I've got that warm fuzzy feeling inside and it's not from my lunch.
I have something to say and I think it's really important. Whether you're a Christian or not, I'm pretty sure you'll agree with at least some of it.
I'll give you some background story first, though.
As you most likely know (people who read my blog have usually known me since I was about 14) I used to write A LOT about things God and I had been discussing. I haven't so much lately written about it and I was wondering why. I was talking to God the other night and he said, “Well you kind of need to rededicate yourself to me.”
I responded with “But...I am totally full on for you and passionate about your plan and everything!” But God does know better, being sovereign and indescribably amazing and all powerful. With this in mind, I said “Okay, I'll do it.” So I prayed and rededicated myself to Him, and felt awesome. THEN. Yes, then. He said to me, “Okay, now make it public.”
WHAT??!
What will my youth pastors think? What will the other people in the church think?
Yeah, anyway after that mini freak out, God said gently, “It's not about what other people think, it's about you and me. Besides you're in a safe place when you're with the Church, no one will judge you.”
I always love how he's so gentle with me like that. He gets how I'm wired because, hey, he was the one who wired up my brain.
This morning in the House we had a visiting speaker, an evangelist by the name of Andrew Kubala. He is very awesome and also hilarious. I wish I'd had my note taking implements (my phone which I left at home accidentally) with me cause he said a lot of awesome stuff...I think I'll be getting a hold of the CD because it's worth listening to over.
Anyway, lo and behold at the end of his message he had an alter call for people becoming Christians or rededicating their lives to Jesus. I was freaking out. I knew what God had said to me but I didn't want to look bad or weak or like I'd been evil or sinning like a maniac or something. I was praying inside, “GOD! PLEASE ASK HIM TO SAY SOMETHING TO MAKE ME FEEL LESS FREAKOUTISH!” among other things. God answered my prayer quick-smart when Ps Andrew said something about even leaders, and one more person. I knew it was me that needed to put my hand up, because God had been telling me I had to for the ENTIRE WEEKEND. Hehe.
So I put my hand up. And when he called us out the front, I went. Along with some of my friends too, so I figured that maybe this is something God's been challenging a few people with this week(end).
I've been asking God for a new breakthrough and I got it by being obedient in one simple thing. I was feeling embarrassed, but God said to me then that I didn't need to, because, as I looked around me when heading back to my spot, all around me were other leaders and pastors, and people I KNOW love him totally.
Taking physical steps forward like that and being bold in public is important. It shows people where you are at in your heart and what you are focused on. (Baptism is another fantastic example of this.) Walking the walk (literally in my case) proves that you believe in and act on your own talk. I'd better not say anything more or I'll give it all away too soon!
I won't write out what else God's given to me just yet, not to publish here. I'll save it in a word document for another day....because this has been a lot already. If you're interested to hear about it, just message me or leave a comment or check out Colossians 3.
Why must Christians be bold in public about their faith? Why can't faith be a private thing?
ReplyDeleteTheres a bible verse about those who were bold in faith (in public) but had no faith inside themselves.
You know my views on god /differ/ then yours but still why not have faith as a private thing? Why must God be in the center of everything in this existance?
awesome Leesy!!!!
ReplyDelete@Thomas Jesus said "If you acknowledge me before men I will acknowledge you before my Father" basically it's part of the package deal. The Gospel is by its very nature offensive to some. I make no apologies, it was Jesus that claimed exclusivity in his Deity.
ReplyDeleteNo I'm not saying you should hide your faith and not mention it at all. But the difference between living your faith and SCREAMING I R CHRISTIAN everywhere are two different things.
ReplyDeleteFrom Mattew
"6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."
Technicality Jesus also claimed to be part of a Trinity. (Divine Mystery etc) Also if you know some people find the Gospel offensive but still loudly preach it, does that mean you give up the right to be offended?