Put others first. . . . No, save yourself! A clash of cultures rages within every Christian. Learn to rise above you on the path to true discipleship! Writing with a warm, personal style, Macias offers a poignant call to cultivate a heart of grace and mercy---and follow Jesus in a life of sacrificial service.
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Check out this sneak peek at Kathi Macias’ book Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World
Foreword
If you are satisfied with your present condition, if you have no yearning to know God better and to serve Him more effectively, then this book might not be suited for you. For those, however, who are looking for new lands to explore, to break away from the humdrum existence that can threaten us all, then read on.
A monument commemorating the famous explorer Christopher Columbus was erected in Valladolid, Spain. For centuries the Spanish national motto was “No more beyond”—affirming their belief that the world was flat and any who ventured beyond were doomed to fall off its edge. At the base of this massive monument is a statue of a lion. His mighty paw is swiping away the word “NO,” leaving the phrase to read “MORE BEYOND.” (So much for national mottos!) In like manner Beyond Me is beckoning us beyond our often self-imposed and all too real human limitations to venture into a deeper, wider expression of our faith.
Certainly we can feel “safer” remaining on the land with which we are familiar. The Lord, however, has not called us to a life of boredom or mediocrity. As C.S. Lewis said, the Lion of Judah is not one who can be tamed—He is not “safe,” but He is good. We can trust Him to surround us with His presence as we move into the adventurous role of being one of His disciples. Believers are, for the most part, content to have their names recorded in heaven. Disciples, on the other hand, also seek to “know” the Lord intimately and to serve Him with all of their heart. Throughout history God has used men and women who would not settle for mediocrity. Virtually every sphere of life—medical, judiciary, political, scientific, literary, and countless other endeavors—have been pioneered by Spirit-led disciples of Jesus Christ who sought to serve Him and others with their whole life.
Beyond Me is a clarion call to ever-deepening discipleship. It is an invitation to advance the cause of Christ and to make our lives count. Columbus’ journey was not one of ease and simplicity. Storms at sea and a disillusioned crew were among the many trials that beset this famed explorer. Discovery and advancement often come with such testing, yet the rewards are great.
Kathi Macias invites us to make a difference in the world around us. She compels us to stand and be counted among those who love God with all their heart and who seek to love others ahead of themselves. She has superbly set the course for those of us who wish to become true disciples of Christ. Kathi makes the way plain and encourages us with practical insights as to how we can model a “you-first life in a me-first world.” There certainly is more beyond for all of us, and this worthy book, when acted upon, will help us to realize our destiny.
Chris Hayward
Pastor, Author, Speaker
President of Cleansing Stream Ministries
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