Part of our discussion observed that often we humans tend to move to an extreme, we realize we have done so, then swing to the opposite pole often over compensating for that which we have become. What we can agree on is that we all desire balance. Not balance in the sense of being neutral and ineffective, but balance in that we are not extreme in the things that are not eternal or vital to our lives. A pastor friend this morning summed this though nicely, ” I dress down such that those who are inclined to be more casual feel comfortable, while I dress up enough to teach respect for worship and being before the Lord.”

A couple final thoughts :

To the Christian: We are to love all without malice accepting all remembering that there is nothing we can do to gain the kingdom of God. Christ alone is the source of our redemption. With the gospel (good news) as our centrality and daily searching the words of Christ we are transformed from the ways we once lived.

To the unbeliever: Christians are people. Our salvation does not make us any less prone to sin (though we should be working on that!). Personally, I would like to ask forgiveness for ever approaching a non-believer with any sense of “I am better than you”. Of course it would never be intentional, but those of who have been steeped in “church culture” were often taught that we had to be so different in the way we live etc, that we lost our relevance in the very thing we seek…to glorify God and love others the way Christ loves us.

Wow…where did that all come from?! It is good to discuss, wrestle with these things to sharpen us. Some of my thoughts today are based on some teaching in the book of Titus from the New Testament in the Bible. More specifically Titus 3:1 and following verses.

Be well, and be challenged to grow.

There are numerous truths in this very familiar chapter, but this morning we focused on the fact that Christ is with us and “Immediately” tends to our needs. What I found particularly interesting is that Christ didn’t calm the storm right away! This passage seems to say to me that Christ has our back though it may not be in the way we expect it. when life throws us storms, we ask for the storms to be taken away, but that is not always what we need.

I have been praying that our house would sell and sales in my business would get back to a better level and yet God answered my prayers by making ministry opportunities available to me! He knew what I needed when I thought the answer was having all these physical needs met. the week that I accepted the ministry calling was the week that I was studying Philippians 4:6,7. Again a familiar passage of scripture but it had new meaning to me. The final words in verse 7 jumped of the page ” …and He will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord” It doesn’t say ” you will get everything you want the way you want” Again I think it says ” I got your back… I will “guard” your hearts and minds”.

Be encouraged today as storms will come but know that the Savior is “Immediately” there with His outstretched hand to pull you through.

Sorry to be so heavy today, but after all it is my blog, right? Be well friends.

Anyway…A new week and a new beginning! Isn’t it funny how we are wired that way! we cant start anything new unless its the first of the year, week, day, whatever…well, I am ready to embrace this week and make the best of it. Was really convicted about my prayer life after yesterday’s sermon. I think its high time I share my days with our Lord.

Wish you all a great day. More to come…really.