Unity,
unity,
unity
,
unity
…
“
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3
“Paleeeezzzze do not touch me. I don’t do that! Have you seen my…? Why are you doing that? Umm excuse me, but that is mine. <%#@!#$# !$*)+@**!#”%^!!> GRRRRR….”
Living in community. What does this look like? Is there any one answer, or are there as many answers as there are people? I am currently living with 5 of the strangest people on the face of the earth. They dress funny, watch the oddest television shows, listen to obnoxious music, and are constantly around!
Stretch,
stretch,
stretch
,
stretch
“The Lord Almighty says, ‘See, I will refine and test them, for what else can I do…” Jeremiah 9:7
I am being stretched on a daily basis. I find myself crying out to God more than ever.
Though our team, more often than not, gets along, we have our moments when we could slay one-another. I think this is normal for any “house-hold.” Why do people say opposites attract? Is there truth in this theory? Is it Biblical? Somebody please tell me!
God says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. This is a hard teaching that I am learning more and more. Intellectually I know this already, but it is now application time. I am starving to hug my mom’s neck, or just chat with my son, or go out for lady’s night with my friends, or go to church and listen to Pastor Mike.
I am learning to submit to, survive, and serve with a generation that is younger than me. Can somebody say crucify me?!?! I will be the first to admit that I struggle with pride, but I guess I really never knew how much. Oops.
Grow,
grow,
grow
,
grow
…
“Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the head, which is Christ.” Ephesians 4:15
My heart’s desire is to grow in the Lord. I have been told many times that I was a good student of the Word, and now I am finding out just how good I am. I have struggled more with my flesh in the last 6 weeks than in the last year. I repent of my attitude and my selfishness. Apart from Christ, I am nothing!
I am trying really hard not to let obvious circumstances, (age, background, education) get in the way of the bond I desire and even need out of my team. I have such good relationships back in the states, but the Lord has called me to the World Race; this is the reality.
Fruit,
fruit,
fruit
,
fruit
…
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every
branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” John 15:2
As I lie down at night, my mind wonders, and I cry out to God, “WHAT GOD!” Why have you rocked my world?
What is it you really want? Is it more, and more of what if so. What are you trying to strip away from me? Is it a total dependence on you that I have lacked? I can’t see it God. It really isn’t about me, now is it? “
Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies…” John 12:24
Love,
love,
love,
love…
“Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres, and love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
I really have an incredible team alongside me. I am very grateful for the level of integrity, excellence, and reverence for the Lord this youthful group embraces. Our year/season together has really just begun, and we have already got so much of our junk out on the table. We are committed to being accountable for our actions and completely honest with our thoughts, feelings, and lives.
We are committed to putting “family first.”
Holy,
holy,
holy,
holy…
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory” Isaiah 6:3
I leave you with this final word. The Lord calls us to be holy, without blame and righteous, which is my desire (
one thing I ask, that will I seek). My prayer over the years has been not to compromise or settle. It is not worth the consequences. Pain is a lonely place. I have truly learned to place my hope and trust in the promise of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, now, once again, it is application time.
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16
