I've been thinking a lot about Jesus' question to Peter: "Who do you say I am?" A lot of people profess Jesus as Son of God and Lord of their lives. But...I think an equally important question for Christ-followers today is: "How do you live because of who you say I am?"
Your regular reminder: Jesus didn’t come to call an army and amass power.
He invites us to be shaped in his character – with the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… a cruciform life where “strength“ is redefined in our brokenness and weakness - and this humble way transforms the world.
Let these fruits be the litmus test for anyone in power – political, ecclesial or otherwise.
If not, what looks like a powerful move of God is actually a display of utter spiritual impotence and idolatry.
To stay on track it helps to:-
Fix your eyes on Jesus
Guard your heart
Renew your mind
Listen to the right voices
Surround yourself with wise friends
Be planted in community
Please God more than people
Repent, Forgive, Pray —often
Read and obey the Word
Walk by faith, not by sight
Trust God above everything else
Don’t bury hurt, disappointment, offense, bitterness
Avoid distractions or other attractions
Have fun & laugh lots
Love God & love people
@emilynclark These are the nuances and gifts of ministry that sustain. The gift of presence and the gift of holding. Both things the Father gives to us.
@emilynclark Cut a lemon in half, microwave it & juice it into a mug. Add water and 2 heaping tbsp of honey, heat until dissolved and drink. It will be sour, but will coat your throat. Mom started making it for me when I was little, & it’s the only thing that works when I start lose my voice.
"Forgive as the Lord forgave you." That puts it all in context. Grace undeserved, freely given. When I acknowledge how desperately I need forgiveness, I begin to see those who have hurt me and to whom I should offer forgiveness w/ different eyes. I want to forgive THIS way.
@BethMooreLPM If I could get to Texas and back in the same day, I'd do it, and pay YOU a dollar to let me come. I mean, I'll buy you two burritos even.
One reason why things are a bit turned upside down is that we keep trying to save Jesus from all the sinners instead of Jesus saving the sinners in our mirrors. “I thank God that I’m not like them.”
This is the question on my heart most days. If Christ came to destroy "the dividing wall of hostility" and "create in Himself one new humanity" (Eph 2:14-15), what will it take for the church to be one in Christ? A great sketch that keeps me thinking by @noggingrande
Today’s Lectio reading with friends was worth polishing a bit further and sharing. Thinking a lot lately about what it will take for a church to be one in Christ.
Today’s Lectio reading with friends was worth polishing a bit further and sharing. Thinking a lot lately about what it will take for a church to be one in Christ.
@Donnamiller8125 There is a false peace that masks as arrogance. It's actually fear with a calm face on. The peace that God gives does not produce arrogance; that is an antithetical combination. However, those not finding God's peace may experience deep disappointment and resentment without it.
Loving your neighbor can be costly, but choosing not to could cost more. It's up to you to decide which matters most: avoiding personal inconvenience or missing the chance to share the love of God with someone who may not know Him?