August 26, 2013 - 5-Second Rule

What is God calling you to do today? I have spent the summer preaching and teaching on the commission to missions that Christ gave us. I have over and over discussed the fact that believers should follow the game plan of sharing the Gospel (Mark 16:15) and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) as laid out in Acts 1:8 (sharing locally, nationally, and internationally.) I have shared that I cannot tell people where they should give or serve; but I can dogmatically tell people that God has called them to be givers and doers. (James 1:22) I even wrote about this idea here in our weekly blog (July 22, 2013 – Manifest Destiny.) Basically I have tried to “put the ball in each believer’s court.”

So the question is: why write about it again? Simply put, I have dealt with too many talkers and too few doers. I have a unique perspective since I not only share in churches but also direct a support based ministry. I regularly hear of people’s plans to give or to serve; and I regularly find myself waiting and wondering if they are going to act upon those promises. I regularly hear believers talk of their plans to do great things for the Lord, only to come up with excuses for inactivity.

In basketball once the ball is in your hands there is a 5-second rule, instituted to keep a continuous flow to the game. Basically you only have 5-seconds once the ball is in your hands to create some action (either taking the ball out or when closely guarded) by moving the basketball.

So back to the initial question: what is God calling you to do today? The “ball is in your court.” I will tell you something I tell my own kids: “Delayed obedience is disobedience!” It is time to do something with “the ball”!

James 4:17 Therefore, to him that knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Here is an added bonus from Clay Burden (InBounds Ambassador) who is leaving for the Dominican Republic tomorrow: “’Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Thank you Brad Hamersley For the verse this morning! I truly believe that God called me to the Dominican so like the verse said I need to "be strong and courageous". Thank you everyone for the support and prayers! My prayer today is that someone is debating on doing something bold for The Lord and sees this verse!! Be strong everyone and know god is with you!”