External Righteousness

At church we are going through a series called ReThink (Following Jesus is simpler than you think). It has been very good and I've been specifically challenged through the messages.











Last week, the title was "Inside-Out". Aaron talked about the misconception many Christians have that as long as we behave well then we are a good Christian. Jesus taught that what was in our heart/mind was just as important, if not more, than our actions. If we are harboring negative thoughts about someone, it is just as bad as if we were voicing them for others to hear.

We are called to be internally righteous. But it's not something we can do on our own (thank God). God is the one who is able to work in us to change our sinful desires into righteous ones. Philippians 2:13 says "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." We need to seek God in prayer for him to change our hearts to want to please him.

Something that really struck me was when Aaron said that trying to be good on your own will either cause you to continually beat yourself up for falling short or cause you to judge others for not being as holy. I have definitely been on both sides of this.

I have been reading back through my old journals lately. In high school and college I judged people all the time for not being as externally holy. I could claim that I did not curse, drink, smoke or have sex so I thought I was doing great. But by judging others I was showing the sinfulness of my heart but did not realize it. Not that I don't still struggle with passing judgment, but I now know that it's not my place (and I recognize that I'm not perfect) so that's an improvement.

I definitely have also struggled with feeling like a failure for not living up to my own expectations of how holy I should be. I see all of these other Christians who are amazing prayer warriors, or whose compassion spurs them to do amazing things for others, and those who are so generous with their time, talents and money. I have felt like I am so far behind where I should be. Or I decide that I am going to start doing something such as memorizing scripture, set a goal, and then fail to meet it or get so far behind that it seems hopeless.

I'm not saying that it's not good to desire to grow in your faith, but what will really make me grow is drawing closer to God himself and letting him lead me. Perhaps if I focus on spending time with him in prayer and Bible study, it will help me learn more scripture or develop a more compassionate heart for others. God knows what he desires of me and what my gifts are. I should trust him to work in me rather than trying to do it on my own.

What about you? Have you ever fallen into one of the two categories above from trying to be "good" on your own?

In Need of Resurrection

This past Sunday's Easter message focused on John 11:17-37, the story of Lazarus' death and subsequent resurrection by Jesus. We were reminded that Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life." He was speaking not only about resurrection after death, but power for our lives right now.

In small group, we were posed several questions about resurrection and its application to us. In your life, where have you experienced resurrection? How are you/how is your life different because of Jesus?

They are definitely very good questions to think about and answer. The question that really made me think was our challenge for the week: What is dead in your life right now that you need resurrected?

It's a very good question and one that really requires me to be honest with myself. One of our members seemed to have an immediate answer that they were unreservedly not planning to share. I can understand that. Sharing something like this requires vulnerability. I have to be willing to get past the shame or embarrassment I feel about it in order to bring it into the light. Only then might I truly be able to seek Jesus' power to raise it back to life.

So, what is my thing that is dead and needs resurrection? Compassion. I just don't think that I truly feel the hurts and struggles for others. Yes, I pray for others and seek Jesus' power in their lives and various situations. But when Jesus was in Bethany with Mary and Martha, he saw their hurt and he wept. He saw AND FELT their pain and sorrow. I see it, but I don't take it on myself. I haven't felt so concerned and burdened that it pressed me to my knees in fervent and desperate prayer. It sounds awful, right? Like I am a cold, unfeeling person. I'm really not. I think I have just focused on my own life and family. I know that as one loved and cared for by God, I should also love and care for others. So I guess my new prayer should be for more compassion, for a heart open to taking in the hurts of others. It sounds a bit scary and potentially overwhelming, but "I can do all things through him who gives me strength."

Is there something in your life that is dead and needs resurrection? Are you brave enough to voice it out loud?

SAHM I Am

We had a great small group meeting last night. Our message on Sunday was about boldness. Our leader presented us with several questions that challenged us and asked us to do something in the coming week. I like that our leader prompts us to come up with and share an action step. Especially since we know we will have to report back the following week.

What keeps me from being bold in evangelizing? What am I afraid of?
>Uncomfortableness/awkward situations, difficult questions, feeling stupid.

Do people look at me and say, "I want that"? Filled with the Holy Spirit, what character of who I am will I let shine this week?
>Contentment and confidence with who I am and where I am right now.

This topic of boldness is very timely for me. A couple of days ago I was talking to another woman who is also a SAHM (Stay at Home Mom) and I got the impression that she felt a little guilty for her status. As a SAHM, I do sometimes feel like others think I'm not contributing or doing enough with my time. However, I am confident that being at home with Kaitlyn is where God wants me to be right now. I am contributing a great deal to her growth, development and well being. Who else is going to love my child like I do?

Yesterday I felt the Holy Spirit's prompting to write a note to the woman. I was a little nervous about it as she didn't say she felt guilty but I am trusting the Spirit's leading that the little bit of encouragement and camaraderie is what was needed. So last night's assignment was confirmation that I am doing what I ought to be and encourages me to continue. Eventually the awkward feelings will fade.

What about you? What keeps you from being bold? What part of your character will you allow to shine through you this week?

God First

The other day, I was on my way home from running an errand. I was stopped at the light at Jiles Rd and Old 41. I was staring to my right at the shopping center and started reading the electronic message sign at the Barber Shop. It first read "$10 Tuesday" which made me wonder if that was a deal for barber services. I watched to see what else was advertised and was surprised to read what appeared next. "God First" it said. A completely unexpected message and yet something that was a wonderful reminder. Our day is supposed to start with God - mindful prayer at the beginning of our day to help us remember what is most important and seek guidance for whatever we may encounter.

It also seemed like the perfect answer to many questions. What do I do about an issue in my life? God first. How am I going to get everything knocked off of my To Do list? God first. How do I show love to my neighbor? God first.

I was encouraged by this seemingly random message. If a barber shop can encourage others in the faith, I certainly can. We are supposed to invite God to be part of every aspect of our life and, I assume, that's what the barber shop owner is doing. I am now challenged to be bold, or at least not self conscious, about expressing my love for God every day in my life. How can I do this? God first.

Manna From Heaven

A few days ago it snowed. The grass was covered, but the roads were clear. The picture shows how the snow looked on the ground. My thought was that this is what the manna might have looked like (Exodus 16). Doesn't it look kind of like pieces of bread? It reminded me of how God always provides for us, even in ways that seem strange or have never been witnessed before. God does what is best, even though we may not completely understand it.

The manna also reminds me that God's provision is daily. He gives us just what we need for that time - no more, no less. I wonder if I would have tried to store up extra manna if I had been in the desert. That sounds like my personality (be prepared/save for the future). Though it would also have meant that I chose not to follow God's directions to me. Which, I must admit, I have been guilty on a number of occasions. I must be faithful to seek God each day, bringing to him my current needs and not worrying about anything that may or may not be in my future.

Like Father, Like Son

Today in Genesis, Isaac and Rebekah were living in the land of the Philistines and told the men of the land that Rebekah was his sister. I immediately recalled earlier in Genesis when Abraham did this not once, but twice (and yes, technically Sarah was his half-sister, but still). Did Isaac know that his father had done this when he was afraid, or was it some sort of genetic trait to not trust God to protect husband and wife in foreign land? Kind of funny and yet it sort of hits home a little.

No, I have never told someone that Adam is my brother. What I am talking about is having all of these personal experiences of God's provision throughout one's life and yet having one small area where you just can't seem to believe that God will also take care of you there. There always seems to come a time when you think you had better take care of a situation on your own because God wouldn't want to intervene. Are we afraid that it is something too small and unimportant for God to be involved? Or are we holding on to it too tightly because we think we know best? Either way, if we say that Jesus is Lord, we have to allow him to be Lord in EVERY area, not just the "big" ones.

Abraham's dilemma or Isaac's childhood trauma?

I'm still reading in Genesis. The other day I read about Abraham and Isaac going up to make a sacrifice. What I wonder about is what Isaac thought about his dad planning to kill him. I'm sure he knew that God saved him with the ram in the bushes, but did he also believe that God had told Abraham to sacrifice his son? Abraham didn't tell Isaac that God told him to do what he was prepared to do. I think I would have been quite wary of my father after he almost killed me. Did Isaac tell his mother and relatives when he got home? Did he resent or hate his father? I'm quite curious about the conversation between father and son, if there was one. The only thing we do know is that Isaac believed in and trusted God throughout his life. Did the event cause him to believe and trust that God would protect him and provide for him?

Whenever I read this story or have heard it preached, the focus is always on Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his only son, God's promise to him. I haven't every heard anyone talk about what Isaac must have felt and experienced.

What about you? Have you ever wondered these things? Ever heard someone preach about it?

Long time no post

I had no idea it'd been over six months since I had posted anything on my blog. I am hoping to spend more time on here this year. Still working on getting the little one down for a regular nap. If I am successful, perhaps I will be able to carve out small bits of time to write on here. I'd do it after she goes to bed, but I prefer to catch up on the day with my husband. Perhaps I can make time for both.

Time is even more of a commodity for me these days. I keep a "to do" list on my phone of things I'd really like to accomplish so that, when I get a small window of time, I can work on one of them rather than wasting it. I think blogging is now on the list. So is sending out my book query letter. That will take a bit more time, but we will get there. I'm confident. :-) Anyway, here's to a new year and a new day!

The first birth

As I am a new mom and reading Genesis, I have been thinking about Eve and her experience becoming a mom. Eve didn't have a mom or any other women to tell her what the birthing process was going to be like. As a matter of fact, she had just been told that it was going to be painful. So I had a bunch of thoughts/questions about that first human birth. Did God tell her what to expect? Did he let her know that she would feel pain in her stomach and back and that meant the baby would be coming soon? Did he suggest positions for her to get into to help birth the baby? Did he instruct Adam about the umbilical cord and when/how to cut it? Was God Eve's birthing coach? And if so, what was that like - the creator of life helping to bring forth new life? Did she know about birth and how to nurse from watching the other mammals birth and care for their young? Or did God tell her that she could nourish her child from her breasts? All of these things that are hard to know. However, Genesis 4:1b says, "She said,'With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.'" And, of course, we should have known all along that God would provide Eve with what she needed. He provides for all of us. Thanks, God!

In the garden

I've started reading through Genesis. It seemed like a good place to start for the new year. Chapter three was interesting and really got me thinking. In the chapter, the man and the woman eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. They then hide from God when he comes to meet with them in the evening. God asks the man if he ate from the forbidden tree. His response is not admission, but blame. "The woman you put here with me". He's blaming both God and the woman, shifting all blame away from himself. For the moment, God ignores it and asks the woman what she did. She places blame on the serpent, claiming deception. This is a clear illustration of mankind's first response to getting caught in the wrong - try to deflect responsibility. It's so hard for me to admit wrongdoing and seek forgiveness and I'm not sure how comforting it is to know that it's never been the natural response.

So they get kicked out of the garden among other consequences. But one thing I noted was verse 21 "The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." Even though, they had just blatantly sinned against him, he still loved them and cared for them. He lovingly provided them with clothes to help ease their shame. It is so amazing to see how much God loves his creation. I know that when I've been hurt by others, my first reaction is not to consider how I may help them. But God shows us the best way to care for others.

Give Us Daily Bread

Here is week three of the God's Blog series. I was gone for week two so feel free to go to the website to hear it (Your Kingdom Come). Below are my notes from this past weekend.


Give Us Daily Bread

Matthew 6:11
We are so self-reliant. We don't like others to pay for us (our meals, etc). We save money so that when we retire no one else has to care for us.

The prayer is continual. NLT - Give us today the food we need.
>A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough today to last him for the next six months, nor can he inhale sufficient air into his lungs with one breath to sustain life for a week to come. We are permitted to draw upon God's store of grace from day to day as we need it. Dwight L. Moody
>What do you need daily from God to stay alive physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
Exodus 16:4-5, 11-30, 31,35 manna = what is it?
>God knows what we need and provides it at just the right time; he is our sustainer.
>What do I need each day to live?

The prayer is contentment.
>Proverbs 30:8-9
>We want what we want when we want it.
>>Revelation 3:17
>Real contentment is needing nothing apart from God.

The prayer is communal.
>We have no right to ask for anything for ourselves that would harm others.
>Basil the Great quote
>1 John 3:17
>>Sometimes meeting the physical needs is most important.
>I like to ask people from developing countries what they think heaven will be like. Most of them say, 'It will be a place where I don't need to worry about food and I won't hear my children cry because they are hungry.' Steve Hanson
>John 6:47-58

Our Father In Heaven

A few weeks ago we started a new message series called God's Blog: What God Wants Us To Know About Prayer. Here is the first week. You can hear it and all of the subsequent weeks here. Below are my notes.


Our Father In Heaven

Live the Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:5-8 -> how NOT to pray
>Look at how kids interact with a good father

OUR
>It's plural, communal
>Prayer is never solitary. We are with Jesus and all others who follow him. Eugene Peterson
>We can trust God; he keeps our conversations confidential

FATHER
>OT title referencing father of nations (nationally)
>NT, Jesus first to use it personally (intimate)
>You can approach God anytime, anywhere - he just wants you to do it
>Hebrews 4:16

IN HEAVEN
>Seems like a remote location
>Greek references the atmosphere, the sky, the air - God's all around, present everywhere
>>Closer than the air I breathe; right here, right now
>God is sovereign, he rules all
>>Nothing is too silly or trivial not to pray about

HALLOWED
>to attach appropriate value to something

BE YOUR NAME
>God's name is not given appropriate worth
>May all people realize your greatness and worth

Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God. Edwin Keith

What do you want?

I have been reading The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan. It's a somewhat slow read as I try to fit it in during Kaitlyn's nap time. But that works because it's a one-chapter-a-day kind of book. Today I was reading a chapter called "Stopping to Listen to God" or something along those lines. The challenge (there's a Sabbath Liturgy at the end of each chapter) was to find one of the questions God asks in the Bible and think about it and answer it as if God were asking you. It had several examples such as, "Who do you say that I am?" and "Who told you that you were naked?"

I decided to start reading John today and came across a question in the first chapter. John sees Jesus and says, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Two of his followers then go over to Jesus to become his followers. Jesus asks them, "What do you want?" I thought that was a pretty good answer to think about and respond to. I ended up with a long list which I will try to reproduce most of here.

Jesus: What do you want?

Me: I want to spend more time in prayer. I want to read the Bible regularly. I want to learn more scripture so that it is "hidden in my heart" because I know that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. I want to be a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend... I want to use my time wisely. I want the book to be used for God's purposes. I want to know you more. I want to be full of joy and I want my joy to be evident to all. I want to know and do God's will. I want to be who God created me to be. I want to not worry about what other people think of me. I want to have more authentic conversations. I want to not have reservations about sharing my life - praises, joys, fears, failures - with others. I want abundant life.


What about you? What do you want?

Running Ahead of God

Here is the last week of the series. Click here to listen to it.

JONAH: Running Ahead of God

Chapter 4
"My way or the highway"
Jonah's angry at God because he's so loving and merciful.
>Self-advancing: everything is about him
>>He wanted to advance his reputation as a prophet, not allow the Ninevites to repent and receive mercy from God.
>Comprehension and compromise
>>This world is bigger than my life; God has much more in mind than just me.
>>Sometimes God wants to do things that are different than what we have in mind to do.
>>Wanting what's best overall versus just for me.

>Self-absorbed
>>Is God enough? Or are we focused on something else?
>Concern (for others)

>Self-above
>>"My way versus the higher ways" Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
>Compassion
>>C.S. Lewis: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of your self less."

Approx 700,000 people in Cobb County; approx 280,000 who don't know Jesus (which is approximately 20,000 in Acworth/Kennesaw)
>Having compassion for those who don't know Jesus.
>Talking to others about God and Jesus.


This message really got me thinking about how little I talk about God with others. There are a few people (Christians) that I talk about it a lot with, but not really with acquaintances, neighbors, etc. When I went to Spain in 2002, I was studying with about twenty other people, all essentially strangers at the beginning. I had just had a renewing of my faith that summer and so I was really interested in talking with others about their beliefs and what they think about God and Jesus. During my three and a half months there, I had a faith conversation with every other student on the trip. It wasn't an intimidating thing and occurred fairly naturally. I even helped form a Bible study with a few other of the students while we were there. What happened that I have stopped desiring to know what other people think and share what I believe? I really did enjoy that season and desire to begin being more open again.

Running With God

Here's week three of the series. If you want to hear Neal's whole message, click here.

JONAH: Running With God

Chapter 3
Roy Reagles - 1929 Rose Bowl
-He didn't allow this mistake to define the rest of his life.

Jonah gets a chance to change.

Jonah complied to the call.
-Do we ever think, "I should be able to run my own life?"
-Roger Staubach: "I faced up the the issue of obedience. Once I learned to obey there was harmony, fulfillment and vicctory."

Many people suffered for the cause of Christ. Why do we think that we won't be called to suffer as well?
What is your Ninevah? Where are you being called to go and minister?

Jonah completed the cycle of compassion.
-"Who knows?" > How are we to know what God might do when we are obedient and faithful?

Jonah's Report: They accepted being admonished.
Ninevah's Response: They acted in accordance.
Ninevah's Reward: They avoided God's anger.


I really liked the reminder that we don't know what God might do to a situation if we are obedient and faithful to him regardless of the circumstances. God can do anything, even that which seems impossible. My job is to trust him and act accordingly.

In Too Deep

Here is week two of our current series. The notes are few because about halfway through Kaitlyn got a little fussy and I left service with her. To hear how it ends, click here.

JONAH: In Too Deep

Chapter 2
Jonah prayed inside the fish - what else did he have to do?
Jonah doesn't receive a dramatic rescue - he's unceremonially vomitted onto the beach.
God is up to something great.
The book of Jonah is a comedy, a book of hope.

Multiple parallels between Jonah and Jesus:
>both sleeping on a boat when a storm came
>both provided the means to calm the storm

--There are more, but I had to leave. I found that part of the message very intriguing.


I like the reminder that sometimes our only job is to pray (there's nothing else we can do but pray in certain circumstances). Feeding Kaitlyn provides me with large chunks of time where prayer could be the best use of my time. I really need to take more advantage of this allotted time.

On the Run

We started a new series at church on May 16th. It was also our last Sunday at that location. We had to move to a different middle school for the summer due to renovations. Hopefully we can find our own building before we have to make another temporary move. Only God knows - and I'm praying about it. Below are my message notes. You can listen to the audio version here.

JONAH: On the Run

Chapter 1
"The word of the Lord came"
>God speaks to us as well
>Many times He tells us to do something we don't want to do
Nahum > Ninevah is "the city of blood"

Jonah ran away from God's task
>He didn't want to do what God said (and neither do we at times)
>In Jonah's day it would have taken a year to get to Tarshish
>Maybe you're drifting away rather than running
Hebrews 4:13 - you can't hide from God

Sometimes when you're on the run God will send a storm into your life.
We believe our personal sin or rebellion won't affect or harm others.
Jonah decided that he'd rather die than continue running from God.
>It's exhausting trying to keep your sin covered.

The Lord provided for Jonah.
Jonah couldn't get away from God. The Lord pursued him and chased after him.
God wants us to run toward him and with him.

Is there any area in my life where I am resisting or running away from God?


I thought that this was a really good message. Especially the acknowledgement that our sin and decisions won't affect others. God created us to be in community. Therefore, when we don't fulfill our role, we are harming the community. It should spur us to do what God has called us to do with our talents and gifts so that our community will not lack for what we can provide.

It's been a long time...

I promise I haven't given up blogging. I had a baby in March which has taken up all of my time since then. I don't know if I mentioned that I was pregnant, but now I'm a mom! Pretty crazy. But also pretty awesome. My little girl was born four weeks early, but she was strong and healthy and we were pretty much ready for her arrival. My husband's work had thrown a shower the day before and given us a Pack-n-Play which has come in quite handy.

I had a c-section because baby girl was breech so it was a while before I got to see and hold her. Not my ideal birthing experience. Because of the way KB came into the world, I didn't really feel overwhelming love for her. There was definitely an instant care and concern wanting her to be okay and checking her during the first night to make sure she was still breathing (I still do that when she sleeps for long stretches at night). It didn't feel like love, but I guess love for a child is different than the romantic love I have been used to experiencing with my husband. I should be comparing it more to how I feel about my parents and brother, I suppose (I'm just now working this out in my mind).

My parents came for a few weeks and were a lot of help. It was nice when it became just the three of us so that we could start working on a routine. We're definitely getting there. KB is sleeping more at nights (awesome) and I am figuring out the best times to do certain tasks during the day. I'm going to start transitioning back to work on Monday so that will be interesting. Yesterday I tested out the infant carrier that allows KB to be attached to me and gives me two free hands. That may come in quite handy in the office (I'm very blessed to be able to take her with me when I go back).

Adam's parents, sister, and nephews (almost 4 and 19 months) arrived yesterday. They wore KB out with their energy and excitement which helped her to sleep for 8(!) hours last night. I was anticipating their arrival and looking forward to having others to entertain her while I was able to do other things (like write a blog entry, eat a hot breakfast, and shower). While that is a benefit, I have also found something I didn't anticipate: mommy protectiveness. I'm watching the boys interact with her and trying not to jump in to the situation. She starts getting a little fussy and I want to take her from whoever is holding her and cuddle her. She starts yawning and I want to lay her down right away instead of allowing her to interact with family a bit longer. I actually started missing being alone with her. Quite a surprising revelation to me. At the same time I am glad that everyone is here and getting to spend time with KB. I will probably miss some of the break I am getting but am glad to know how strong my feelings for KB are.

Related to the main theme of the blog, I really haven't had any structured quiet time since KB has been born. I've been able to do a little reading here and there. Most of my prayers have been about KB - gaining weight, eating well, etc. I went to prayer group on Thursday which was quite beneficial and encouraging. It helped me to see that there are plenty of opportunities for prayer - about every three hours when it's time to feed KB are wonderful opportunities. I knew that everything would change in this regard, and am working to figure out the best method for my changed schedule. I definitely want to return to verse memorization. In the early weeks when KB was fussy I was trying to recall verses to share with her and realized that my recollection has decreased. So that's a goal now.

I promise that all future posts will not be about motherhood, but that's now my life so it will definitely be part of it. Hopefully I will also be able to make time to talk about what I'm learning and experiencing and share with with you here. Thanks for not giving up on me!

Living Beyond Myself...Week 4

Here is the last message of our most recent series. To hear the whole thing, or to hear about Jeff's trip to Ecuador with Compassion International, click here.


The Power of Doing Good

Einstein quote: The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.

WHY should we do good?
>It is God's destiny for us.
>Ephesians 2:10: For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
>God wants to bless the world but will do it only through other people.

Hebrews 10:24: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

2 Thessalonians 3:13: And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

Matthew 5:16: Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Titus 3:1,8,14: Remind the people...to be ready to do whatever is good,...those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone....Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

1 Timothy 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Luke 6:31-35: "Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners', expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

Romans 12:20-21: On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink."...Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

If you are alive, God has things he wants you to do.

WHERE should we do good?
>Wherever we are where goodness needs to be done.

HOW should we do good?
>Discover and develop our spiritual gift, putting it into play.
>However the Spirit leads you.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer: Keep your eyes open for the little tasks - because it is the little kind tasks that are important to Jesus Christ.

John Wesley: Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can!


As a challenge from the message, we were all given envelopes with a task inside that would lead us to do good to someone around us. It was interesting that my task was perfectly fitted to my gifting. Adam's was something that would fit into his normal routine. I wondered if anyone got one that was outside of their skill set or comfort zone. Neal said that he switched with another person because hers was something that didn't fit, as was his, but switching them created a much better fit. Interesting to me.

This series has really been good at getting me to think about how I spend my time and challenging me to look beyond myself to the needs of others. I hope that I will continue to look for ways to serve others in small (and sometimes big) ways. No task is to small to be a good deed.

Living Beyond Myself...Week 3

I know I'm a little behind getting this posted, but I've had a busy last few weeks of February.


Just Jump In!

Every time the rooster crowed, for the rest of Peter's life, he was reminded of his thrice denial of Jesus.

John 21:2-9

v7: When Peter learned it was the Lord, he jumped into the water to get to Jesus.
>What do you think the interaction was like between Peter and Jesus after the resurrection?

v12-17: Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him (once for every denial?)
>To reconcile their relationship.
>He gave Peter things to do to show his love for Jesus (serve my people).
>>We see in the rest of Peter's life that he served all out.

Dr. David Alan Black quote

>Words are attractive but deeds speak louder than words.


So obviously there aren't a lot of notes. This tends to happen when Neal speaks because he tells stories and I tend to spend my time listening rather than jotting down my thoughts. You can listen to the whole message here. I had not previously noticed that Jesus asking Peter three times if he loved him could be the symbolic act of canceling out his previous denials - a restitution of sorts. Neal pointed out that the Scripture notes that Peter was hurt that Jesus asked him THREE times about his love. That hurt was probably a minuscule amount of what Jesus felt when Peter denied him.

I enjoyed the reminder that we are to show our love of Jesus through our actions and our lives. Serving others should be the response to our love for Jesus. I need to constantly consider, "Are my actions indicating that I love Jesus?"