But here's the thing: shouldn't we always be on a mission trip?" I am so excited for my mission trip. I have just under 4 weeks left, and I don't go a day without thinking about it. I have been blessed to have received both financial and prayer support from people like you, who are reading this right now. I am so fortunate to have the resources, the time, and the ability to go out and spread the Gospel to the Philippines. I will never take for granted the amazing community I live in either, who have supported me. But I realized I forgot something. I forgot something big. In the midst of my excitement and anticipation towards my big trip across the globe, I have forgotten to put 100% of my effort and focus into my mission now. What do I mean, "now?" Everyday of our lives, we have interactions with people. Whether it is with co-workers at work, peers at school, or family members at home, you are pretty much guaranteed to interact with at least one other person everyday. (If you don't, then I am sorry for you haha). While it is a blessing to be able to travel the world and share Christ's love with people from a different culture, we are called to reach out to everyone we know. I caught myself focusing too much on my future mission trip, and forgetting about the time God has given me now, right in this moment. In the midst of my excitement and anticipation towards my big trip across the globe, I have forgotten to put 100% of my effort and focus into my mission now." It is also worth mentioning that in order to be an effective disciple, you do not have to travel. Some people are not called to go serve in a far away country. But everyone is called to love others as themselves, and spread the Good News of Jesus no matter where you are. We all know people in our lives that don't know what Jesus has done, don't believe, or just don't really understand. And if you don't know someone like that, then you aren't branching out enough. These people need to hear the message just as much as the people who live across the world. It has become the norm for people to come back from mission trips from all around the world with a "spiritual high" that lasts for about a week, and then fades. But here's the thing: shouldn't we always be on a mission trip? Why does it take traveling the world to spark urgency in sharing the Gospel? If we truly believe what the Bible teaches, we should have the mentality that our mission field is everyone we come in contact with. So as I continue to prepare for my trip, I will focus on being a warrior for Christ now. I won't wait until my trip to the Philippines. I will live in the moment and take advantage of the time and opportunities I have now. And I challenge those who are followers of Jesus to join me. Join me as we make a difference for God's kingdom everywhere we go, whether it be in Johnston or the Philippines.
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Just the other day I was listening to a song on the radio called "Words" by Hawk Nelson. As I was listening, I heard a phrase that stuck with me and made me think. The lyrical phrase was "Words can build you up, words can bring you down. Start a fire in your heart, or put it out." This song has a Christian spin on it, but I think the message of the power of words applies to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
The power of words is astronomical. Ironically, there are no words to describe the impact they have on us. With this in mind, I was challenged by this song to always think about what kind of words are coming out of my mouth. No, I don't mean swear words. While obviously that is something I try to avoid, I am referring to something much deeper than that. Do people feel encouraged every time I speak? Am I helping to make the world a better place with the words I say? Am I building people up, or am I bringing people down? These questions are tough. Let's not be naïve... everyone at one point in their lives has used words in a harmful way. If we are brutally honest, we probably have used words in a way that we know we shouldn't every single day of our lives that we have known how to talk. And sometimes it isn't intentional. A sarcastic comment to someone could unknowingly ruin someone's day. The world is a dark place for many people; we never know what people are going through. While you can't control what is happening in their lives, you can control what you say to them. Words are the primary means of communication. We have the power to improve someone's day with a simple compliment, or we have the power to ultimately destroy someone's day with a snarky or rude comment. I have never been able to figure out what someone gains through saying rude things to others. Is it a twisted confidence issue, where tearing someone down somehow makes them feel better? Is it a humor thing, where it is somehow funny to be mean? I just don't get it. It's important to keep in mind the necessity for words and actions to align. Without such consistency, words mean absolutely nothing. I can only hope that I live out my beliefs. I can only hope my actions meet what I preach. Although it is unrealistic to say that I will never offend anyone or never say anything that makes someone mad, it is however a realistic goal to be a light to a dark world through the usage of positive and encouraging words. While the truth can hurt, and the content of what you are saying may offend others, the way you go about delivering your message should always be done with love. So here we go. I have decided to keep a blog about my journey to the Philippines. Hopefully I will have internet access while on my trip- if not, I will be sure to update this when I get back. I leave July 23rd and will arrive back August 1st! Check back for more... who knows, I might end up continuing to use this when I get back!
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Marcus MillerHello! Thank you for checking out my blog. I graduated from Johnston High School in Iowa back in 2015, and am attending the University of Iowa, where I am studying political science and ethics and public policy. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Archives
May 2018
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