In the dark....

This mornings sermon was needless to say- bold, inspiring, convicting, and without a doubt much needed. Who am I? Am I a Christian? This is the title I like to claim, but what is that exactly. Does it come with responsibilities? Yes, it truly does. So many people loosly throw this title around and claim to be Christian ( and I am not pointing fingers, because I am equally to blame) and yet continue to live a lifestlye that speaks otherwise. Being Christian or "Christlike" or Disciples of Christ means becoming an good/positive example, being different, sharing the good news with all, and growing other Christians or followers of Christ.Automatically when we call ourselves Christian we are examined a bit more throughly by the world. The world is watching with a close eye and waiting for us to make mistakes, and guess what? It will happen. Because while we are called to be 'Christ-like" we are not Christ and will make mistakes- that is why we are so in need of his grace and mercy, because we are human and flawed.As Christians or followers of Christ we are also held to a higher standard by Christ himself- he has set the example, lived the example and given plenty of scripture as how we are to live.We are called to be different! We are called to lead the lost to the truth! How are we to be the light that our dark world needs, when we ourselves are in the dark? While it is true the dark is offended by the light, the light sheds truth, inspiration, sight, knowledge etc. Have you ever been in a dark room? Have you ever seen a mishapen object in the dark, and believed it to be something completly different until the light came on? That is the essence of being in the dark, you can live your life thinking and believing what you see is true until some light is shed. If we as followers of Christ are not that light, then those around us will continue to be in the dark. I cannot live my life as an in-the- dark Christian any longer- I am an in-the-light Christian,I will not longer stumble in the dark when I have the ultimate source of light and truth. I will no longer allow others around me to stumble, when I can share the ultimate source of light and truth with them. Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Afraid of letting go...

This may be a common feeling/thought for some. Especially when you are taking a huge step of faith as we are. There is no room for holding on, no space for looking back. I want what God has for my future and I will not be able to fully grasp what he has in store, if I am holding on to something- fear, doubt, uncertainty etc. I have to know that God will provide for our needs, as he always has, despite huge changes being made. I will admit, it is not the easiest thing to do. My flesh wants to dig in my heels and drag my feet, my spirit wants to dive in and not look back. I am learning that is the difference between allowing the spirit to lead you and living in the flesh. My flesh is fearful and faithless. That is a bad combination. The spirit eagerly awaits, even zealously awaits God's plans and future. I certainly want the latter of the two, I want to live by the spirit, and allow God to work in me and through me. That is impossible if I am allowing my flesh to control me, my thoughts and my desires. So, as for me and my house- we are letting go and letting God! Is there something you are not letting go of?