July 17th 2007
9-Man born blind
10-Shepherd’s life threatened
11-Friend of Jesus dies
12-His time is coming to an end, give him your gifts now
There is no substitute for being in class, but there is no substitute for looking at a text after you’ve taught/participated in/heard a lesson either. I will not try here to reteach or even cover the issues address from class (although I have thought it would be cool to record your comments), instead I’ll just highlight the scripture.
We are not of this world. When our lives are broken we are temporarily messed up. By temporarily I mean for a very short time. During that time we are offered temporary healing (although ultimately eternal), and in ch. 9 we get to see, feel, and imagine God doing this for a guy. What kind of healing do you need? What kind of healing does God give everyone? Where is the dark part of you? In the story some didn’t believe the man, Who would not support your faith? Some wanted to rebuke him for telling of the beauty among the ugliness that is Christ’s redemptive work, do you have a rebuker, a discourager, a slow you downer? What does God have to do to help you live for Him? Wouldn’t it be sad if the guy wnet and lived life just like he did before?
In 10, the good shepherd lets us know how it goes down everyday. Everyday some try to jump out but are rescued, everyday some avoid protection, everyday some close their ears and eyes and minds and hearts to goodness. And rightliving, goodness, holiness, and mission can get you hurt by the world. rightliving rarely does, goodness rarely does, holiness will get rediculed, but mission will get you hurt. But don’t get tight, live lose in your mission. Live with passion. When you have a car accident and are lose the impact isn’t usually as bad. Live lose in Mission for Jesus, active faith that attempts to influence others for Christ is the only way.
July 17th 2007
We leave for Wilderness Trek Thurs. July 19th. John D., Gorham B., Lane T., Michael E., Jake N., and Michael B.
Please pray for our safety. We will drive carefully and we have serviced our vehicle. We are trusting God to protect us. Please pray for Kathleen, Avery, and Elijah. I am trusting God to watch them and help them.
Valarie T. will be working with the youth while we are gone. I hope both those that go and those that stay will be better in their faith after these next ten days.
We will return the evening of July 29th. Thank you for your support, your prayers, and the teachings that will help us experience this adventure fully in God. Bless one another while we’re gone.
July 17th 2007
it feels like God loves this community of faith. We must remember that none of us are perfect/ all of us are guilty. Guilty of neglect of the Spirit, each other, our mission, our commitment, our love. You are forgiven.
Remember the blessings. Blessings of health, sustinance, opportunity, family, and grace. As we are convicted to get better, and reminded of the mercy/ gifts from God we will be changed. And it is that changed (out of the worldness) state that God is in love with. Pray that God will use what we have/ what you have experienced to grow into a perfectly lovable being.
You have been loved, you are loved, and you will continue to be loved by the Creator God. The judge is lenient but His love compells us. Be compelled today to commit to a life of renewed faith. Renew your purpose. Renew your mission. Renew your focus. Renew your heart to put God in the pole position of your life. I don’t know what that will look like for you, but I do know that you will be better for having done it. Set all the worry aside and embrace Jesus. Feel again the presence of the Spirit. Dream again of the day you will have no more pain. Imagine again what your life would be if God were in complete control- and live it.
Take in God. Breathe Him. Be one with Him. There is a better way to live than your current life. And it helps with headaches too, John