I love looking back on the weekend and the Sunday gathering, because it gives me good perspective of where we're going. If we never evaluate how we've done, how will we know how to improve and move in the right direction?
This is a fun season we're in! It's spring and hovering around 60-70 outside. We're chucking our coats and gloves for t-shirts and sandals. Wow! That was quick! The LifeHouse seems to be in a similar climate change- adjusting from winter determination to the exuberance of spring fun and laughter. Fresh faces, smiles, and new guests every week are making what we do feel very rewarding and eternally valuable. By the way, if you're wondering whether your impact at The LifeHouse is amounting to any eternal population change- since 01/01/2007 we've had over 50 people commit their lives to following Jesus, 4 just this week alone. Now, that's moving in the right direction. Our goal for 2007 is 200 new Jesus-followers. Keep up the great work.
Overview of Sunday's Message:
I did a second part on "Sandals: the audacity of grace" called "Sole-power." We look at the strength of learning to walk in the shoes of others, as Jesus modeled. There's a popular Native American saying, "Let me not criticize another until I have walked a mile in his moccasins." So, when you read about the life of Jesus, esp in John 4 and John 9, we learn how to do just that- learn to LOVE rather than label.
We are so quick and good at labeling people, but Jesus called us to love others instead. How? Easy to say, hard to live.
Be Slow to Judge (read Matthew 7:1-2, I like it in the Message version)
Be Quick to Love
If we're busy labeling, aren't we next in line to be labeled? But if we're quick to listen and love, then we can impact our world with the hope of Jesus.
Here’s a poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
They came first for the Communists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the sick, the so-called incurables, and I didn't speak up,
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.
Jesus called His followers to LOVE. To touch the needs of those who hurt. Rather than scorn the sinner, to invite him to a new way of life.
Here’s a poem attributed to Pastor Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) about the inactivity of German intellectuals following the Nazi rise to power and the purging of their chosen targets, group after group.
They came first for the Communists,and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the sick, the so-called incurables, and I didn't speak up,
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.
Jesus called His followers to LOVE. To touch the needs of those who hurt. Rather than scorn the sinner, to invite him to a new way of life.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2, NIV.
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