Self-denial

"If we are not our own, but the Lord's, it is clear that what purpose all our deeds must be directed...We are God's own, to him, therefore, let us live and die."

-John Calvin

All around me the world is telling me to be perfect, to make myself known, to look good, to have power, to be respected, to live the "American Dream." To be successful I am to have deep pockets, a beautiful wife, tons of fun, and a thriving well-paying career. All, so that I can endure as little pain as possible and retire happily ever after. In contrast the bible says that I should die to myself, and serve all who surround me. That I should not look to my own interest, but focus on the intrest of those who surround me. I should humbly regard others as better than myslef. Calvins urges beleivers to take on the mind of Christ in everything that we do, and allow him to move us. That if we have truly died to ourselves, our actions no longer look like our own, but rather they become the mannerisms of Christ. Calvin suggest that if our minds are truely set on eternity, we become pilgrims of this world longing for all of creation to be in the heavenly realms. With this, our lifestyle shall surely follow as rebels of the American Dream.

Seeing A Whole New World

Annie Dillard talks about changing the way that we look at the world and taking in tiny little detail so that we can fully see the world in way that gives it new shape and meaning. When I read this I emmidiately thought back to my 2011 summer in Colorado. That summer I was reading a book by Brother Lawrence called Practing the Presence of God. He spoke similar to Dillard in directing your attention to detial, and really focusing and concentrating on seeing our omnipitent God in all things. After practicing this for a summer, it really has become a part of who I am now, and my eyes have been given a new focus to see everything even the smallest most obscure things and scenarios with much greater depth. This has called me to a much more active prayer life- my time with God is not comparmentalized into a certain time a day, but walks with me and talks to me no matter what im doing or observing. This is what it means to walk with Jesus. I have only scratched the surface of what Annie is pointing toward but I cannot see with my old eyes anymore.

Evangelism

I am encouraged in reading about the urgency Saint Francis towards evangelism, and not only that but his desire to collect a team of colleages to engage in the same mission.

Here recently many doors have been opended to share Jesus with broken people who have stumbled into my life, it has not been uncommon this semester to have someone crash on the couch in the living room I share with my roommate. Evangelism has taken new life as I have had the opportunity to share Jesus with a friend here recently. About three weeks ago, I was contacted about a guy on campus who was broken and really needed someone to talk to, I followed up that request with a two hour conversation about life with this student. Its funny how not in control we are. If we simply pray the prayer, "father sourround me with broken people." He does! Infact, he not only brings broken people into your life, but gives you new eyes to see brokenness, and puts his words truth in your mouth, and gives you his hands to heal. Each week I have been given opportunities to share the gospel with young, old, homeless, wealthy, drug abusers, crazy women in UA parking lot, people with nothing, and lost students on campus. I am no saint, nor am I sinless- but my God continues to lavish his grace upon me, and my weaknesses have become my strength.

The Grace of Humility

In regaurd to my family, occupation, and economic position- it could be easy in the eyes of the wealthy and nobel to feel ashamed of my curent status. Instilled in me from my mother and father is a content character- confident that what I have is all that I need for satisfaction and even more than I need. Growing up my parents would only spend 50 dollars on my brothers and I each for Christmas. In comparison, looking back the friends I had at the time were recieving soo much more than I was and at times it was a little embarrassing. All the while, my parents were so fun and creative with the 50 dollars that for a long time I had no idea that they would only spend certain amount. As far as I knew- I was being given everything I could ever dream of. Now when I talk about my current status I can only humbly recongnize the roots of my upbringing and speak with the utmost joy.

Of the list of rules, #17 taking an active part n praising others, entertaining their good with delight: this has always come so natural to me. I enjoy pinpointing the gifts and talents of those who surround me, and follow with words of affirmation. #6 never say anything, directily or indirectly, that will provoke praise or elicit compliments from others: this has alwasy been tough for me, its just so easy to set up a conversation to point praise or compliments back at myself- I think one of my love languages is words of affirmation so to set up or provoke a compliment sometimes comes subconciously from my nature.

Transformation Ch. 5

Connection is important for missions because it is the power of the kingdom, it is what binds people together, connection happens through believers encouraging one another- keeping each other accountable- supporting each other with resources- knowing how to better minister to one another so that people will be equip and ready to reach out into a broken world. Roberts says, It breaks the chains of individualism and reflects the earthly kingdom and future kingdom of God.

Transformation Ch. 3

The difference between transformation and conversion =The Spirit alive and at work in transformed persons life. 

It is possible to convert, change religions- and remain the same person. Converting is simply changing from one religion to another. This happens often in our western world because 'being a Christian is the right thing do.' At least thats what's common in the surrounding east text area codes. There are so many people in our churches who have converted from not being a Christian- to accepting Christianity in the same way their parents vote republican. They just do, 'its the right thing to do.' Thats simply it. 

The difference in Transformation is that people are not okay with a simple, 'its the right thing to do' response. I know this can offend lots of people, but I would a large portion of Christians in the southern bible belt have not experienced transformation. Transformation takes place in persons life who does not just become a better person- but rather takes on a complete new identity. Transformation has taken place in a persons life who has internalized that they have been made into a new creation, that it is no longer they who live- but JESUS! As a result, in that persons life the works of the king are evident. The difference between them and a convert, Conversion is: telling someone that they are a Christian. Transformation is: being approached about a recognized change in their life. 

The Gospel is making me a different person right now as I have engaged in the lives of young men on campus. The Gospel is alive in my life- and it is evident in my burdened heart for life in lives of lost young men on my campus. I am discovering more and more how much I need the Gospel each day, and in every moment. It has not only Transformed me, but it is doing work in this season that I would title 'Waves.' It is my strength. 

Roberts Ch. 2 Transformation

"Allowing God to transform our perception of the purpose of the church will prompt us to put the church; in the context of the nations, culture, the kingdom of God, the preisthood of the believer, and of eternity."

Bob Roberts

Roberts talks about "living the kingdom of God" in that our ultimate goal is not only on personal discipleship but it is about engaging entire nations and infrastractures! Im encouraged in the way that he sees planting church as not only an avenue to reach the local communities, states, and nation, but it is a stronger push towards the full kingdom of God- that "kingdom in Kingdom out" involves the holy spirt worlking in peoples lives to be moved to ALL nations!