Violent Faith

I've been going through the Gospel Matthew with my DG's . . .

[and just a thought for those of you who are still using 'a lack of time' as an excuse to not being in a DG which are some of the most life giving parts of my week . . . I've got 4 teenagers, long weeks of 24 hr schedules, coaching, volunteer boards, etc, and I'm part of 3 DG's . . . just sayin']

. . . And I've been ruminating on Matthew 11:12 where Jesus said (NIV): "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

The NAS says it like this: "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force."

In context this passage is talking about how John the Baptist came as a force to lead the way for Jesus. And how Jesus came in a totally unique way - eating and drinking with sinners - but how they both brought the power of the Kingdom of God.

It convicts me that living for the Kingdom of God is NOT passive! Living for God is about forcefully advancing, it's about exerting influence on what is in front of us.
It's not stationary. But it's about movement. It's about change.

And when we move forward everyone is not going to like it. Everyone is not going to agree. Some are going to be left behind.

Now, I'm not talking about being arrogant and abrasive with our faith. But if we are going to be living for God, we WILL be advancing. We will be bold and courageous and it will feel violent at times.

Let me ask you: Where have you grown passive and static in your faith? When's the last time following Jesus felt violent? When's the last time you felt the excitement of God's Kingdom being advanced through your life?

Tell us what you believe!?!?

Matt Beveridge Update - 10-7-08

Matt is still in Driscoll Hosp and experienced a set back today. (Click here and here to see the last couple of posts about Matt)

He had a procedure done to try to determine why the pneumonia he has developed is not responding to any medication/treatments. After the procedure, he did not recover well from the anesthesia and had to be intubated to help his breathing. He is currently in ICU.

Please pray for Matt's parents (Gary & Laurie) as they are tired and discouraged from being in the hospital now for most of the past 3 months. And as always pray for Matt. Pray for God to fight for Matt and for Matt to experience God's comfort.


"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30)

Relationships

I spent the afternoon and evening at Student Camp yesterday. It was awesome!

Camp is all about relationships. Hanging out and having fun with old friends . . . and new friends (and in the second pic they kind of embarrassed Luke when they had everyone in the cafe singing Happy Birthday!)

And best of all it's about relationship with Jesus. We all need desperately need Him. Kids these days need His wisdom and love and power to navigate through all the pot holes.

That's why it was incredible to watch last night as every single one of our kids went down to the altar at the end of worship so someone could pray for them. Camp is a safe place to seek him.

"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30


Next year I wanna go to camp for the whole week . . .

A Quiet Place

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matt 11:28-30 Message)

Do you ever need a quiet place to rest from life. I know I do. (By the way I borrowed this picture from Mark Beeson's blog.)

I'm leaving in a few minutes to spend a night and day of solitude at Lake Mathis. My soul needs it.

When do you rest? Where do you rest?