All Things Work Together

In a world where distractions of what is truly important run deep and difference of opinions run high we celebrate an artist who has made a forever impact on our kids lives. 

Speaking truth and boldly proclaiming God's promises with a creative music presentation Lacrae does it again with his new album, All things Work Together.

Check it out: 

https://g.co/kgs/WYxise

We talked a lot this morning about our country, our faith and our responsibility to  both.  It's so easy to get caught up and worked up over so many things and yet God helped us to bring it all down to loving God and loving people.  That's what God does, he keeps it simple.  We, tend to  over complicate ! 

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." -Matthew 22: 37-39

 

The usefulness of my Life

We read a story this morning written by Brennan Manning about a man who he spent some time with working and serving in France.  A group of them were talking about substandard wages and how their employers were never seen at church on Sunday, etc... and this man responded with a tear rolling down his check, " they don't understand."  

It immediately reminded him of what Jesus said on the cross.... " forgive them for they know not what they do."  

This same man ended up dying at 54 years old of cancer.  The last years of his life he spent working and sharing the love of Jesus daily at a local park.  When he did not show up one day, the people who looked forward to his daily visits at the park reported it and found out he had passed in his small apartment. 

In his journal by his bed - his last entry read: 

"All that is not the love of God has no meaning for me.  I can truthfully say that I have no interest in anything but the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. If God wants it to, my life will be useful through my words and witness. If he wants it too, my life will bear fruit through my prayers and sacrifices. But the usefulness of my life is his concern, not mine. It would be indecent of me to worry about that."

We are embracing the lesson for us this morning that ...we should not worry or work hard at the significance of our lives, let God use us how He will.  Let us pray for a heart settled with God on who we are and who we are not and live a life of love.  

 

True Discipleship

"The heart of discipleship lies in commitment and worship, NOT reflection and theory."  - Brennan Manning 

This quote caused some lively conversation about what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus.  It's easy to say you are a disciple of Christ and to even do some things that look like it (read your Bible, pray, join a small group...) but many stop half way. 

There are plenty of Christians who will give up possessions, friends and honors but it touches them too closely to disown themselves.  

Plunging yourself into a series of spiritual activities or lengthening your prayer time or getting involved in a church organization is not the sort of activity we are called to, we are called to a life completely commited to following God all the way, not half way.  A life of surrender without reservation.  No matter what it requires from us. 

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew‬ ‭10:38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

Steps ordered by God

Sometimes we can be so distracted by what other people think and say that it totally spins us out.  We are feeling good about a certain direction or decision and then BAM, a friend says "seriously?" And now you are feeling like , now what? 

Been there?

While seeking wise counsel is good, we must seek God first and never allow others to take His rightful place.  

We heard a message yesterday about control and how we so like to be in  control of the outcome, of what others think of us and even what they do. 

Our egos and  our pride get in the way and we miss out on God's best by trying to manipulate the outcome.  LET GO!

Stop wasting time and energy on what is HIS alone  to determine  and start trusting Him with every little thing. 

Life is too short and precious to live in fear of the future and the unknown.  God offers us peace freely by trusting that He is enough and he's got this.  So let's lean in today and live different than yesterday -  be free!!!

 

Faith & Action

When I was a teen, I remember a youth leader telling me that I will receive victory in life ONLY to the degree that I trust God. 

That statement, changed my faith to action, it wasn't long after I was boarding a plane to go to India for 3 months and God met me there in the middle of the poverty and despair. I'll never be the same. 

Now, a few years have gone by  (well maybe more than a few) and life has ebbed and flowed and with it my faith has increased and yes decreased.  I've had amazing "walk on water" moments and some of the darkest nights of my soul with what felt like not even a mustard seed of faith left. 

One thing I'm learning with my age and experience is that truly God meets you as you GO.  So many times we don't know the details, the plan or what the outcome will be, but faith in action steps out into the unknown and trusts God to do the rest. 

Leaning into His sufficiency stretches us, so let us boldly ask for God to increase our faith as we  move forward, go, trust  and step out and find Him there.  

 

Seek First

Our family verse for 2017 is Matthew 6:33, it has been a lighthouse for us as we make decisions and journey this season of life.  

We are learning to not set out to establish our own plans, but rather to resign everything into His hands, to be obedient to His still small voice and wait for Him.  We have seen the wisdom in this through running ahead and paying the consequence of it!!!

Ahhh!!

Let's not interfere in His work nor hinder His plans, but rather resign to His way and SEEK Him first and let Him take care of the rest!!!!  

 

Increase my Faith

James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, ask of God who gives liberally and without reproach..."

We had a really great and real conversation this morning about letting our guard down and conforming to this world. We live in a culture that will steal away your purity and simplicity and justify the consumerism over produced in hearts and our lives.  We pray - God give us wisdom in this battle. 

The days ahead may call for greater endurance and more robust faith than we've ever needed before.  Let's seek Him above all else and apply our heart to yield to His wisdom to overcome this world.  

Lord, increase our faith.