Jim's message this past weekend was a very challenging one. But not in that beat-you-up-for-all-you-aren't kind of way. No, his message was challenging because it did something that is very seldom done in our culture these days - it required us to take personal responsibility - to stop making excuses and playing the blame game with our spiritual growth and to step up and OWN our growth in Christ. If you were hoping to pursue a 'comfortable' life with Christ - you were severely disappointed after hearing the message!
I heard a few things this weekend that I've really been chewing on. Here's one of them:
"The goal of growing spiritually is to have head knowledge that leads to heart trust which will produce order and shape our world."
Got me thinking - if I too applied even a fraction of what I all ready 'know' to my life...if I really allowed it to penetrate my heart...how might God use that 'knowledge' to shape my world in ways He's just waiting for me to allow? Hmmm...
Have you been able to prayerfully reflect on scripture and how it applies to your life this week as Jim challenged us to do? Do you have a verse that's been challenging you? encouraging you? inspiring you? How about posting it in the comments section - just the verse - so we can all meditate on it and see how God might speak to our lives through His word.
Here's mine...
Jeremiah 32:17 (New International Version)
17 "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
ReplyDeleteProverbs 30:5
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek You; I thirst for You, my whole being longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
ReplyDelete5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
ReplyDeleteand lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
This one used to be a huge challange to me and is slowly becoming encouragement. It's not always easy but is always rewarding to fully trust the Lord with everything you've got.
This verse reminds me that the daily, hourly, moment-to-moment discipline of monitoring your thoughts is the best way to overcome wordly worries and trust in Him instead.
Me and Hogan have discussed this verse and even named our hang out time "222"
ReplyDelete"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others."
2 Timothy 2:2
The whole chapter is good, serving as a motivational speech of sorts.
"You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever."
ReplyDeletePsalm 30:11-12