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I'm Not Equipped

Last night in youth group my pastor spoke on something that I really took to heart.
We read through Acts chapter 9, studying how Saul was transformed by the power of God from a hypocritical Pharisee to Paul, a God fearing man on fire for the Lord.  I love verse 15:

"But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel."

Notice God calls Paul His "chosen instrument", this means that God hand picked Paul to be a vessel in serving God to "proclaim [His] name".  We too are chosen instruments in God's kingdom, called to bring glory to His name!  

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and  of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." Matthew 28:19-20

Those of us who go to churches where evangelizing is encouraged hear God's calling on our hearts to tell our friends, family, neighbors and others we come in contact with about the amazing work God has done in our lives.  We know we are called to witness but why do we feel so afraid?  

~Maybe you're afraid of what your friends will think of you once they know your heart

~Maybe you think that your family will think less of you when they know that your ultimate priority is to glorify God, even before them

~Maybe you feel that you don't have much to offer God, you feel like you're not prepared, not educated enough, and not equipped. 

Let me share with you two of my favorite "go-to" verses:

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4

"And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you." Romans 8:11 (I encourage you to continue reading the chapter!)

We most likely are NOT educated enough, NOT quick with our words and NOT able to explain ourselves well, but with God's power in us we have the ability to move mountains and even bring a soul to know the saving grace and amazing love of Jesus Christ!  

Homecoming!

What a fun time my church friends and I had at homecoming this weekend! I enjoyed editing these pictures today and adding clouds effects:)