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I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how every decision we make affects not only ourselves but others.

It seems I spend much time in the book of Jeremiah and found in chapter 6 verse 16 is this statement in the Message translation made by men and women, just like us! “…Nothing doing. We aren’t going that way.” This was their response to God speaking to them and leading down a path that would have blessed them, and those that would later come yet the chose not to obey Him.

While reading this portion of scripture over and over in different translations I began to think about how their decision not only affected them but also those around them and for those to come. Every decision we face needs to be bathed in prayer and we must consider how it will affect those closest to us as well as those that we are connected to.

While ministring to bible school students recently the phrase, “remember that your decisions affect more than just yourself” came out. My oldest daughter was sitting in the class and afterwards during Q and A, a student asked her how my family and ministry decisions had affected her life and that of her sister (whom many of them know). Right there it struck me that the phrase was just as much for me as for the students!

Our life and ministry decisions will affect others. From who we marry, where we live, what school we attend, what job we take to what church we attend and area’s of ministry to participate in, they all affect others.

Every major life decision should be considered from others point of view as well as our own. We affect other lives and destinies, some knowingly others that only God knows. So as we seek God for answers and life’s direction know that the decisions we make and follow through on are affecting others still to come!

Yesterday I was honored to share with the students during their weekly chapel service! It was incredible to see dozens of young people on their faces during worship going after God.

The leadership had asked me to share from my heart and past experiences, so with Amanda in tow we went for it. I shared a simple message on how to hear the voice of God from Jer. 6:16 and some of our family adventures from other parts of the globe.

If you are interested in learning more about the School of Ministry check out this link www.healingplacechurch.org/schoolofministry

Ps. 56:9 (NKJV) states, “…this I know, because God is for me”. Both the Message and New Living translation put it this way, “God is on my side!”

It’s good to remind ourselves that He is on our side and that He has our best interest at heart. I believe He cares for us more that we realize many times.

So start out 2012 by reminding yourself that God is on your side!, and then expect GREAT things ahead!!!

1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

Another version says it this way, “…And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.”

Many times we look for the spectacular or the shock and awe of God and all the while He is gently leading us with a whisper or a gentle nudge from behind to continue on the path that He has laid out for us.

Today, take time to listen to the gentle whisper of God as He desires to lead us today and everyday closer to Him!

Matthew is a friend of HPC and this made me think…

My Idea: Occupy All Streets

Posted on October 19, 2011 by PastorMatthewBarnett
Americans are experiencing anger and frustration over a government system that has let them down. Occupy Wall Street and The Tea Party both have their opinions about what is wrong with America. I have no perspective on this except to add a challenge to the church.

THIS IS THE CHANCE FOR THE CHURCH TO OCCUPY ALL STREETS.

When bickering arises in America it’s time for the church to quietly begin investing into every street in America and to turn loose the largest volunteer army in the country – the church.

We need to occupy our communities with practical solutions, innovative ideas, and an infusion of resources to show the world that the churches greatest hour is when the world needs us the most. We can literally make a mark in the housing market, unemployment, and poverty.

Candidates from both parties, in the upcoming elections, need to see our impact so strongly that they start referencing churches and their proactive plans in their stump speeches.

Occupying all streets would position the church to start a revolution of social transformation that can rewrite history. The type of transformation that combines acts of service and community investment but always with a strong message of Jesus being the real source of change.

This is the churches moment to shine IN OUR OWN BACKYARDS. I totally understand the anger from every side of the political battle. Our political system has failed us repeatedly.

But in the midst of this time of such anger, just maybe we can OCCUPY ALL STREETS with practical service and undying compassion that, underneath the surface of this bitter climate, could just be the turning of the tide this country has been waiting for.