Guys,
We experienced some great stuff last week. But now that you have returned to "normal" life, what do you do with those images and emotions that are fresh in your memories? Before the busyness of life and the priorities of our culture seek to wipe them out, I want to share the following with you:
"Will we stay where we are, do what we've done, and continue to repeat the mistakes of our past? Will we emerge in rebellion, recklessly abandoning the historic moors of our faith in our obstinate determination to drain freedom's cup to its last? Or will we emerge from stagnant religious routine to embrace, in living color and vibrant love, the Holy God of Scripture, and His ancient, eternal truth?" (from The Bravehearted Gospel by Eric Ludy)
Romans 12:9-16 reads like this:
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
We were very privileged to see God at work like we did. That was an incredible opportunity and we must capitalize on it. Don't let yourself fall back into any negative habits or routines. "Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." Eradicate the junk in your life. Seek out that which is good and cling to it like a shipwreck survivor to a lifeboat. That whole section from Romans is full of commands. Directives that we need to internalize and build our lives around. Actions that we must take.
Verse 11 really jumped out at me: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. God showed us some amazing things, but now it is up to us to keep the zeal and spiritual fervor that He stirred up in us.
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Awesome words...awesome insight...thank you!
ReplyDelete~ Dinese
Wow, Those are strong words.
ReplyDeleteIt was just the right timing too, I'm finishing up my first day back at work and i was thinking about how quickly life seems to get back to normal. Thanks for pointing out key commands and parts of scripture.
We really miss you guys and can't wait to see you when you get back, there's talk of a reunion. Can't wait to see you
Love Hannah
Hey guys, that was a great post. i needed to hear that. Karissa, Krista, and Tom are coming over tomorrow, i'll make sure they see this too. thanks for reminding me to seek God in everything
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Hey guys,
ReplyDeleteI just posted my own blog about something similar to this. I'm not going to forget what I experienced with you guys and the group. I'm trying really hard not to slip back into things I was doing before the trip that weren't nessarily good. What I read made so much sense you don't even know. Thank you.