rants of a beggar

Mark 10:13
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

Children are so impressionable and responsive to the environment around them. Their world is formed on the perspective they have of the family and people in their lives. They have no choice but to assume the good intent of the world that surrounds them.

As time passes we grow hardened by the fallen world around us. We become victimized and hurt by the people we’ve trusted, and assumed with our best interest. Layer after layer we learn to guard our heart, as we learn to fight through the pain, or become crippled by it.

Maturing is a natural and healthy process, but it doesn’t change who you are in your CORE. In our heart of hearts, rest all the insecurities and dependencies we carried as a child. Deep down we all want to be LOVED and NURTURED. But have become damaged and broken, by other damaged and broken people.

Before Christ, I imagine a child that is lost and crippled by the world around it. Drowning the need we have to be LOVED and NURTURED with temporary pleasures that leave us unsettled and wanting more. Thrashing blindly in the water, thinking that we are swimming and living the life we’re supposed to be. But it isn’t until we STOP and TURN to Christ, do we understand truly WHO we are, and the LIFE we are called to live.

Mark 10:15 “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

It is in our CORE that we must come to Christ not only as our King, but as our Father that loves us. Surrendering our fear/guilt/pain through complete and absolute dependence on Him. In our CORE dependence on HIM we find unwavering strength and security and learn more of Gods love and our identity.

It has long been my God given agenda to create or cultivate Community centered on Christ.

My heart is compelled by Community. Community is where lives are transformed and rendered anew. It’s where the TEACHINGS of Gods word meets the application into daily life. It’s where the Spirit of God manifest and showcases itself to the world. It is the CITY on a Hill, or a light shining into darkness. It is what God first created when He formed MAN and WOMAN. It was the only reason why Christ died and it is the only way for His Kingdom to come.

I am living this out today first and foremost by BEING in community. The Church is comprised of the PEOPLE not the banner or logo of its establishment.. but the blood and tears shared in the brokenness of man. I belong to a community I call the Forge.. which is a band of misfit, Christ driven, over-achievers with a desire to live out AUTHENTIC faith.

I have also had the privilege of  forming a leadership development group in my church called Roots.  The focus and intention of Roots, is to equip men to equip others. (2 Tim 2:2). By focusing on discipling MEN, you create a catalyst of change within the Family, which subsequently revives the COMMUNITY that harbor them.

I have been so blessed with the experience and tools God has equipped me with to fulfill this Calling placed on my life. Even to the extent of being recently engaged to a beautiful woman, in which I will be able to share community with in the home.

MY entire being is wrapped into this..
It’s who God made me.. It’s why I’m here.. & It’s what I’m all about.

“For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die..”
Philippians 1:20

As I read and reflect on the words of Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit..I am convicted of Pauls captivity..  Not the physical chains and imprisonment he suffered.. but his sole & devout affection for the Heart of Christ.

A heart held captive by the depth of love and mercy that pour uninhibitedly.. To be utterly consumed and captured up to the point of complete and perfect submission..

And from Paul’s ransomed heart, lies a strength of divine and complete authority.. His words, are no longer his own.. His actions, bear fruit of one much greater than he.. His thoughts, take heed to an all knowing King..His courage, bold and reckless.. Nothing will stop him, not even death..

Below is a visionary template for a leadership developmental process
that will be implemented in the local church.

Vision:

To develop people in our church to become agents of change that impact our surrounding community by boldly and innovatively sharing God’s love.

Mission:

The focus of this ministry is to cultivate the character and leadership abilities of individuals to reflect the heart of Christ.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Through the teaching of God’s word and communion with one another, the relationships forged will cultivate a catalyst for spiritual growth that will spur on the body of believers.

How:

Commitment to meeting regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) will be required and must be a priority for each individual.

Each meeting will be characterized by a time of teaching from God’s word in various formats (such as video, devotional, reading, etc.) along with time for building relationship (through sharing, testimonials, praying, etc.)

Individuals will be expected to engage the body of believers through a form of ministry or outreach (small groups, welcome center, soup kitchen, etc.) empowered by the outpouring of Christ love administered through us.

Mentor relationships must be sought by each individual. Corporate meetings are intended to foster mentorship, not to be the suffice for it.

Personal growth is emphasized through daily reading of the Word, and times of prayer.

Unity is an essential factor to the Kingdom of God. Attendance of 1PRAYER meetings is required in order to be apart of and network with other believers to fulfill God’s complete vision for our local community