Hebrews 12:1-3
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (NIV)
Yesterday, the worship team had the amazing opportunity to lead worship for the last session at Yearly Meeting. It was amazing to see so many people from so many different churches worshiping together. During the recording time of the service, the recorded pastors and Christian workers got together to sing in one unified choir the hymn “Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul”. What an amazing opportunity and example for us all. After all the business meetings, these leaders came together with one purpose – to Glorify The Living God! I was overwhelmed with joy and this verse came to mind.
The Message says “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!”
Over the course of church history there have been changes, countless times of struggle and victory. Over all of this has been and always will be a God who is in control, a faithful God who knows what race we are pressing through and sees the finish line. So today, take heart because even though the race is hard, the end result is worth it. And you are not alone. Let’s come together and consider what God is doing today.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Story to Tell
One of my favorite memories as a child was when my brothers and I were tucked in to bed each night and our father would read us a story. If there was a night he had forgotten we would quickly remind him and beg for another story to be read. We loved it so much we would ask for the same book to be read again and again until he finally would pronounce the end and the lights would go out. Even after the lights went out there was an ongoing story from that book that would continue to play in our young minds. Imagination would win over the moment and the story would take on new life.
We are all drawn to a good story. Our whole lives are spent in relating to one another as we string one story with another. Think about the last few times you had the opportunity just to visit with a friend. Was the conversation filled with story? What about around the water cooler at work or in between classes at school… are we filled with one story telling experience after another? We were created for the narrative of life!
The Bible is almost completely narrative. It is not only a grand story of God’s interacting with His creation but this greater narrative is made up of many personal, individual, and interesting stories of life. Each one represents real people in a real time with real hurts and pains and real blessings and victories. Each one speaks of God’s story in history.
You have a story. This story is not just a short boring tweet of how you ordered a latte at Starbucks or that you just ran 2 miles tracked by your Nike iPod sensor. It goes deeper than, “You’ll never guess what happened to me the other day!” Your story is the story of how God is seeking and experiencing you and how you are seeking and experiencing Him! Every day and in every way. Your narrative is God’s narrative. God’s narrative is your narrative.
With this being said… recognize, tell and celebrate the “God story” you possess. Recognize how He is present in all things. Tell others of His movement in your life. Celebrate before God that He is present. You have a story to tell that others need to hear. You have a God who loves you passionately that deserves the glory that telling your story brings Him.
What is your story? Who do you need to share your “God Story” with today?
-Pastor David
We are all drawn to a good story. Our whole lives are spent in relating to one another as we string one story with another. Think about the last few times you had the opportunity just to visit with a friend. Was the conversation filled with story? What about around the water cooler at work or in between classes at school… are we filled with one story telling experience after another? We were created for the narrative of life!
The Bible is almost completely narrative. It is not only a grand story of God’s interacting with His creation but this greater narrative is made up of many personal, individual, and interesting stories of life. Each one represents real people in a real time with real hurts and pains and real blessings and victories. Each one speaks of God’s story in history.
You have a story. This story is not just a short boring tweet of how you ordered a latte at Starbucks or that you just ran 2 miles tracked by your Nike iPod sensor. It goes deeper than, “You’ll never guess what happened to me the other day!” Your story is the story of how God is seeking and experiencing you and how you are seeking and experiencing Him! Every day and in every way. Your narrative is God’s narrative. God’s narrative is your narrative.
With this being said… recognize, tell and celebrate the “God story” you possess. Recognize how He is present in all things. Tell others of His movement in your life. Celebrate before God that He is present. You have a story to tell that others need to hear. You have a God who loves you passionately that deserves the glory that telling your story brings Him.
What is your story? Who do you need to share your “God Story” with today?
-Pastor David
Friday, May 27, 2011
Dusty Shoes
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” - Acts 20:24
I started running again these last couple of weeks and I found out really quickly that I am nowhere close to where I used to be in endurance. I took a couple of the colder winter months off and now, running feels like a completely new activity to me. As I trudge on, I find my muscles fighting to find the place they used to be, my lungs aching to find the freedom they once knew, and worst of all, my brain trying to find the focus and endurance spirit it once knew!
It reminds me of sometimes when I get into a funk in my spiritual walk. If I take a break for even a day from my spiritual discipline and meeting with God, I find that the enemy will find any way to tear down my spiritual muscles and add on a layer of FAT! (Fat meaning junk that I just don’t need in my life – sin, depression, fear, etc.) IT’S TIME TO GET MY RUNNING SHOES OUT AGAIN!
Galatians 5
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty."
Yeah he will!
And don’t forget we are not alone in this friends!!
Hebrews 12
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Pray with me.
Father, I want you. I want to fix my eyes on you. Father help me dust off my running shoes. Take away this layer of crud that is holding me down and help me to pursue a life worthy of the calling you have given me! AMEN
As you continue in this race I will be praying for you if you will pray for me.
Let me know how I can be praying for you today… Email me at sierra@orangefriendschurch.org
Want more information about how you can get connected with other racers? Visit us at www.orangefriendschurch.org
I started running again these last couple of weeks and I found out really quickly that I am nowhere close to where I used to be in endurance. I took a couple of the colder winter months off and now, running feels like a completely new activity to me. As I trudge on, I find my muscles fighting to find the place they used to be, my lungs aching to find the freedom they once knew, and worst of all, my brain trying to find the focus and endurance spirit it once knew!
It reminds me of sometimes when I get into a funk in my spiritual walk. If I take a break for even a day from my spiritual discipline and meeting with God, I find that the enemy will find any way to tear down my spiritual muscles and add on a layer of FAT! (Fat meaning junk that I just don’t need in my life – sin, depression, fear, etc.) IT’S TIME TO GET MY RUNNING SHOES OUT AGAIN!
Galatians 5
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty."
Yeah he will!
And don’t forget we are not alone in this friends!!
Hebrews 12
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Pray with me.
Father, I want you. I want to fix my eyes on you. Father help me dust off my running shoes. Take away this layer of crud that is holding me down and help me to pursue a life worthy of the calling you have given me! AMEN
As you continue in this race I will be praying for you if you will pray for me.
Let me know how I can be praying for you today… Email me at sierra@orangefriendschurch.org
Want more information about how you can get connected with other racers? Visit us at www.orangefriendschurch.org
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