Conclusion - The greatest adventure

One of the most fascinating things about Jesus is how he loved others.  He calls us to do the same, but sometimes we struggle to do that.  I think that’s because we are so kicked around and beat down by “busy” and “responsibility” and “doing”.  One of the purposes of this blog is to explore what real community looks like.  That means we will explore what it means to trust each other and sometimes to have hard conversations when we feel like we can’t trust.  Loving each other is not easy.  It means we will need to work through our struggles, just like Jesus did.  He loved Peter enough to be honest with him.  He loved him enough to give him chance after chance.  He believed in Peter and he saw what Peter could be.  

Jesus see you for what you can be and I think he sees community for what it can be.  Jesus is there for us to help us re-write our stories.  As we learn to love just like he loves us, we can count on the Spirit to be our guide.  This is an adventure.  It may well be the greatest adventure you will ever participate in.  

Conclusion Part 5 - Lives intertwined in love

Conclusion Part 4 - Sharing our struggles in community

As the American Church faces new challenges we will need each other…we will need to share our struggles IN community.  This isn’t about calling ourselves “church”.  It’s about loving one another enough to get involved in each other’s lives.  Are you seeking a community that wants to go deeper?  Do you want to have a place where you can ask hard questions about the Gospel message?  

I have had a desire to be part of an authentic unique community that will share struggles - love one another despite our failures - care when caring is hard to do.  I had a dream a few weeks ago that I was part of such a community and it felt very right.  The dream I had encouraged me to continue to seek and ask - and for me it was a promise I would find it.  I believe God wants that for all of us.  Have you ever had a desire to be part of a community like that?  Would you be willing to share your hopes? 

Conclusion - Jesus is crazy FOR you

The sum total of who you are includes your hopes, your dreams, your pain, your losses, and your failures and Jesus loves all of those things about you.  I used to think Jesus only loves the good parts of me and He rejected the bad.  So, when I felt bad I thought Jesus didn’t like me.  Now I know Jesus loves ME…all of me.  What’s more important, he has dreams and hopes for me and he believes in me just like he believed in Peter.  Thinking of it in that light puts a whole new “spin” on life.  Have you asked Jesus lately what he has for you?  What he dreams of when he thinks of you?  He does think of you day and night you know…he is crazy FOR you.  Take time to look at his face.

Conclusion - the sum total of who you are

Mary's Story - Conclusion Part Two - Human Beings

Just like Jesus believed in the disciples, he believes in you.  Jesus is calling you to take His message OUT.  What is he calling you to be?  (I didn’t make a mistake with my English here…I believe he calls us to BE and remember we are human beings NOT human doings.)

Mary's Story Conclusion - Part Two

Mary's Story Conclusion, Part One

As I studied this scripture I was surprised by what God brought to me.  I expected to focus on the resurrection, because everyone who preaches this passage talks about the resurrection and the wonders associated with that.  Certainly, the resurrection made all the difference.  It changed everything forever.  The Son of God came to earth and conquered sin and death…and he lived to tell about it.  I expected to tell about that but instead the story took a turn.  I ended up focusing on Mary and the disciples as people and what they experienced.  God helped me to see Mark 16 in a new light. 

I would encourage you to pray into Mark 16.  Spend time listening to the Spirit.  What part of the story touches your life today? 

Conclusion Part One

Mary Heals and Prays

There are many people who scattered after Pentecost to the ends of the earth.  Most of the disciples scatter to go preach the gospel and we never hear of them again.  Have you ever thought about what they did?  I imagined Mary healing and praying.  What do you think she did?