In God We Trust: Go Global

In Mark 13:32-37, Jesus uses an illustration to make a great point about how we should approach life: live every day as if Jesus was going to show up for dinner. Do your best; do the right thing; be Jesus to people wherever you go.

This approach through life not only blesses God, it is the Way that leads to the greatest life possible.

We've been looking at what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly over the past few weeks, and especially talking about our relationship with our stuff. Here's a brief recap in case you missed a week:

1. We live in a consumer driven culture where the economy is King, which means to live with balance will be difficult when faced with an unrelenting call to buy, buy buy!
2. We learned from some of our own who prevailed through the Great Depression that simplicity and good stewardship works, and works for everybody.
3. We learned that we have been given much to manage, but don't really own anything. We have the opportunity to do great things if we apply sound principles to our lives and livelihood.
4. We learned also that we there is a connection between our heart and our primary focus in life. If you're all about your money and personal wealth, there's not much room for God - don't expect a vibrant life. But if we make God first, amazing things happen.
5. We learned that the Way of Christ is whole-life, not just a Sunday thing. We're called to total devotion - it's what Jesus said would led to great life.
6. We learned that it's possible to be generous even if we feel impoverished, and that the result is joy.
7. We heard a story of six CrossWalkers who vacationed together in Cabo. They were confronted with an abundance of Tuna, and instead of thinking selfishly, worked to get it to a local orphanage that we will hopefully be able to continually support. They had ears to hear the Spirit's prompting because their lives are fully devoted to Christ.
8. When we get it right, we not only experience personal and community blessing, but we get to be a part of changing the world in places like Nairobi, Tijuana, Cabo, and who knows where else?

I want to challenge you to fully embrace the great gift of life to which Christ invites you. If you are a pew potato, get in the game! Get your house in order! Get your devotional life started. Get involved in some sort of ministry. Give some time and energy toward a mission of some sort. Connect with other CrossWalkers so that you can help each grow in Christ.

And in terms of finances: make a plan to budget your way to the tithe. You may not be able to do this right away, but in time you can. It feels so great, and it makes such a difference. We do a lot as a church right now. Imagine what impact we could have if we had the resources to do more!

I also want to challenge you to give just a little extra - $10, $20, $30, $50 per month - toward missions in which CrossWalk is deeply invested. CrossWalk gives a trickle amount to a number of missions, but the ones we frequently support with money, time, and trips are funded solely by over-the-top giving. Furaha needs $1,100 a month for the lunches to continue. Coats for Kids is expanding to assist Napa's poorest kids reach their potential. Deborah's House graduates a handful of women every Spring -out of abuse, and into new life - we can help them and their children get a good restart on life. Now the orphans in Cabo are on our radar. The good news is that if we all just kick in a little extra, we can continue doing these great things and more.

Thanks for being a great church, and for taking your walk with Jesus seriously and with a positive attitude. Christ is cool, fun, and is a kick in the pants to follow!