Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we travelled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
Oh, and one more thing … unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill.
I heard this read out at church on Sunday, what a challenge to those of us who claim only to live by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, which is revealed to us predominantly through the bible God's very words.. I treat my blackberry as though I couldn't live without it, I would certainly turn back if I forgot it. Yet could I really say that I love the word of God as much as all that? And Jesus says 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'. Am I living my life fully based on God's word or am I in myself quick to compromise my commitment to do everything for the glory of God alone. What does it mean to give Glory to God in every area of my life? I could have a good go at answering this question now, but more than I have done in a while I'm looking forward to learning more about how to apply God's words into my life at our new found Sunday night student bible study group.
Showing posts with label God's Grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Grace. Show all posts
Monday, 18 October 2010
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Outrageous Grace
Times have been so busy recently that I really shouldn't be awake right now writing when I could be in bed sleeping, but I can't be stopped from procrastinating. My family are coming to UEA to visit tomorrow which will be great, althoug it does mean I'll have to be awake tomorrow (Saturday) to welcome them!
The past couple of weeks have been epic, to use just one of my current favourite words.
Last week was 'Jesus Week' as Ken from next door so lovingly put it. 'Jesus: The Real Deal' (to use the proper branding) was awesome. I didn't suppose we would call it 'mission week' for nothing, but I hadn't anticipated the physical strain that carrying a suitcase or two of gospels around everywere with me would have! For those not in the know, the CU have spent the entirety of last week at UEA running outreach events- the aim? To 'Make Jesus Known'! It's been amazing to see how it all works, to help out where possible with cheese storage and washing up and to experience as ever, more of God's never failing faithfulness. With a lunchbar (thats free food and a talk about Jesus for those not in the know) every day, and an evening event to follow we had our hands (quite literally) full pretty much non stop. Its amazing to witness so many people getting to hear about Jesus, especially close friends. In the flat, we've had some really interesting/exciting/exhausting times too, discussing/debating with and learning from eachother. There more I talk about other faiths though, the more I am convinced that following Jesus is so different from everything else you can believe about life, death and the universe. I can have a real relationship with God, and the assurance of eternal life spent with him- even though I'm bound to mess up every day. Thankfully what I do will never earn me that relationship with him, he's done it all! I've fallen, like everyone else, far short of God's glory and yet he still sees fit to bring me into a relationship with him through an awesome sacrifice.
I had a really encouraging conversation about the gospel with a friend, who isn't a christian, but who finds it completely mindblowing (and rightly so!). It went something like this:
So..let me get this straight..God made us for a relationship with him..but then we turned our backs on him, and thats Sin? So I'm sinning and you're sinning, every day, and this seperates us from God..
Yes
But God loves us so much, that he sent his son, A man? to earth?
Yep.
Who was basically God, but also a man?
Yep
Right...and he came so that he could die, and take the sin that seperates us from God on himself so that we can have a relationship with him?
Yep.
So you're going to heaven?
Yep.
Definately?
Yep.
wow. and you actually believe this?
Yep.
Wow.
And I realised that yes, it's all a bit outrageous. To hear this for the first time, must be pretty outrageous- but then this is God we're talking about. God became human, is Father Son and Holy Spirit all at once, and actually communicates with us. He made the whole universe, but knows and cares when I sit down or stand up, knowing my every thought but loving me nonetheless. That is outrageous grace.
Uni work has been rolling along as usual, this week I've tried to start (slowly) climbing the pharmacy mountain, as the mountain of christian stuff at the end of my bed slowly grows.
I'd want it no other way though. Keeping 1000 or so copies of Mark's gospel at the foot of your bed isn't a bad conversation starter I've found and transporting these around campus in a suitcase or two every day has genuinely made me 'hench' if indeed this is even a word.
This evening I've had a wild time at the laundrette, but at least when my parents visit tomorrow it will maybe look like I'm coping well with life generally.
I need to write more, or continue feeling guilty about blog neglect, but I literally can't wait to go to sleep. It's been a long week, what with double laboratorying, silent discoing, top 25 drugs card gaming, an exciting/pretty frightening proposed role on the Christian Union Comittee next year, singing, tea drinking, lecture attending and sleep neglecting.
I'll write something more soon. but early bed for me now.
goodnight x
The past couple of weeks have been epic, to use just one of my current favourite words.
Last week was 'Jesus Week' as Ken from next door so lovingly put it. 'Jesus: The Real Deal' (to use the proper branding) was awesome. I didn't suppose we would call it 'mission week' for nothing, but I hadn't anticipated the physical strain that carrying a suitcase or two of gospels around everywere with me would have! For those not in the know, the CU have spent the entirety of last week at UEA running outreach events- the aim? To 'Make Jesus Known'! It's been amazing to see how it all works, to help out where possible with cheese storage and washing up and to experience as ever, more of God's never failing faithfulness. With a lunchbar (thats free food and a talk about Jesus for those not in the know) every day, and an evening event to follow we had our hands (quite literally) full pretty much non stop. Its amazing to witness so many people getting to hear about Jesus, especially close friends. In the flat, we've had some really interesting/exciting/exhausting times too, discussing/debating with and learning from eachother. There more I talk about other faiths though, the more I am convinced that following Jesus is so different from everything else you can believe about life, death and the universe. I can have a real relationship with God, and the assurance of eternal life spent with him- even though I'm bound to mess up every day. Thankfully what I do will never earn me that relationship with him, he's done it all! I've fallen, like everyone else, far short of God's glory and yet he still sees fit to bring me into a relationship with him through an awesome sacrifice.
I had a really encouraging conversation about the gospel with a friend, who isn't a christian, but who finds it completely mindblowing (and rightly so!). It went something like this:
So..let me get this straight..God made us for a relationship with him..but then we turned our backs on him, and thats Sin? So I'm sinning and you're sinning, every day, and this seperates us from God..
Yes
But God loves us so much, that he sent his son, A man? to earth?
Yep.
Who was basically God, but also a man?
Yep
Right...and he came so that he could die, and take the sin that seperates us from God on himself so that we can have a relationship with him?
Yep.
So you're going to heaven?
Yep.
Definately?
Yep.
wow. and you actually believe this?
Yep.
Wow.
And I realised that yes, it's all a bit outrageous. To hear this for the first time, must be pretty outrageous- but then this is God we're talking about. God became human, is Father Son and Holy Spirit all at once, and actually communicates with us. He made the whole universe, but knows and cares when I sit down or stand up, knowing my every thought but loving me nonetheless. That is outrageous grace.
Uni work has been rolling along as usual, this week I've tried to start (slowly) climbing the pharmacy mountain, as the mountain of christian stuff at the end of my bed slowly grows.
I'd want it no other way though. Keeping 1000 or so copies of Mark's gospel at the foot of your bed isn't a bad conversation starter I've found and transporting these around campus in a suitcase or two every day has genuinely made me 'hench' if indeed this is even a word.
This evening I've had a wild time at the laundrette, but at least when my parents visit tomorrow it will maybe look like I'm coping well with life generally.
I need to write more, or continue feeling guilty about blog neglect, but I literally can't wait to go to sleep. It's been a long week, what with double laboratorying, silent discoing, top 25 drugs card gaming, an exciting/pretty frightening proposed role on the Christian Union Comittee next year, singing, tea drinking, lecture attending and sleep neglecting.
I'll write something more soon. but early bed for me now.
goodnight x
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Too busy to pray?
This week, upon my return to UEA I've found myself, in unusually spare hours reflecting on the message from the first Tuesday's Christian Union meeting, which as I mentioned to a couple of people then, was all very relevant to me. I knew I 'd be left reconsidering my entire attitude towards daily life when i found out the topic was prayer.
Kid's songs often say it best, don't they? One of my favourites includes these words: 'God he made me, he knows what I need better than anyone, God he loves me, he only wants good things for me'. I love singing it, because I know all this to be true.
Therefore, knowing this, it is important for me as a christian to respond to God's greatness. If I'm in a relationship with God (which I am, because of Jesus' life changing sacrifice, death and ressurection on my account!) then as with all relationships, communication is vital and it is so important for me to have prayer time, talking to God.
I am continually in awe of God's greatness, never ending grace and daily provision. He made everything ever, and yet he still cares what I get in my pharmaceutical maths coursetest. He knows the number of hairs on my head, and all the horrible bits about me, and yet he still loves me so much that he gave his only son to get rid of my sin so that I could be brought back into relationship with him. He made all the stars, and the seas and has given me friends, family and fellowship with other christians. His gifts keep on coming, and his uncircumstantial love means that I can have Joy in every situation, because however much my mood changes, he never does. Jesus Christ and his amazing love for me is the same yesterday, today and forever!
I could go on and on, quoting every verse of the bible and children's praise party song I've ever known, and yet I still couldn't say what I want to say here about just how awesome God is..
Surely then, the pattern of my daily life should be a response to God's awesomeness. As a christian I'm continually seeking to love God with all of my heart, soul, strength and mind, but if 24 hours of my life was to be captured on camera, would my primary identity as a christian be made clear through my actions and prayer patterns, and time management?
Jesus' life was described to fit a 'withdrawl work withdrawl work..' pattern. He knew the importance of spending time with his Father, who he recognised as the boss and source of all things. Thinking about this drew my attention to the patterns present in my daily life, and I've since decided to try and wiggle my priorities around, in order to make sure I honour God in the way that I use my time. Prayer needs to be right up there, topping the list alongside eating and sleeping. Despite being generally quite busy, I intend to keep trying to put God before everything, knowing that he will provide what I need in all other areas. I am desperate for a bit more discipline, knowing that I'm too busy not to pray.
The bible says these things, amongst many others, about prayer:
Give your worries to him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5 verse 7)
Do not worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you'll experience God's peace which goes beyone anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4.vs6&7)
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5 verses 16-18.)
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.(James 5 verse 16)
Since coming to uni I have picked up so many little phrases and words from various friends who all speak differently. It's very true that habits are learned from those we spend lots of time with. As a christian, I know I should be cultivating that same humble servant attitute Jesus had, putting others selflessly first always. And in the same way that occassionally I'll slip out the word 'glarss' instead of glass, due to being in so much southern company, the more time I spend with Jesus, the more christlike my attitude will become. Ditto, the more I read God's word the more I will understand and learn to be more like him. Although simple logic, It's a harder habit- but one I intend to learn.
Kid's songs often say it best, don't they? One of my favourites includes these words: 'God he made me, he knows what I need better than anyone, God he loves me, he only wants good things for me'. I love singing it, because I know all this to be true.
Therefore, knowing this, it is important for me as a christian to respond to God's greatness. If I'm in a relationship with God (which I am, because of Jesus' life changing sacrifice, death and ressurection on my account!) then as with all relationships, communication is vital and it is so important for me to have prayer time, talking to God.
I am continually in awe of God's greatness, never ending grace and daily provision. He made everything ever, and yet he still cares what I get in my pharmaceutical maths coursetest. He knows the number of hairs on my head, and all the horrible bits about me, and yet he still loves me so much that he gave his only son to get rid of my sin so that I could be brought back into relationship with him. He made all the stars, and the seas and has given me friends, family and fellowship with other christians. His gifts keep on coming, and his uncircumstantial love means that I can have Joy in every situation, because however much my mood changes, he never does. Jesus Christ and his amazing love for me is the same yesterday, today and forever!
I could go on and on, quoting every verse of the bible and children's praise party song I've ever known, and yet I still couldn't say what I want to say here about just how awesome God is..
Surely then, the pattern of my daily life should be a response to God's awesomeness. As a christian I'm continually seeking to love God with all of my heart, soul, strength and mind, but if 24 hours of my life was to be captured on camera, would my primary identity as a christian be made clear through my actions and prayer patterns, and time management?
Jesus' life was described to fit a 'withdrawl work withdrawl work..' pattern. He knew the importance of spending time with his Father, who he recognised as the boss and source of all things. Thinking about this drew my attention to the patterns present in my daily life, and I've since decided to try and wiggle my priorities around, in order to make sure I honour God in the way that I use my time. Prayer needs to be right up there, topping the list alongside eating and sleeping. Despite being generally quite busy, I intend to keep trying to put God before everything, knowing that he will provide what I need in all other areas. I am desperate for a bit more discipline, knowing that I'm too busy not to pray.
The bible says these things, amongst many others, about prayer:
Give your worries to him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5 verse 7)
Do not worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you'll experience God's peace which goes beyone anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Phillipians 4.vs6&7)
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5 verses 16-18.)
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.(James 5 verse 16)
Since coming to uni I have picked up so many little phrases and words from various friends who all speak differently. It's very true that habits are learned from those we spend lots of time with. As a christian, I know I should be cultivating that same humble servant attitute Jesus had, putting others selflessly first always. And in the same way that occassionally I'll slip out the word 'glarss' instead of glass, due to being in so much southern company, the more time I spend with Jesus, the more christlike my attitude will become. Ditto, the more I read God's word the more I will understand and learn to be more like him. Although simple logic, It's a harder habit- but one I intend to learn.
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