WOAH!! It’s been more than a month since being back in ‘Merica! It has been weird and tough at times, but definitely has been Amazing to just sit and be with family and friends. It’s difficult when doing yard work and wondering why it’s taking so long….then I realize my teammates aren’t helping me out (that happened today). Being BOMBARDED by Distractions while at home.
MAN! I never truly realized How many distractions and things that Want Your Time while living in this country. TV especially. I sometimes believe it’s evil and Satan’s using it to keep you away from doing what your supposed to be doing….yea. Also, UNLIMITED HIGH SPEED INTERNET…..we’re sooo spoiled.
I came across some notes I jotted down while having plenty of quite time in Nepal. They’re actually straight out of the Crazy Love book by Francis Chan. Yes I copied him, but the notes are such a Wonderful Reminder/self-check of our relationships with Christ. And after reading them…man they hit home hard in me of what I’m doing nowadays and my Daily decisions. Check em out!
– People who are OBSESSED with Jesus give Freely and Openly. OBSESSED people love those who hate them and who can never love them back.
– People who are OBSESSED with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. OBSESSED people care more about God’s Kingdom coming to this Earth than their own lives being sheltered/shielded from pain or distress.
– People who are OBSESSED with Jesus live lives that connect them with the poor in some way or another. OBSESSED people believe that Jesus talked about money and the poor so often because it was really important to Him. (1 John 2:4-6; Matt. 16:24-26)
– OBSESSED people are more concerned with obeying God than doing what is expected of fulfilling the status quo. A person who is OBSESSED with Jesus will do things that doesn’t always make sense in terms of success or wealth on this Earth. Martin Luther says “There are 2 days on my calendar. This day and that day.” (Luke 14:25-35; Matt. 7:13-23, 8:18-22; Rev. 3:1-6)
– A person who is OBSESSED with Jesus knows that the sin of pride is always a battle. OBSESSED people know that you can never be “humble enough”, and so they seek to make themselves less known and Christ more known. (Matt. 5:16)
– People who are OBSESSED with Jesus don’t consider service a burden. OBSESSED people take joy in loving God by loving His people. (Matt. 13:44; John 15:8)
– People who are OBSESSED with God are known as givers, not takers. OBSESSED people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world. (James 2:14-26)
– A person who is OBSESSED thinks about heaven frequently. OBSESSED people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.
– A person who is OBSESSED is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.
– People who are OBSESSED are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their failures. OBSESSED people don’t put it on for God; He is their safe place, where they can be at peace.
– People who are OBSESSED with God have an intimate relationship with Him. They are nourished by God’s Word throughout the day because they know that 40 minutes on Sunday is not enough to sustain them for a whole week, especially when they will encounter so many distractions and alternative messages.
– A person who is OBSESSED with Jesus is more concerned with his or her character than comfort. OBSESSED people know that true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances or environment; it is a gift that must be chosen and cultivated, a gift that ultimately comes from God. (James 1:2-4)
– A person who is OBSESSED with Jesus knows that the best thing he can do is be faithful to his Savior in every aspect of his/her life, continually saying “Thank You” to God. An OBSESSED person knows there can never be intimacy if he/she is always trying to pay God back or work hard enough to be worthy. He revels in his/her role as a child and friend of God.
So powerful and accurate. SO with this, be blessed and continue to bring God’s Kingdom wherever you may be.