consumers. They consume church resources, devouring and taking, without giving back. I’m not talking about tithing that is another issue entirely. What I am talking about is service both in the local church, surrounding community, and global world.

On any given Sunday in hundreds of thousands of churches across the country that are staffed in majority by volunteers. Sure pastors receive a salary, but greeters, nursery workers, children’s church leaders, hospitality staff, and even parking attendants all give their time. Why do they do it? What is the purpose? The purpose is simply Ephesians 3: 20-21, it is a passion we have for the things God is doing, will do, and has done through the works of his people. We believe that God will have the glory because of what we do.
I cannot tell you how amazing it is to sit in a room with up to 30 three year olds on a Sunday morning. It is a struggle to get them all seated quietly at the story, but as I teach them about David and Goliath my heart soars. These are the future of our church. Here sit the future leaders and I have the great priviledge and honor to be able to teach them. I also get to settle their squabbles, make play dough animals, color pictures, cut  and glue, and most of all pour out my passion and love. 1Corinthians 11: 1-2 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you. Jesus said let the little children come to me. Their faith is great, and they can teach us so much.  I find true joy and passion in service to God’s children. Where do you find that passion?

Ephesians 2: 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. We have a purpose, and we need to seek that purpose with passion. Some of us have a great purpose to be missionaries ministering to others in countries across the globe. Others are to be Christian parents to the orphans of this world. Some of us are serving in our local churches and communities. Wherever you are you have a purpose and God will use you. Do not allow yourself to fall victum  to the temptations of this world. The world will tell you, you are not good enough, you don’t have enough time, and most of all that God doesn’t need you. The truth is completely opposite. You are very much needed. There is a place for you where God will use you and help you grow. Don’t get me wrong it’s not always easy, and at times you may feel unappreciated, but God sees what you are doing. He knows your heart and he appreciates you more than you can ever fathom.

Ray Boltz

Thank You

Ray Boltz

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea
We heard these angels singing
Then someone called your name
You turned and saw this young man
And he was smiling as he came
And he said friend you may not know me now
And then he said, but wait
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start
And one day when you said that prayer
I asked Jesus in my heart

CHORUS
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Then another man stood before you
And said remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry
You didn't have much money
But you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today

CHORUS (repeat)

One by one they came
Far as your eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices you made
They were unnoticed on the earth
In heaven now proclaimed

And I know that up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord
He said, my child look around you
For great is your reward

CHORUS (repeat)

I am so glad you gave.