| It's Not About You
(Adapted from a message given at VCF Livonia NY, July 11, 1999)
As we were preparing to come to the States for this trip, and praying about what to share with the churches we would visit, I heard the still small voice of the Lord saying to me: "It's not about you." This is what I think He meant.
First and foremost, we are to exalt His name. We are called to worship Him. That is our life's goal, as it is the goal of every Christian. Our life, our ministry, our trip here is about Him. We as God's creation are called to be in relationship to Him. We are called to become sons and daughters. We were all created to receive His love and to love Him in return. This is eternal life (John 14:6).
Next, we are also here to encourage you and as the Lord permits, to communicate some grace to you. It's about His Church. (Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.).
We are here to remind Churches and individual Christians of how much they have received and therefore of how much they have to give. We often feel poor, weak and inadequate when we see the wealth and gifting of others and the tremendous needs around us. Our natural tendency when confronted with these situations is to either hide or hoard our resources. Remember, however, that we are accountable to God for the talents (time, energy and money) he has entrusted to us. Individually, as Christians, we are all called to be disciples; we are all to be priests. This means that every Christian needs to be equipped, trained and released to minister. Remember also that the results are in His hands. However inadequate we may feel, when we put what we've got at God's disposition, He multiplies it (loaves and fishes?). We need to believe this. We were created to give and we've been gifted to give. We want to encourage all Christians to step out and use the gifts that they have received effectively. And again, God is glorified when we do so.
Finally, we are here because of all those that God loves, but who have not yet heard the call to worship, the Gospel, so have not yet had the opportunity to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior in order to enter into a living and loving relationship with Him. It's about them, the lost: men, women and children He loves. We are here to remind the Church in America of their mission to take the Gospel of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth. The Lord's intention is for us to be very fruitful, and once again, the glory is His (John
15)
We believe that in order to see the Kingdom of God come here on earth, All Christians are to pray, All are to Give, All are to go. It starts by going to our family, friends and neighbors. There's been a lot written about the "10-40 window" in mission's circles these last few years. However, the first question you need to ask yourself is: "Who is outside my window?" This needs to be a part of our daily lives. Then, in addition, some are called to go further, for various lengths of time. They personally need to obey God's call, and they need to be sent out and backed up by the Church (Romans 10:13-15).
We pray that today (and each and every day) you will hear The Call of God and understand that it's not about you, but that you too are here because it's about Him, His Church and the Lost!
Sandy, for Alan, Justin, Thomas, Elyssa and Leah
Alan and Sandy Gage
Terrasses de La Baie des Anges
Immeuble La Galiote
39 Avenue Aime Martin
06200 Nice FRANCE
E-mail: alsangage@aol.com
or alan.gage@go-forth.net
Administration E-mail at admin@go-forth.net
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