Focus for 2011

Is Jesus worth abandoning everything for? That is my focus question for 2011. I may say yes, but what about my actions? As I was studying recently, I began thinking about my grandchildren (imagine that). I began to compare their situation with children around the world.

Hunger –Hannah, Caleb, and Noelle will never go to bed hungry. Around the world, 850 million children go to bed hungry every night.

Child Mortality—It is unlikely that Hannah, Caleb, or Noelle will experience the pain of losing a brother or sister before they reach elementary school. Worldwide, eleven million children die each year before reaching their fifth birthday.

Drinking Water—Hannah, Caleb, and Noelle can drink water from one of the four sinks in their home without any issues related to their health. Twenty percent of the world has no access to clean water.

Health Care—Hannah, Caleb, and Noelle dislike the pain of routine shots. This year, 10 million deaths will occur from the four most common preventable diseases: diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, malaria, and measles. In many cases, one simple shot could save a life.

There are many other sobering statistics that I do not have room to share. We can also look directly around us and see great need. Conditions in the world (both physical and spiritual) will require a RADICAL response by the church.

From the words of David Platt, author of the book RADICAL:
We have a Master who demands radical obedience...
...a mission that warrants radical urgency
...and we do not have time to waste!

If we are going to live for the 4.5 billion lost people and thousands of children who are dying everyday because they don’t have food on their table –then that means a radical change in our lives, in our families, in our church. CHURCH, we are plan A and there is no plan B!

Jesus is Worth Abandoning Everything For,

CRAIG