Thank God for Grace!

I was reminded recently just how much we, as believers, think the other guy’s got it all figured out. Why are we so sure we are the only people who struggle? Why are we all thinking that no one else is thinking “I don’t know how to do this…pray, fast, be spiritual”?

I was talking on the phone to a friend and she kept remarking “I better get this soon. I don’t want to go through my whole life like this.” She was referring to making decisions. On the one hand she wanted to make the “right” decision in her heart, but her head wanted something different.

I told her (in an extended version) to check out Paul’s discourse in Romans 7 where he can’t seem to do what he wants to do and only does what he does not want to do…it sounds only too familiar.

I’ve been rereading a book I received in the mail as a Christmas gift – “Messy Spirituality” by Michael Yaconelli. I came across this quote:

"Spirituality is anything but a straight line, it is a mixed-up, topsy-turvy, helter-skelter godliness that turns our lives into an upside-down toboggan ride full of unexpected turns, surprise bumps, and bone-shattering crashes. In other words, messy spirituality is the delirious consequence of a life ruined by a Jesus who will love us right into his arms.”

Amen to that. I’m just starting to deal with my mess. But I suppose the first step in truly dealing is admittance.

“I want to be a good person. I don’t want to fail. I want to learn from my mistakes, rid myself of distractions and run into the arms of Jesus. Most of the time, however, I feel like I am running away from Jesus into the arms of my own clutterdness.

I want desperately to know God better. I want to be consistent. Right now the only consistency in my life is my inconsistency. Who I want to be and who I am are not very close together. I am not doing well at the living-a-consistent-life thing…” (Messy Spirituality)

Thank God for grace.

So many reminders this week!

• Bible Boot Camp this weekend! Don't forget to dress up in your camo gear!


• Team Time Out this SUNDAY, August 17th -4:30pm...POOL PARTY - e-mail one of us if you did not receive the e-vite that went out on Monday.


• Next Wednesday, August 20th, is the Christmas Musical Interest Meeting for any students who are even thinking about participating! The final performance will be Saturday, December 13th.


• Wednesday, August 27th, Prayer Service!
  

I hope and pray you guys are having an amazing week. I will see you this weekend!