trouble...but hope

This past week has been a whirlwind of seeing the chaos of sin, Satan and the world, making a mess of people's lives. What am I talking about? Relational struggles, financial shortfalls and stress, and desparation to get out of the holes that have been dug, all put a stranglehold on the freedom that a loving God wants us to live in.

I continue to see how following God is so counter-cultural. Our North American culture teaches us to look after our self....at all costs. But then we start to falter in relationships, we start to turn our backs on others and forget the grace that others have shown. Sadly, all of us are so lost and don't know how to find a path that will lead us through these dark alleys. The only way that we can have hope in our relationships is found in Jesus. Because God promises to help us when the giants of life seem to BIG to handle.

Are we willing to turn over our pride and say, "God I need your help."
He's just waiting for us to help us in supernatural ways!

being okay because of God

So this past week God has been teaching me a lot...and I have to admit, thankfully God teaches us in ways that are humbling (because I guess he wants us to realize he is God and not us).

As I was talking with someone this past week, and giving advice, God challenged me, "Why do you search for acceptance from others?" Not sure if you ever look around and try to fit in, but it's a common human trait to act like our friends so we will be accepted; unfortunately, God reminded me that we must accept who God has created us to be first. The first and most important one to please is not ourselves, or others, but God. Thankfully God has created us as amazing individuals, created to reflect him. Genesis (the first book in the Bible) says that we are created in God's image. That our purpose is to be image bearer's of God. We aren't supposed to be billboards for advertising, for our personal gain, for how cool we think we are, or even how stupid we can act, but we are supposed to be all about reflecting God.

So no matter who you hang out with - it's not about being accepted by them - so act silly, stupid, quiet, loud, drunk, or cool - it's about accepting yourself to be who God has called you to be.

I'm so thankful that it is freeing to follow God!

Wow, what a stretch!

I am continually amazed at the grace of God. Yesterday, sharing about the Kingdom principle of "Grace," it's so vital to see how much we need God's grace because our relationship with God is based on him. Paul really challenges our thinking in Ephesians 2:8 where he says, "For it is by grace that we have been saved, through faith..." It's not about how much we do for God but what God has first done for us.

This week, I will be involved in the many facets of being a pastor: encouraging people, praying for those who are struggling, writing a sermon, planning for a funeral service, and planning for the future ministry of Gateway. Through all of these significant aspects of ministry, I am seeing the importance of relying on God for strength. It's not about me coming up with some amazing quote or sitting with someone and sharing an inspirational thought -- it's really about knowing God has gone before me, and is willing to lead me in everything.

May your heart be open and thankful for God's grace offered to you.