"Imitate Me"

Do you sometimes wish you had a mentor - a spiritual mom or dad who could help you navigate your Christian life? Are you a new believer yearning to serve God but not sure what that looks like? Are you, like me, a longtime believer and still feel like you need a mama and a papa?

Paul fathered many churches. In the days before internet, phones, mail service, and airplanes, it was difficult for his “children” to have access to this man they so depended on to teach them truth and bring them life, love, direction, and hope. But Paul surrounded himself with friends he had mentored who would travel with his letters to the churches he fathered to bring his words of encouragement and instruction.

With what he had at his disposal - a pen, a paper, and a scribe, Paul revealed his heart, his character, and his wisdom from the Lord. In words full of revelation and humility, he assured his readers then and now that the gospel was more than mere words and knowledge. The gospel was the very power of God and would only be understood and received when demonstrated. God anointed Paul’s letters with spiritual wisdom, and Paul and his friends demonstrated this kingdom of power whenever they were among the people. There was healing, deliverance, people were set free, and the enemy was defeated.

“Imitate me," he taught. Who in your world could you imitate? Who in your world might imitate you? Like a baby learns to walk by watching his siblings… or drive a toy truck by watching his dad...we learn by imitating those who have learned before us.  Find mothers and fathers. Be mothers and fathers. It's the way of the Kingdom of our good God.

Even though you have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:15,16

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power – 1 Corinthians 4:20

Spring Has Sprung...Looking to Life

When my children were growing up in our Gore Pass mountain home, we often were eager to find every first sign of Spring. When you live in an area where snow falls from October to May, even a brief, warm, interlude brings such joy and excitement.

So, as March turned into April, I would listen for the soft songs of the redwing blackbirds; venture outside in the sun to see if I could feel a warm breeze on my face; and follow the flight of Mountain Bluebirds as they came home to build their nests.

One sure sign of Spring were the Pasque Flowers that would pop up all over our yard, even through the snow. We always had a prize for the child who would find the first Pasque Flower.

Just like we search for signs of Spring, we also need to keep our eyes focused on the good in each day of our life. God’s desire for us is to think about the good and to ignore the bad.  Our life will deal some hard blows. It is part of being human in this world. But when we remember the One who conquered all and has our hand in His, we can be confident that we can rise above the mire. As we declare God’s goodness – giving our attention to His gifts of Spring and life – we defeat the plans of negativity the enemy uses to keep us down. It’s just like God to give us weapons of joy, laughter, and worship – easy for us but terrifying to the devil. God is so good!

I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. – Romans 16:19.

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