things I've been pondering lately...
what does grace this look like in community?
it is encouraging people around me in times of stress, exhaustion, busyness, overwhelmed-ness, discouragement, uncertainty, suffering, happiness, rejoicing and .
it is stopping in my tracks and praying for them right where I am
it is telling them how much they mean to me
it is writing them a quick note with a promise from God to rest in
it is crying with them
it is processing with them
it is challenging them and being challenged by them
it is being their positive… when they just don't have it in them and vice versa
it is serving together
it is suffering together
it is investing in one another - even in times of discouragement
it is reacting the way Christ would react to situations (through the grace of the Holy Spirit)
it is relaxing with one another
it is genuinely trusting one another
it is being genuine - removing the 'face' we grew up learning to put on
it is keeping one another accountable
it is loving them well (tough love included)
it is confronting them as accepting confrontation from them
it is guarding their heart with them
it is quality time with them
it is correcting them and being corrected by them
it is living a life of worship together
it is taking risk for the sake of faith
it is carrying one another's burdens with them
What do you mean by community?
it is the local church
it is those around you within the local church
it is not defined by age
it is based on the same core beliefs
it is no defined by stage of life
it is intentionally living a life seeking to abide by the Word together
it is defined by investment
it is living out the gospel together
it takes time
it is a level of comfort - where trust has been fostered and therefore honesty is not only welcomed it is desired
… and so. much. more.
you can read more about my thoughts on church here or my thoughts on community here if you so desire
I'd certainly love to hear your thoughts. What does grace in community look like to you?
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Saturday
Sunday
Ephesians and more
I'm so thankful for Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus.
I find so much comfort in 1:11 "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." I'm eternally thankful that the Lord works all things according to His will rather than mine. There are moments in this life that I don't rest in the comfort of this promise as I should because I am too caught up in trying to rest in my self sufficiency.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I can't understand the grace discussed in Ephesians 2: 4-5: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved.." But I 100% believe in the truth discussed here. My salvation depends on it.
I'm thankful for the sections of Paul's letter that directly discuss unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worth of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
As a girl - this one cuts right to the core in all of the right ways: Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Not gonna lie.. I don't often consider if what I'm saying is giving grace to those who hear.
The goal of the abiding life: Ephesians 5:10 "and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Priority check: Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
These are just the highlights. I could basically type out every verse in Ephesians and tell you how the Lord reveals Himself through it and how that was made real to me through this study.
I find so much comfort in 1:11 "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." I'm eternally thankful that the Lord works all things according to His will rather than mine. There are moments in this life that I don't rest in the comfort of this promise as I should because I am too caught up in trying to rest in my self sufficiency.
Anyone who knows me well knows that I can't understand the grace discussed in Ephesians 2: 4-5: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved.." But I 100% believe in the truth discussed here. My salvation depends on it.
I'm thankful for the sections of Paul's letter that directly discuss unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worth of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
As a girl - this one cuts right to the core in all of the right ways: Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Not gonna lie.. I don't often consider if what I'm saying is giving grace to those who hear.
The goal of the abiding life: Ephesians 5:10 "and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Priority check: Ephesians 5:15-16 "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
These are just the highlights. I could basically type out every verse in Ephesians and tell you how the Lord reveals Himself through it and how that was made real to me through this study.
So... what now? I've been asking myself the same exact thing. I've recently listened to a couple of podcasts regarding bible memorization. I've typically been one of those 'oh I am horrible at memorizing things' kind of people - yet find it pretty easy to remember lyrics to my favorite songs. Well - my heart isn't buying that excuse anymore.
So - I guess that means I'm going to memorize scripture.
I wasn't really sure where to even start - until I heard another podcast of one of the most influential authors/pastors posted a week or so ago answering that exact question: Where do I even start? He suggested that Romans 8 is a great place to start. I found this fitting since my favorite verse is found here {Romans 8:28}.
So here I am… 2 days in and 2 {somewhat memorized} verses into Romans 8. I'm already well aware that only His grace will get me through the remaining 37 verses ... only His grace will engrave the words on my heart ... only His grace has given me this longing to tattoo the Word on my heart…. tattoo isn't even the right word. I don't want to merely write His word… I want to engrave it in my soul. I want my life to be impacted by the words I commit to memory. I want these verses to be a lens that filters this life through the perspective of the gospel. Only by His grace.
So - I guess that means I'm going to memorize scripture.
I wasn't really sure where to even start - until I heard another podcast of one of the most influential authors/pastors posted a week or so ago answering that exact question: Where do I even start? He suggested that Romans 8 is a great place to start. I found this fitting since my favorite verse is found here {Romans 8:28}.
So here I am… 2 days in and 2 {somewhat memorized} verses into Romans 8. I'm already well aware that only His grace will get me through the remaining 37 verses ... only His grace will engrave the words on my heart ... only His grace has given me this longing to tattoo the Word on my heart…. tattoo isn't even the right word. I don't want to merely write His word… I want to engrave it in my soul. I want my life to be impacted by the words I commit to memory. I want these verses to be a lens that filters this life through the perspective of the gospel. Only by His grace.
I've become increasingly aware of just how important scripture memory is. I know - it's about time, Raylene.
I've only been encouraged to memorize scripture basically my whole life… and I have memorized bits and pieces of the Word throughout my life. But the understanding of just how valuable it is to have it hidden in my heart - the word for word pieces of scripture - rather than just vague concepts and promises. Scripture is powerful, people. Do you get that? Might want to write that one down. {I'll wait}
So what are you studying right now? How do you see the Lord using that to challenge you and ultimately encourage growth in you?
I've only been encouraged to memorize scripture basically my whole life… and I have memorized bits and pieces of the Word throughout my life. But the understanding of just how valuable it is to have it hidden in my heart - the word for word pieces of scripture - rather than just vague concepts and promises. Scripture is powerful, people. Do you get that? Might want to write that one down. {I'll wait}
So what are you studying right now? How do you see the Lord using that to challenge you and ultimately encourage growth in you?
Monday
Ignite Conference 2013: GSM - HS Fall Retreat
Wow... there is so much to say about the Ignite Conference weekend. I was blessed to have gone to the fall retreat this year with our high school students. I will say though, I've been somewhat avoiding this post because I'm afraid I won't do the teaching justice. Literally every moment of the teaching was helpful, challenging, encouraging, motivating, and truthful. So... I will TRY to provide you some of my favorite nuggets from the weekend.
The theme of this weekend was fostering a Biblical Worldview - and if someone left unchallenged-- then they simply weren't listening.
Here are some of the highlights from the teaching. (I realize highlights typically means short and sweet #sorrynotsorry... I'm already leaving out SO much!) You should probably know that most of these comments below are paraphrased (I'm not the most talented at getting word for word quotes written).
Session 1 Highlights:
-2 Peter 1:16-19 --- Peter is saying that he as experienced Jesus first hand and yet he trusts the Bible over his own experiences
-We heavily rely on our experiences to shape our thinking/feeling/beliefs - when we SHOULD heavily rely on scripture to shape our thinking/feeling/beliefs. Even Peter who experienced Christ first hand - relied on the Word over his own experiences!!
-It could be that the bible is not interesting to you b/c you're not interested in the God of the bible
-Either scripture will shape your worldview or sin will
Question to consider:
-If your bible could talk... what would it say about you?--- if we asked your bible, 'how was your week?' what would it reveal about you?
-Will you love your life based on the Bible or based on your experiences?
Session 2 Highlights:
-Colossians 2:6-10 - discussed 4 essential elements for developing a christian worldview:
1) Conversion by Christ;
2) Compulsion in Christ (walk in Him... a sustained patter of living... consistency)
3) Contemplation according to Christ
4) Completion by Christ
-Worldview defined: "The window by which we look through and decide what is real and important and decide what is unreal and unimportant."
-You believe so that you understand... you don't understand and then believe... that is spiritual mathematics
-Jesus has no intention to be a part of your life... He wants to be the POINT of your life
-The adolescent mind is similar to a soupy concrete mixture hardening... this is the best time to shape your worldview. Once you head to college, it is often too hardened
-Satan wil be after your mind... get it right now - if you don't define how you think - someone else will for you
-Christ is UNlike anyone else -- He is the only person that as you get to know Him more... the better He gets. Everyone else... we have flaws - and the more we get to know someone... the more flaws we see. Not Christ -- but how often do we expect to see and often look for flaws in Him?
Questions to consider:
-Is your life defined by Christ?
-Do you think about Christ much? What He was life, what he said, what he did and didn't do?
-Is Christ your life or just a part of it?
Session 3 Highlights:
-Romans 3:9-18 "The problem with self-imaging"
-We discussed 12 different descriptions of man's total depravity - too much to include here but I've captured the highlights below:
-If sin is not the problem... then God is not the answer
-You are the problem - not the world. How often are we quick to blame the culture around us for the temptations and failures? It is our sinful hearts to blame... not the culture around us
-If your view of yourself isn't right .. then you will never see His glory
-Sin makes us relationally reckless (Romans 3:16)
-The better we understand the totality of our depravity... the more amazing the gospel is to us
-As bad as you think you are... you are worse. As good as you think God is... He is better!
Questions to consider:
-What fills you?
Session 4 Highlights:
This session resulted in 4 pages of notes... so this is a VERY brief summary
-Lamentations 3:37-40 "A theology for problems"
-3 Reminders for when troubles come:
1. God is sovereign over people v. 37
-no trial comes to you and is a surprise to God
2. God is sovereign over circumstances v.38
-nothing is random
-difference between sovereignty and providence: sovereign = overall power; providence = gets in
your kitchen... specifics
-God's sovereignty is either your greatest comfort or your greatest nightmare
3. God is serious about our response v.39
-Man's dislike at God's sovereignty is because of man's suspicion of God's heart {ouch}
-interesting perspective: for the believer, this world is the closest we'll ever come to hell
When a trial arrives... take yourself (or those around you) through the following process:
1. What do I feel?
2. What do I think?
3. What do I know?
-It is important to go in this order. As we start contemplating what we know about God {His promises - and we can only know these things if we spend time in His word} - then it will begin to start changing the way we think about the trial/suffering situation. It will not always change the way we feel... but it will allow us to control our feelings.
-Our feelings aren't trustworthy - they are often spurred by our thinking first - not by what we know, which is why this process is so helpful
This process/concept is huge friends - by far the biggest takeaway from the weekend for me
Session 5 Highlights:
1 Peter 2:11-12: The war against your soul
-The lethal threats to our souls are inside us: fleshly lusts
3 rationales for fighting fleshly lusts:
1. christian citizenship demands the fight v.11
-idol = something you will sin if you don't get and something you will sin to get
-sin is ultimately man's attempt to turn this world into heaven (quoting Al Mohler)
2. fleshly lusts provoke a fight v.11
-lusts = strong desire for something
-the lusts of your flesh are fighting the health of your soul
-labor to know what associates satan has in your heart (quoting John Owen) -- know where you are
weak... where you are temptable
-if you are fighting sin... you are alive (quoting John Piper) --- unbelievers don't care
-when in a discipleship relationship - ask yes and no questions - they are the best way to keep one
another accountable - open ended questions lead to open ended vague answers
3. Fruitful evangelism motivates the fight v.12
-unbeliever's questions about your life is an invitation for sharing the gospel
-be killing sin or it will be killing you
Questions to consider:
Do you feel the battle?
Do you hate your sin? (unbelievers don't care)
Do you see your own progression towards Christ?
This was so helpful to revisit the content of this weekend - thanks for mulling over it with me. Hope something encourages you.
-2 Peter 1:16-19 --- Peter is saying that he as experienced Jesus first hand and yet he trusts the Bible over his own experiences
-We heavily rely on our experiences to shape our thinking/feeling/beliefs - when we SHOULD heavily rely on scripture to shape our thinking/feeling/beliefs. Even Peter who experienced Christ first hand - relied on the Word over his own experiences!!
-It could be that the bible is not interesting to you b/c you're not interested in the God of the bible
-Either scripture will shape your worldview or sin will
Question to consider:
-If your bible could talk... what would it say about you?--- if we asked your bible, 'how was your week?' what would it reveal about you?
-Will you love your life based on the Bible or based on your experiences?
Session 2 Highlights:
-Colossians 2:6-10 - discussed 4 essential elements for developing a christian worldview:
1) Conversion by Christ;
2) Compulsion in Christ (walk in Him... a sustained patter of living... consistency)
3) Contemplation according to Christ
4) Completion by Christ
-Worldview defined: "The window by which we look through and decide what is real and important and decide what is unreal and unimportant."
-You believe so that you understand... you don't understand and then believe... that is spiritual mathematics
-Jesus has no intention to be a part of your life... He wants to be the POINT of your life
-The adolescent mind is similar to a soupy concrete mixture hardening... this is the best time to shape your worldview. Once you head to college, it is often too hardened
-Satan wil be after your mind... get it right now - if you don't define how you think - someone else will for you
-Christ is UNlike anyone else -- He is the only person that as you get to know Him more... the better He gets. Everyone else... we have flaws - and the more we get to know someone... the more flaws we see. Not Christ -- but how often do we expect to see and often look for flaws in Him?
Questions to consider:
-Is your life defined by Christ?
-Do you think about Christ much? What He was life, what he said, what he did and didn't do?
-Is Christ your life or just a part of it?
Session 3 Highlights:
-Romans 3:9-18 "The problem with self-imaging"
-We discussed 12 different descriptions of man's total depravity - too much to include here but I've captured the highlights below:
-If sin is not the problem... then God is not the answer
-You are the problem - not the world. How often are we quick to blame the culture around us for the temptations and failures? It is our sinful hearts to blame... not the culture around us
-If your view of yourself isn't right .. then you will never see His glory
-Sin makes us relationally reckless (Romans 3:16)
-The better we understand the totality of our depravity... the more amazing the gospel is to us
-As bad as you think you are... you are worse. As good as you think God is... He is better!
Questions to consider:
-What fills you?
This session resulted in 4 pages of notes... so this is a VERY brief summary
-Lamentations 3:37-40 "A theology for problems"
-3 Reminders for when troubles come:
1. God is sovereign over people v. 37
-no trial comes to you and is a surprise to God
2. God is sovereign over circumstances v.38
-nothing is random
-difference between sovereignty and providence: sovereign = overall power; providence = gets in
your kitchen... specifics
-God's sovereignty is either your greatest comfort or your greatest nightmare
3. God is serious about our response v.39
-Man's dislike at God's sovereignty is because of man's suspicion of God's heart {ouch}
-interesting perspective: for the believer, this world is the closest we'll ever come to hell
When a trial arrives... take yourself (or those around you) through the following process:
1. What do I feel?
2. What do I think?
3. What do I know?
-It is important to go in this order. As we start contemplating what we know about God {His promises - and we can only know these things if we spend time in His word} - then it will begin to start changing the way we think about the trial/suffering situation. It will not always change the way we feel... but it will allow us to control our feelings.
-Our feelings aren't trustworthy - they are often spurred by our thinking first - not by what we know, which is why this process is so helpful
This process/concept is huge friends - by far the biggest takeaway from the weekend for me
Session 5 Highlights:
1 Peter 2:11-12: The war against your soul
-The lethal threats to our souls are inside us: fleshly lusts
3 rationales for fighting fleshly lusts:
1. christian citizenship demands the fight v.11
-idol = something you will sin if you don't get and something you will sin to get
-sin is ultimately man's attempt to turn this world into heaven (quoting Al Mohler)
2. fleshly lusts provoke a fight v.11
-lusts = strong desire for something
-the lusts of your flesh are fighting the health of your soul
-labor to know what associates satan has in your heart (quoting John Owen) -- know where you are
weak... where you are temptable
-if you are fighting sin... you are alive (quoting John Piper) --- unbelievers don't care
-when in a discipleship relationship - ask yes and no questions - they are the best way to keep one
another accountable - open ended questions lead to open ended vague answers
3. Fruitful evangelism motivates the fight v.12
-unbeliever's questions about your life is an invitation for sharing the gospel
-be killing sin or it will be killing you
Questions to consider:
Do you feel the battle?
Do you hate your sin? (unbelievers don't care)
Do you see your own progression towards Christ?
This was so helpful to revisit the content of this weekend - thanks for mulling over it with me. Hope something encourages you.
Wednesday
christian-ish
Internet, have I mentioned how blessed I am to be on the leadership team for our youth group?
No, but seriously. I love talking about ministry with these people. We all have different views and opinions and I love discussing them during our time together.
We had a meeting last weekend and I have been so blessed by the discussion. Earlier last week Rob emailed the leadership team asking us to listen to a Podcast of Al Mohler talking with Kenda Creasy Dean, author of "Almost Christian".
It is about 45-50 minutes long but totally worth it! Here is my summary and the things that stuck out the most to me:
It sounds like the book 'Almost Christian' is talking a lot about the disease of living the 'christian-ish' life. Especially my generation - we have been plagued with the temptation to assume that living a moral life {being sweet to people} is what it means to live the christian life.
Internet, there is so much more to living the christian life than being nice and keeping the peace among the people around you. Living 'christian-ish' is not living the abiding life discussed in the bible.
Let me just throw out a few reminders here:
-Being intentionally sweet to others is a good thing. It is NOT the spreading of the gospel, though. We must stop assuming our sweetness is spreading the good news of Christ. {of which I'm certainly the biggest culprit}
-Living a life with good morals is a good thing. However, it is NOT the spreading of the gospel.
OK - so where was I, oh yes- summarizing the podcast.... {stepping down from soap box}
There are so many good pieces to share... so here they are in kind of word vomit order:
-Live intentionally instead if Christian-ish
No, but seriously. I love talking about ministry with these people. We all have different views and opinions and I love discussing them during our time together.
We had a meeting last weekend and I have been so blessed by the discussion. Earlier last week Rob emailed the leadership team asking us to listen to a Podcast of Al Mohler talking with Kenda Creasy Dean, author of "Almost Christian".
It is about 45-50 minutes long but totally worth it! Here is my summary and the things that stuck out the most to me:
It sounds like the book 'Almost Christian' is talking a lot about the disease of living the 'christian-ish' life. Especially my generation - we have been plagued with the temptation to assume that living a moral life {being sweet to people} is what it means to live the christian life.
Internet, there is so much more to living the christian life than being nice and keeping the peace among the people around you. Living 'christian-ish' is not living the abiding life discussed in the bible.
Let me just throw out a few reminders here:
-Being intentionally sweet to others is a good thing. It is NOT the spreading of the gospel, though. We must stop assuming our sweetness is spreading the good news of Christ. {of which I'm certainly the biggest culprit}
-Living a life with good morals is a good thing. However, it is NOT the spreading of the gospel.
OK - so where was I, oh yes- summarizing the podcast.... {stepping down from soap box}
There are so many good pieces to share... so here they are in kind of word vomit order:
-Live intentionally instead if Christian-ish
-"Discipleship is less about sharing all we know about Christ and more about sharing how to live a life of love for Christ." I love the truth of this statement. It is so easy to be intimidated or prideful about 'sharing all we know'... and we need to focus on sharing how to live a life of love for Christ.
-"Kids learn best the things they love the most"
-"Kids are more likely to recognize Christianity as being significant if we don't treat it as an an extra curricular activity... Not something that comes at the end of our week but something you organize your life around."
This one can sting a bit. But it is so true! If students see us organizing our lives around the work of the gospel - they are more apt to see the importance of doing that themselves. There is something else implied here.... how can one know how someone else is organizing their life if they aren't intentionally invested in one another's lives?
So.... how do you let someone in... close enough to let them see how you organize your life? Be. intentional.
This one can sting a bit. But it is so true! If students see us organizing our lives around the work of the gospel - they are more apt to see the importance of doing that themselves. There is something else implied here.... how can one know how someone else is organizing their life if they aren't intentionally invested in one another's lives?
So.... how do you let someone in... close enough to let them see how you organize your life? Be. intentional.
-"Parents have a much bigger impact on their kid's than they realize. Your faithfulness is much more powerful than you realize."
-"What you are [as a parent] is what you get [in a child]"
-Research used in the book 'Almost Christian' has shown students who continue to have faith from HS to young adulthood is hugely impacted by the religious devotion of their parents during their teenage years.
-"Instead of focusing on having 1 leader per X number of students - focus on surrounding each student with 5 adults who love The Lord" Bringing them into the church community... Showing them what it is like to live a life sold out for Christ.
-Moralistic therapeutic deism is the fancy term for this living a 'christian-ish' life that seems to come so naturally to our generation considering the culture we live in. {no excuse, though} We are so concerned to offend those around us that we hang on to moralistic living and forget the urgency of the gospel.
This has been so good for my heart to stew on as I write this out. I pray this will truly impact the way I live my life and the way I invest in our GSM students for the gospel.
This has been so good for my heart to stew on as I write this out. I pray this will truly impact the way I live my life and the way I invest in our GSM students for the gospel.
Monday
Fall Women's Conference 2013 - Summer Challenge
Good evening Internet! I first have to say that I have been so blessed by so many of you {yes you - my readers}. I so appreciate your encouraging comments - THANK YOU.
So This summer 4 women at my church and I were asked to take a summer challenge. The challenge was to daily spend time meditating, praying, journaling about the Glory of God. At the end of this challenge awaited a Women's Conference where we would each be entrusted with 10 minutes to share about our experiences. So here is the blog post I prepared as my 'script' for the session. {Yes, internet - I prepared for the event by writing out a blog post.... #sorrynotsorry}
__________________
As I began to read and think through my experiences this summer, I can’t
help but smile. God has been so good to me through this challenge. He has challenged my motives, my
self-centeredness, my intentions, and my lack of trust in his promises. What an amazing blessing it is to go back and evaluate the past few months and
what God has done in my heart. I hope to do this type of evaluation often
as I continue to grow and mature in Christ - it truly is amazing to
intentionally look back at just how good He is to me in each season of life.
So a little bit about the challenge: Kandy gave us a set of questions to
consider as we start our journey this summer. A few of the questions she gave us to dwell on have really
been the questions I’ve used the most this summer to spur my thoughts and
meditations. She asked us to
consider: ‘How does my appreciation of God’s character increase my love for
Him?’ also she asked: ‘How does the Glory of God emanating from His character
influence my life? Motivate my maturity?’. There were several other wonderful questions but these two
where the ones I kept dwelling on throughout this summer.
Just to give you a little insight to the
resources I’ve been exposed to this summer: first - during Tuesday Girls (GSM
girls summer study) we went through the book ‘Follow Me’ by David Platt {DPlatt
as the girls and I started calling him}.
This book shared some amazing truth regarding what it means to truly be
a follower of Christ. Secondly,
during Launch this summer we went through the book ‘Future Grace’ by John Piper {Johnny P as I typically call him – apparently I have a thing for nick
names… I must get that from Scott.}
Both of these authors do not beat around the bush and you surely wont
find a writing by them that is aimed at making the reader feel warm and fuzzy
in their current state of life. I
have to say that I absolutely love that about these authors. If I wanted to read something to make
me feel good, then I’d read my old birthday cards.
So all of that to say – I read some really
gut-checking kind of books this summer.
I will say that Future Grace is by far the most challenging book I’ve
ever read. Not just because
it took a few times of reading several of the paragraphs to get the concept… but I
will also say that this is by far the book that has impacted me and my
spiritual walk the most to this point.
So a lot about my journey this summer – God used this book as a catalyst
for me so I figure it is appropriate to let you in on that.
I realized throughout this summer that I
didn’t- and often still don’t, have an appropriate view therefore an
appropriate appreciation for God’s character regarding His promises. This is the biggest area the Lord has
been challenging me through my journey this summer.
John Piper wrote an entire chapter on the
promise found in Romans 8:28 “We know that for those who love God all things
work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” It is amazing to me that I’ve grown up
in the church and I’ve grown up reading right over this passage and thinking
‘oh yeah, sure – all things work together for good…. Except me…. Except for
this situation.’
Until reading through and dwelling on the
promise of Romans 8:28 this summer – I never believed it was really true of some
of the seemingly horrible situations I’ve experienced through my life: major
back surgery at 20 years old or Scott losing his job a few months after
purchasing our home. Yet now I can
so clearly see God’s handprint is found in every step of the way.
Why is it that it is so much easier to see
Him at work when we look back on a situation instead of while we’re in it? I think for me, it has been true
because I tend to believe I will be an exception to that promise that time.
I just pray that I would be as confident in
the promise of Romans 8:28 in the midst of a trial as I am when I’m able to
look back on that season. You
know? It is so much easier to look
back and see His good – but oh how I long to be able to be confident in the
midst of these trying seasons! I
could get on another soap box about community here – but I wont. But I will say that part of our
responsibility to one another is to help each other see the workings of God in
each other’s lives. It is much
easier to see God at work in a seemingly horrible situation when it is not my
own situation.
John Piper says it so well– talking about
this promise found in Romans 8:28: “The freest life of love is the life
saturated with the confidence that nothing comes to me but what is good for
me.” (pg 125 chapter 9)
The ‘ah-ha’ moment for me was when I was
faced with this truth that God’s best for me and my idea of what is best for me
isn’t always the same. Trust me- I
had a few sassy moments with God about this one… like ‘really – you know how
much of a planner I am?!’ But thinking through this promise I’ve realized that
my plan ‘A’ won’t always happen… but His plan ‘A’ will ALWAYS happen and will
ALWAYS be what is truly best for me.
He only does what is best for His children. But we better remember ‘what
is best’ according to His definition and His purpose and His plan – not
according to ours. ‘what is best’
does not mean ‘happy’; ‘success’; ‘wealth’.
So thankful for this promise. I can rest. Any
moment I am uncertain or tempted to be anxious – He has placed me in that
moment and it is the best place I could possible be in that moment. There is a lot of freedom that I find
in that. My heart can rest. Does it 100% of the time? No… but I am intentionally seeking and praying
that those moments of rest and freedom increase as I grow more and more
confident in His promises. Because his
promises are true and are always true.. not based on the situation.
Another area that the Lord has been working
on me this summer is actually because of our Sunday evening series last year as
well as our ‘Follow Me’ study this summer. We went through 2 Timothy and I remember one of the first
sermons Pastor Bret gave was about the relationship that Paul and Timothy
had. The way they lived life
together – good/bad/and the ugly.
The love they had for one another- truly beautiful.
I’ve really been challenged regarding the
whole ‘Paul/Timothy’ thing this summer. It is easy to think that we only need a Paul in our life
during HS/College years…. After that you get to become a Paul yourself, right?! While that is true… as you grow and
mature in Christ we are called to intentionally invest in those younger (not
necessarily just age but young in spiritually). I had a mentor through HS and part of
college … but until this summer I wasn’t super convinced that I needed
someone to be investing in me now – in more of a 1 on 1 setting. I’ve convinced myself that I’m getting
good influences through the leadership of Launch and through the other GSM
leaders… but that isn’t the type of influence we’re talking about when we look
at Paul and Timothy. And it is funny
that thinking through Paul and Timothy’s relationship… these are not HS or
college aged guys. These are grown
men investing into one another’s lives.
Needless to say I have thought to myself on
several occasions, ‘Oh I can totally invest like that into someone…’ Not giving much thought about the HUGE
need I have to be invested in by someone like that. I have realized that it is much easier to get caught up with
being intentional in my role as a Paul in someone’s life and neglect the fact
that I need to also be a Timothy to someone else.
So I spent a lot of time intentionally
thinking and praying about that this summer. Asking the Lord to drop someone in my lap – make it obvious
to me who my Paul should be and oh by the way go ahead and don’t make me do the
uncomfortable thing that is ASKING someone to invest in me. Spending some time
praying about it – but still expecting a neon sign by God… given to my 'Paul' so
that I wouldn’t have to go outside my comfort zone. Satan had a hay day with that… feeding me excuses not to act
- like ‘if they wanted to invest in you –
they would be already’ or ‘what if
they say ‘no’? how embarrassing!’ which until this summer really made the
‘search for my Paul’ a last priority and I was labeling this season as one that
I’m ‘praying about it’ and this summer has really challenged me to move that to
the ‘I’m pursuing this’ category.
And I’m so glad that God is bigger than my comfort zone.
A phrase that I feel really sums up my
journey this summer is ‘be intentional’.
I hope you’ll join me.
Let’s be intentional.
Intentional to invest in others. Intentional to trust in what God is doing through His plan A
for our lives. Intentional to rely
on His promises. Intentional to
seek our Paul or timothy.
Intentional to point out the working of God in one another’s lives.
________________________
Wow - you made it :) What has God been doing in your heart this summer?!
Wednesday
Real heart change for this Real Ray Wednesday {part 2}
Dear internet,
As you read last week - I studied a couple of amazing books over the summer. However, I left you with a bit of a cliff hanger considering I only told you about one of them. Don't worry, it's just my way to ensure you'll come back exactly a week later. :)
During Launch this summer we went through, Future Grace by John Piper.
As you read last week - I studied a couple of amazing books over the summer. However, I left you with a bit of a cliff hanger considering I only told you about one of them. Don't worry, it's just my way to ensure you'll come back exactly a week later. :)
During Launch this summer we went through, Future Grace by John Piper.
I wouldn't dare show you the thickness of this book with the fear that you'd never consider digging in. It is a rather thick book, but worth the read. He designed the book to be 31 chapters with the thought that someone could read a (short) chapter a day and be done with the book in a month.
The Lord has used this book in tremendous ways this summer. I will do a horrible job... but yet-my best to summarize the highlights of this book and how it has impacted me this summer.
Too often we {christians} fall into a certain mindset described in the book as 'the debtor's ethic', where we see how good God has been to us and all that He did on the cross for us and we spend our entire lives attempting to make it up to God. 'Make it up' - all of the blessings, sacrifices, provisions, fulfilled promises that He has given us from this moment in time and prior. We do good things, we serve in every avenue possible, we work very hard {with our own effort} to do good in His name in order to make up for all of the goodness He has provided for us.
OK... before you go gettin' your panties in a knot. Let me confirm - it IS a good thing to dwell on the work of the Lord in our lives from this moment prior, especially the work done on our behalf on the cross. However - we should not fall into the mindset that we can, should, will one day be able to pay off some sort of debt to God for all that He has done for us.
We SHOULD look back at all that the Lord has done for us and let that motivate us to continue counting on (for the future) the grace that is so evident in all of His past blessings. The key is how that past work motivates us. We can't ever pay back what He has done for us. Guess what... He doesn't call us to pay Him back. He tells us to go and make disciples and to make much of Him. Dwelling on the past grace He has shown us - should encourage and ensure our confidence that He will continue to lavish His grace on us in the future.
Do we live as though we realize the promise of Romans 8:28?
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes." NASB
Piper has a chapter+ devoted to discussing this promise. This has been really challenging to me this summer. This verse sounds great. Do we live as though it is true? I mean REALLY true?
I would suggest that we I have been so quick to read 'God causes all things to work together for good' according to my standards/expectations/definitions of what 'good' is. Could it be that what God sees as good is the actual standard/expectation/definition of good and mine is just a finite, self centered, temporary, lacking view of what good is in the moment. I think so. I'm so thankful that God does not define good the same way I do. {that is a really hard statement to say and mean 100% of the time because I often times convince myself that my definition is the 'right' one}.
No mater what my current situation, circumstance, struggle, blessing or success is - is exactly the best place for my to be. Can we pause here? Do we get what this means? I'm still figuring out how to live each moment of my days fully aware of this fact. What an amazing promise.
I could literally write about that alone all night long. However the book did have 30 other chapters. :)
Something unique about the way Piper structured this book is that he typically had sections of 3 chapters that relate to one another. He ends each section by identifying evidences of unbelief in our lives and provide practical ways to battle them. (i.e.: anxiety, impatience, pride, bitterness, despondency, lust, covetousness, and misplaced shame) He digs into each of these areas of unbelief - when we are anxious, or impatient, or prideful, or have bitterness in our heart - that is evidence that we are not trusting in God for something.
This book really challenged my trust in God's promises. I know His promises and I've seen Him fulfill his promises in my life and in the lives of those around me. However, the Lord used this summer's study at Launch to peel apart my heart. I discovered that I am waiting to be an exception to His promises.
I know and believe He is good on His promises {for everyone else}. I've even seen His goodness in my life through His promises. Yet I have struggled with fitting God into my finite-ness. "There is always an exception." has crept into the way I was viewing God. Wow. I didn't even realize it...
I'm so thankful for the way the Lord challenged {and continues to challenge} my heart through this summer's study. He has yet again proven good on His promise in my heart. He is molding me and shaping me and my warped view. I'm so thankful that He is bigger than my finite mind.
As I said at the beginning- I knew this 'summary' wouldn't do the book justice... but I encourage any and all of you to pick up a copy and dig in.
I must warn you though: prepare. to. be. challenged. to. your. core.
So thankful for how the Lord reveals more of Himself through discussions with my community as well as personal time with Him.
What is the Lord doing in your heart during this season?
Thursday
Community: Serving the Church and Building Relationships
Dear Internet... If you haven't been around long... then let me clue you in... i. dont. public. speak. I blog! :) So when I was asked to speak at the ladies event we had a few weeks ago... I decided to basically write out a blog post. It was the only way I could organize my thoughts. The funny thing is.. I kept wanting to address you {internet} and add hashtags to add some sassiness to my post. Then it hit... I have to SPEAK this. {insert nervous tummy} anyway... I basically practiced so much that I could have potentially recited my notes in my sleep.
Nonetheless... below is basically word for word what I said during the introduction of the evening. I was asked to give an overview of the topic of community: serving the church and building relationships. I will tell you that my first draft of notes were 6 pages long... I had to cut it in half to make my 20 minute slot... needless to say I have a LOT to say about this topic.
So incase you missed it... here it is:
_____________
First of all I want to say that we are so excited that each
of you are here for our 2nd annual spring ladies
event. The ladies that sit on this
committee: myself, Michelle, Candace, Monica, Katharine,
and of course the lovely Kandy… we love the planning process for this
event.
Potentially the sweetest part of the planning process is the
brainstorming session. It was my
favorite part last year… and proved the same this year. Basically, we sit in a room with a
whiteboard and Monica’s notepad and Kandy starts asking us ‘What do the women
of the church need?; What do we feel is lacking?; What do we desire/need?’ and the whiteboard starts to fill
with words and phrases that pour out from our hearts.
Some of the thoughts that were brainstormed during this
year’s session were things like: more community (wide AND deep); support
(living life together, being intentional with one another); intergenerational
relationships; mentoring; building relationships; conflict management; barriers
we set for ourselves in relationships (sticking to only those in same stage of
life as us; fighting cultural and fleshly tendencies for
independence-distancing ourselves from others); equipping and service.
At our next meeting we started to see how so many of these
things have to do with the other.
I love how the Lord works these details out… and the way He brings to
light the common thread to each of us. It is so beautiful. As you know, the committee determined that the idea of
community really encompasses everything we listed during our brainstorming
session. We realized that within
this category we really listed two major themes (serving the church and building
relationships) that really encompass most of the other items we listed.
I’ll spare you the details of the rest of the planning
process, even though each step is just as sweet as the brainstorming session. I’m not quite sure how it happened… but
at some point during the planning process it was decided that I would give the
introduction for this evening. Let
me just say… public speaking is not a strong quality of mine. However, I believe the Lord stretches
us outside of our comfort zone for a reason… so here I am… being stretched.
But hey, at least I get to talk to you about community…
which is something so beautiful to me.
I love community… it has been a huge part of my spiritual growth over
the last 10 years. More
specifically about 5 years ago Launch {young adult ministry} was born. I was a new-grad and newly wed who was
eager to get plugged in and excited for the opportunity for this young adult
bible study.
I thought I had a perfect understanding on community and
what godly community looked like, until about a year or so into Launch. That’s when I really started to see
community being formed in the sweetest possible way. Let me tell you a little bit about this ministry – it
is geared towards 18-29 year olds (and I’m not sure what will happen when I
turn 30… Launch may become geared towards 30-40 year olds - watch for the announcement). We meet on Thursday nights at 7 and
have about an hour or so where we talk about life and share prayer requests and
spend time in prayer for one another.
We spend another hour and ½ or so for the teaching/discussion section of
the evening and then around 9-9:30 most of us go out to dinner where we spend
another hour or more in fellowship – we are Baptists so food is a natural
ingredient to our fellowship.
Sometimes we talk about the teaching from that night… sometimes we talk
about life. I believe this is a
key to community… investing.
Community TAKES TIME.
It is an investment. If we
met at church every Thursday night at 7 and left at 8:30 after the prayer and
teaching time and went home… I’m sure there would still be an element of
community. BUT I can promise you
that it would not be as sweet as the one that has been built and continues to
build through Launch.
Now… this isn’t a sales pitch for Launch… however, if you
need a sales pitch – see me later because I have A LOT more I could share about the goodness that is Launch. But this evening is about
community. I couldn’t stand here
this evening and talk about this subject without brining up Launch. This ministry, the people, the
teaching, the discussions, the meals we’ve shared, the questions we aren’t
afraid to ask, to comments we aren’t afraid to say, the feelings we aren’t
afraid to share… it has all shaped me and my spiritual growth so much over the
last several years. It has bled
over to my other relationships and communities.
So on Sunday nights we’ve been going through 2nd
Timothy and it has been so beautiful to learn more and more about the
relationship Paul and Timothy had with one another. During one
particular Sunday night sermon Pastor Bret talked specifically about their
relationship… and about how we often times personalize with others through
social events… we don’t struggle through sin together like Paul and Timothy
did. We talked about how much
community we are missing out on when we instead hide our sin because we are
embarrassed or ashamed so we just put on the ‘church face’ and go about our
Sunday. How much intimate
community we are missing out on… it seriously hurts my heart. At the end of the message, Pastor Bret
asked us to consider the following:
Why don't we get personal?
- We will get hurt... people won't meet
expectations
- By exposing our hearts to others...
gives them ammo to use against us
- We live in 'what ifs' of getting
personal
- Maybe we don't want others to know the
details of our lives/hearts
- Maybe this type of relationship was
never modeled for me and so it has been avoided
Some additional questions
to ponder internally:
Why are you afraid of letting someone that close?
Are we scared of judgment from the other person?
Will they really be as honest to me as I am to them?
Are we embarrassed about what
information/struggles/weaknesses they might find out about us?
Are we afraid of the time it will require? The investment?
What is it that keeps you from letting others in… in deep?
I’m sure some of you are sitting there thinking, ‘Raylene,
you don’t understand… my situation is different...’ or ‘I’m an introvert…’ I know all of the excuses… I wrote most
of them. But that is what they
are… EXCUSES. Every community has
individuals in so many different situations in life, and different
personalities. The communities I’m
a part of have more introverts than extroverts – if you can believe that! I’m out numbered. But it is probably good b/c I can talk
a-lot! J
It is beautiful how we balance each other out. I’m excited to hear from Kandy
in a little bit about this subject.
Tonight we are also going to have a panel of ladies that are
going to talk to us about serving the church. These are ladies who serve in our body and do it well. Some have been serving for years… some
started serving the second they walked through the front doors the first
time. They are going to discuss
service with us and I’m so excited to hear from these experts.
There is
something powerful about the relationships that are built around serving the
church alongside another believer.
Scott and I have been serving in the youth ministry for about 4 years
now and there are so many relationships we have been blessed with through serving
in this manner… that other wise wouldn’t be there. I think of the youth students… let me tell you- we have a
great group of students. They love
the Lord and they love each other and I am truly blessed to get to watch them
grow. There is something so
sweet about getting to have students that are kids of the youth leaders that
lead when I was in youth here at SummitWoods. I also think of the other leaders… Scott and I serve with
Chad and Tracey, Heather and Glenn and Tommie Anne.. Scott
and I have learned so much from each of them. If we weren’t serving together in the youth ministry… we
would have no reason to get to know them… and the perspective, the wisdom, the
godliness that we cherish in each of them … I can’t imagine not having
that. I know that serving in the
youth group is different than some other serving opportunities within the
church… but is it really that much different in terms of the opportunity to
build community? I really don’t
think so..
Similarly…within the committee for this event, we all represent
different stages of life, and that makes this group of ladies so dear to my
heart. I’m so thankful for each of
them and the relationships I’m getting to build through planning these events
with them. Otherwise I potentially
wouldn’t have a relationship with them.
Our paths would not naturally cross. I hope you realize how important being intentional is… to
serving the church and building lasting relationships.
I am so looking forward to this evening… this is a topic
that is dear to my heart and I couldn’t be more excited to hear from Kandy and
the ladies on the ‘service’ panel.
Let me pray for us as we get started this evening…
______________
I have so many notes from the evening that I could share... it was a blast and I was so encouraged and challenged through the conversation with the panel and the discussion Kandy had with us. It was so beautiful!!
Just a little side-note: I will be forced to take a little break because the time has come for Vinnie's eviction... next week is the day. So I'll have to take another little absence - but don't give up on me. I'll be back... with a pretty sweet scar too! :)
Wednesday
Launch... On prayer
So the guys and girls are still separate at Launch and the ladies have been talking about prayer. It has been such a wonderful topic to discuss with these ladies.
So a couple of weeks ago we were discussing praying through scripture, and it corresponded nicely with the sunday morning service because we have been going through Matthew 6 - the Lord's prayer. So we all spread out all over the church for 20 minutes alone to spend in prayer - she encouraged us to spend some time praying through scripture. This has not always been a part of my prayer routine, so I was definitely outside my comfort zone.
After the 20 minutes of prayer time, we gathered back together to discuss our experiences. It was clear to me what was holding me back. Our culture. "Finish what you started"; "Hurry, be the first one done"; "The faster the better"... are all aspects of our culture that flooded my mind during this prayer time.
One of the avenues we discussed was to pray through each phrase.... emphasizing different words each time you read it. Think through each and every word and how it impacts the message of the passage.
I decided to try this method - however all of the above thoughts kept coming to my mind. "you only have 20 minutes to get through the entire Lord's prayer... you'll never get done going so slow... it is only worth doing if you get through the entire passage".
How sad is that?
Why can't I be satisfied just making it through one phrase of the passage? Why do I hurry myself to feel some sort of adequacy? Why does the number of verses equal relevance and productivity in my prayer life? I let so much pressure from our culture influence how I meditate on the Word. Wow.... that was a hard hitting reality that night.
Heaven forbid I only read/meditate/pray through 1 verse each session? Why do I put the pressure on myself to so as much as possible and get through it all?
Just something I'm learning about myself and my prayer life. I tend to hurry through my prayer... not sure if it is all in an effort to feel productive, or to 'free up' God to listen to prayers from others?
Why dowe I try to limit God to what my mind can comprehend?
Thoughts? How do you combat the pressure our culture places on hurriedness in your prayer life, or am I the only one that feels it?
So a couple of weeks ago we were discussing praying through scripture, and it corresponded nicely with the sunday morning service because we have been going through Matthew 6 - the Lord's prayer. So we all spread out all over the church for 20 minutes alone to spend in prayer - she encouraged us to spend some time praying through scripture. This has not always been a part of my prayer routine, so I was definitely outside my comfort zone.
After the 20 minutes of prayer time, we gathered back together to discuss our experiences. It was clear to me what was holding me back. Our culture. "Finish what you started"; "Hurry, be the first one done"; "The faster the better"... are all aspects of our culture that flooded my mind during this prayer time.
One of the avenues we discussed was to pray through each phrase.... emphasizing different words each time you read it. Think through each and every word and how it impacts the message of the passage.
I decided to try this method - however all of the above thoughts kept coming to my mind. "you only have 20 minutes to get through the entire Lord's prayer... you'll never get done going so slow... it is only worth doing if you get through the entire passage".
How sad is that?
Why can't I be satisfied just making it through one phrase of the passage? Why do I hurry myself to feel some sort of adequacy? Why does the number of verses equal relevance and productivity in my prayer life? I let so much pressure from our culture influence how I meditate on the Word. Wow.... that was a hard hitting reality that night.
Heaven forbid I only read/meditate/pray through 1 verse each session? Why do I put the pressure on myself to so as much as possible and get through it all?
Just something I'm learning about myself and my prayer life. I tend to hurry through my prayer... not sure if it is all in an effort to feel productive, or to 'free up' God to listen to prayers from others?
Why do
Thoughts? How do you combat the pressure our culture places on hurriedness in your prayer life, or am I the only one that feels it?
True gut check...
This last Sunday morning, PBC brought the truth like none other.... as usual. It was such a beautiful message.
Let me give you a little set-up here... on Sunday mornings we have been going through a study in Matthew of the sermon on the mount. We started with the beatitudes which rocked my world, then we moved on to the next section which was titled 'Getting to the heart of the matter' which again shook my world in the best way possible, and this last sunday we continued to another section of the sermon which has been called 'watching our righteousness' and it has started with a bang... getting right to the core.
This message was NOT beautiful because it was:
-easy
-something I already have down
-stroking my ego
-something someone else around me needed to hear
-surface level goodness without any real conviction/challenge
There is nothing beautiful about those things...
No... it was beautiful because it was:
-hard to hear
-required some true introspection on my part
-humbling
-honest
-truth spoken with such a love for the body of Christ
-one of those messages that will be on repeat to make it stick
We discussed Matthew 6:1-18 and what saving righteousness looks like... PBC told us that 'the affirmation we seek, determines the legitimacy of our righteousness'. That right there is enough to make me stop and take a moment to evaluate myself.
____________________
PBC provided 3 principles that help us evaluate our legitimacy:
1. consider the reward you want
-do I want human affirmation?
-do I live with the constant aim that others see and view me as spiritual?
2. consider what you want from people
-do we desire other's praise?:
-do I want to be seen by them?
-do we have a longing to be noticed?
-to be satisfied in my ministry... do I need to be noticed by others and recognized publicly?
-do we pursue elaborate expressions?
-this kills righteousness
3. consider what you want from God
-what characterizes someone who wants divine affirmation?
-God is the focus
-satisfaction in unrecognized actions
-God is ultimately valued
'gratitude and thanksgiving should be given... not something we are seeking'
'our human nature craves self glorification'
__________________
I would suggest that this is exceptionally difficult for someone like me... who's dominate love language is 'words of affirmation'. Yikes... never thought I'd be faced w/this reality of how easily I can misplace who/where I desire my affirmation. Since this message... the Lord is showing me areas of my life where I struggle w/this misplaced desire from others rather than Him. It's hard... yet perfectly necessary... and for that I am thankful.
If you have an hour- I'd encourage you to listen to the message here and select the message titled 'Watching Our Righteousness - Part 1' from November 4, 2012.
If you listen to it, I'd LOVE to know your thoughts on what you hear!
Let me give you a little set-up here... on Sunday mornings we have been going through a study in Matthew of the sermon on the mount. We started with the beatitudes which rocked my world, then we moved on to the next section which was titled 'Getting to the heart of the matter' which again shook my world in the best way possible, and this last sunday we continued to another section of the sermon which has been called 'watching our righteousness' and it has started with a bang... getting right to the core.
This message was NOT beautiful because it was:
-easy
-something I already have down
-stroking my ego
-something someone else around me needed to hear
-surface level goodness without any real conviction/challenge
There is nothing beautiful about those things...
No... it was beautiful because it was:
-hard to hear
-required some true introspection on my part
-humbling
-honest
-truth spoken with such a love for the body of Christ
-one of those messages that will be on repeat to make it stick
We discussed Matthew 6:1-18 and what saving righteousness looks like... PBC told us that 'the affirmation we seek, determines the legitimacy of our righteousness'. That right there is enough to make me stop and take a moment to evaluate myself.
____________________
PBC provided 3 principles that help us evaluate our legitimacy:
1. consider the reward you want
-do I want human affirmation?
-do I live with the constant aim that others see and view me as spiritual?
2. consider what you want from people
-do we desire other's praise?:
-do I want to be seen by them?
-do we have a longing to be noticed?
-to be satisfied in my ministry... do I need to be noticed by others and recognized publicly?
-do we pursue elaborate expressions?
-this kills righteousness
3. consider what you want from God
-what characterizes someone who wants divine affirmation?
-God is the focus
-satisfaction in unrecognized actions
-God is ultimately valued
'gratitude and thanksgiving should be given... not something we are seeking'
'our human nature craves self glorification'
__________________
I would suggest that this is exceptionally difficult for someone like me... who's dominate love language is 'words of affirmation'. Yikes... never thought I'd be faced w/this reality of how easily I can misplace who/where I desire my affirmation. Since this message... the Lord is showing me areas of my life where I struggle w/this misplaced desire from others rather than Him. It's hard... yet perfectly necessary... and for that I am thankful.
If you have an hour- I'd encourage you to listen to the message here and select the message titled 'Watching Our Righteousness - Part 1' from November 4, 2012.
If you listen to it, I'd LOVE to know your thoughts on what you hear!
Tuesday
what a special day...
For so many reasons...
I got to exercise my right to vote in a presidential election for the 2nd time!
I have a little different perspective on this day this year... Probably bc I'm so much wiser now... right, internet? ;)
This day.. I am filled with patriotism to my core- and this year a new found love and respect for the military... My brother has excitedly given in to the Lord's call for his life to join the army. You can't even know how proud of him I am. (don't worry- I'm workin on a future post about this special guy)
But not only do I feel extremely blessed to be an American... I feel so blessed to be a child of God today.
The election season is plagued with nasty commercials highlighting politicians rudely jabbing at one another back and forth.... And spending millions and MILLIONS to do it.
Today has wonderfully forced me to consider my Savior.. I'm so thankful that no amount of money could ever make me deserve the grace He places over me. No news adds are required to compete for His love.. no debate to prove my dedication or passion for Him... None of those things...
It's so beautiful and humbling to think of the sacrifice that He made for me... The grace and mercy He continually shows me... And I can do absolutely NOTHING to deserve it.
What kind of love is this... Wow.
In this election season.. I am thanking God for choosing me to be one of His children.... I did nothing to deserve it... I've done way more things that DON'T deserve His love and grace...
His grace... such a beautiful, beautiful thing - today and everyday.
#mindblown
I got to exercise my right to vote in a presidential election for the 2nd time!
I have a little different perspective on this day this year... Probably bc I'm so much wiser now... right, internet? ;)
This day.. I am filled with patriotism to my core- and this year a new found love and respect for the military... My brother has excitedly given in to the Lord's call for his life to join the army. You can't even know how proud of him I am. (don't worry- I'm workin on a future post about this special guy)
But not only do I feel extremely blessed to be an American... I feel so blessed to be a child of God today.
The election season is plagued with nasty commercials highlighting politicians rudely jabbing at one another back and forth.... And spending millions and MILLIONS to do it.
Today has wonderfully forced me to consider my Savior.. I'm so thankful that no amount of money could ever make me deserve the grace He places over me. No news adds are required to compete for His love.. no debate to prove my dedication or passion for Him... None of those things...
It's so beautiful and humbling to think of the sacrifice that He made for me... The grace and mercy He continually shows me... And I can do absolutely NOTHING to deserve it.
What kind of love is this... Wow.
In this election season.. I am thanking God for choosing me to be one of His children.... I did nothing to deserve it... I've done way more things that DON'T deserve His love and grace...
His grace... such a beautiful, beautiful thing - today and everyday.
#mindblown
Monday
#launchlove
Beauty draws us in.
This truth is one I've been reminded of so many times since reading Captivating for the first time in college. In fact my self and my suite-mates had decided to have a 'contract' of sorts where we decided not to date for the entire semester, and instead read this book together and focus on the Lord rather than focusing on the search for Mr. Right- which all 3 of us were focusing on this way too much. While that proved to be an excellent approach for our hearts, it may not be necessary for everyone to go that drastic. for me... it was a requirement.
fast forward...
A couple of years ago, in our young adult ministry 'Launch', we split up into guys and girls and did a 'body image' study for a good 10-12 weeks-- it did start out as a body image study and we talked a lot about our insecurities and what the world tries to tell us beauty means.
But honestly - it turned into much much MUCH more than a 'body image' study... however the name stuck somehow - I think it reminds us of where it all started the first time around... and how we must have a true understanding and view of ourselves to align with the Lord's view of us. This alignment is so essential to achieving the definition listed below of what a beautiful woman of God is like.. how she thinks.
So here is the list us 'launch ladies' made of how a beautiful woman thinks in regards to herself... and others:
-doesn't think about self as central focus
-Godward thoughts
-to think comfortably
-undeceived thinking - seeing things as they really are- as God sees them
-pleasant to self - compliments herself- not vainly but truthfully
-humility that isn't self-abasement
-thoughts of others without jealousy
-willingly compliment others and accept compliments
-not critical of others (gossip)
-not easily insulted
-love authentically
-enjoys others without competition
notice what is NOT a part of this list... not a single mention of how she looks, dresses, what trends she follows, what crafts she is good at, what meals she can cook, how she styles her hair.
isn't that seriously so beautiful? those things didn't even come to mind when we were brainstorming this list... for a moment those things were not the focus. Oh how I pray for more moments like that.
************
well- I guess you can call this episode 1-the intro... we have touched on so many things that I'll have to break this down into different posts to get it all in- and do it justice :)
what comes to mind when you think of characteristics of a beautiful woman of God?
This truth is one I've been reminded of so many times since reading Captivating for the first time in college. In fact my self and my suite-mates had decided to have a 'contract' of sorts where we decided not to date for the entire semester, and instead read this book together and focus on the Lord rather than focusing on the search for Mr. Right- which all 3 of us were focusing on this way too much. While that proved to be an excellent approach for our hearts, it may not be necessary for everyone to go that drastic. for me... it was a requirement.
fast forward...
A couple of years ago, in our young adult ministry 'Launch', we split up into guys and girls and did a 'body image' study for a good 10-12 weeks-- it did start out as a body image study and we talked a lot about our insecurities and what the world tries to tell us beauty means.
But honestly - it turned into much much MUCH more than a 'body image' study... however the name stuck somehow - I think it reminds us of where it all started the first time around... and how we must have a true understanding and view of ourselves to align with the Lord's view of us. This alignment is so essential to achieving the definition listed below of what a beautiful woman of God is like.. how she thinks.
So here is the list us 'launch ladies' made of how a beautiful woman thinks in regards to herself... and others:
-doesn't think about self as central focus
-Godward thoughts
-to think comfortably
-undeceived thinking - seeing things as they really are- as God sees them
-pleasant to self - compliments herself- not vainly but truthfully
-humility that isn't self-abasement
-thoughts of others without jealousy
-willingly compliment others and accept compliments
-not critical of others (gossip)
-not easily insulted
-love authentically
-enjoys others without competition
notice what is NOT a part of this list... not a single mention of how she looks, dresses, what trends she follows, what crafts she is good at, what meals she can cook, how she styles her hair.
isn't that seriously so beautiful? those things didn't even come to mind when we were brainstorming this list... for a moment those things were not the focus. Oh how I pray for more moments like that.
************
well- I guess you can call this episode 1-the intro... we have touched on so many things that I'll have to break this down into different posts to get it all in- and do it justice :)
what comes to mind when you think of characteristics of a beautiful woman of God?
#blessed
So every 6 weeks or so we get together with some good friends, Jamie and Gregg.
So rewind about 18 years... insert Jamie into my young and oh so 'I-think-I'm-wise-and-so-ocool' life... oh little did I know. :)
So Jamie and I grew up at the same church, she was a sponsor for my youth group and the Lord placed my on her heart. (I'm not sure if that's exactly true... but I'm going with it) Somehow, the Lord grew our relationship. Jamie became so much more to me than a youth sponsor. She became my mentor, and my friend!
I actually remember the first time I realized just how blessed I was to have Jamie in my life and as my mentor growing up... we were at a fall retreat down at Windemere and we were in a hotel-ish type of lodge instead of the typical 6 person cabins. ...I remember so vividly this moment.. we were having our nightly room devotionals with your room leader (Jamie was of course my room leader)... and she had us each close our eyes and she began to paint a word picture in our minds. It was so beautiful. It was Zepheniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." IT was one of the defining moments in my relationship with the Lord because it started to change my view of God from just a father who is strong/tough/just/mighty/powerful... into a father that is relational and desires intimacy with His children.
It is amazing because Jamie has been in my life for over 18 years and she continues to be a mentor and a dear friend. She and I can share things and thoughts we've had with one another knowing that our love for one another is unconditional. There is no judgement, just love, honesty, encouragement... transparency at its finest. It is beyond beautiful... it is God-glorifying!
We have cried together, laughed together, spoke truth to one another, encouraged one another, laughed some more, had spouts of distance between us.... and in all of it - the Lord was glorified.
That mentor-type of relationship is so important. I know I've talked about it before, but I believe the Lord set up the church to be full of these relationships. He tells us in Titus 2 to have these relationships... why do we drag our feet? Are we afraid of letting someone that close? Are we scared of judgement from the other party? Will they use the trusted information against me one day? Will they really be as honest to me as I am to them? It will take too long to get to that point, Raylene! Oh I have that kind of relationship with a brother or sister or other family member.. I don't need anyone else?
what is it? What is it that keeps us from letting others in? We need to protect our heart, I realize that.... wisdom must be present when finding/pursuing these relationships. Lets attempt to remove the excuses and crutches and let ourselves be vulnerable, transparent, honest with another lady (gentleman if you're a guy).
I know that this relationship is what gave me the passion and desire to serve the youth ministry when I grew up... I'm so blessed to be a part of the SWBC grounded ministry. #swbclove
I could go on for hours about this one, ya'll... so we'll bring this one back up... don't you worry :)
So rewind about 18 years... insert Jamie into my young and oh so 'I-think-I'm-wise-and-so-ocool' life... oh little did I know. :)
So Jamie and I grew up at the same church, she was a sponsor for my youth group and the Lord placed my on her heart. (I'm not sure if that's exactly true... but I'm going with it) Somehow, the Lord grew our relationship. Jamie became so much more to me than a youth sponsor. She became my mentor, and my friend!
I actually remember the first time I realized just how blessed I was to have Jamie in my life and as my mentor growing up... we were at a fall retreat down at Windemere and we were in a hotel-ish type of lodge instead of the typical 6 person cabins. ...I remember so vividly this moment.. we were having our nightly room devotionals with your room leader (Jamie was of course my room leader)... and she had us each close our eyes and she began to paint a word picture in our minds. It was so beautiful. It was Zepheniah 3:17 "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." IT was one of the defining moments in my relationship with the Lord because it started to change my view of God from just a father who is strong/tough/just/mighty/powerful... into a father that is relational and desires intimacy with His children.
It is amazing because Jamie has been in my life for over 18 years and she continues to be a mentor and a dear friend. She and I can share things and thoughts we've had with one another knowing that our love for one another is unconditional. There is no judgement, just love, honesty, encouragement... transparency at its finest. It is beyond beautiful... it is God-glorifying!
We have cried together, laughed together, spoke truth to one another, encouraged one another, laughed some more, had spouts of distance between us.... and in all of it - the Lord was glorified.
That mentor-type of relationship is so important. I know I've talked about it before, but I believe the Lord set up the church to be full of these relationships. He tells us in Titus 2 to have these relationships... why do we drag our feet? Are we afraid of letting someone that close? Are we scared of judgement from the other party? Will they use the trusted information against me one day? Will they really be as honest to me as I am to them? It will take too long to get to that point, Raylene! Oh I have that kind of relationship with a brother or sister or other family member.. I don't need anyone else?
what is it? What is it that keeps us from letting others in? We need to protect our heart, I realize that.... wisdom must be present when finding/pursuing these relationships. Lets attempt to remove the excuses and crutches and let ourselves be vulnerable, transparent, honest with another lady (gentleman if you're a guy).
I know that this relationship is what gave me the passion and desire to serve the youth ministry when I grew up... I'm so blessed to be a part of the SWBC grounded ministry. #swbclove
I could go on for hours about this one, ya'll... so we'll bring this one back up... don't you worry :)
Gettin' Personal...
Sunday evening service is something I have grown to look forward to each week.... right along with Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and Thursday nights... :) No but really-- I truly missed getting to be a part of the Sunday evening service while I was in school the past 2 years.
I'm excited to be back and what a blessing it has been.. We are currently going through 2 Timothy together on Sunday evenings and oh man is it heavy, and light, and beautiful, and ugly, and everything in between. I. love. it.
We are discussing the personal relationship that Paul had with Timothy.. and through that understanding of their relationship-- dissecting the letter Paul writes to Timothy. Yup- tears have been shed over these discussions- no joke!
We started off a few weeks ago talking about 'building relationships centered on christ'. It was all about personal relationships. We learned how close Paul and Timothy truly were. They lived so much life together... good bad and ugly. They shared genuine love for one another.
We discussed 4 ways to encourage gospel faithfulness in a personal way and a couple of the points really stood out:
1. Through personal prayer (vs 3)
- How many in this church do I pray for constantly b/c of my shared service to the gospel?
- The more you pray for someone... the closer you will become to that person
2. Through personal relationship (vs 4)
- Paul says 'I remember your tears... I long to see you'... there is power in face to face community with one another. He desired to see Timothy to be filled with joy. How beautiful.. who around us do we invest in and are invested into enough that seeing them would bring joy... to our core?
- They had been through war against sin together
some truly challenging questions/thoughts were posed during the sermon...
-Often times we personalize with others through social events... we don't struggle through sin together- instead we are embarrassed by it or feel as if judgment will be placed on us for struggling with sin. Instead we hide it, and put on the 'church face'... do we realize the intimate community we are missing out on when we do that? We don't build a personal relationship around Christ, we don't discuss the word and His promises/commands together... we 'fellowship' and yet leave the heart of the matter out of it.
Why don't we get personal?
- We will get hurt... people won't meet expectations
- By exposing our hearts to others... gives them ammo to use against us
- We live in 'what ifs' of getting personal
- Maybe we don't want others to know the details of our lives/hearts
- Maybe this type of relationship was never modeled for me and no one has approached me for this type of relationship so that is why it is avoided
_____________
I feel so blessed because I can truly say that I have this type of community. Is it perfect - uh NO. But it is beautiful regardless. We have surrounded ourselves most closely with people who love the Lord and who share a passion for intentional conversations, community, food, laughter, truth as we do. We do struggle through things together... we love each other hard. We accept truth in all forms... but work hard to deliver though truth to one another with love and grace.
One of the hardest things about trying to create this type of community that is full of vulnerability, honesty, transparency, love, tears, and laughter is that some don't accept the invitation. Just as we discussed a few sunday evenings ago... some fear being hurt... some fear letting their guard down enough to let someone in. Some fear embarrassment or judgment. This breaks my heart. I've been there... it wasn't until later in college that I started to find the beauty in this genuine community concept. I started questioning things like, 'why do we feel as if we must play a certain role when at church on sundays?'... why do we put on a 'face'... and maybe I'm the only one in the entire world that has ever done that. I'm sick of it... why do we feel the need to be fake around those God placed in our lives with the intention of struggling/crying/laughing/loving one another together?
One of the questions I wrestled with during my early years of college was.. 'do I feel more comfortable outside of the church than I do inside?' To be honest (as you know I will try to be)... I did feel more comfortable outside of the church than inside. Sad- I know. So I took a journey of my heart and found out why... I feared each of the things listed above about getting personal with my church family. Brings me to tears just thinking about it... I can't imagine making it without this community I've been so blessed with.
Yes- there are tough relationships... but I must continue being as genuine as I know how and love hard and love often. It can really hurt--putting your heart out there-- you might even lose friendships over trying to love hard... some will endure these tough seasons... some wont. but through it all... some how... God is glorified (period)
If you're interested in hearing the whole message referenced above (which I highly suggest) it is called 1 Timothy 1:1-7 from 9/23/2012 given by none other than PBC.
Thoughts?
What does your community currently look like? What would you like it to look like?
I'm excited to be back and what a blessing it has been.. We are currently going through 2 Timothy together on Sunday evenings and oh man is it heavy, and light, and beautiful, and ugly, and everything in between. I. love. it.
We are discussing the personal relationship that Paul had with Timothy.. and through that understanding of their relationship-- dissecting the letter Paul writes to Timothy. Yup- tears have been shed over these discussions- no joke!
We started off a few weeks ago talking about 'building relationships centered on christ'. It was all about personal relationships. We learned how close Paul and Timothy truly were. They lived so much life together... good bad and ugly. They shared genuine love for one another.
We discussed 4 ways to encourage gospel faithfulness in a personal way and a couple of the points really stood out:
1. Through personal prayer (vs 3)
- How many in this church do I pray for constantly b/c of my shared service to the gospel?
- The more you pray for someone... the closer you will become to that person
2. Through personal relationship (vs 4)
- Paul says 'I remember your tears... I long to see you'... there is power in face to face community with one another. He desired to see Timothy to be filled with joy. How beautiful.. who around us do we invest in and are invested into enough that seeing them would bring joy... to our core?
- They had been through war against sin together
some truly challenging questions/thoughts were posed during the sermon...
-Often times we personalize with others through social events... we don't struggle through sin together- instead we are embarrassed by it or feel as if judgment will be placed on us for struggling with sin. Instead we hide it, and put on the 'church face'... do we realize the intimate community we are missing out on when we do that? We don't build a personal relationship around Christ, we don't discuss the word and His promises/commands together... we 'fellowship' and yet leave the heart of the matter out of it.
Why don't we get personal?
- We will get hurt... people won't meet expectations
- By exposing our hearts to others... gives them ammo to use against us
- We live in 'what ifs' of getting personal
- Maybe we don't want others to know the details of our lives/hearts
- Maybe this type of relationship was never modeled for me and no one has approached me for this type of relationship so that is why it is avoided
_____________
I feel so blessed because I can truly say that I have this type of community. Is it perfect - uh NO. But it is beautiful regardless. We have surrounded ourselves most closely with people who love the Lord and who share a passion for intentional conversations, community, food, laughter, truth as we do. We do struggle through things together... we love each other hard. We accept truth in all forms... but work hard to deliver though truth to one another with love and grace.
One of the hardest things about trying to create this type of community that is full of vulnerability, honesty, transparency, love, tears, and laughter is that some don't accept the invitation. Just as we discussed a few sunday evenings ago... some fear being hurt... some fear letting their guard down enough to let someone in. Some fear embarrassment or judgment. This breaks my heart. I've been there... it wasn't until later in college that I started to find the beauty in this genuine community concept. I started questioning things like, 'why do we feel as if we must play a certain role when at church on sundays?'... why do we put on a 'face'... and maybe I'm the only one in the entire world that has ever done that. I'm sick of it... why do we feel the need to be fake around those God placed in our lives with the intention of struggling/crying/laughing/loving one another together?
One of the questions I wrestled with during my early years of college was.. 'do I feel more comfortable outside of the church than I do inside?' To be honest (as you know I will try to be)... I did feel more comfortable outside of the church than inside. Sad- I know. So I took a journey of my heart and found out why... I feared each of the things listed above about getting personal with my church family. Brings me to tears just thinking about it... I can't imagine making it without this community I've been so blessed with.
Yes- there are tough relationships... but I must continue being as genuine as I know how and love hard and love often. It can really hurt--putting your heart out there-- you might even lose friendships over trying to love hard... some will endure these tough seasons... some wont. but through it all... some how... God is glorified (period)
If you're interested in hearing the whole message referenced above (which I highly suggest) it is called 1 Timothy 1:1-7 from 9/23/2012 given by none other than PBC.
Thoughts?
What does your community currently look like? What would you like it to look like?
Tuesday
Titus 2: 'Older Women...'
So currently the youth group is split up between girls and guys for a 10 week study. The guys are discussing guy things... I imagine... and the girls are discussing girl things- for sure!
A couple of weeks this passage was mentioned:
Titus 2
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you."
While I have heard this passage so many times, it has been replaying in my mind all week. I continue to dwell on the section that says:
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."
Thinking through what this really means... what does this look like for me? I love the investment I'm making in the youth ladies-- they are so good for my heart and I often times feel like I'm truly getting the better end of the deal.
I often wonder if I'm being as proactive as I should about the other side of the coin... So -- I'm being the 'older women' to some... but am I being intentional about who the 'older women' to me are? I mean-- I have to bring Launch into the picture here. I am blessed beyond words by this community, and by Kandy -- she has such a beautiful heart and I have learned so much from being in community with her and watching her deal with life. The ladies at Launch are all very unique... no one has the exact same taste in clothes, or music, or hobbies... but that is exactly what I love about it. Wow... so much to say about Launch... and I'm going to save it for another post.
Kind of random today... but thats what I've got for ya. #sorrynotsorry
What does this look like for you?
A couple of weeks this passage was mentioned:
Titus 2
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you."
While I have heard this passage so many times, it has been replaying in my mind all week. I continue to dwell on the section that says:
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."
Thinking through what this really means... what does this look like for me? I love the investment I'm making in the youth ladies-- they are so good for my heart and I often times feel like I'm truly getting the better end of the deal.
I often wonder if I'm being as proactive as I should about the other side of the coin... So -- I'm being the 'older women' to some... but am I being intentional about who the 'older women' to me are? I mean-- I have to bring Launch into the picture here. I am blessed beyond words by this community, and by Kandy -- she has such a beautiful heart and I have learned so much from being in community with her and watching her deal with life. The ladies at Launch are all very unique... no one has the exact same taste in clothes, or music, or hobbies... but that is exactly what I love about it. Wow... so much to say about Launch... and I'm going to save it for another post.
Kind of random today... but thats what I've got for ya. #sorrynotsorry
What does this look like for you?
Wednesday
Church...
Let's chat about church.
I am so thankful for my church, there really are no words to describe. But alas, I will try to portray a little of what is in my heart.
I'm so thankful for a church where...
-The Gospel is central to EVERYTHING. I could stop there... but you know I won't :)
-The Pastor invests into others' lives. This has been especially encouraging to me... seeing PBC invest in our young men (my hubs included) and how that has truly impacted their leadership and walk with Christ.
-If I'm not there... it is noticed. I'm not 1 of thousands herded in and out each week.
-Every single generation is represented there. From -6 months to 85+ years old and everything in between. It is the most beautiful thing to worship next to them and learn from their stage of life. Growth Groups are a great example of this... discussing the sermon from that morning with 10+ other believers- all in very different stages of life. Truly brings joy to my soul.
-There is no dress code... we have the Eds of the church (my dad, who dresses very formal) to the Jeremys (jeans and a tshirt) of the church and guess what.... no one cares-- we are all saved by the same grace- regardless of the attire we show up in.-- that is beautiful.
-Service is not only encouraged... it is natural here. 5 years ago I would never have believed you if you told me I'd be a youth leader, launch attender, active college ministry contributor, and most recently wedding coordinator at this point in my life. I have never once felt pressured to serve in any one of these areas... it is a desire... a natural reaction to the worship happening every week.
-Transparency is encouraged and demonstrated. How are we to build one another up if we aren't real with each other? We are told to bear one another's burdens, how can that ever happen if we aren't transparent with one another? NOTE TO SELF: must be transparent to receive transparency from others
-God is glorified, and glorifying Him is the focus of every sermon, every Bible study lesson, every event, every decision, every leader, every outreach opportunity... E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.
-The Truth is what draws people in... not a coffee shop, or a trend, or entertaining videos, or fog machines, or spot lights, or emotional music... no- the TRUTH.
-Honesty is expected, regardless of how hard it hurts or how deep it stirs our heart.
-There is no 'typical' member. You would not be able to describe the 'types' of people that go to our church. There is no specific genre they fall into... each member is critically unique from another. There is no pressure to act/dress/live a certain way that fits a particular style. Each individual is so different, and yet loved and cared for by the other.
-Hard, uncomfortable topics are discussed. Sure, there are times I feel uncomfortable-- like last Sunday talking about Lust and Adultery. But I am so incredibly thankful for a church that won't shy away from the tough stuff. This breeds transparency and honesty.... it is beautiful how it all works together to create personal relationships.
-I am challenged by every sermon. These sermons are not full of motivational speech, or emotional lures, or feel good take-aways... no these sermons are jam packed with TRUTH... and there is no sugar coating this truth, it can be hard to swallow sometimes because of my pride... and yet- so. beautiful.
-I get a hug from Em Jones every single week. Nothing like feeling as if I have another grandmother.. one that lives close and attends the same church. How thankful I am for these hugs that bring a tear to my eye every time.
-Once students graduate... I get to take off the leader hat and put on the friend hat. I have been so blessed by these friendships-I can't even begin to put into words what they mean to me and my heart, and how much God has used them to shape, encourage and challenge me. What a humbling thing to experience...
-The youth sponsors from when I was in youth now have students that I get to attempt to serve as well as their parents served me.
-The walls we meet in are not the boundaries that define our 'church'. We live life together, investing in one another with genuine love. We do not merely show up on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays... get fed the Word and leave. No... there is emphasis placed on establishing personal relationships with one another. I am so blessed to have that here.. and that it is natural.
I could go on forever... but I'll stop there for today. I am sure this topic will come around again.
What are your favorite things about your church? Any thoughts/questions about mine?
PS: I really like it when you interact w/me here :)
#SWBCLove
I am so thankful for my church, there really are no words to describe. But alas, I will try to portray a little of what is in my heart.
I'm so thankful for a church where...
-The Gospel is central to EVERYTHING. I could stop there... but you know I won't :)
-The Pastor invests into others' lives. This has been especially encouraging to me... seeing PBC invest in our young men (my hubs included) and how that has truly impacted their leadership and walk with Christ.
-If I'm not there... it is noticed. I'm not 1 of thousands herded in and out each week.
-Every single generation is represented there. From -6 months to 85+ years old and everything in between. It is the most beautiful thing to worship next to them and learn from their stage of life. Growth Groups are a great example of this... discussing the sermon from that morning with 10+ other believers- all in very different stages of life. Truly brings joy to my soul.
-There is no dress code... we have the Eds of the church (my dad, who dresses very formal) to the Jeremys (jeans and a tshirt) of the church and guess what.... no one cares-- we are all saved by the same grace- regardless of the attire we show up in.-- that is beautiful.
-Service is not only encouraged... it is natural here. 5 years ago I would never have believed you if you told me I'd be a youth leader, launch attender, active college ministry contributor, and most recently wedding coordinator at this point in my life. I have never once felt pressured to serve in any one of these areas... it is a desire... a natural reaction to the worship happening every week.
-Transparency is encouraged and demonstrated. How are we to build one another up if we aren't real with each other? We are told to bear one another's burdens, how can that ever happen if we aren't transparent with one another? NOTE TO SELF: must be transparent to receive transparency from others
-God is glorified, and glorifying Him is the focus of every sermon, every Bible study lesson, every event, every decision, every leader, every outreach opportunity... E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.
-The Truth is what draws people in... not a coffee shop, or a trend, or entertaining videos, or fog machines, or spot lights, or emotional music... no- the TRUTH.
-Honesty is expected, regardless of how hard it hurts or how deep it stirs our heart.
-There is no 'typical' member. You would not be able to describe the 'types' of people that go to our church. There is no specific genre they fall into... each member is critically unique from another. There is no pressure to act/dress/live a certain way that fits a particular style. Each individual is so different, and yet loved and cared for by the other.
-Hard, uncomfortable topics are discussed. Sure, there are times I feel uncomfortable-- like last Sunday talking about Lust and Adultery. But I am so incredibly thankful for a church that won't shy away from the tough stuff. This breeds transparency and honesty.... it is beautiful how it all works together to create personal relationships.
-I am challenged by every sermon. These sermons are not full of motivational speech, or emotional lures, or feel good take-aways... no these sermons are jam packed with TRUTH... and there is no sugar coating this truth, it can be hard to swallow sometimes because of my pride... and yet- so. beautiful.
-I get a hug from Em Jones every single week. Nothing like feeling as if I have another grandmother.. one that lives close and attends the same church. How thankful I am for these hugs that bring a tear to my eye every time.
-Once students graduate... I get to take off the leader hat and put on the friend hat. I have been so blessed by these friendships-I can't even begin to put into words what they mean to me and my heart, and how much God has used them to shape, encourage and challenge me. What a humbling thing to experience...
-The youth sponsors from when I was in youth now have students that I get to attempt to serve as well as their parents served me.
-The walls we meet in are not the boundaries that define our 'church'. We live life together, investing in one another with genuine love. We do not merely show up on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays... get fed the Word and leave. No... there is emphasis placed on establishing personal relationships with one another. I am so blessed to have that here.. and that it is natural.
I could go on forever... but I'll stop there for today. I am sure this topic will come around again.
What are your favorite things about your church? Any thoughts/questions about mine?
PS: I really like it when you interact w/me here :)
#SWBCLove
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