One of the gals I discipled, the amazing Jeni Dillingham, once shared with me that she wanted to have “impact on the world” not just “leave an imprint”. I love this phrase! It is so easy for us in our Western culture to let our Christian jewelry, religious lingo, and church culture communicate our faith. Why is our potential impact only an imprint? Because we fail to see the need our culture has-authentic love. As believers, we possess the deep love of Jesus. This love is a gift to hoard or to share. Can you imagine what would happen if every drive-thru attendant sensed the love of Christ through us? We are in an age where kindness can’t be assumed. As the world grows darker, people hearts become colder. The greatest ministry you may have can start by saying “THANK YOU” to those who serve you in the medical profession, in the educational arena and at the grocery store. They will say “Why are you so kind?” Then, you get to tell them about the God of Kindness-the Original Initiator. Lord, help us to have deep impact over soft imprint! We want to reflect You! Tristie Fisher, 2015
In my time today looking at I Corinthians 13: 4-8….the magnitude of the verse impacted me. WHEN I LEAVE THE ROOM, DO THEY FEEl LOVED? The people who have influenced me the deepest are those led me in the context of love. WHEN I ENJOY SPIRITUAL VICTORY, THEY REJOICE WITH ME BECAUSE THEY LOVE ME. WHEN I STRUGGLE, THEY ENDURE & ENCOURAGE BECAUSE THEY LOVE ME. THEIR SURE LOVE EMPOWERS ME!
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There are times when I am called to lead….my children, sometimes younger women. But, throughout my life every day I am always COMMANDED to love. I can embrace my call to love my spouse and children actively, to love my extended family fully, and to my friends faithfully. I demonstrate what I have been given by loving acquaintances boldly for His sake.
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My prayer is that as I order my life, I start with asking myself compelling questions…
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.Do the people I am connected with feel loved?Is there a deep compassion flowing in my heart for those I work with? Does my “daily” life demonstrate to those I encounter a caring Savior living through me?
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If I say “maybe”, then I must sit at His feet and rearrange my heart. He delights to use this greatest gift….the MOST POWERFUL INFLUENCE OF LOVE in the lives of all people….including me.
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Lastly, I am convinced the ministry for CHRIST in this world extends beyond our churches, families, and friends. ACTIVELY LOVE (BETTER WORD: INITIATE!) WITH THE GAL WORKING AT THE GROCERY STORE WITH A GREETING AND “HOW ARE YOU?”. INITIATE WITH THE SERVER AT THE RESTAURANT BY ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT HIM! YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE THE “MINISTRY” I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE HAVE WITH THESE REFLECTIONS OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD. CHRISTIANS CARE ABOUT PEOPLE.
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“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous, love does not brag, and is not arrogant, does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account wrong suffered. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”Love never fails.”