Monday Morning Perspective

I knew this was going to be good and IT didn't disappoint.  What a word!!!  It seems like a basic of the Christian faith, how we treat others, yet it's so difficult at times whether we are in kindergarten or a much more mature season of life.  It is definitely one of those areas we have to be INTENTIONAL about and can make the difference in whether we live on the HIGHER LEVEL or not.
I think it was so important how Eddie started out challenging us to really think about why we are the recipients of persecution.  Is it something I'm bringing on myself or is it because of my testimony in Christ?  I think we are so quick to dismiss any responsibility from ourselves and we probably shouldn't be.
My favorite part was how Eddie reminded us of David and the opportunities he had to take revenge himself.  Also about the attitude of James and John wanting to call down fire to wipe people out.  My oh my is that not so like us? I'm so thankful that Jesus doesn't always take that approach or I would have been one of those crispy critters many times in my life.
A very relevant thought was left with us as Eddie pointed out different ways to deal...retaliate or bury it? Neither is healthy!!  Oh how we need to allow God to heal our hearts, wounds never go too deep that He can't reach them and if we in the words my husband loves and his famous counseling advice for any situation, "take it all to the cross" we will be a healthier people empowered to live life on the HIGHER LEVEL!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!  Enjoy the blessings He so freely gives us all!!!

Monday Morning Perspective

I seriously can't get enough of  IT!!  Romans 12 is becoming my favorite chapter in the scriptures.  Eddie is bringing it to life and I love it!  It also thrills me that every sunday night with our younger ones in bible study someone always brings up something from the message and how it relates to the study we are in.  You girls are connecting it all together and I LOVE that and I LOVE YOU!!
My favorite was definitely the ending when he talked about Jesus sharing His heart and what was important to Him and we looked at that in John 13 and 17.  Jesus was greatly concerned with how we treat others.  Our most powerful witness is our love for one another.  Being a part of that authentic community and doing life together is where it's at.  The credibility of Christianity would rise and fall on how we treat others.  We don't want division and superficial relationships like the world has.
We follow up this message on transforming our relationships next week as we look at how our relationships should look with the difficult relationships of life...I can't wait.

Monday Morning Perspective

Another WOW moment yesterday...I was completely overwhelmed to see our people move out and take the "gold" cards promising to outreach to those in our community who are unchurched!!  You totally blessed my heart.  All ages represented filing out of the pews grabbing those cards!!!  I'm praying not only those we outreach to but also those doing the outreach would be so blessed by it that they catch the fever to do it more and more.  That's what it's all about as the church reaches out and loves on those who most need to see the church DO church and BE church.
Ok now for the message...
This is one series I know I will hate seeing wrapped up.  So much seemed to be pouring forth from Eddie's heart and it was so real and so engaging I could hardly stand it.  To know that we are essential no matter our gift or our role was put before us that noone could have left feeling like they were insignificant to God or His church.  I was doubly blessed last night as I was able to hear our college age girls talk about how they see their part in all of it and how the IT messages have touched not only them but their much younger siblings and their parents.  Praise God He is getting to all ages with His Word.  What a God we are so privileged to serve.