For the past six weeks on Sunday mornings, we've been diving into "The Gospel at Work," exploring how the truths we celebrate together on Sunday apply to the daily grind of our workweek. We've tackled topics like "True Success", "Balance" and "Witnessing in the Workplace". Each week we have been reminded that the gospel of Jesus changes everything which means that we are called to be obedient to our calling as Christians in our words and actions - even when it means stepping out in boldness and taking risks.
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Taking risks is intimidating, but we can confidently move forward knowing that while we may be taking the risk, God ultimately opens doors and pursues hearts.
For last week’s equipping spotlight I shared about our experience at Morgan Creek park as “doers of the word” in some practical prayer, care, and share ways. I also noted that what we learned from that experience, including suggested changes from the students, would then be applied again this past week. This second time at Morgan Creek park included some new and welcomed experiences and even more learning in our journey to engage others in spiritual conversations.
I didn't fully know what to expect for Challenge 2024. Being a "newbie" attender to the conference, all I had to go off of was the testimony of those leaders/students who attended in the past, including my own kids. The feedback historically has always been positive. However, as first-timers to the conference, Jill Louzek and I, the 2 adults that accompanied 21 students, can confidently say that we'll promote the Challenge conference in the future.
When it comes to sharing our faith, no matter what that looked like in the past, it becomes clear when we re-engage in that activity just how long it has been since our previous times of sharing. Through our first few Wed pm meetings in July we have been talking about serving those outside the church family, including serving them by sharing the truth of the gospel of Christ. This past week it was time to be “doers of the word” (James 1:22)!
Throughout scripture, we notice how Jesus loves children. He values them and counts them as worthy of being discipled. In fact, in Mark 19:14 he said “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”. At Stonebridge, we also love and value children and are burdened for them to be followers of Christ. When we say “Disciple-making is for Everyone” we mean EVERYONE, including the little children.
Even though the conversation ended with no great admissions, confessions, revelations or proclamations of faith from Josh, I can trust that the Lord will take my step of obedience to engage with my co-worker and turn it into something fruitful.
John Piper coined the term Christian Hedonism in his 1986 book Desiring God. Out of that term came his most famous quote (at least for me), “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” When I counsel, this is a quote I share and have the counselee memorize. Abundant joy and total commitment to the glory of God has to go together in some way.
My introduction to Biblical Counseling was somewhat of a journey, not necessarily one specific event/resource, but a series of them that the Lord used in very impactful ways. There were three resources and a few very significant life experiences that were instrumental in shaping my view of and involvement in Biblical Counseling.
What happens when you live in fear or sadness, but perhaps you don't share or confess for fear of judgment? Do you feel that you are all alone and yearn to be with and feel connected to others? This feeling describes the emotion of loneliness.
Do you remember the first time you heard the gospel? I mean really heard it because it seemed like God was speaking directly to you?