Uncomfortable is a position for growth. Uncomfortable is a place where your life takes on transformation in a painstaking way.  There is a high risk in moving into that which is uncomfortable, but there is high reward in the transformation that happens in that poignant, heartrending place.  If you choose to be uncomfortable, you choose to place yourself in a vulnerable position that changes the very core of your being.  If there has ever been any static concern in the life of Christ church it is because we seek our own rest in the lethargic location of comfort that changes with each generation.  Let’s come back to the transforming message of Jesus Christ that takes that which is dead and brings life, that which is unwise and confounds the wise, those that are weak to upend the strong and that which seems insignificant and gives them Divine identity!  That place, it’s not easy, not fun, and not traveled by many because it’s UNcomfortABLE…Welcome to the Book of James

     Ok, so this was my first time to preach through the book of James completely and I can attest to my introduction that God has been working in us powerfully.  Let me review a short snippet of the sermon from Sunday and talk about it in a little more detail, and then I’ll show you the sucker punch that has really made me think!

     James 4:15 “…If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”  A Proper view of the person that is driving the perspective behind our plans comes down to infinite or finite.  Here’s a quick, get down on my level, definition of those terms.  Infinite = unlimited/finite = limited.  What happens when we submit to a proper view of the person of God and not only include Him in our plans, but live out His plans in our plan?  You get unlimited resources, power, potential, and productivity.  You get abundant joy, life, pleasure, and fulfillment.  You find rest, comfort, hope, and expectations that transcend your finite capabilities.  WHAT?  Who is gonna pass that up?  Unfortunately the answer is many.  Many will rest on finite man to drive through life with limited perspective leaning heavily on the restricted and fixed abilities of people.  The end results are plans that have boundaries and fault lines due to the small god that we place on the throne who has no business being exalted to that position.  That god is man!  However, a right view of God leads us to follow Jesus.  Why? Because following the one who has lead out and does not bail out when real life happens reveals a transcending peace that can only be disclaimed “of God”.

            So, when all is stripped away, Jesus really is everything I have ever wanted and needed.  When all seems to be caving in around me, God positioned Himself as THE ONE who will not share the eternal throne with anyone and you will not be satisfied to lean on any but Him.  He knows it all, and can handle whatever comes your way.  Will you lean in on Him when you’re making plans in life?  I will!

Scott

A Huge Concept About Prayer 

James 4:3 “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”

Christ in Our Culture

July 30^th will be an incredible day of opportunity for everyone who participates in the Sno-Ball Give-A-Way.  This corporate Bridge Project will allow us to see “who” Christ cares about and can dramatically change through His gospel.  When you stand in front of Wal-Mart, in Petal alone, the urgency of mission should rejuvenate His vision for us when we see the great mass of people are who have not been reached out to, cared for, or even invited to know Christ.  I’m going to be with you, ministering next to you, watching you, fellowshipping alongside you, and pleading for God to break our mind-set of “it’s all about you”.  That stings a bit huh?  It should because it’s true, and the best place for us to land is that of thinking about others more than we think about ourselves. 

This is more than a project, it’s a strategic opportunity.  Let me explain!  The church is only beneficial in “Turning People to Christ” when we are, in fact, turning our own lives to Christ.  Are you committed to a relationship of transformation in your own life?  Do you really trust that God can and will make you uncomfortable in your process to better equip and prepare you for His progress?  I believe that we are able to honestly care for others when God has the rights to our life.  It’s hard to work His Kingdom if we’re hanging on to ours.  So, we’ll call that the “Inside Strategy”.  Our next strategy is going to focus on advertisement.  The “Marketing Strategy” is in place to advertise the most influential product for man since creation.  Experts estimate that the amount paid out on advertisement in 2000 was $44.6 billion in direct mail, TV spots, Internet ads, and marketing email.  If that number seems outrageous, how does $200 billion seem?  That was the amount the consumer spent after being overwhelmed by the marketers.  It makes sense why companies would spend $44.6 billion to reach you with their message if they gain roughly $155.4 billion in profit.  Companies are not shy when it comes to telling you the good news about their products or services that they claim will “improve your life”.  Why don’t we put those who have “testimonies” about that which the church offers in front of thousands of people and invite them in to “taste and see”?  We have the opportunity to tell people about the Good News that can dramatically change their lives for eternity.  Finally there’s a “Connection Strategy” which is why the term bridge project is in place.  A bridge offers a connection that closes a gap.  There is a gap between the community and the church.  We have stepped away from mission and engaged in comfortable religion for so long, that those on the outside of the church don’t see the care for others seeping out from the church.  This can’t be the case any longer.  This simple sno-ball give a way is just another attempt to bridge the gap between the church and the community. 

Don’t wait for the next one.  Get in on the strategy that puts us in position to work for a Kingdom that will far exceed our own! 

(Proverbs 9:8, 19:25, 29:15) Surely it’s possible to learn wisdom without any need for correction and criticism.  Apparently not.  In his commentary on Proverbs, Derek Kidner writes that wisdom’s “frequent companion is correction”.  That phrase is now firmly fixed in my mind. If you ask for wisdom to hang around in your life, you will find that she doesn’t prefer to travel alone.  If we could gain wisdom without any need for correction it would’ve been discovered by now and someone would probably have written a bestselling book explaining how. But that’s not how it works. We cannot separate growth in wisdom from criticism, correction, and reproof.

Since God often uses the criticism of others to reveal the idols of our hearts and to accelerate our growth in humility, we should be eager to receive criticism. I should be eager to receive correction, but usually I’m not. And it’s no mystery why I’m not eager to receive criticism—I’m a proud man.  Yet Proverbs teaches us that a wise man loves correction:  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you. (Proverbs 9:8)

The scoffer will flat-out reject criticism and hate the one who brings it. On the other hand, the wise man will embrace the criticism and love the one who brings it.  Criticism can be a gift. Yet how a man responds to correction is one of the clearest distinctions in Proverbs between the fool and the wise man:

• A fool desperately needs correction, but refuses to pursue it or receive it.
• A wise man needs correction less than the fool, but he pursues it and welcomes it.

Pursuing and receiving correction is a means of attaining wisdom. The wise man knows this; the fool rejects this. This is what makes the wise man wise and the foolish man a fool. For the wise man, criticism holds potential, the potential for personal growth in humility and wisdom.

Here is a challenge that CJ Mahaney delivered in his discussion of wisdom: If I value wisdom, this will be evident in my pursuit of, and response to, correction. But I do not truly prize wisdom if I do not welcome criticism, pursue correction, and receive reproof.

Here is what’s easy:

• It is easy to desire wisdom.
• It is easy to profess a love for wisdom.
• It is easy to say, “I want to grow in wisdom.”
• It is easy to pray, “Lord, give me wisdom.”

But here is what’s difficult:  It is difficult to respond humbly to criticism.

Here I need the sanctifying grace of God.  Having been humbled by the gospel, I want to humbly receive correction and even to pursue it.  I want to be the wise man, not the fool.  What decision will you make as your days continue to come and go? 

Scott Pittman

I have been energized, encouraged, and amazed at God's hand at work since we met on Sunday.  I believe that God not only is working among us, but He is working in us who are laborers together for His church!  I am praying for us to define our dependence today by asking "Why should we pray?" 
We want to see God's Kingdom built and His house flourish for the Glory of Jesus! However, if we're not careful, we'll construct the House of the Lord in a way that is vain and useless rather than Christ Centered and Effective!
Psalm 127:1-2 "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.  Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep."
     We have no reason to depend on us, but there is great need and reason to call on God, the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, who is the great builder of His own church.  During my time in the Word recently, this is what has been jumping off the page.  Scott, just like I reminded David to be faithful to me and let me build my house in my time, I'm reminding you how to be faithful to me.  Seek ME!  Call on ME!  Long for me to watch over Petal, MS like a loving and all-knowing Father.  Trust me to build my house, My way, in My timing.  And finally, STOP eating the bread of anxious toil.  Rest in me! 
     Church, we pray because we can't build God's House or Watch over His City.  As leaders, God is defining in us hearts of dependent servants who realize the stress involved in trying to be God!  I'm praying for us to remember that we pray because we are not worthy of be prayed to!  There is one God and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask or think.  It’s important for us lean in on the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God!  Will you lean heavily on Him today?  Tomorrow?  The next day?  Etc…  What a delight to depend on the only One who is DIVINE!

Scott Pittman

In the past few weeks and even months, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about things such as God’s will for my life, church strategy, and the impact I make on those around me (and these are just a few examples). I think it would be safe to say that these are things that quite a few of us think about pretty often. While each of these are great things to spend our time evaluating and improving, I think we make them far more difficult than they really are.  If your mind is anything like mine, as you spend time evaluating “you”, the focus of what you do becomes “you!”  So, let me encourage you by sharing what I’ve learned.  Firstly, God has shown me the simplicity of the life he calls us to as followers of Christ.  Our purpose is to enjoy His grace and extend His glory.    Make Christ the focus/center of everything you do.  Be intentional at making the name of Christ known.  If you don’t think, talk, and act with the intent of making Christ known, you will inevitably make your name known.  I’ve learned that it is much more productive to rest in the peace that comes from God, rather than get lost in trying to micromanage every little aspect of life.  Don’t get caught up in what you can or cannot do.  When we do this, we learn to be “good” people, and define our success by what we “don’t” do. This makes no sense considering we are called to produce fruit- John 15. Living under these terms limits you to what only you can do.  Instead, understand what has already been done for you through Christ. In the beginning of the Great Commission (which sums up our purpose and answers all of the questions I mentioned at the beginning of this blog), Jesus said “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.”  Remember that it is Christ that empowers you, and He is the reason we do what we do.  Let this drive you to live out the purpose God has created you for and make disciples of those around you.  Do everything with intent to make His great name known! 

 Matt Mathis

Psalms 90

     When I was young, it would not have been beneficial for someone to tell me that it would be wise teaching if I learned to number my days.  I mean, how is that possible to communicate truth to someone who thinks they’re superman?  Now that I’m 36, having failures in life, confusions, questions, stress, hurt and pain, grief, etc… I have seen the wisdom of Godly people who make the most of their time on earth because they have learned the value of numbering their days.  Let’s face it, as the years pass, we realize that we’re getting farther along in the process of life and moving at a fast pace toward death.  This may sound like a somber teaching, but it actually works well for us if we receive it with meekness. 

    Psalm 90 was written by Moses as a prayer which makes this the oldest of the Psalms.  Why was the prayer of this man of God made into a song which was sung by the Israelites?  I believe it was due to the incredible wisdom that is gained through understanding what Moses understood.  V.4: “For you, a thousand years are as yesterday!  They are like a few hours!”  You see, people vanish, disappear, they’re like a vapor and then gone.  And in the brief time that we are here, even our best years are filled with pain and trouble.  If we are not aware of our brevity of life, we will lose sight of God’s glory, authority, and redemption.  Life soon becomes about us and we find ourselves as either the centerpiece of our story, the victim of our circumstances, the doomed in our situations, or the agent of our greatest destiny.  The truth is, we are small and God, being a good Dad, does nothing less that leads us to totally depend on Him. 

     So, I encourage you to read this Psalm with a receptive heart pleading with God to teach you to number your days.  Recognize what Moses saw.  Seize how your relationship with the Father changes everything you face in life.  Run to the joy of living by making the most of your time on earth.  Ephesians 5:15-16…walk as a wise person who Trust’s God and depends on Him for living.  Redeem the time you have left because the days we live in are full of evil that will aid in forgetting God and missing the Glory of God.  Live in such a way that your life tells a story of faithfulness to Christ Jesus, even when it’s over! 

Here to Serve,
Scott

3 Ways to Disconnect

            Every church has a passion to see people “come” to their worship experience in hopes to see them connect with their church and become a part of their church family.  We call this church growth.  However, when you juxtapose “church growth” and “spiritual growth”, there are some errors in our efforts of connecting people.  The whole crux of the church is how we’re growing, but the perception of growth that is learned by good ole Southern church folk can actually put people in position to disconnect from Biblical growth.  How does God’s Word teach you and me to measure growth?  I want to show you in a weird way.  So be on the lookout for Biblical Ways to measure your important, God honoring growth, while I show you 3 ways you could disconnect from Turning Pointe or any other church.  BTW, I’m giving you 3, but there are more!

1.      Put down the Bible and do anything else.  So, the quickest way to disconnect is to unplug from the main power source baby.  If you stop fighting for time to be in God’s Word (apart from Sunday) then you will eventually stop bringing that stuff called “redemptive fruit” to the table of God.                                               John 15:4-5 à Biblical Growth is the evidence of Christ changing you by producing fruit in you.  Even when you’re new to the process, there is evidence that you are Abiding through your life transforming.  Check out Galatians 5:22 to see what begins to happen when you Abide in the Word of God.

2.      Treat prayer like it’s your idea and not God’s.  This one’s easy because we can just do what comes natural, pray shallow popcorn prayers (not that popcorn prayer is always shallow and bad), and feel better because we’ve talked God.                                                                                                                   John 15:7à God desires for us to be filled with what is good and what satisfies, which is His Word.  When we are filled with His Word, we begin this John 3:30 life that see’s Jesus get bigger and we get smaller and smaller and smaller.  It’s at this point that the Gospel is transforming us and we begin to pray dependently on God and seeing His plan as our infinite desire. 

3.      Become self-centered instead of others centered (a servant).  Our tendency as humans is to gravitate inward.  We tend to do this without any effort too.  There’s no better way to set back and disconnect from what God is doing than to stop thinking like Christ.  If you abandon community, abandon serving, and abandon being the church, then you will walk right into the door of disconnect.                                                                             John 15:12-17à Biblical growth is when we, as the church, LOVE ONE ANOTHER!  When we serve together, fellowship together, share together, and sacrifice together, we will effectively serve our community together.

        Obviously, I want you to be aware of how dangerous it is disconnect.  It’s not church growth that is important; it’s the growth of us, the Church, the Bride of Jesus, the Redeemed Family of God that will cause us to live like we're chosen.  Are you finding yourself disgruntled?  Answer the question Why?  Evaluate your personal relationship with God.  Come face to face with the reality that we all are fighting in our process with fear and trembling and that is a great thing.  It’s when you quit that you begin to disconnect from God’s process in your life and from the church family that He’s called you to partner with.  I love you church, and I’m praying for you.  Don’t give up!  Fight the good fight!  Keep the faith!  For us to fully “connect” with the vision of Turning People to Christ, we must stay “connected” with God’s vision of Turning Us to Christ. 

I love You,

Scott                     

"But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)

The concept of bearing fruit is used often in Scripture. In the Gospels, Jesus told the story of a sower who went out to sow seed. The seed fell on various types of ground. Some of the ground was rocky and hard. Other ground was receptive, but weeds choked out the seed. But there was a portion of ground that was not rocky or weedy, and the seed took root. Jesus said that this was a picture of the different people who hear the gospel. Those who are true believers are those who bring forth fruit (see Luke 8:4-15).

What is bearing fruit? Essentially, it is becoming like Jesus. Spiritual fruit will show itself in our lives as a change in our character and outlook. As we spend time with Jesus and get to know Him better, His thoughts will become our thoughts. His purpose will become our purpose. We will become like Jesus.

The Bible gives an excellent description a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Is that what others see in your life? If not, then either you don't know God or you are living outside of fellowship with Him. If that is the case, then a commitment or a recommitment to Him would be in order. God is not asking for a perfect life. But He is asking that these fruits be primary characteristics of a life that is lived for Him. 

Originally published as "What Spiritual Fruit Looks Like" by Greg Laurie

I’m looking forward to how followers respond to Christ work in us.  Will we see fruit that is significant for the Glory of Christ in His church?  Today is a great day to evaluate you own life by recognizing if the description of Truth matches the actions of us, His Bride.  Don’t stop fighting to know Christ and allowing Him to increase.

Here to Serve,

Scott

EGG DROPOLOGY

the city, the church, and the ability to see

The decision was made to move forward with dropping 15,000 plastic Easter eggs, by helicopter, in a prominent location in our city as our first Bridge Project of 2011 and we’re not backing off in the slightest. The church has responded beautifully and there is an excitement that is circulating throughout much of the city of Petal. Although this is an exciting time for us, “Turning Pointe Church”, there is a steady question that digs into the theology behind the egg drop that I’d love to answer for ALL who inquire! BTW, we SHOULD be able to answer “Why do we do what we do?” every time we DO something. So, I’ve titled this thesis:

EGG DROPOLOGY the city, the church, and the ability to see.

This is my attempt to answer the question “Why would you spend the churches resources on an event, which is also a pagan tradition, that lasts no more than a couple of hours?” A valid question, honest question, and revealing question that warrants a response.

The hope of Christ (which is the absolute surrender to Christ as God in the flesh, the risen Savior, and the triumphant Lord over sin) is why the church exists. We are called to carry that hope into the world of "pagans" with great expectations that the God who created them will use the righteous to reach them. Our attempts of Turning People to Christ are strategic, fun, relational, creative, risk taking, but overall, DEPENDANT. We want the City of Petal to see the church as God has intended for her to be seen: full of life, love, compassion, and determination. We will always fight to put ourselves in position to see God move on our behalf, because it’s not in our (the church) DNA to be inactive, passive, or predictable. Our prayer is for God to transform this city through the gospel of Jesus Christ and, therefore, we are doing all that we can to connect the church with the city so the blind will come in contact with the ONLY message that will open their eyes. Every penny we have as a church, every person who makes up the church, and every ounce of faith we live by as the church is worth pouring out to the pagan world with the hope of turning them to Christ. Our methodology may not be your cup of tea, but I’m tired of that boring tea and I’m ready for the people of God to be the dynamic, Spirit filled, unified, followers of Christ who believe that God has them here for a dynamic purpose which exceeds this temporary world and pierces the depths of eternity.  So let's have fun connecting with people we love and watch the God that we boast in move in mighty ways!

By Faith we will proceed and by faith we will succeed.  If you want to see great things happen you must be on task together.  1) Let’s understand Why We’re Doing This  2) Let’s Pray diligently asking God to do what only He can do in the hearts of those who come  3) Let’s pray for our hearts to be filled with love and compassion for the city of Petal and our communities around us  4) Don’t neglect your own heart from Turning to Christ daily. 

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!  Come excited, ready, worshipping, and expecting God to move! 

I Love My Church,

Scott

http://www.scottpittman.blogspot.com/

Let’s look at a word that, if kept constantly in front of us, will keep us in the game, drawing on God, adjusting in life, responding in faith, and coming back to try again.  A word that loses its luster compared to other dynamic and motivational phrases.  H. Jackson Brown said, “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins-not through strength but by perseverance.” Another quote that drives me daily, and will help clarify this word, is by Ralf Waldo Emerson, “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”  The word we’re looking at is Resilience.  Resilience is a picture of the love and grace of God, the purposes and plans commissioned by Christ, and the promise of God to the righteous.  Psalm 92:12-15 – “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God.  They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock and there is no unrighteousness in him.” 

It is our aim as followers of Christ to be resilient in our obedience.  When we fail, we get back up. When we lose focus, we pray until we gain clarity.  When we get tired, we rest in the Word of God.  When we sense self pity, we focus on others until our selfishness subsides. How resilient you are in your life will bleed into the resilience of the church.  If we are to see the flourishing hearts awakened by God and the fruit of Christ burst through the lives of those who are turning to Him, we must be the stream that wins out because of resilience.

Don’t quit now.  You, who are serving well, remember why and be spurned to resilience.  You, who are seeking God in your relationship with Christ, notice the presence and peace and stay resilient.  Those who need clarity in why you exist come to the cross, pray, seek Godly counsel, be resilient. 

The success in our city hinges on the relentless God, through a redeeming gospel, by a relentless people.  “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

You’re Partner in Ministry,

Scott

I always love sharing awesome thoughts with you, even when they do not come from me.  This Blog from Pastor Perry Noble is a sharp reminder to so many women who may miss a very strategic opportunity to build up their families, simply because they underestimate the influence through their words…Come on ladies, talk it up.  Don’t be dumb men…Listen Up!

What A Wife Should NEVER Do!

A wife should NEVER underestimate her influence in regards to speaking words of encouragement to her husband…

EVER!

Ladies, believe it or not he both wants and needs to know that you believe in him.

And you cannot assume he knows it…because he doesn’t.  Trust me, he wrestles with thoughts of insecurity and often wonders what you think about him…

And your words have the power to lift him to levels that he’s never experienced.

Last week I was working on my book and, after hours and hours of writing I was SO discouraged.  Literally, I wanted to give up…to call my agent and tell him that I wasn’t going to write a book…EVER!  And…the more I focused on my perception of how bad it was the more the enemy used that to absolutely jump all over me.

I drove home feeling very defeated after what I would refer to as “a wasted day” and picked up Lucretia for our date night!  She asked how my day was and I told her of my horrible experience at attempting to write all day long…and that when I had completed my work I thought it was awful!

Honestly, I was in a pretty vulnerable position…and she took that opportunity to speak some very timely and encouraging words.  Seriously, what she had to say took her about 30 seconds…but when she was done I literally was ready to start writing again.  Why?  Because my wife, my bride, the person I value the most on the planet took time to encourage me and believe in me.  I got up the next morning at 5:00 and hit my writing project with an intensity like I’ve NEVER experienced when writing…it was awesome.

I know it is MUCH easier for a woman to pick out all of the “areas of improvement” for her husband; after all, if he would just do BLANK then he would be awesome, right?  And…how in the world will he know if he is or isn’t doing BLANK if you don’t tell him.  Believe me, I am NOT saying that there are not times for speaking the truth in love and for conversation focused on correction; however…

Ladies, you should NEVER underestimate your influence in regards to speaking words of encouragement to your husband.

Go ahead, try it, because when a man feels respected/believed in by his wife…it really does make a difference.

In October of 2008 I attended a conference called “Catalyst” for the first time.  My main take-a-way was to compile a stop-doing list.  Yeah, sounds crazy, but God really worked on me about how I was spending my time, as well as, helping me understand my priorities.  It helped a little, but I’ve realized that God has not pulled off of this challenge in my life.  In fact, many conversations recently with some of my small group, our leadership team, and our staff, plus an extensive study through the book of Colossians rekindled a desire to evaluate ALL that I need to stop doing.  So, this insight is meant to bring clarity and centralized application to you who are “wearing many hats” (thanks Wes) and who are also trying your best to fix/repair/start things in your life in hopes to be the best (fill in the blank here) you’re hoping to be.

Let’s evaluate your list.  Are you a mom, dad, son, daughter, husband, wife, boss, employee, manager, co-manager, single, athlete, musician, coach, teacher, factory worker, nurse, patient, doctor, addict, short tempered, bitter, lonely, confused, hurting, outgoing, recluse, pastor, volunteer, etc… You get the picture.  Within this list, you find yourself and then there is another list that is compiled revealing all of the responsibilities, tasks, positions, stress, grind, fears, opportunities, failures, longings, wants, needs, etc… Still with me?  When looking at how overwhelming life can be, and seeing all of the ways you desire to improve or change, there is a looming question that seems to be too much in light of all you have going on:  Where do I start? Deuteronony 6:5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your might.”

It’s not possible to love God if Jesus is not LORD.  So let me clarify and centralize your scenario with a couple of questions and some profound scriptures. 

1.      Are you Born Again? John 3:1-16…To be born again is to come to God with a right understanding of who you are as a sinner/enemy of God.  New Birth is when you surrender the HEART to Christ Jesus by repenting of sin and asking Him to live in you.

2.      Are you being transformed? Romans 12:1-2/Psalm 51:10/Colossians 3:10…When Christ Jesus changes our heart, He takes ownership of our SOUL and re-orders our desires.  The soul that once chased the world for satisfaction is now satisfied in Christ and wants more of Jesus.  More of Christ is inevitable transformation.

3.      Are you trusting Christ?  2 Corinthians 12:9…I trust God by believing what Christ Jesus did in my life is for today, not just eternity.  When my strength is gone, His is perfect.  To trust is to act on and boast about What Christ Jesus has accomplished through the cross, in your life.

Stop your list and focus on Christ in you!  You cannot fix it, better it, enable it, disable it, or perfect it…But Christ in you will and can.  Where do you start?  Return to your first love: Christ Jesus!

Surrendering to Jesus you give up everything…and then you’ve never had it so good (Rick Warren).

I Love His Church!

Scott

Matt’s sermon Sunday really challenged me in the area of what I am pursuing.  The faith builder verse (FBV) he encouraged us to memorize is 2 Timothy 2:22 and I want to give it in the ESV translation.  “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”  The word flee is meant to strike a distinct sense of “get the heck out of there” and the word pursue does the opposite, “go, go, go toward it”.  I think Matt gave incredible advice in understanding what flee means, but he challenged us to look deeper into what we’re taught to pursue.  So, I have been tracking down righteousness and it has made me realize what changes MUST take place in my life and why. 

1.      Righteousness is not something I could ever earn or gain by increasing my good works for God.  I’m righteous because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross and His blood, and I BELIEVE with ALL of my heart and FOLLOW Him who died.

Romans 4:5 “to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,”

2.      Righteous living is not an increase in how much good I do for God, but how much Christ-likeness I display because I pursue Him, follow Him, and love Him. 

John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

3.      Righteousness is a chase to satisfy every craving, both temporary and eternal that wells up in me.  To know Christ and to pursue Him doesn’t balance me; it tips me over and makes my cup overflow. AMEN?

Psalms 90:14 “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”

I don’t want to expect a different result and change nothing! Why? Because that’s INSANITY… I will make the changes necessary to be the vessel that is useful to the Master of the house…       “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

Changing Together,

Scott