That profound thought changed the way we “do radio” and share Jesus with our community. But perhaps more importantly and foundationally, it pierced my heart. It was the genesis of understanding our purpose and calling, which shapes everything we do as a radio and media ministry. 

In honor of National Radio Day on August 20, I’d love to share our 10 core ministry beliefs at JOY FM and BOOST RADIO. This is our “why”: 

• We believe that Jesus is the Hope of the world
• We believe that Jesus changes lives, families and communities
• We believe that we should love and act differently than the world
• We believe in doing the right thing whether it is popular or not
• We believe in being honest, including about our weaknesses and needs
• We believe together is better than alone
• We believe that following Christ is fun and not boring
• We believe in building people up, not tearing them down
• We believe in forgiveness

I’m not suggesting that your ministry should adopt these core beliefs. But there is something very helpful and constructive about knowing who you are and what your purpose is. 

What do those 10 beliefs have to do with radio? For us, everything. 

*They fuel our passion for people in our community

*They shape our priorities

*They guide our hirings

*They keep us laser focused on Kingdom building and not our own

In a nutshell, they help us do good “radio.” 

What do you believe? What is your passion? Who has God called you to reach? What is standing in your way? 

Some questions to ponder on this National Radio Day!  What if God hasn’t called you to radio? What if He has called you to a mission?

The post What if God Hasn’t Called You to Radio? first appeared on CMB.

The post What if God Hasn’t Called You to Radio? appeared first on CMB.

I excused myself and went to the restroom. Locked the stall. And quietly called out to God. “What’s wrong? Where is the joy?” I honestly admitted something that He already knew. My joy was depleted. Gone.

I had noticed that my joy was “leaking” for quite a while, but thought that Christmas, or vacation, or family time would be the spark to bring it back. That wasn’t the case.

From the restroom, I could hear the music begin in the sanctuary. But I lingered to finish the honest conversation with God. “I don’t want to feel this way. I want to celebrate You and this season with joy. Where can I find my joy again, God?” 

I’ve never heard God’s voice audibly. But I recognized His response. He reminded me that JOY IS FINDABLE.

It is found in His presence. 

“In your presence there is fullness of joy”….Psalm 16:11

He gently acknowledged that we hadn’t been spending much time together. And He tenderly invited me to spend more time being present in His presence. My heart needed that reminder.  Joy is findable because it is a byproduct of spending time with Him. I was lacking joy because I was neglecting time with my Father.  There is no substitute. And my heart knew it.

You may be sensing the same thing. A longing for more joy. Or peace. Or rest. God loves us enough to not offer substitutes. He loves us enough to offer Himself. And the time we spend with Him changes us. Refreshes us. Fills us. 

I will never forget the time spent with God that night in the church restroom stall. He met me. We spent time together and it brought me joy. My kids have asked that I never share that story. Or at least change the “where.” But, I like being honest. With you and with God. It does my heart good. It brings me joy.

JOY is findable. Because He is findable. That’s the message of Christmas.

The post Message of Christmas first appeared on CMB.

The post Message of Christmas appeared first on CMB.