The Christian rule of chastity cannot be confused with social rule of modesty. I like how in class we learned a quote from C.S. Lewis stating that, "old, ol-fashioned people, should be careful not to assume that young people are corrupt, and in return, young people should not call their elders prudes."
If you look at the unhealthy view of sex & food parallel it's really bad. We need to learn to act on discipline because things cannot get confused. If you go as far as you want wen you want...that can be very bad most times. Things people crave for, they need to think, "will this please God?" That's why fasting is so good to do in different areas of your life. I tend to do this and others do too but we are always wanting things instantly but it can't always be like that. In most cases, the best things in life will be more blessed over time and when you wait." What we need to crave after is our God because he is so jealous for our attention that we don't give enough to him. I love how in God of This City, Bluetree writes about greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city! God has such big plans in our lives and in every part of the world. Everyone needs to discover their spiritual gifts so that they can help others in their callings. 1 Corinthians 12 talks about that. "A real desire to believe all the good you can of others and to make others as comfortable as you can will solve most of the problems." We really need to think on this. I know that people need to learn to this "vision" because often people are out of their comfort zones. That can be a good thing but if it is to much for them then people will back out too much. I know that when I get out of my comfort zone to talk and help others, that helps them and then they can ask for help in areas that usually need attention.
Marriage, love, Christ is so important to pay attention to. In relationships there will always be obstacles and you'll be tested on your faith. That is when you need to press and push through those obstacles. A good marriage is when both people always get along but in a GREAT marriage, there will be obstacles that the couple defeat and push through. When I think of this concept, I don't just think about the song "Marry Me" by train with the birthday video for Rachel by Hugh Jackman and Rachel's husband Christtian. I think about the movie, Fireproof. This movie starring Kirk Cameron is so influencial especially to married couples going through problems.
(I saw this music video from Fireproof and it reminded me of another video I saw, created by one of our own Freedom Valley members but I'll just show the Fireproof version).
"Justice = keeping promises"
When I hear the song, "How He Loves Us" I think about the 2 most important commandments again. We need to pay attention to the trinity. We need to love people and give them second chances as much as we can because God does that for us. Love others and Christ as much as he loves you! I always try to follow this but it can be difficult at times. We need to "let truth have the power" Lately, i'm trying to learn and worry about who, what, when, where, and how to minister to people, sharing truth with them. Keep love as a deep unity you have for someone. I know for me, when I love people such as my family, friend, etc it brings unity for them and myself.
Forgiveness = mercy & grace. God is a merciful and graceful God. People tend to say that forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive. We can't judge others though because when we judge someone else, then we will be judged. I like how what we learned in class last week was that when we need to consider ourselves and everyone else better than you/they are. We need to give ourselves the benefit of a doubt sometimes. When we sin though, we tend to want others to judge us by our intentions and not the sin. I don't know, it's very interesting what we learn in class sometimes. I love the quote by Bertha Calloway where she says, "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."
Thinking about the great sin is such a hard concept sometimes for people and for myself. Pleasure in being praised is not pride. We must not think pride is something God forbids. Humility is something that God demands. I tend to be to prideful sometimes in how I live my life but I need to learn to humble myself before God more. Esepcially during weekend services I tend to not do this enough.
Another thing we learned about that was probably my favorite part of class is Charity/Giving, Christian Love. The power of ONE can make such a difference in peoples lives. Especially look at Jesus Christ himself. I love giving to others and especially tithing. This is where the commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" comes into play. Right now, I'm currently feeling the desire that God placed in my heart to sponser a Compassion child and also to buy a pair of TOMS shoes. These are some areas where I want to be able to give. Right now I can't but I pray to in the future.. I do help to sponser the SOS's compassion child. Her name is Princy and I love that we can send letters to her. I'm doing what I can though right now and that is giving to Freedom Valley Worship Center for the kingdom of God through partnership, serving in youth, kids and on worship team. Lastly we need to provide hope to those around us. I love when I can help people to realize that their is hope for them. I wish I was more gifted in this area but I always try to do this. I love how we have our own HOPE INITIATIVE here at church and i'm part of serving in that.
We are doing this all to further God's kingdom. I only pray that God gives us all more direction in our lives through time on what he wants us to do in our lifetime here on earth. Live for yourself, more for others, building it all up in faith for our one true, God of this city!! <3
Gettysburg Masters Commission student'10-11
Elevate Leadership Ministry School
Freedom Valley Worship Center
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