But what does that mean and why the switch? A friend of mine is a missionary and says under no circumstance would he ever describe himself as a Christian while on foreign soil. He says in many countries "Christian" is synonymous with America or Bush or Republican or even (in their eyes) terrorism. Describing himself as a "Follower of Jesus" at least gives him a fighting chance to share the gospel.

Here in this country, though, discarding "Christians" for "Followers of Christ" probably has less to do with persecution than it does with a genuine desire to distinguish oneself from the stereotype of the self-righteous, suit-wearing, King James thumping lump of clay taking up space in the Sunday morning pew. Plus, it's cooler to be a Follower of Christ. (http://www.thinkchristian.net/?p=960)

Now, this is not the first time we've felt the need to change our name. Remember the Jesus movement back in the 70s or the trend back in the 80s and 90s when churches did away with Baptist and Methodist in favor of "Community" church?

A little rebranding now and again is not such a bad thing. Of course the only people who really care about such semantic differences are church folk. People outside the walls don't think twice about what we call ourselves but they do want to know if Jesus is real. And that takes action not words. Doing away with a suit in favor of jeans and listening to U2 instead of singing hymns won't get you any closer to the abundant life. If you're really serious about calling yourself a Follower of Christ you might want to read up on exactly where Jesus is going.

What does it take to be a Follower of Christ? For starters, you must share his burden. The Bible says Jesus looked at those of his generation as "sheep without a shepherd." (Mk. 6:34) His mission was to "seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk. 19:10) and this is how he lived his life. He was constantly on the lookout to see how he could minister to others. He gave sight to the blind, food to the hungry, and hope to the hopeless. He didn't worry about his safety or his comfort. He trusted the Father for his daily bread and hit the road.

Jesus was also driven. His burden for others propelled him to go places most religious folk would never dream of. He socialized with lepers and hypocrites, prostitutes and outcasts. (Jn. 4:7-42) For his trouble the religious crowd called him a "gluttonous man and a drunkard" (Mt. 11:19). Jesus proved time and again if you wanted to follow him you had to go to some pretty uncomfortable places but that's exactly why he gave us his power and authority and said, "Go ye therefore." (Mt. 28:20)

Finally, a follower of Christ is obedient. When Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Lk. 9:23) he meant it as a warning. Following Christ is dangerous. It's messy. It's dirty. And it demands a tremendous amount of humility and courage to say, "Not my will but Thine be done." (Lk. 22:42) Are you prepared to pack up your belongings and 'go ye therefore' like Abraham? Are you ready to put your life on the line like Stephen? Would you sacrifice your status like Paul?

When Jesus said, "It's hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven" (Mt. 19:23) he was warning us that following Christ is a lot harder than you might think. Are you burdened for the lost? Are you driven to do whatever it takes to reach them? Will you be obedient even to the point of death? (Phil. 2:8) If not, you can call yourself whatever you want...but you're not a follower.

Matt Mosler is the author of Way Off Base. Contact him at matt@beautifulfeetministry.com

I know it's been a busy week but if you'll recall, last week I wrote about my trip up, down and around Pinnacle Mountain here in Little Rock and how my brisk pace was interrupted by the report of a snake on the trail ahead. I was hoping to get across the point that we can't let our fear of what we think might happen get in the way of accomplishing what God has called us to do. But I may have gotten carried away with my story. As a result I now have a catalogue of terrific yet terrifying snake stories!

I realize now, after re-reading last week's devotion that I inadvertently left out a very important detail about my journey around the mountain. In broadcasting parlance, "I buried the lead." That's because the detail I left out is one that makes all the difference in how many of us deal with the fear in our lives. I refer to it now as the tale of two hikers.

See, the first hiker I encountered was seated atop a rock warning me about the danger ahead. Now, I don't know if he encountered the snake himself and jumped on the rock in fear or if he heard someone else talking about the snake and climbed atop the rock for protection. In either case his warning that there was a snake on the trail "somewhere" up ahead did nothing but force me to imagine that every twig, root or falling branch would surely lead to my demise.

He planted a seed of fear in my heart that apparently found some pretty good soil. It didn't take long for that seed to grow and blossom and choke out any semblance of faith that I was walking in the protection of the Lord. I seriously wondered how I was going to make it back to my truck…until I encountered hiker number two.

This guy was cruising down the trail, headed right for me, at breakneck speed. He didn't have a care or worry in the world. There was no fear in his heart, only the desire to get where he was going. He wouldn't have stopped but I asked him if he ran across any snakes. He looked at me like I had food in my teeth, assured me the trail was clear and went on his way with confidence…as did I.

One minute I was paralyzed with fear, the next I was hoofing it down the trail. What made the difference? I chose to listen to someone who had walked the trail before me.

Fear is a real problem these days. And there is no shortage of people who feel it is their duty to drag you down to their level by feeding your fears. Misery loves company, you know.

That's why we must be extremely diligent to seek out those who have walked the trail before us, who know that while it might get rocky here and there, there is green grass at the end of journey. Now these folks aren't as easy to find as you might think. Don't be fooled by the color of their hair or their preferred parking space at work. And just because they're life-long members of your church doesn't mean they are calling upon the Lord with a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22) or pursuing the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).

Look for people with spiritual battle scars, people who have fought the fight and run the race, stepped out in faith and have the failures to prove it. Seek out those who don't play it safe. Those like the apostle Paul who had been beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned and left for dead (2 Cor. 11:23-33), Job who lost everything he had, or Peter, who nearly drowned trying to follow Christ (Matt. 14:30).

If you truly desire the embark on the journey God has chosen for you be careful not to listen too closely to those sitting on top of the rocks. Listen to, learn from and be encouraged by those covered in trail dust.

Matt Mosler is the author of Way Off Base.

Now, Pinnacle isn't a mountain in the strictest sense of the word. It's more like a very tall hill. From a distance it looks like a mini-volcano. In any case, here in Arkansas, we call it a mountain and hiking it makes an excellent training tool for our annual elk hunting trip to Colorado.

Each year our outdoor ministry, CrossHeirs, hosts a week-long elk hunt on Burnt Mountain in Colorado. It actually is a mountain. And it's a mountain that will literally bring you to your knees unless you take the time beforehand to get in better shape. I know, nothing can help you deal with the lack of oxygen at 10,000 feet but getting your legs, back and butt in climbing shape will certainly help…which brings me back to Pinnacle.

It's about a mile from the base to the top of Pinnacle but it's a very steep, rocky, climb if you approach it from the east side. Beats the heck out of a stair climber plus the scenery's better. The best workout comes when you climb as fast as you can up one side, carefully scale down the other side then jog the two miles around half of the base which brings you back to your truck. While Colorado may have the altitude Arkansas brings the heat and by the time you're done you'll be wrung out...but in much better shape.

I try to get up, over and around Pinnacle in an hour and to do that I have to be moving pretty quickly and I was the other day until I ran across another hiker. He was sitting high on a rock just off of the trail as I was sprinting by and he hollered, "Watch out for the copperhead" which immediately brought me to a halt

"The Copperhead?"

"Yeah, he was coiled up right in the middle of the trail about 50 or 60 yards up, right around that tree there.

I forgot all about the time, Colorado, getting in shape, my first name, even what I wanted for lunch. The only thing I could think about was that snake and when you're afraid everything in the woods looks like a snake. My pace ground to a halt as I gingerly scanned the trail ahead, dissecting every root to see if it was moving and wondering how I was ever going to make it back to my truck.

Right about then I saw another hiker running toward me from the other direction. He had those little ear buds in listening to music so he couldn't hear me warn him about the monster reptile he was about to encounter. But he never saw a thing. He just cruised right on down the trail without a care in the world. When he approached I asked him if he'd seen any snakes. He looked at me kind of strangely and said, "No, dude, nothing out there" as he passed me by.

It took a few steps but I gradually picked up my pace and as I did I began to reflect on just how quickly fear can paralyze the plans God has for us. The movie, Facing the Giants said "Fear Not" was used in the Bible 365 times. That's one-a-day! But a quick scan on Biblica.com only showed around 100 and BibleGateway.com listed 143 but some of those weren't the exact phrase. Now, I don't mean to quibble. It's just the reporter in me. Still, repeating any phrase over and over whether it's 365 or 100 should tell us something about just how important God thinks overcoming our fear is.

Fear is the polar opposite of faith. Once I heard the word "snake" I was more fearful I would get bit than I was faithful that God would protect me. While this might seem an extreme example I let fear win the battle over faith in far too many areas of my life when instead I should, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let (my) requests be made known to God." (Phil. 4:6)

By the way, I never did see that snake.

Matt Mosler is the author of Way Off Base. Buy it today at www.beautifulfeetministry.com

I had a great lunch the other day with a friend who thinks God is asking her to let go of the safety and security of home base and step into a life of ministry.  She knows she has the gifts.  She knows she has the passion.  She knows there’s a terrific need.  She’s just not so sure that little voice she’s hearing is really God.

So, how do you know? Well, Jesus says in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow me.” How can sheep, some of the dumbest critters on the planet, learn and discern their shepherd’s voice?  Simple, they hang around the guy 24-7.  They’re together day and night, rain or shine, through good times and bad.  Your shepherd never ceases to call your name.  If you want to follow him, perhaps it’s time for you to RSVP.

R-Read the Word The Bible is not just a guidebook filled with quaint philosophies. That word is“living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit!” (Heb. 4:12)  In other words, that book is alive.  It is relevant.  It is inspired.  And God will always back up those feelings and emotions you experience with his Word.   A few years back I felt God was urging me to take a new job but I wasn’t sure it was the right move.  So I went to his word.  Unfortunately at the time I happened to be reading through Chronicles.  Now, how on earth would God ever get through to me while I was reading, “And Ner became the father of Kish, and Kish became the father of Saul…” ( I Chron. 8:33) But you know something?  He did!  Jesus said,“These words are faithful and true” (Rev. 22:6) so if you want to get to the truth behind your emotions seek him out in his word!

S- Seek Wisdom The Bible says, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.” (Prov. 15:22)  Since followers of Christ today are "strangers and aliens" (Eph. 2:19) to the rest of the world we need the help and support of our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We live according to a different standard.  And living by that standard in this world demands that we surround ourselves with likeminded pursuers of the cross who know our job is to, “stimulate ONE ANOTHER to love and good deeds… and encouraging ONE ANOTHER…all the more as you see the day drawing near.”  (Heb. 10:19-25)

V- Voice Your Concern If the only time you bow your head is to ask God to bless your food then you’re robbing yourself of some really great quality time with the shepherd.  The Bible says in 2 Chron. 16:9 that, “The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He might strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” And how about this one, “You will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him will all your heart and soul.”(Deut. 4:29) God wants to hear from you.  He wants to know your cares and concerns.  So “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

P- Put It Into Practice The more time you spend with the Shepherd the clearer his voice will become.  But while you may be convinced that voice if from God you will never know for sure until you let go and follow him in faith.  As James says, “Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” (2:17)

The life you were created to live is being held in trust right there in the palm of His hand.  But in order to grab hold of that life, the life you’ve always wanted, you have to be willing to lose yours. (Mt. 10:39)  No one gets the abundant life, no one gets to that river of living water, and no one gets to those green pastures on their own terms.  In order to become the person God created you to be you have to let go…and follow Him.

Matt Mosler is the author of Way Off Base.

We will still begin at 11:45 and we’ll still be at Umps Grill and Pub in Dickey Stephens Park and you’ll still want to make plans to be there because this month our speaker will be Paul Vitale!

In just a few short years Paul has made quite a name for himself as an inspirational and motivational speaker. Paul’s clients include ESPN Outdoors, The US Postal Service, Southwest Airlines, the Washington Redskins, the Minnesota Vikings, Tyson Foods…and now the Little Rock Media Fellowship!

Paul’s message of affirmation has reached hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, and his expertise, energy and ability to encourage people to exceed their potential have been described by his audiences as extraordinary…but you’ll have to see for yourself!

So be sure to join us on Friday, August 27th at Umps Grill and Pub beginning at 11:45.

Trust me, mark your calendars and invite your friends this is something you won’t want to miss!

Matt-
Hey! I hope that you and your family are having a blessed weekend. I just had to email you and share this with you.

My oldest daughter is 17 and has been a child of God for 7 years. She has had a friend all through her years of going to school. They are best friends, and do everything and go everywhere together. Her father was killed about 4 years ago, and my ex husband and his new wife adopted her. (My daughters friend). She just turned 18, and has been going down the wrong road for a long time. Every Sunday, they ask her if she wants to go to church with them, and she says, no, that its not her "thing". So, they go on without her, but keep on praying for her anyway.

I told my daughter about your book, and she asked me if she could read it. Of course i let her borrow it, told her she could keep it if she wanted. She read it, and left it laying on the table in her room. Her friend started reading it, asking a million questions about everything in it. So, they called the pastor of the church that they go to, he went to her house last night, and her friend accepted Jesus as her Saviour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a life changing book my dear friend. This young lady has had 5 miscarriages in the past 2 years, and was really lost. But, now, she knows what it is like not to be lost any more. My daughter told me that she has stopped hanging out with the friends she had, dumped her boyfriend she has been going out with for 3 years, because he said all of this Jesus Stuff was freaking him out, and is going to church with them tomorrow. She is being baptized tomorrow morning.

I want to Thank You. If it means saving one lost soul just by passing the book along, then it's all worth it. I couldn't afford the donation that I made, and asked God how I was supposed to make ends meet if I did, but, he laid a heavy hand on my heart and said, it will be ok.

LOOK WHAT HE CAN DO! GOD BLESS YOU MATT!

Martha in Arkansas

See, I’ve read the story of the disciples walking on the water probably a couple hundred times now. But this afternoon something just about jumped off the pages for me.  It was at the end of the story after Jesus and Peter climb back into the boat after their little dance on the white caps.  The Bible says,“And when they got back into the boat the wind stopped.  And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘You are certainly God’s Son!’” (Mt. 14:33)

Really?  They’re just now getting that?  I mean, these guys have been following Jesus around for months now.  Didn’t they believe when they were first called?  No.  At least scripture doesn’t record that. (Matt 4:18, 9:9)

Didn’t they believe after they heard him teach or preach or heal or cast out a demon?  No.  What about when Jesus walked into a house and healed Peter’s own mother-in-law?  What about then?  No. (Mt. 8:14)

From what I can tell the disciples thought Jesus was pretty cool, amazing even.  I mean, the guy could turn water into wine.  (Jn. 2) He could captivate an audience.  (Mt. 5-7) He could heal lepers (Mt. 8:3), He could cast out demons (8:32), He could make the lame walk (Mt. 9:6), the blind see (Jn. 9), and the dead rise (Lk. 8:43). And the disciples witnessed it all. And still they didn’t really believe he was God’s son?  Apparently, not.

According to the Bible, the first time the disciples actually admitted that Jesus was the son of God, the Messiah, the chosen one, the Christ himself was when he personally came to them in a storm.

You know, it’s easy to say you believe God will feed the hungry, provide for the needy, be a friend to the friendless and the healer of broken bodies.  But can you really believe it until you’re the one starving, broke, slandered or riddled with cancer?

I asked Jesus into my heart when I was eight years old and through the years I have felt His presence and benefitted from His grace but I’m not sure I really believed he was who he said he was and that his word was true until I was in my mid-30s, in the midst of a severe storm and my faith was severely tested.  It was there in the darkness; humbled, on my knees and powerless that the person and the power of Christ became real to me.

I know it’s a scary place to be and most ‘believers’ want nothing more than to sing and praise and rejoice in His blessings.  But until we are willing to step away from our self-sufficiency, our pride and our wealth and in faith give God a chance to be God we will continue to settle for a cheap imitation of the life God created us to live.

Oh, there’s another element to this story I’d never really seen before.  Not only were the disciples in the midst of the storm but they were there for quite some time.  It was just after dinner when Jesus put the disciples into the boat and he didn’t come for them until the fourth watch of the night which was somewhere between 3 and 6:00 in the morning.  That means they were struggling in the midst of that storm for at least 8 to 10 hours.  That’s a long time to pray for deliverance.

The point is, the disciples saw Jesus do amazing things for others.  But it wasn’t until they were in the midst of the storm, themselves, fearing for their very lives, that they truly believed.

What about you?  You believe in God but do you truly believe God?  Do you believe he will provide your needs, heal your body, and deliver you from the storm?  Or are they just verses on a page?  Why don’t you follow your heart, today, step out of your boat and see for yourself?

I promise you, He’s up to the challenge.

This year’s hunt will take place on a farm near Newark, AR.. The land is already being prepared for our onslaught so all you have to do is bring your camo, your gun, lots of shells and a great attitude. Oh, also bring your appetite since we will be cooking whatever we shoot!

Directions

We will rally at 5:30 am at the Exxon Station in Newark and shuttle in to the field. The Exxon Station is located at 9550 Harrison St. Plug that address into your GPS

...or follow these directions from Central Arkansas:
Take 67/167 North to exit 65 in Newport
Turn left at 87 N then right onto Hwy 367 N
After 16 miles make a sharp left onto Hwy 14>br />
After 8 miles merge right and road become State Highway 122
After 3 ½ miles turn left onto hwy 69
Exxon Station will be two miles up the road

Cost

Cost is just $50 per adult and $25 per child. Space is limited to 50 hunters.

**Download the updated Dove Hunt Form**

Make your checks payable to: Beautiful Feet Ministries.

Fountain Hill is located in Ashley County so if you’re anywhere near Hamburg, Crossett, Monticello or even Lake Village I’d love to see you!