I am reading through the gospels again and it is refreshing. The same stories as last time. But the Holy Spirit is faithful and feeds me through his word. He also points out things he wants me to see. One thing I am noticing again is the idea of obedience. Jesus told his followers in John, “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” (John 14.21) Our love for Jesus is directly tied to our obedience. Wow! It is incredibly refreshing to be reminded that I need to do what I know to do and listen for adjustments or “new” things the Spirit would direct me to do. I fall in love with our Savior again and again when I think that I get to join him in His work. What a beautiful thing.
Archive for July, 2008
I want to live an obedient life. Not because I am afraid of the wrath of God (Ok, being face to face would not be the same as talking with my son or wife) but because I am becoming more and more aware of just how much God loves me and the price Jesus paid to buy me. My heart wells up with gratitude and I know I have only so much time to live by faith. I can get lazy from time to time in my quest to serve Jesus. To help fight this off I ask myself a few questions. I understand I need others for encouragement but if I am not proactive in this journey of following Jesus my life will be over before I know it and I will have lost this chance to make Jesus known, to serve him, to love him by giving my life away.
1. God, who do you want me to talk with about Jesus?
2. God, how can I serve today?
3. God, what promise of yours do you want me to believe in more?
I can hear some people saying we need to talk to everyone, serve the whole world and believe all of the promises. Yeah, yeah, yeah…in due time. In my experience God focuses me in on one or two promises at a time, brings to mind one or two people, and asks me to do one or two things. He rarely grocery lists me (an overwhelming list). He knows it would overwhelm. He also expects that I will pursue what he directs me to do, not pick and choose like I am at a buffet.
For those of you who were wondering here is a picture of the car/motorcycle accident. I am not sure if it a car with a new hood emblem or a motorcycle with training wheels.
language for the lifestyle
Published July 9, 2008 beliefs 3 CommentsTags: language, new believers, words
When our kids were young we as eager parents wanted them to learn to talk and then learn how to read. We knew that if our kids could read and talk they could make it in life. I know that is kind of simplistic. Having the ability to read and talk would allow them to learn other life skills they would need.
I’ve been wondering on behalf of those new to the faith how I would teach them the language for the lifestyle. Learning it is not an option if they are going to live the lifestyle. Electricians learn the language of the trade. Doctors learn the language of the trade. Farmers learn the language of the trade. Christ followers must learn the language for the lifestyle. When someone is born again it is not asking too much that they learn the language for the lifestyle.
Breaking down complicated terms is part of my responsibility as one who knows the language. Like asking the doctor to speak in English. Or helping to interpret concepts for the newbie. Being consistent with the use of my language will also help the newbie form a vocabulary, or language for the lifestyle.
We used several tools to help our children learn a basic vocabulary. Let me ask, what words should every new follower of Christ be taught? What are the base words that form our language for the lifestyle? Send me your short or long list. I am developing a top 50 terms to help people learn the language for the lifestyle.
I left on a thursday at noon. a friend lent me his motorcycle to ride. I headed south to new orleans to visit a friend. It was incredible. The ride down, the conversation, the fishing, the food. Then i headed east to charlotte north carolina to visit my sister and her family. Again, absolutely beautiful. Then northeast to lynchburg virginia to visit a friend and his family. It was short but refreshing. Then home. I almost made it when a lady on her way home from work didn’t see me sitting in her lane waiting to turn left. i saw her in the rearview mirror right before she made contact and realized she was not going to stop. one hundred and some feet later and i was lying on the asphalt with a crowd gathering around. i knew i was ok, except for the loss of some skin. no broken bones, no internal injuries, nothing. God protected me. The motorcycle was totaled. I had my first ride in an ambulance. That was terrifying for a claustrophobic person. They cleaned me up at the hospital and sent me home. Incredible. i have spent the days since experiencing some stiff muscles and skin that is regenerating. i am extremely grateful. 2800 miles travelled and six miles from home. thank you Lord.
