On one of the last days in Merida, Mexico my small group of 4 went to a slum right outside the city. There, the people lived in old crumbling huts with grass and tin roofs, which would surely leak during a gentle rain and the children, ran around playing with their flea infested dogs amongst the trash. My heart broke as we drove through, making our way to the town center. It was obvious that our van load of medicines was very needed and would be quickly used. Along with the medicine, three doctors from America came as part of their studies; they would give shots to the children and medicine to the parents.
From all my talk so far you’ve probably realized that there were lots of kids, actually there were about 30 children from ages 1-13 along with their parents.
Soon we started to share our testimonies of Jesus had changed our lives and called us to Mexico. After a short while it started pouring rain, causing the lines of people waiting to come inside, making our group even bigger. I taught the children motions to songs like: ‘Every move I make’, ‘Big house’ and ‘Jesus in the Boat’. (It must have been very funny to watch because the adults were nearly falling out of their seats).
My passion for kids was not hidden from a lady named Julia (it sounds like Hulia in Spanish) who came up to me and told me: “I can see that you love children” “Yes I do” I replied. “I can also see that it is not just a love, it is also a calling from God. He has given you a heart for the children…… Don’t every stray from it: God has big plans for you”. At that moment I knew why I had stayed in the center instead of going out into the town with the rest of the group. I had forgotten the burning in my heart for children and was again reminded of it. Being there among those kids gave me the biggest sense of belonging and purpose. I knew that the call I had felt earlier on in my life to work with kids was still there and was growing.
How bout’ you?
Have you ever felt God’s call on your life?
Do you still know what it is?
God sends people and things into our lives to remind us that we are called to do much more than except Jesus into our hearts. He calls us to us the gifts He’s given us and follow Him.
He has a plan for your life and wants to do amazing things; all you have to do is listen and obey.
Thanks for reading!
In Him,
McCall <><
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
My Pre-Mission Trip kick-in-the-pants
Preparing for my mission trip down to Mexico I found myself dreading the day that we'll leave. I began to have a fear about going, I felt insecure about leaving my little Texas-sized bubble. I know in my heart that this trip will be amazing. God has BIG plans for our group in Merida. But I could not loose that nagging feeling in my chest. I soon began spending time saying 'but I can't" instead of talking to God about HIS plans for me. Then last night while I trying to sleep it hit me!
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:9)
I felt like an idiot. How could I have been so selfishly blind!? Here I was thinking: 'I can't', 'I'M scared','I don't speak spanish' 'I I I '. Never: 'GOD can', GOD will be with me','With GOD all things are possable'. I can't do it on my own but GOD can. With Him as my partner I can do ANYTHING, even go to Mexico.
As Christians we're called to be strong and courageous for God. He never said it would all come easily, infact He said that this life will be full of strugles. Life may not always be the way I want it but I know it's all worth it.
Because Jesus saved me, I know that someday I'll join Him in heaven. Jesus sacrificed His perfect life for a bunch of worthless sinners.
I think I can sacrifice a life of ME for a life of HIM, can you?
Can you step out of your bubble and live for the One who saved you?
No matter how hard it may seem, He's ALWAYS going to be with you, walking alone the road right along with you.
Please just take some time this week to listen to God, you'd be amazed at all the things He has to say.
May God bless y'all with many chances to lean on Him.
In Him,
McCall <><
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go."
(Joshua 1:9)
I felt like an idiot. How could I have been so selfishly blind!? Here I was thinking: 'I can't', 'I'M scared','I don't speak spanish' 'I I I '. Never: 'GOD can', GOD will be with me','With GOD all things are possable'. I can't do it on my own but GOD can. With Him as my partner I can do ANYTHING, even go to Mexico.
As Christians we're called to be strong and courageous for God. He never said it would all come easily, infact He said that this life will be full of strugles. Life may not always be the way I want it but I know it's all worth it.
Because Jesus saved me, I know that someday I'll join Him in heaven. Jesus sacrificed His perfect life for a bunch of worthless sinners.
I think I can sacrifice a life of ME for a life of HIM, can you?
Can you step out of your bubble and live for the One who saved you?
No matter how hard it may seem, He's ALWAYS going to be with you, walking alone the road right along with you.
Please just take some time this week to listen to God, you'd be amazed at all the things He has to say.
May God bless y'all with many chances to lean on Him.
In Him,
McCall <><
Friday, April 4, 2008
Devotions for the modern cowpoke
Many Are Called But Few Get Up.
“Jake…Jake? JJJJJJJAAAAAAAAKKKKEEEEEEEEE!” You could call all day and that darn dog would never get up. You love him but he still won’t follow unless you drag em’. Jake thinks he’s living the life just laying there without a care in the world but little does he know that you’re waitin’ for him with a “half a cow” sized bone in hand. If he would just obey your call, the reward would greater than he ever imagined.
A lot of us are like Jake, except God doesn’t always yell in our faces. No, God normally calls us in the smallest voice, barely noticeable. But like Jake we can’t see the benefit for us and dismiss it as “the wind” or whatever. We think that we couldn’t be happier than we already are. Seeing past the current benefits of livin’ with the master (God) is next to impossible for us. “If I’m already a Christian then I’m good. I’m already going to Heaven so why should I change my life?” does that ring a bell for anyone? God calls us to accept Him, yes, but He also calls us to go and ‘hog-tie’ some other folks’ hearts’ into accepting Jesus as their savior. Matthew 28:19 says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” So you’re called, that’s been decided. But what’re you gonna do about it? “Many are called but few answer.” What will you do? Will you answer your masters’ call to tell the world?
Somethin’ to chew on:
God’s call is not always the loudest voice in the barn. Most of the time God’s voice is the easiest one to over look but it’s the most important one too. You have to set your daily troubles aside and shut-up for a while, He will talk to you. He won’t always ask you to work the ‘easy horse’ but you have to make a choice to obey or disobey. So will you shut and listen? Will you obey His calling?
“Jake…Jake? JJJJJJJAAAAAAAAKKKKEEEEEEEEE!” You could call all day and that darn dog would never get up. You love him but he still won’t follow unless you drag em’. Jake thinks he’s living the life just laying there without a care in the world but little does he know that you’re waitin’ for him with a “half a cow” sized bone in hand. If he would just obey your call, the reward would greater than he ever imagined.
A lot of us are like Jake, except God doesn’t always yell in our faces. No, God normally calls us in the smallest voice, barely noticeable. But like Jake we can’t see the benefit for us and dismiss it as “the wind” or whatever. We think that we couldn’t be happier than we already are. Seeing past the current benefits of livin’ with the master (God) is next to impossible for us. “If I’m already a Christian then I’m good. I’m already going to Heaven so why should I change my life?” does that ring a bell for anyone? God calls us to accept Him, yes, but He also calls us to go and ‘hog-tie’ some other folks’ hearts’ into accepting Jesus as their savior. Matthew 28:19 says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” So you’re called, that’s been decided. But what’re you gonna do about it? “Many are called but few answer.” What will you do? Will you answer your masters’ call to tell the world?
Somethin’ to chew on:
God’s call is not always the loudest voice in the barn. Most of the time God’s voice is the easiest one to over look but it’s the most important one too. You have to set your daily troubles aside and shut-up for a while, He will talk to you. He won’t always ask you to work the ‘easy horse’ but you have to make a choice to obey or disobey. So will you shut and listen? Will you obey His calling?
Devotions for the modern cowpoke
“If you look a gift horse in the mouth, you might loose a nose.”
Y’all have all heard it: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”. You can tell many things from a horse teeth, their age, health and whether or not they’ve been neglected. Often we are tempted to look and see all these things, because after all who wants a 35 year-old horse? But all the same, it is a gift and that small phrase simply means: “Don’t take a gift for granted. No matter how ugly or old it is, don’t take it for granted.”
Often in life we travel down a bumpy road and wonder why it’s so hard. In John 16:33 it says: “I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” God has a plan for everything you go through, no matter how hard it is. He lets you go through these things so that you can help others. Don’t look at your rough times and think they’re useless. Be thankful that you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit that will always be with you. You can always run to Jesus with your troubles. So the next time you’re given an old nag to work with, don’t look it in the mouth and think about all the negative things, look at it as an opportunity to grow in Christ.
Somethin’ to chew on:
Romans 8:28 says:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
If you are following His will, then He will make a way for you through the fog. He promises us that He’ll ALWAYS be there for us. We just have to keep your eyes on Him and our hands serving Him.
Y’all have all heard it: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”. You can tell many things from a horse teeth, their age, health and whether or not they’ve been neglected. Often we are tempted to look and see all these things, because after all who wants a 35 year-old horse? But all the same, it is a gift and that small phrase simply means: “Don’t take a gift for granted. No matter how ugly or old it is, don’t take it for granted.”
Often in life we travel down a bumpy road and wonder why it’s so hard. In John 16:33 it says: “I have told you these things so that you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” God has a plan for everything you go through, no matter how hard it is. He lets you go through these things so that you can help others. Don’t look at your rough times and think they’re useless. Be thankful that you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit that will always be with you. You can always run to Jesus with your troubles. So the next time you’re given an old nag to work with, don’t look it in the mouth and think about all the negative things, look at it as an opportunity to grow in Christ.
Somethin’ to chew on:
Romans 8:28 says:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
If you are following His will, then He will make a way for you through the fog. He promises us that He’ll ALWAYS be there for us. We just have to keep your eyes on Him and our hands serving Him.
Rajs' stick
It was just about dinner time when I called the horses up to the barn for their meal. Hearing me they slowly began walking up to the barn, eating along the way. They had just crossed a small creek when
Raj (my 2 year old horse) suddenly went crazy, bolting like he was being chased by the devil. It seemed like the more ground he covered, the faster he ran....straight for the barn and me. As he blew past me at the spead of light and around to the other side of the barn I saw what was chasing him. It was paisty white, and just shy of 5' long, it had attatched itself to his tail, was not letting go. It was the meanest looking stick I have ever seen!:-)
Raj, in his panic nearly ran me over when he jumped around the corner and ran into a stall. Because the stall has no running room he was forced to stop and try to face his attacker. But because he had stopped, so did the stick leaving him in a stall with a strange stick thingy with him. He bent down to inverstigate the very white stick but was suprised when it moved. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't catch the darn stick. Y'all this was one of the funniest things I had ever seen, here I was sitting my barn watching my horse chase his tail! it was better than anything on TV! Finnally, Raj gave up and walked over to the door where I stood and looked at me like: "First I get chased by the devil now this stick won't leave me alone......... Make it better, please". So, I slowly walked into the stall, knowing that if Raj moved too fast, the stick would move too. Reaching down I grabbed the stick and gently pulled it, trying to release rajs' tail. Rajs' head shot up and he began to tense every muscle, fearing that the stick would strike again. But Raj knew better, he knew I would never hurt him and would do anything for him. Finally, after having to get the scissors, he was free from his thorny burden and ready for a good nights rest.
I think we are sometimes like Raj and his stick. We have our own sticks on our tails, they slow us down, scare us, and make us forget about the free love that God is always ready to give. We run in circles trying to loose our burdens, never taking the time to ask our master for help. God is patient though and waits, he never laughs at our struggles or leaves us to fend for ourselves. Finally as a last resort we ask Him for help. He gently lifts those burdens off of you and takes them away. Gods son Jesus lifted the ultiment burden when He died on the cross for our sins. He did all that for you and me, he has become my master and best friend.....how bout's you do you know my Savior?
He loves you and will always love you but it's up to you. How bout' it, can you admit you failures and ask Him to be your savior?
He's waiting.
Thanks for reading!
McCall
It was just about dinner time when I called the horses up to the barn for their meal. Hearing me they slowly began walking up to the barn, eating along the way. They had just crossed a small creek when
Raj (my 2 year old horse) suddenly went crazy, bolting like he was being chased by the devil. It seemed like the more ground he covered, the faster he ran....straight for the barn and me. As he blew past me at the spead of light and around to the other side of the barn I saw what was chasing him. It was paisty white, and just shy of 5' long, it had attatched itself to his tail, was not letting go. It was the meanest looking stick I have ever seen!:-)
Raj, in his panic nearly ran me over when he jumped around the corner and ran into a stall. Because the stall has no running room he was forced to stop and try to face his attacker. But because he had stopped, so did the stick leaving him in a stall with a strange stick thingy with him. He bent down to inverstigate the very white stick but was suprised when it moved. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't catch the darn stick. Y'all this was one of the funniest things I had ever seen, here I was sitting my barn watching my horse chase his tail! it was better than anything on TV! Finnally, Raj gave up and walked over to the door where I stood and looked at me like: "First I get chased by the devil now this stick won't leave me alone......... Make it better, please". So, I slowly walked into the stall, knowing that if Raj moved too fast, the stick would move too. Reaching down I grabbed the stick and gently pulled it, trying to release rajs' tail. Rajs' head shot up and he began to tense every muscle, fearing that the stick would strike again. But Raj knew better, he knew I would never hurt him and would do anything for him. Finally, after having to get the scissors, he was free from his thorny burden and ready for a good nights rest.
I think we are sometimes like Raj and his stick. We have our own sticks on our tails, they slow us down, scare us, and make us forget about the free love that God is always ready to give. We run in circles trying to loose our burdens, never taking the time to ask our master for help. God is patient though and waits, he never laughs at our struggles or leaves us to fend for ourselves. Finally as a last resort we ask Him for help. He gently lifts those burdens off of you and takes them away. Gods son Jesus lifted the ultiment burden when He died on the cross for our sins. He did all that for you and me, he has become my master and best friend.....how bout's you do you know my Savior?
He loves you and will always love you but it's up to you. How bout' it, can you admit you failures and ask Him to be your savior?
He's waiting.
Thanks for reading!
McCall
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
