Let it burn

Let it Burn...

No, not the Usher Song, but the fire of God inside you.

As I was having my quiet time with the Lord, the Holy Spirit kept whispering the phrase to me. 'Let it burn Obioma, let it burn.'
What do you think of when you see the word burn? Most of us think of fire, or a flame.
To burn is defined as 'to  flame or glow while consuming' according to Google.

I asked God what do you mean by burn, you want me to flame while consuming... That's rather abstract Lord. How many of you know God speaks in abstract terms sometimes and its up to us to pray for the revelation to understand? So I pulled out my bible concordance and looked up all the scriptural references to burn, clarity began. Then I looked up fire, the lightbulb was officially lit.

Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

How often do we really mediate on that scripture, or that concept. The Lord we serve is described in our human words as a fire, one that engulfs and uses everything around.

God's fire is inside of each of us and he wants to use us.

We read Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We've created Christian clichés around this verse. We encourage each other to be a light and to shine bright, but do we really understand the depth of what God is asking of us? Roman's 12:11 tells us there is a fire inside of us. That fire is the holy and living God and He is not simply satisfied with you exposing your flame for mere warmth.

God is a consuming fire...he wants to totally engulf, and use you and everyone who gets in contact with you for his glory. Fear confines your fire to a flame, one that burns when exposed. But faith, faith makes your flame a consuming fire.

Are you letting God use you?  Or are you simply satisfied with being a candle flame, good for warmth but not destructive, not engulfing, not consuming.

A relationship with Christ should radicalize your life. Every area of you should be consumed and engulfed by Him and Him alone. No longer should we compartmentalize our relationship with Christ to what is convenient. The truth is, if you claim to have the fire of God on the inside of you, He should be using you in everyway for his glory and for his glory alone.

No, not everyone is called to formal ministry and often times we think that is the only way to be totally used by God. That's a lie. God created each of us with unique talents, gifting and desires because he wants to be glorified everywhere, not just confined to the four walls of the church.

Ultimately the Lord wants you to: Let it Burn.
no excuses.

all my love,
Obioma

Cota Missions 2017. Attempting to be used by God

Love & settling..

 

I've always been passionate about love and expecting the best from God. My latest youtube video is all about why you can't afford to settle for less than God's best.

Watch. Subscribe.

Everyone needs to go on a missions trip

My first missions trip was at the age of 15. I went to Hollywood, California. I went with my church at the time. The trip was less than $1000 dollars and it was a brand new experience for my teenage brain. As an immigrant, I knew that it was necessary to have a global gospel because my relationship with Christ is a direct result of a missionary.
I also knew I wasn't called to be a full time missionary, but I wanted to spread the gospel even at that young age. So I ventured out with my church group, we were a bunch of teenagers with Jesus on the brain, and a desire to make an impact in the world. 
That's all God required.

Just arrived in Haiti, May 2015

Often times people think that they have to be at a perfect place in their lives before choosing to spread the gospel.
Or they think that a missions trip has to be to to an international destination.
Both of those assumptions are myths.

James 1:27 says "²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

This verse in its simplest sense means that as long as our heart is to visit those in need, and we are actively pursuing purity, We're doing it right. We're doing the whole missions trip thing right.

When I went to Hollywood, California I had just gotten in trouble with my mom for having my first boyfriend (I know, the horror!). But I was also repentant for my actions and I believe the Lord honored that. 
The coolest part of the whole experience was being in a live drama called 'Everything'. The drama essentially plays out the story of a woman who faces the demons of life: alcohol, lust, materialism and even suicide only to be rescued by Jesus in the end.
It was so moving to perform for people  and to watch them wholeheartedly see the love God  and ultimately for them to give their hearts to Christ.

I've been to Guatemala city, Guatemala Cape Haitian Haiti and Trinidad to date.

Exploring ancient ruins in cape Haitian

Each missions trip has been a different experience, in some God used me to talk to people and in others he used people to talk to me.
I was out of my element for a week at a time, and I had to be radical about my faith. It was freeing to not be worried about what anyone thought of me, because I had a singular mission: to spread the gospel.
I know that my missions trips have helped me become as passionate about God as I am today. I've had practice being unashamed about Christ. 

Performing the 'Everything' Drama with my mission mates at a Trinidadian church

This year I'm excited to go to Cota, Colombia to preach the gospel and to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I'm excited to have a new appreciation for Christ and to meet people who will stir my faith.

If you're debating taking a missions trip or questioning why you should/need to, consider this:

'Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of God.' 

Your decision to spread the word of God is the direct seed to someone's faith.
ultimately, it's not about YOU.
Remember that.

Some practical  ways to get involved in missions:

1. Check out your local church. Often churchs plan missions trips for different member groups (this usually depends on how large your church is)  
2. Search around for organizations that host missions trips that have a gospel centered message. I hesitate to recommend any because I've never used one. But I've heard great things about organizations like 'Go to Nations'
3. Plan your own trip (this is probably the most daunting option, but worth the effort if done right.) If you're doing this, I'd love to help! 
4. Donate to a missionary, help someone else go if you can't. The beautiful thing about money is that it can go everywhere we can't!

My trip to Cota , Colombia will be with the Church of God denomination. The trip is a week long. While there we'll be helping with local orphanages, doing manual and agricultural work and of course evangelizing. 

If you would like to contribute to the cause, feel free to donate to my trip Here

 Remember, ultimately, it's not about you, nor me. 

It's about someone  who needs to hear the good news we have to share!

All my love,
Obioma