Genesis

1 - To answer the last comment on last weeks post. The name of the song after the testimony was, "Come Home Running" by Chris Tomlin. Nice choice Brian. (Comment this)

2 - Thanks for the comments on the song selection. That song has a powerful message that helps us to remember that no matter what shape we are in spiritually; whether we are dyed in the wool christians or those who have lost our way (which most of us at have at one point), that Jesus' arms are always open to receive us.

Just a side note; it has been a real privilage to join the Genesis community in worship. Thank you for making this such a great new chapter in my life. (Comment this)

3 - Bless Mark for the strength of character to share his story - what better of a way to bring a living, breathing, heart to the idea that no matter how low you might be, that accepting God into your life can make a difference.

Proof positive that an effort made by the woman who issued the option of joining Teen Challenge and the choices made by Mark were efforts not wasted. And there's another worthy effort - supporting organizations like Teen Challenge to help continue their ministry.

It's easy to fall into cynicism, much like that newsperson in Hotel Rowanda, and think any effort is wasted. Ideally if you NEVER make the effort to change your own heart, to extend your own actions... how will you ever know whether sharing the amazing love that God has for each of us may make a difference in the life of someone else AND perhaps in your own life as well?

How do you find motivation when a faith walk becomes lackluster? Ah I've been thinking about this for the last few years... Sometimes its a conversation, sometimes its a song that moves you, sometimes its just picking up that dusty bible and flipping it open and seeing whether the words there might speak to you and sometimes it might just be okay to recognize that your motivation isn't there and pray for God to make it sparkle again. I think it's okay to recognize you may have lost your energy but hopefully during this time you still continue to MAKE THE EFFORT. (Comment this)

4 - I was touched by Ben's willingness to share where he is spiritually right now. I suspect that we've all been there, but many of us wouldn't go public with it. But that's what leadership is all about. As John Fischer wrote in yesterday's Purpose Driven Life devotional:

"Most spiritual leaders are merely trying to lead their own spiritual lives out loud. That’s really what it is to be a leader. It’s to live out loud - to walk like an open book, and not try and hide."

That takes a courage born of a willingness to follow where the Spirit leads. Because I believe that all Christians are called to believers, I am thankful for Ben's faithful model of leadership. (Comment this)

5 - Opps... posted this on the wrong Sunday so I will post it again here. I had a thought after the sermon last week... actually it was during the sermon. It was regarding that we don't tell people what awaits the unrighteous because we have become complacent. I felt that though that may be true it was not the whole or only reason. For me it's that I feel that by my telling someone that I feel they are going to hell (on the wrong road, headed in the wrong direction)I am judging them. How do I know if they are or not who am I to point a finger. Sometimes though I believe I am a saved Christian I wonder about my own destiny.

 (Comment this)

6 - Q, that whole same thought went through my head too. "Who am I to judge?" It was also in my head a few weeks ago when we were talking about "walls" and it was also in my head when we were talking about humility, but I also remembered this - God changes hearts, not us. Maybe if I'm not comfortable stating the harsh reality that if they don't believe they will go to Hell but maybe there is a way to lead them to God in some other way that I'm more comfortable? That's where my doubts that I'm doing the right thing come in - should I be more vocal, not beat around the bush? What makes my friend's entrance into heaven guaranteed if all they do is believe but don't do much else beyond that? For that matter is there a sin that can be committed that will not be forgiven? (Comment this)