Friday, February 25, 2011

What is Hindering You From Loving Others?

       This week, yet again, God has used breakfast club to help me thoroughly examine my life. The scripture we focused on this week was derived from 1 John 4, where God calls us to genuinely love one another. When I took the time to reflect on whether I shared GOD'S love, I realized I was lacking. People see love so differently in this world. How can I gain recognition? How can I be #1? However, in 1 John 4, God tells us that true love is His act of grace and mercy, which He bared on the cross. Christ should be the ultimate example of how to love others. In previous verses, He tells us how we know we love and should love one another: "Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." The world's perspective is backwards; we should desire to share God's love with others, and help them seek Him. We are placed on this earth for one reason, and that reason being that we may honor God through serving others, not ourselves. 
         1 Peter 4:10 tells us, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully adminstering God's grace in its various forms." Passages like this are extremely encouraging for me, because my love for others is hindered through jealousy. I am competitive by nature, and too often compare myself to others. 1 Cornithians 13 is basically a guide to love, and lo and behold, envy is not an act of love. By comparing myself to others standards, I am thinking solely of myself, and I am not allowing myself to be happy for what others have received, but what I have not received. When I catch myself becoming jealous I remember one statement in The Kingdom Experiment, which brings me back to terms of how I need to love. In everything we endure, it should not be about the results or the recognition, because often things do not go as planned, but instead, life should be about honoring and glorifying God in ALL you do. Whether I am top of my class or not, whether I am the star basketball player or the benchwarmer, my goal in life should be to concentrate on the true meaning behind everything I do, serving God and others before myself.
       I challenge you, as well as myself, to study 1 Cornithians 13, and choose one way in which we can improve our love for others, consequently sharing the Word of God. Find honest contentment and joy in what he has to say to you, and remember God calls us to be uncomfortable sometimes. Pray to God about your concerns, and also, thank Him for what He will do in your life.

      Let us resemble salt, preserving for His Kingdom and enchancing life for others. -Mark Driscoll

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnGQ4ePZcj0
            
            <3 Abby

 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

God's Calling? PICK UP THE PHONE.

          Many of us are quite familiar with the "decline" button on our phones. If someone's calling that you don't want to talk to, you just decline it. No big deal. This mentality, however, should never come to mind when God's the one calling your name. Sometimes God comes along and asks us to do things that we simply don't want to do. Things that make us uncomfortable.
          Recently, I ignored one of God's calls and have felt the regret ever since. I'm not the best with public speaking, so when God nudges me to speak up I usually pretend to not hear Him. This week at breakfast club, God was urging me to speak up, to share my thoughts, get out of my comfort zone. I denied that one simple request that God asked of me, and now I feel the regret. It's like going to an amusement park, getting psyched up for the rides, and then chickening out at the last second. Last week I told myself, and God, that I would speak up this time in breakfast club, but I found myself chickening out once again. I am determined to fulfill God's call, knowing that He has the ultimate and best plans for me. Sometimes you need a strong Christian friend to hold you accountable in situations like these; so I told my oh so sweet friends of mine that if I don't respond to God's call next time, they have full permission to punch me in the face (not really). But I do strongly believe that friends that hold you accountable in your faith are extremely important.
          Another example I have experienced of God's strong call to follow His instructions comes from my dad. Lately he's been contemplating whether or not he would be going back to Zambia, Africa this summer on a mission trip. Last year we went together with my church and had a life-changing experience. This year would be my dad's third year, and it's quite a costly trip. My dad was thinking about waiting a year to go back, because of the expense and time off of work that he would have to deal with. But he made his decision this week to be a part of the team that goes in July. He told me "God wouldn't quick stabbing His thumb in my back about it." I think it's so awesome to be able to see how clearly God spoke to my dad. Even though traveling to Africa is a difficult expense to cover, we can trust that God will provide the way.
          These are just a few examples of ways in which God calls us to do simple tasks each and everyday. We should remember that our lives here on earth will be harder, yet much more worth while, if we follow all of God's instructions. I challenge you this week to really listen to what God is commanding you to do, and follow through, as I should have. One decision could make all of the difference, and trust me, if you listen to God and obey, it will be worth any discomfort, because you will know that you are walking on the path that Jesus has made for us. Feel free to comment, adding any stories about how God has called you to do something for Him, and how you responded(:
-COURTNEY<3

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Church isn't a building?

          No, it's not. Last week during the Kingdom Experiment, I chose an experiment which involved taking notes each Sunday during my pastor's sermon. The experiment was designed to help me focus, and better comprehend the material that my senior pastor, Jon Middendorf, was laying out. This experiment came at a crucial time, because I was really affected by our lesson this previous Sunday.
         What does this have to do with the title? I'm getting there. Lately we've been going through the sermon series "Viva La Corinth"; talking about the struggles that the Church of Corinth was going through. Conflicts. This week we talked about 1 Corinthians 3.
          Many people think of the Church as a temple, or "holy" place of worship, but that's not what the Church really is. The Church consists of God's children; as Jon Middendorf said, "When we finish here, we're not leaving the Church. The Church is leaving this place." This really hit me, because most of the time, hypocritical Christians feel like they can leave church on Sunday and do however they please the rest of the week. This mentality is completely wrong, because even as we leave whatever place of worship that we attend on Sundays or Wednesdays, we are going out into the world as the Church. We must not represent God and His kingdom incorrectly to the world, for "The place where Heaven and earth overlap is the temple." --the temple being us, the Church. We are how God has access to all of creation, and we are how everyone has access to God.
          How do we know what God is like? We should be able to look at the people of God to see Him. We are meant to be images of Christ. We shouldn't have idols, or "holy" places that we could point at to show God to the world. We must act as images of Christ living the kingdom life, so that we may show the world God through our actions. One of the reasons that Jesus wasn't too thrilled about the building of the temple is because He felt like the temple would become a place, a piece of idolatry, that would take on the responsibility that the Lord has given us to show the world our God.
          According to Paul, creation is our responsibility. We are called to spread the greatness of God and work with Him throughout the world. So as this great, marvelous temple was being built, Paul explains that the building wasn't the temple, but that we are the Church, we are the temple that God is building so that we may fulfill God's call for us.
          Ultimately, God doesn't live in a location, in a place. He lives in us, in the people of God. As you go through this week challenge yourself to live as the Church. Don't think of going to Church, but actually being the Church. Live as God calls you to, and be an example, an image, of Christ in the world today.
-COURTNEY(:

Monday, February 21, 2011

Uncomfortable: Eternity Starts Now

     God has really pressed on Courtney and I's hearts that He wants us to be uncomfortable. God warns us of persecution and suffering, even as followers, but by engrossing your life to God's will, you can overcome loneliness and uneasiness. Listening to God's call will show you how blessed you are and how important it is to trust fully in Him. Everything Courtney and I read throughout the week: twitter, history assignments, God's Word, iPhone apps, everything correlates and ties it all together. Tonight as I was reading my Jesus Calling book, God challenged me to live uncomfortably again. Here's what God spoke to me:


·         Often people are too scared to take risks, either because they are afraid of judgment or the outcome. With God, we must trust. Trust is a word used frequently, but is easily passed over. Trust not only means believing, but devoting your thoughts, effort, and time into something. God needs our trust, and we need His salvation. It is easy to get in the habit of following your own plans, but God intends us to embrace His path for us, even when it seems impossible. God wants you to have so much faith, that you can clearly hear and desire His will, challenging yourself to listen to God’s call to be uncomfortable. In this life, we, as Christians, will feel alone in this world, because of how people view Christianity. God assures us in the Bible, though, that He is ALWAYS with us. He NEVER takes a snack break, a vacation, or a retirement plan, for that matter.  He is devoted to us, as we should be to Him. Push yourself to place yourself in uncomfortable situations, clinging to God for comfort, in order to glorify His name. Life on earth will pass by, days will end, but God’s kingdom is forever, and we should spend our time here on earth, prepping for our real home in heaven. ETERNITY STARTS NOW!

     "How could I not give it away so freely?"

     <3 Abby

Friday, February 18, 2011

Be Desperate. For God.

       This week we have been focusing on depending on God in our lives completely. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." One of our experiments this week consisted of journaling worldly distractions and dependencies that we have recognized in our lives. These distractions take away from our growing relationships with Christ and the people around us. After logging our thoughts, we were encouraged to burn the slips of paper as a constant reminder that we should let these worthless things go, and allow God to be number 1 in our lives.
     Some examples that we put on our lists included: facebook, cell phones, internet, outer appearance, academics, and greed. These distractions divert our attention from Christ, and can be very destructive if you let them come before your relationship with God. As we go through this week, we are trying to practice the act of jubilance. As God forgave our debts, we too are called to forgive those who debt us. God wants us, as His disciples, to look at others through His eyes and perspective. Challenge yourself this week to eliminate your daily distractions, instead spending time in the Word and creating relationships with your peers. <3 Courtney and Abby

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Hypocrisy

     Today as I was doing my experiment for "those who hunger and thirst..." and engaged in weekly breakfast club, I noticed many references to hypocrisy. A comment was made in breakfast club that struck home with me. A recent survey showed that one of the most common words that people think of when they think Christians is hypocrites. Many good points were brought up as to how we dismiss all hypocrisy and start fresh with our peers, so they can see God through us. For instance, Bob is mad at me for something I said and is holding a grudge. The only way he can look past it is to hear me sincerely apologize, and then he can forgive and forget and recognize God in my life, instead of, "Hey, there's that chick who is mean to me." We are all challenged as a group to approach nonbelievers and believers throughout the day, and confirm that we love them and never mean to hurt them. With a clean slate, we can deliver God's message in the correct attitude.
     Next, I dug into one of my Kingdom Experiments of the week, which encourages readers to read and reflect over Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Throughout Matthew 6, there are numerous mentions of hypocrisy. Wow, God is really piecing it together for me! Matthew 5 inspires us to "settle matters quickly....I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." All this passage is implying, is that we should set ourselves right with others, so that we can share the word without fear of judgement or persecution. As you read further, Matthew 6 explores the concept of hypocrites even more. Often times Christians tend to heighten themselves above others, simply because they are "in the word." We should not compare ourselves to others, because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and therefore equal in His eyes. To overcome hypocrisy, we must make right what is wrong, and honor God in our daily lives. Hypocrites, as mentioned in Matthew, are also inferred as arrogant and haughty, and usually do things only for recognition. God tells us that those who proudly live their life for acknowledgement will receive praise in this life, but those who are humble before God will collect their reward in heaven! As we go through this week, let us all seek out those we have hurt, repent, and share God's powerful Word!
Abby(:

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Virtual Wailing Wall

Hey guys! I just wanted to stop by and start a virtual wailing wall on here, to be continued with everyone who visits this blog(: Abby and I made our own personal wailing walls a couple of weeks ago in our houses for an experiment from the Kingdom Experiment. It's a great place to keep thoughtful Bible Verses, quotes, song lyrics, praise, and personal prayers! I'll get us started, but I strongly encourage you to add your own stuff by commenting! It would be really awesome to have a place for anyone and everyone to place thoughts, quotes, verses, prayers, etc. so that we can all share in our faith together.
-Courtney(:


Even if I fall I’ll rise again, for you are my God. Even if I fall, you lift me up. When you’re with me, I will rise up, when you lift me up. –Even if I fall by Mike Cowart

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. -Micah 6:8

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” –John 15:9
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. -2 Timothy 2:24

Forgive me Lord for I have sinned… Give me patience with my parents. They know what’s best for me. Remind me when I begin to lose my temper, of this.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

I pray for the homeless in our very own community that they know they are blessed in your eyes. Bring them close to you, as they may be struggling for even the most basic of needs.

Dear Children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. -1 John 3:18

Jealousy- You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and fighting among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? -1 Corinthians 3:3

Trust in Him; He will provide.

Mirror I am seeing a new reflection. I’m looking into the eyes of He who made me. And to Him I have beauty beyond compare, I know He defines me. –Mirror by Barlowgirl

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us so that through endurance of the Scriptures we might have hope. –Romans 15:4

I pray, Lord, for the people of the world who don’t know you. You are a persistent God, and I know you will pursue them until they embrace you and respond with a “yes.” Thank you for being a persistent faithful God. Amen.

Thanks for- my parents, Abby, brothers, Mike Laughlin, warm clean water, a bed, the Kingdom Experiment, Jesus your son, the Bible, forgiveness, second chances, freedom, worship, the opportunity to witness, etc.
Remind me to always think of you and what you would want me to do. 24/7. Amen.

“The still dwelling upon God is the quietest but the most potent action of all.” –Power Through Constructive Thinking by Emmett Fox

“A witness is one who not only tells the truth, but also lives the truth.” –One 2 One Devotional

“He’s telling us to be so desperate for righteousness that our existence depends on it.”  -Kingdom Experiment

Jesus Calling: Another Chapter

 One of my character flaws, you could say, is trying to achieve perfection. Today's Jesus Calling came to me at the one moment I needed it most! Geez, thanks God!!!(: Remember that your hard work should not be to obtain certain results or recognition, but to honor and praise God for the simple things He has blessed us with. God has blessed us exceedingly if you look around you! We live in a free country, where we can worship Him, we have the privilege (get that, the privilege) to be educated, and He has given us the essentials for everyday life. Most importantly, He has given us His word, and we must act on it! Here are my notes for today's lesson on hoping in the Lord, and putting faith in Him to transform you:

     Weakness is not necessarily a bad thing, if we recognize our flaws and invite God to transform and renew us. Our omniscient God is incomprehensibly understanding, because he knows us better than we know ourselves, and He promises us a way out of every temptation that presents itself to us. Through our weaknesses, we should store our hope in the Lord, embracing the fact that He is the Ultimate Provider and Comforter. Our insecurities and self doubt should vanish before God, who loves us unconditionally. Whenever you may feel unworthy, confront God, asking Him for guidance and confidence to cast aside worldly wishes and standards and shine for God, by honoring Him with your best. Lean on Him and find rest, so that you will be free of self pity and depression, and more able to devote your focus in God's will and showing meekness (a servant heart and a humble leader and follower of God) to those around you. Find contentment and hope in the Faithful One, and He will see that your burdens are personally beared on His shoulders, for you!
Let weakness strengthen your dire need for God's peace and reliance!
ABBY(:

MUSIC!!

I know I speak for all when I say, music is great! Music is a way to express emotions and vent about struggles we go through! Christian music is no different! There are many stereotypes of Christian songs being boring, depressing, or degrading. Wrong! Christian music is extremely versatile and uplifting, and is a great beginner for opening up your heart and mind to hear God's good and perfect will for you! Believe it or not, Christian music comes in all tempos and genres: rap, techno, ballad, and the list goes on and on. Here are just a few of our all time favorites to try out!

You and Me by Lifehouse: Great song about searching for God, while surrounded with so many other beliefs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxPq2thE4do

What Love Really Means by JJ Heller: Moving song about the God's unconditional love for us all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqWf-XehllA

Always by Building 429: God is with us ALWAYS!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQF7sCYXfj0

Held by Natalie Grant: In this world we will face obstacles, but we can find comfort under God's wing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2m1HZekCcc

I Will Not Be Moved by Natalie Grant: One of my absolute favorites! We can never be separated from the love of God. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTeQdLKiRg8

You Hold Me Now by Hillsong United: Can't wait for Heaven after listening to this song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX12vnPX60s

What Faith Can Do by Kutless: Cling on to hope and faith in the Lord, and He will deliver us!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGStix70S1k

Strong Tower by Kutless: Another favorite. Your face is all I seek!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLYnN3rRC1Q

Free to Be Me by Francesca Battistelli: Have confidence in yourself, because you are fearfully and wonderfully made! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38LcrMZutJs

I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli: Listen for God's will and purpose for your life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8A-2jhdN0Vc

Better Than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant: Trials make us stronger in God!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOHJghBU0XA

Amazing Love by Chris Tomlin: God sacrificed His perfect Son for our lives!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwoCbcSXlSM

Sound of Your Voice by Third Day: AHHH! Love this one! I want to sing along with Him, worshipping him forever! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4uauw38GBM

Lift Up Your Face by Third Day: Look for God's amazing creations each day!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BxSXlS-oXo

Children of God by Third Day: God calls us His children and His friends!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9RqVRBtjM4

From the Inside Out by Hillsong United: Lord, transform me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2H3kZiVf9Y

Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood: God has gone to prepare us a far better place, now let us live for Him on earth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfOQr3U1eiE

Glory to God by Fee: Pretty self explanatory(:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA4-ioUmYjo

Came to My Rescue by Hillsong United: God has come to my rescue!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9lGwzBO1Y

Your Grace is Enough by Chris Tomlin: Chris Tomlin anything is amazing!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr62eWnkr4g

Give Us Clean Hands by Chris Tomlin: Cry out to purify us and use us!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qODFIWPClY&feature=related

Lead Me to the Cross by Chris and Conrad: Help us to surrender our lives to you, as you have done for us!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3-d_IrMm9A

Jesus Paid It All by Chris Tomlin: Jesus shed his blood, so one day we can go home to Him!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3o3DiMVdOI

I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe: I can only imagine what it will be like to see Jesus face to face, but I KNOW it will be the best day EVER! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII

Rescue by Desperation Band: I first heard this in church, and I fell in love with it! Where else can I go!?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEO12GqfKPM

You Are by Jason Castro: An American Idol contestant turned Christian composer. What an inspiration!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6IfUcPJfyM

Light Up the Sky by The Afters: Show me your way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X_E2t7r1pY

Starry Night by Chris August: God's creation is magnificent! You are God of ALL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvpFjyz4GJU&feature=related

Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster: God's kingdom will remain, even when all else fails!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYx4Cv9CPFE

Forever Reign by Hillsong United: I SPRINTING INTO YOUR ARMS! (:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTU4u30w2tQ

There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp: This guy's testimony is incredible, and even more eye opening that He can still say There Will Be a Day!!! Check out his testimony here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFLFFBhcUEM ..And the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8gkDiTvloc

Walk By Faith by Jeremy Camp: "Your hand will guide my every way."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEK071gUHHg

I Still Believe by Jeremy Camp: I believe that You are my God, no matter what!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4qPceadBMU&feature=related

Made to Love by TobyMac: "Cuz daddy I'm on my way...." (: (: (: For those of you who like the upbeatness!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3afrg0aI350

City on Our Knees by TobyMac: Our time is now! Let's gather together to share God's word with everyone!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x6uPWiEhcs

Who Am I? by Casting Crowns: I have always loved this song! We are so unworthy, yet God harnesses us!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMPCNrWNCg8

If We Are the Body by Casting Crowns: Show meekness to the world around us!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAWeHo8E70E

Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns: God is the true voice to strive to hear in a world of destruction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKnBcCdnXyg

Love in Your Arms by Eleventyseven: techno Christian music, anyone? (:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kis0Q2JmWyY

There are so many other songs that are powerful and dynamic, but that would take 10 blogs itself..
Feel free to comment below about your favorite song! We are always looking for new songs to worship our Righteous God! We hope that at least one of these songs impacts your life in some way!
Abby and Courtney (: