"Good News!"

"but the angel said to them, 'do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10)


what GREAT news that after years of waiting, God had chosen this time to deliver His people through HIS SON, the Savior. why would you NOT share this JOY?


"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for WOE IS ME if I do not preach the gospel." (1 corinthians 9:16)


Paul has got it right. We are under compulsion to preach the gospel. It is our duty to preach the gospel. It is nothing to brag about--because all believers are expected to share the good news! Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. Ouch. 


This has been panging my heart recently. Father, forgive my mouth...forgive me of the godless chatter I have participated in more frequently than sharing Your Name. 


The body of Christ needs help in this area. The people around us need the gospel desperately. and we desperately need the Holy Spirit to help us. 


the Lord is cultivating a desire in my heart to apply for the IMB's Journeyman program in the fall--but I do not deserve to go if I cannot share my faith and His good news daily! Lord, give me grace and mercy...stir up this passion continuously and fling open doors around me to share Your Good News that brings great JOY.

endurance

this post is dedicated to the most love-hate relationship i have in my life right now:

running. 

a glimpse into my childhood would show little to no activity, no sports and very little playing outside. what can I say? it took a while for my adventurous side to come out. 

anywho. this led to a very unhealthy mary kathryn. unhealthy, yet satisfied with the way I was. 

so, this semester I decided to change that. running, or attempting to run has taught me so much about myself and definitely increased my intimacy with Christ! (sweet deal, huh). 

I dread it so, so much because my body physically is not used to it. But, when I go and I listen to uplifting, edifying music... I am always rewarded and reminded of Him giving me the strength to do it. I'm currently doing the "Couch to 5K" plan and I'm enjoying it. I like having someone tell me when to run, when to walk, when I'm half way and when my workout is complete! 

One thing I've learned about myself is  my fear of failure. Especially since the little voice in my headphones tells me when to run and when to walk, I'm scared I won't be able to run the entire time. I think God is teaching me that it's okay to not be perfect or maybe excel as much as I want. He is using this to teach me endurance...definitely physical endurance but also a spiritual endurance. I'm in this thing for the long run. (no pun intended.) 

:)