We all know that life is so much more than just a party; we have a purpose here on earth. But what does it mean to live life to the fullest in light of God?
When we feel the shame occupied with our sinful nature, guilt, we began to grasp how desperately we need a savior, but not just any savior. Jesus, the Son of God, the man who came down to earth to experience earthly pain, exemplifed on the cross, is our redeeming Savior! As Mike Laughlin wisely puts it, “Look at your own brokenness, your inadequacy, and then look to the cross, where Christ’s blood was spilled in order for us to experience life, if we choose it. Once you see the two perspectives, confess the difference.” Feel the weight of all God’s mercy and grace showered on us. Take into account your own life, and by exhibiting faith in Christ, journey with Him to change your unpleasant ways. Do not doubt your worthiness, because in fact you were not worthy, until the Lord gave His Son as a ransom for many, so that in return He might possess you, and you might have life in Him. Christ did everything in His power and was willing to shed His blood for us, unrighteous beings. We too should do everything in our power to desire His warmth and security, knowing that in the shadow of His wing, we are protected. To live fully in Him, is to fix your eyes only on God, allowing Him to guide you through today’s troubles, as well as further on down the road. Today’s struggles are training us up in Christ and toughening our armor, so that we can have Peace in knowing that we are already victorious in God, even in the climbing of the highest peak. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so why not go all out! That's right, go all out! Going all out is an infrequent practice of ours, whether it's homework or cleaning our room. However, going all out in terms of following God has its rewards and major benefits. I know it's hard to take what people say and immediately put it into action, but I PROMISE YOU, GOING ALL OUT FOR CHRIST IS WELL BEYOND WORTH THE RISK!!!
Let's compare this to sports, shall we? A big part of training up an athlete is practice. Only a small portion of a season is actual game time. When you go all out in practice, your coaches usually recognize your effort, and it helps you to improve your playing skills. The same thing is true with God. God is our coach; he is training us up for the biggest game of the season. If we go all out: reading His scripture, developing a constant communication factor, and trusting in His Holy Presence, we will be recognized, but most importantly, we will grow in our faith, ready to conquer any team or obstacle that stands in our way. No matter how the game turns out, we can rejoice in knowing that in God, we are living life to the fullest!
If you want to understand more on going all out for Christ, take just a few minutes of your time to listen to Walk on the Water by Britt Nicole! This song really spoke to me and reminded me to keep persevering. Join with me to live all out for Christ!
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=125Ppy25QIw
<3 Abby
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Can Anybody Hear Me?
Courtney and I are wrapping up our Kingdom Experiment experience, and it has been great! I strongly recommend it to everyone! One of the last challenges was to tie the kingdom living together, by listening to The Lost Get Found by Britt Nicole and journaling about the message of the song. It really helped me to interpret the song in a whole new way! Like our worship leader, Leo, at Crossings says, the lyrics of songs communicate scripture in a harmonious and beautiful way. I took another one of my favorite songs and journaled about the underlying meaning. I was extremely touched, and I wanted to share my thoughts with my fellow believers!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhuecogczYY
This is so encouraging to me, because it reminds me that God loves me in matter how we stumble!
I'm staring at these empty walls, wondering when You'll visit me again. When will You come?
Sometimes we are waiting to feel something and find ourselves wondering when we will feel God's renewing spirit. Over spring break, I found myself slipping out of my daily pursuit of God. It has been hard jumping back into the swing of things, when I let distractions get in the way of my time with God. I found that my weaknesses has driven me to fight harder for what I want and believe in. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
If there is anything at all coming in between our love, please show me, cause I am barely hanging on.
Throughout the ups and downs, the Lord has known my heart and tested my faith (Psalm 139:23). I like to think of it as God training me up, so when the hardest trials present themselves, I will be able to withstand them with the Lord on my side.
The silence is deafening. Why do You feel so far away?
In everything allow God's love cover all your wrongs. Put your faith in the mercy and grace He has shown us!
But I just need faith to see, nothing can separate me from Your love!
ROMANS 8:38-39
Nothing can separate us from the unconditional love of our Savior!
But I am certain of a love, strong enough to hold me when I'm doubting. You'll never let go of my hand!
Can anything be more encouraging? He never lets go of our hand! His love is a promising passion, that protects! Never let go of His healing hand!
I will trust in You, even in the moments I can't find you, and I will hold on to your promises of love.
Our faith is in something unseen, but when you experience the true joy included with giving your life to Christ, you will see Him clearly. One ascept that is made visible is His omnipresence and compassion for ALL of His children. His unending devotion to us is so promising, even when we run away! The Lord is the Good Shepherd. When we are lost, He is committed to finding us and bringing us back to the flock! He knows your heart, and yet He tracks us down, hoisting us and our burdens onto His shoulders!
In the words of Driscoll, "Don't quit!" Even if you linger, God will provide a way out! Trust in Him!
This week, remember God's undying love for you and act upon it! :)
<3 Abby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhuecogczYY
This is so encouraging to me, because it reminds me that God loves me in matter how we stumble!
I'm staring at these empty walls, wondering when You'll visit me again. When will You come?
Sometimes we are waiting to feel something and find ourselves wondering when we will feel God's renewing spirit. Over spring break, I found myself slipping out of my daily pursuit of God. It has been hard jumping back into the swing of things, when I let distractions get in the way of my time with God. I found that my weaknesses has driven me to fight harder for what I want and believe in. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
If there is anything at all coming in between our love, please show me, cause I am barely hanging on.
Throughout the ups and downs, the Lord has known my heart and tested my faith (Psalm 139:23). I like to think of it as God training me up, so when the hardest trials present themselves, I will be able to withstand them with the Lord on my side.
The silence is deafening. Why do You feel so far away?
In everything allow God's love cover all your wrongs. Put your faith in the mercy and grace He has shown us!
But I just need faith to see, nothing can separate me from Your love!
ROMANS 8:38-39
Nothing can separate us from the unconditional love of our Savior!
But I am certain of a love, strong enough to hold me when I'm doubting. You'll never let go of my hand!
Can anything be more encouraging? He never lets go of our hand! His love is a promising passion, that protects! Never let go of His healing hand!
I will trust in You, even in the moments I can't find you, and I will hold on to your promises of love.
Our faith is in something unseen, but when you experience the true joy included with giving your life to Christ, you will see Him clearly. One ascept that is made visible is His omnipresence and compassion for ALL of His children. His unending devotion to us is so promising, even when we run away! The Lord is the Good Shepherd. When we are lost, He is committed to finding us and bringing us back to the flock! He knows your heart, and yet He tracks us down, hoisting us and our burdens onto His shoulders!
In the words of Driscoll, "Don't quit!" Even if you linger, God will provide a way out! Trust in Him!
This week, remember God's undying love for you and act upon it! :)
<3 Abby
Thursday, March 24, 2011
You Don't Know What You're Missing
You know that feeling when you experience something so incredible and you think to yourself, how did I ever live without this? Well I sure do. It's like you didn't know what you were missing until you had a little taste of it. That is exactly how I feel about falling in love with Jesus.
Personally, I thought I had been a happy person (for the most part), throughout my life to this point. But honestly, I couldn't comprehend what true happiness was until several months ago. After I got serious about my faith, around November or December of 2010, I began feeling worries slip away and sheer joy filling that place. By getting into Scripture, reading my Bible more often, being more attentive in Church, listening to sermon podcasts, attending Breakfast Club, and having accountability time with Abby I have seen real joy; the only kind of joy that can be found in our relationship with Jesus. With each added activity or conversation that I have, I feel my relationship with God growing, and with that my happiness grows as well. Now I actually notice if I forget to do devotional one night, or pray to God about each decision that I make. I feel an emptiness in the pit of my stomach, and realize what's missing that day.
The main reason that I felt compelled to write this particular blog post is because I feel as though God has put it on my heart to share with everyone that I possibly can the sheer joy that He provides when we simply pursue a personal relationship with Him. I don't know how much of an impact that this will make, but I do know that if you don't understand what I'm talking about, or if you think that you're happy enough without Jesus, think again. Because, honestly, you don't know what you're missing. God's love, compassion, protection, and personal involvement in our lives can never be summed up in words, you simply have to experience it, and you'll feel what may have been missing the whole time. Also, don't think that you're too young, or too old to experience this happiness that's only found through relationship with God; He openly and continually chases you like there is no tomorrow. So accept God's call to be in personal relationship with Him, and find out what it is that you've been missing.
~COURTNEY<3
Personally, I thought I had been a happy person (for the most part), throughout my life to this point. But honestly, I couldn't comprehend what true happiness was until several months ago. After I got serious about my faith, around November or December of 2010, I began feeling worries slip away and sheer joy filling that place. By getting into Scripture, reading my Bible more often, being more attentive in Church, listening to sermon podcasts, attending Breakfast Club, and having accountability time with Abby I have seen real joy; the only kind of joy that can be found in our relationship with Jesus. With each added activity or conversation that I have, I feel my relationship with God growing, and with that my happiness grows as well. Now I actually notice if I forget to do devotional one night, or pray to God about each decision that I make. I feel an emptiness in the pit of my stomach, and realize what's missing that day.
The main reason that I felt compelled to write this particular blog post is because I feel as though God has put it on my heart to share with everyone that I possibly can the sheer joy that He provides when we simply pursue a personal relationship with Him. I don't know how much of an impact that this will make, but I do know that if you don't understand what I'm talking about, or if you think that you're happy enough without Jesus, think again. Because, honestly, you don't know what you're missing. God's love, compassion, protection, and personal involvement in our lives can never be summed up in words, you simply have to experience it, and you'll feel what may have been missing the whole time. Also, don't think that you're too young, or too old to experience this happiness that's only found through relationship with God; He openly and continually chases you like there is no tomorrow. So accept God's call to be in personal relationship with Him, and find out what it is that you've been missing.
~COURTNEY<3
Monday, March 14, 2011
O Glorious Day!!
He who has ears, let him hear! Luke 14:35
I can’t wait for the day Jesus comes back to earth in all His splendor and majesty. How about you? It fills me with such serenity and elation to know one day my faith shall be my eyes. How magnificent it will feel to see our God wipe away every ounce of disbelief! Everyone will know His fruitfulness and will proclaim it, no matter their motives. I can almost see it now, like God has given me a very small glimpse of the happiness that will seize my body on that day! I’m feeling a movie magic moment coming on! You know, the feeling you get when the plot of a book or movie comes together, and a community is unified to achieve or overcome some kind of hardship? Take Elf for example. We all love a good, Christmas classic. I think the feeling I got at the end, the first time I ever saw that movie, will be present the day of Jesus’ coming! The whole world may not break out in a spontaneous rendition of Santa Claus is Coming To Town, but I do know, God's belief speedometer will reach soaring heights. It will be a great collaborative sight, to see everyone falling on their knees before the Creator. The whole world will know that Jesus saves!
The sad and honest truth, however, is that not everyone will be bowing before the Lord because He is their Savior, but because they are fearful of the inevitable judgment of Christ. God is a compassionate God; he is waiting for as many people to come to Him, before He reveals Himself. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance 2 Peter 3:8-9. God calls us, as His disciples, to pitch in too! The Bible tells us that we should be confident, consistently building a stronger foundation on Christ, so that on the day of His coming, we will have no doubts in our mind. And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unshamed before Him at His coming 1 John 2:28. This life is also an opportunity to train up others in the way of the Lord, so they will bow in humbleness and not out of the worldly kind of fear. When we truly belong to Jesus, we feel the pain He experiences, not wanting one day to pass without showing someone God's love, because we never know how it may impact them. God calls us to be "Fishers of Men" and to help water others, and in return, He will grow them up in His Holy Name. The day is coming, when we do not know, but we should take into account our actions in which we portray love, so that we can be actively pursuing confidence in Christ and witnessing to those around us.
This week my challenge is that we would search for ways to be uncomfortable, delivering the Word of God to someone in dire need of it. It could be as simple as talking to someone who may not have any friends, or as far as to invite them to church. Whatever it may be, I pray that God would use you and me to further His Kingdom, so that more and more people could bow in honest praise to the God who loves them unconditionally, on the glorious day He comes to retrieve His good and faithful servants. CAN'T WAIT!! (:
GLORIOUS DAY-CASTING CROWNS
 |
| WiNTERJAM Just a small glimpse of what Heaven will be like! Credits to Caroline Goodin for capturing this amazing photo! |
<3 Abby
Friday, March 11, 2011
So If You Say Move It's Time For Me To Follow Through
I REFUSE BY JOSH WILSON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbH0IWZL05s
This song basically inspired all I am going to write about below. Thank You Josh Wilson!
Don't stray from God. Stand firm in Him. But move to act in His love.
This week, Courtney and I are focusing on Blessed are the peacemakers! This song and this chapter in the Kingdom Experiment really touch home with the fact that we should not just be peacelovers. We all wish for world peace and so forth, but are we refusing to not move?
One aspect that I found got in the way of my refusing was my own blindness (Luke 6:42). I find myself doubting my worthiness, causing me to be self absorbed in my struggles, and not recognizing the needs around me. Instead of degrading yourself and trying to change your behavior, fix your eyes on God, because that is where you will see the most change. Like a student mimics a teacher, so we should imitate the works of our Mighty Teacher, Jesus Christ. If we focus on God, He will point out our strengths and weaknesses, not so we will dwell on them, but so we can know our spiritual gifts and react according to them, to share God's Word. I have found it particularly hard to find a balance between self doubt which leads to self righteousness and being a disciple of Christ. It is important for us to share God's message, but to clear out our own blindness first. I am still working on this concept myself, but I know that God uses these times of slavery to increase the joy and bond we feel with Him.
I REFUSE TO STAY UNCHANGED, TO WAIT ANOTHER DAY, TO DIE TO MYSELF. I REFUSE TO MAKE ONE MORE EXCUSE:
As it was suggested in breakfast club, I made a list of affections that consume my time, rather than fellowship with God and His people. God really put on my heart to build a makeshift altar for Him in my room, in order to give over the things that consume my time, so I did. (: I would encourage you to do it too. It's really simple, just a few pillows and objects that you find drawing your attention from God, are all you need. I printed of words such as: greed, envy, doubt, and blindness, and placed them by me as I prayed. As I felt the relief of God lifting my burdens off me, I would pray for God's wisdom to change me, and tore the scraps of paper up, and threw them into a candle (I would suggest using a fireplace instead, but I did this at 1o'clock, so I felt a candle more appropriate.) I know I mention envy a whole bunch, but it is something I really struggle with. Anyway, for example with envy, I prayed that I would find contentment in the Lord and that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I would be happy for what others have. I'm not really talking materialistic greed, when I say envy, but more of a feeling of being loved and recognized. God revealed to me that His recognition is all I need. He has acknowledged me, by choosing to make Himself known to me, and He has made me fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14)! Mark Driscoll's wise words came back to me, as everytime I threw another affection into the fire, it became increasingly bigger. Mark Driscoll once compared the fire in our hearts to the passions we have. I learned that as I burned these things, my fire or my passion for Christ grew. I burn brighter for Jesus when I want nothing but Him, and I let nothing stand in the way of that!
I pray that God will help us, as Christians, to refuse not to help the world that so desperately needs Him!
I REFUSE TO SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED ME TO DO MYSELF. I COULD CHOOSE NOT TO MOVE, BUT I REFUSE!!
<3Abby
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbH0IWZL05s
This song basically inspired all I am going to write about below. Thank You Josh Wilson!
Don't stray from God. Stand firm in Him. But move to act in His love.
This week, Courtney and I are focusing on Blessed are the peacemakers! This song and this chapter in the Kingdom Experiment really touch home with the fact that we should not just be peacelovers. We all wish for world peace and so forth, but are we refusing to not move?
One aspect that I found got in the way of my refusing was my own blindness (Luke 6:42). I find myself doubting my worthiness, causing me to be self absorbed in my struggles, and not recognizing the needs around me. Instead of degrading yourself and trying to change your behavior, fix your eyes on God, because that is where you will see the most change. Like a student mimics a teacher, so we should imitate the works of our Mighty Teacher, Jesus Christ. If we focus on God, He will point out our strengths and weaknesses, not so we will dwell on them, but so we can know our spiritual gifts and react according to them, to share God's Word. I have found it particularly hard to find a balance between self doubt which leads to self righteousness and being a disciple of Christ. It is important for us to share God's message, but to clear out our own blindness first. I am still working on this concept myself, but I know that God uses these times of slavery to increase the joy and bond we feel with Him.
I REFUSE TO STAY UNCHANGED, TO WAIT ANOTHER DAY, TO DIE TO MYSELF. I REFUSE TO MAKE ONE MORE EXCUSE:
As it was suggested in breakfast club, I made a list of affections that consume my time, rather than fellowship with God and His people. God really put on my heart to build a makeshift altar for Him in my room, in order to give over the things that consume my time, so I did. (: I would encourage you to do it too. It's really simple, just a few pillows and objects that you find drawing your attention from God, are all you need. I printed of words such as: greed, envy, doubt, and blindness, and placed them by me as I prayed. As I felt the relief of God lifting my burdens off me, I would pray for God's wisdom to change me, and tore the scraps of paper up, and threw them into a candle (I would suggest using a fireplace instead, but I did this at 1o'clock, so I felt a candle more appropriate.) I know I mention envy a whole bunch, but it is something I really struggle with. Anyway, for example with envy, I prayed that I would find contentment in the Lord and that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I would be happy for what others have. I'm not really talking materialistic greed, when I say envy, but more of a feeling of being loved and recognized. God revealed to me that His recognition is all I need. He has acknowledged me, by choosing to make Himself known to me, and He has made me fearfully and wonderfully (Psalm 139:14)! Mark Driscoll's wise words came back to me, as everytime I threw another affection into the fire, it became increasingly bigger. Mark Driscoll once compared the fire in our hearts to the passions we have. I learned that as I burned these things, my fire or my passion for Christ grew. I burn brighter for Jesus when I want nothing but Him, and I let nothing stand in the way of that!
I pray that God will help us, as Christians, to refuse not to help the world that so desperately needs Him!
I REFUSE TO SIT AROUND AND WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO WHAT GOD HAS CALLED ME TO DO MYSELF. I COULD CHOOSE NOT TO MOVE, BUT I REFUSE!!
<3Abby
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
From a nightmare, to a dream come true: the reassurance of God
We all know what it feels like the minute we wake up from a dream or a nightmare. We open our eyes, see what reality is, and remind ourselves that what just happened was just a dream. During that specific dream or nightmare, everything is vivid, and feels completely real. However when we wake up it seems hard to recall the details. I would like to share my experience from a couple of nights ago with you. It started out as a nightmare, but transformed into a wonderful reassuring dream by God.
Although I can't recall many details, I do remember that in my nightmare I was in grave danger. There was some kind of intruder in my house and I was terrified. Then, I stopped and for some reason I was no longer scared. I asked myself why I should be afraid, for "My God is with me, He will protect me." I experienced the feeling of overwhelming reassurance, as my troubles slipped away. As I woke from my dream I sat up in bed, feeling a wave of relief rush over me.
Whoa. If God has ever shouted a message to me, that was it. It's crazy to think that God spoke to me, me, that directly and that clearly, to let me know that He was by my side and would always protect me. I never thought that I would clearly hear the voice of God reassuring me of His unconditional love and loyalty towards me, like stories in the Bible speak of, but it happened. Just as I was doubting my faith, God stepped in. Not only did He speak to me through this nightmare turned dream-come-true, but also through Pastor Jon Middendorf's sermon on Sunday.
No matter what trouble we're in. No matter how dark the place we are is. No matter how depressing it may seem. God will always be that flickering candle, the small light that illuminates the entire room, and He will always be there to guide the way for us. Whether God comes to you in a dream, or talks to you through the people and resources around you, trust that He is always there. That He will be that tiny bit of light in an otherwise dark world, and that someway He will call you to live for Him. Strive this week to listen, really listen, to what God has to say and to live it out.
-COURTNEY(:
Although I can't recall many details, I do remember that in my nightmare I was in grave danger. There was some kind of intruder in my house and I was terrified. Then, I stopped and for some reason I was no longer scared. I asked myself why I should be afraid, for "My God is with me, He will protect me." I experienced the feeling of overwhelming reassurance, as my troubles slipped away. As I woke from my dream I sat up in bed, feeling a wave of relief rush over me.
Whoa. If God has ever shouted a message to me, that was it. It's crazy to think that God spoke to me, me, that directly and that clearly, to let me know that He was by my side and would always protect me. I never thought that I would clearly hear the voice of God reassuring me of His unconditional love and loyalty towards me, like stories in the Bible speak of, but it happened. Just as I was doubting my faith, God stepped in. Not only did He speak to me through this nightmare turned dream-come-true, but also through Pastor Jon Middendorf's sermon on Sunday.
No matter what trouble we're in. No matter how dark the place we are is. No matter how depressing it may seem. God will always be that flickering candle, the small light that illuminates the entire room, and He will always be there to guide the way for us. Whether God comes to you in a dream, or talks to you through the people and resources around you, trust that He is always there. That He will be that tiny bit of light in an otherwise dark world, and that someway He will call you to live for Him. Strive this week to listen, really listen, to what God has to say and to live it out.
-COURTNEY(:
Seek Him Forever!
My brain is running a mile a minute, so here are just a few of my thoughts on today's Jesus Calling excerpt. Stay tuned. Another post may be headed your way soon. (:
The most important thing in this life is to seek God, and He will use you to empower others to seek Him too. God is WAY BEYOND the greatest gifts of the earth. Take money, for example, you could have all the money in the world, but without God, you will never be purely content. God goes farther than all expectations. We, as humans, cannot begin to fathom such impeccable compassion and understanding, that one would give up His perfect life for the reward of ALL sinners. I don’t know about you, but there are some people I am not totally sure I would be willing to die for, but Jesus never even hesitated; He always listened and obeyed God’s commands. We should follow His example. Because God is so glorious, we must zone in on His blessings in our lives and live in continually thanks. Your goal in life should not be to be successful, rich, or happy, but to grow in a deeper understanding of the Lord. You may not always be successful, rich, or happy, but You will know the secret to unlocking everlasting contentment in God, not worldly things. Do not let little things absorb your greed; Instead, let God take center stage. After all, His kingdom is the only one that will stand the test of time. Do not be discouraged when you stumble. You will encounter heartache, but by fixing your eyes on God, you will not be alone and will be able to endure anything. Nothing could ever separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Let this lead your every day, to shine for Him and let nothing stand in the way of the ultimate prize.
The most important thing in this life is to seek God, and He will use you to empower others to seek Him too. God is WAY BEYOND the greatest gifts of the earth. Take money, for example, you could have all the money in the world, but without God, you will never be purely content. God goes farther than all expectations. We, as humans, cannot begin to fathom such impeccable compassion and understanding, that one would give up His perfect life for the reward of ALL sinners. I don’t know about you, but there are some people I am not totally sure I would be willing to die for, but Jesus never even hesitated; He always listened and obeyed God’s commands. We should follow His example. Because God is so glorious, we must zone in on His blessings in our lives and live in continually thanks. Your goal in life should not be to be successful, rich, or happy, but to grow in a deeper understanding of the Lord. You may not always be successful, rich, or happy, but You will know the secret to unlocking everlasting contentment in God, not worldly things. Do not let little things absorb your greed; Instead, let God take center stage. After all, His kingdom is the only one that will stand the test of time. Do not be discouraged when you stumble. You will encounter heartache, but by fixing your eyes on God, you will not be alone and will be able to endure anything. Nothing could ever separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Let this lead your every day, to shine for Him and let nothing stand in the way of the ultimate prize.
INDESCRIBABLE
Saturday, March 5, 2011
UPROOTED(:
First off, can I just say how much I love Mark Driscoll? For those of you who don't know who he is, he is a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. His podcasts are completely free on iTunes, which I thoroughly enjoy! Anyway, his sermons have really touched me and reminded me what this life is for.
In Driscoll's second podcast highlighting the Beautitudes, he talked about the inevitable change that we will experience through knowing God. He made a great analogy of true change in God, that clicked with me. An apple tree that bares bad fruit is still a bad apple tree, even if you duct tape oranges to it.(: The only way for it to transform into a fruitful tree is for it to be uprooted, replanted, and cultivated diligently. Our life in Christ is much the same. Our earthly desires and sinful nature cause us to turn from God, but if we allow Him to uproot us, we can be renewed. By God replanting us, our worldly wishes and unconscious sin are "uprooted", and we begin to hurt for what hurts God and rejoice in His rewards. Also, we become keenly aware of our sin, and through God, we repent for our sins and purify our hearts. Like an new apple tree has to be watered and fertilized daily, we too need to indulge ourselves in the Word of God and in open communication with Him.
But what does it mean to truly repent? Mark Driscoll, as always, has the answer. All thanks to the scripture, and God working through him, of course. According to Driscoll, repentance has three major steps that are lifetime goals.
1) Confession
2) Contrition
3) Change
I don't want to make this a rule book or instruction manual. Instead, I hope that it helps you to understand the true meaning of these powerful words, that are often overlooked.
Confession is plainly recognizing your sin. It's proclaiming to God that you can't live without His presence and that you can't endure this world without His hand to guide you. Confession is hard, because so many of us want to play by our own rules and receive praise for all we have done, when in truth, God created this whole world, including you, and everything you do should be to honor Him. Confession is a part of submitting your life to Christ, but it shouldn't stop there. When you sin, know that Jesus paid the ultimate price and forgave you of ALL of your transgressions, and do not be ashamed to admit your faults and lean on God for support.
Contrition is the act and feeling of repentance. Repentance is so much more than a one time deal. Mark Driscoll tells the story of a man in his Jesus and Repentance podcast, that was unfaithful to his wife, yet coldly and quickly dismissed it after apologizing. He went on to explain the same scenario, only flipped. This time the women, who had committed adultery, instead hyperventilated and made herself sick, when professing her infidelity to her husband. Yes, women are more emotional than men, but this women went as far as to make herself sick with guilt for what she had done. Mark said that even a deaf man would have known that she was truly sorry. This is not to say that adultery is good if you show true repentance, but to set an example of how we should mirror the women's genuine reaction to sin. We can apply this to our daily lives, by not just confessing, but transforming our ways.
And last, but certainly not least, change. Change is a frequently used word in the english language, but in terms of repentance it is so much more powerful. Change comes about through your will and works. Will and works go hand and hand. Through God's grace, your will and desires are changed. You want to know Him more. You want to share His word. You want to go to church. You want Jesus to change you. In this world, you can't just sit on the couch all day and become the next Bill Gates. You have to work at it. It's the same with Christianity and a relationship with Christ. You have to work to read your Bible and pray everyday. You have to work to show God's love through your actions. You have to work in time for church and God's message. You have to work to be changed. And you will want to!
Hope Mark Driscoll's perspective had as much impact on you as it did me. If you would like to see the full sermons, check the iTunes podcasts for the The Beautitudes Parts 1 & 2 and Jesus and Repentance. Comment below or on my facebook wall, if you find any other good podcasts! Courtney and I are always on the lookout for new ones!
...And my song of the day...(:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5-Q1zAhqpA
VOICE OF AN ANGEL
<3 Abby
In Driscoll's second podcast highlighting the Beautitudes, he talked about the inevitable change that we will experience through knowing God. He made a great analogy of true change in God, that clicked with me. An apple tree that bares bad fruit is still a bad apple tree, even if you duct tape oranges to it.(: The only way for it to transform into a fruitful tree is for it to be uprooted, replanted, and cultivated diligently. Our life in Christ is much the same. Our earthly desires and sinful nature cause us to turn from God, but if we allow Him to uproot us, we can be renewed. By God replanting us, our worldly wishes and unconscious sin are "uprooted", and we begin to hurt for what hurts God and rejoice in His rewards. Also, we become keenly aware of our sin, and through God, we repent for our sins and purify our hearts. Like an new apple tree has to be watered and fertilized daily, we too need to indulge ourselves in the Word of God and in open communication with Him.
But what does it mean to truly repent? Mark Driscoll, as always, has the answer. All thanks to the scripture, and God working through him, of course. According to Driscoll, repentance has three major steps that are lifetime goals.
1) Confession
2) Contrition
3) Change
I don't want to make this a rule book or instruction manual. Instead, I hope that it helps you to understand the true meaning of these powerful words, that are often overlooked.
Confession is plainly recognizing your sin. It's proclaiming to God that you can't live without His presence and that you can't endure this world without His hand to guide you. Confession is hard, because so many of us want to play by our own rules and receive praise for all we have done, when in truth, God created this whole world, including you, and everything you do should be to honor Him. Confession is a part of submitting your life to Christ, but it shouldn't stop there. When you sin, know that Jesus paid the ultimate price and forgave you of ALL of your transgressions, and do not be ashamed to admit your faults and lean on God for support.
Contrition is the act and feeling of repentance. Repentance is so much more than a one time deal. Mark Driscoll tells the story of a man in his Jesus and Repentance podcast, that was unfaithful to his wife, yet coldly and quickly dismissed it after apologizing. He went on to explain the same scenario, only flipped. This time the women, who had committed adultery, instead hyperventilated and made herself sick, when professing her infidelity to her husband. Yes, women are more emotional than men, but this women went as far as to make herself sick with guilt for what she had done. Mark said that even a deaf man would have known that she was truly sorry. This is not to say that adultery is good if you show true repentance, but to set an example of how we should mirror the women's genuine reaction to sin. We can apply this to our daily lives, by not just confessing, but transforming our ways.
And last, but certainly not least, change. Change is a frequently used word in the english language, but in terms of repentance it is so much more powerful. Change comes about through your will and works. Will and works go hand and hand. Through God's grace, your will and desires are changed. You want to know Him more. You want to share His word. You want to go to church. You want Jesus to change you. In this world, you can't just sit on the couch all day and become the next Bill Gates. You have to work at it. It's the same with Christianity and a relationship with Christ. You have to work to read your Bible and pray everyday. You have to work to show God's love through your actions. You have to work in time for church and God's message. You have to work to be changed. And you will want to!
Hope Mark Driscoll's perspective had as much impact on you as it did me. If you would like to see the full sermons, check the iTunes podcasts for the The Beautitudes Parts 1 & 2 and Jesus and Repentance. Comment below or on my facebook wall, if you find any other good podcasts! Courtney and I are always on the lookout for new ones!
...And my song of the day...(:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5-Q1zAhqpA
VOICE OF AN ANGEL
<3 Abby
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