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Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. —Galatians 6:6

Yes, there are those who take advantage of God's flock and misuse God's money. This is tragic because many of God's servants of the Word all over the world minister with few economic resources or financial support. While God never promised ministers of the Word economic wealth, he does remind us of the importance of caring for them. Let's use this week as a time that we make sure those who share God's word with us are supported in ways that enables God's ministry through them. Let's also remember that sharing "all good things" means much more than money! Let's keep our missionaries, our ministers, and our teachers in our prayers. Let's commit to send them regular notes of specific encouragement so their ministry will be a blessing not only to us and the Lord, but also to them!

(If you would like to send a letter of encouragement to CS leaders, email info(at)ChristianSkaters(dot)com and we will forward it out to them....100% of our leaders volunteer and/or raise their own support, most are working multiple jobs so that they can support families and lead. The are on the front lines of a ministry that is sometimes not understood by normal church leaders. Some are serving in countries where sharing their faith could lead to persecution . So, we are so thankful for your ongoing prayers, encouragement and support.)

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. —Ephesians 4:15

Truthful words are accurate. Words spoken in love can be a blessing. But truth spoken in love is redemptive: this kind of speech blesses those hear it and matures those who speak it. While speaking the truth in love is often not easy, it's worth it! Look at God and see how painful it was to speak his Word in love by sending Jesus. But in the process of that one sacrificial Word, he has saved us and revealed his heart of grace, mercy, and love.

(Skater: Josh Harmony - Photo: Erick Cole)

Sounds like the words to some modern love song, doesn't it: "Your love is better than life." Well, it is a love song; it's just not modern. While in the desert, David spoke of his longing for the LORD. He recognized that life would be worthless if he had to live it without the love of God. When is the last time you've told God you loved him? When was the last time you sang a love song to Jesus? No matter how long or short that time has been, today is THE perfect time to let God know how precious his mercy is to you, how liberating his grace is for you, and how his love is more important to you than life itself.

(Skater @indraleonardo Photo Agus H)

Isn't it amazing how many people claim God is on their side. God has been "claimed" by those seeking to enforce slavery, practice prejudice, lie, bribe officials, practice hypocrisy, force injustice on the powerless, and practice "ethnic cleansing." But God makes the test pretty simple: do what is good, seek after the good, or you're not related to me! In the words of the prophet Amos, that meant equity for all peoples in court, in the marketplace, and in the place of worship. If we're claiming God is on our side, then we'd better draw close to the side of God, the side of good, justice, and mercy as God defines them!

(Skater: Matt Orona @koopa_kid Photo: @jacob_sloan1 - @callingallskatersofficial ‪#‎callingallskaters‬)

Are you a "God-seeker"? Through much of history, especially when things are going well or in times of great wickedness, God has not found many who seek after him. But he's looking! He's searching! It matters to him! Just as God walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day before sin destroyed their relationship, God longs to walk with us. But he's looking for those whose hearts are yearning for his presence in their lives. So let's yearn!

He doesn't waver! Isn't that comforting? God is consistent and in his consistency, he gives good gifts. He created the world in all its majesty and gave it to us to use. When sin strangled life, God gave us the promise and executed it through Abraham and the Israelites. When death claimed us, he gave us Jesus, crucified and resurrected, to give us the assurance of our victory over sin and death. There is no shadow in that brilliant light and we are assured that light will keep on shining!

(Skater: Drew Fraser, Ardent Skatepark / Photo: @clay_91)

While there are many talented and successful believers in the world today, they are merely vessels for God's message of grace, hope, and power. Our focus should never be on the container for the message. Instead, what is most important is the integrity of the messenger no matter the situation, so that the message can be seen without distraction. God's power is what sustains us, not our own, we are simply a vessel, a tool, in the hands of the Lord.

Acts 4:31

Prayer changes us. Prayer calls on God to change circumstances. Prayer is powerful. Prayer brings revival. Prayer transforms God's people and brings about salvation. Prayer makes us bold for the Lord. So why do we find it so hard to find time to pray? (Photo: Christian Skaters Brasil )