I Will Arise

I was thinking this week of the relentless battle we sometimes face as we do life, and what it takes for us to hold the line in our Christian walk. The battle is not won by the proud Generals from their lofty positions but by people like you and me; who are not so much defined by our great victories, but of scars and bruises that life has dealt us. What makes us the winners is that everyday we get up, despite the odds, despite what others have said, despite the fear that nips at our heels. We the children of God arise -

What holds you back, what keeps you in the plains of complacency

Instead of pursuing the mountains unknown and untamed.

When the world is full of voices that proclaim what you can’t

Can you discover the dream that says just maybe?

But you’ve failed before

You don’t deserve the chance again

You’re too young

You’re too old

The time is past, or not yet at hand

You’re too shy, what could one person do

Is it God or is it just me

My shoulders may not be squared; my walk may be a limp,

My voice may be less than bold

But I will arise

Because he called me

I will arise

Because he says to

I will arise

The Other Six Days

The challenge we face is how we live out our Christian walk not just at Church but on the other six days.

The power of these points are not in what I have to say about them but more about what they say to you as you think about how you work them into your everyday. Take up the challenge with me and let's see how we go.

1. WORSHIP – without the band

Worship is more a place than an action.

When life starts to overwhelm, then think about the one is bigger than any challenge you currently face.

Manley Beasley -
"'A glimpse of God will save you. To gaze at Him will sanctify you."

2. Communion – without bread and wine

Communion is all about intimate connection (interchange of thoughts & emotions)

When stress pulls us apart – communion brings us back together.

3. The Word – without the book

Working the Word in the world.

Christ is the Word of God. It is not in certain texts written in the New Testament, valuable as they are; it is not in certain words which Jesus spoke, vast as is their preciousness; it is in the Word, which Jesus is, that the great manifestation of God is made. --Phillips Brooks

Don’t quote the Word; as much as be it! The Word became flesh and so we should be also Gal 2:20 (crucified with Christ)

Spouting scripture has no magic to dispel the devil. Scripture has phenomenal power but unless you submit your mind to its inerrant truth, its power is largely lost to you. --Martha Kilpatrick

4. Relationship without Ritual

God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them. unknown

It’s not about Him it IS HIM.

God is a friend not a reoccurring appointment (He WANTS relationship with us more than anything)