SSN (summer sunday nights) recap 6/26/11

Scripture used

Video used;
http://nooma.com/nooma-sunday-004-rob-bell.php

Great conversations tonight based around how we can easily be the pharisee and how we by default become the face of religion to our friends...

Main focus revolved around how God desires our hearts, not our best attempts at 'religion'.

*If your students were in attendance tonight I encourage you to chat with them about the conversation we had with one another.

language, love and South Mississippi

*disclaimer*
This is by no means a 'diss' of anyone from anywhere in particular.
This is a rant, a struggle and therapy for a present burden.

"If you want to know what is in ones heart, listen to what comes out of their mouth."

Suffice to say I have been doing a lot of observing and listening over the past few weeks as re-entry has begun into a new-but-familiar culture that is my home. The place of my childhood and formative years. The place I am un-shakingly proud of. The place that I hope to call home for many years to come.

I love my new job, my church, my students... I count myself blessed beyond measure.

But I am burdened. Burdened by the words I hear fall so often from others mouths.

I start from a place of inclusiveness. A place of love. I attempt to walk with my savior who showed this world a love like no other. A love that healed lepers, redeemed prostitutes, embraced tax collectors and most of all made a way for All of God's creation to know what life truly is.

I hear things. Words. Words, phrases, labels that divide. Phrases that marginalize, that discriminate. Words that do the exact opposite of what Christ came to do, show and live-out for the whole world to see.

Am I healed of this. No, I am a work in progress but I know what has been confirmed in my heart. Cemented deep within my spirit is a truth that can only be there of the divine - that all of this creation is God's. That the mighty acts of Jesus were not just for some but for all.

If what I am hearing is affirming the hearts of those uttering I must put my head down, get on my knees and know that there is work to be done. Is this a burden - yes. Does it fan the flame of my calling - absolutely. There is work to be done. There is a kingdom to proclaim. There is love to show. May God give me strength to be faithful to his call.

Back in the Saddle Again!!

Rental House - check
Moving Company Delivery - check
Internet - check
settled in at new job - check


More 'real' blogs coming soon.

stay tuned