John 3:17

So often and so quoted is the disciple John, that t-shirts, bumper stickers, even tattoos display Jesus' most famous words: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

But the words I reflect on tonight are the words that follow.  Like in a set of waves, the first beautiful glassy wave is followed by a more silent, mysterious, yet equally powerful and ride-able one.  John 3:17 says:
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
God's own actions were pure love. Man had lost faith in God. Man had sunken deeper into sin and hatred.  Yet our Lord, instead of condemning us, saves us through his own son. Sacrifices his own son so that humankind can live on.

Perhaps we can lead our own lives in this way. Things that don't go our way, people we don't agree with, or anger, hate, or frustration comes upon us. Those things laden with negative energy, smothered with the juices of evil, can be fought with love. See what happens if you are wronged by someone, but you turn around and love them back.  It is a hard task filled with forgiveness, release and humility.  But to walk the path of Christ, put aside the pride and trust that through God all things are possible.

God bless.

God's Purpose

As I settle on this path to Christ, I am encouraged by those who are sharing my journey.  While I appreciate the compassion and companionship I have found online, I have also found much comfort in joining a small group at my church.  It's a family group so we're all in the same boat with one, two, or three kids. Being a part of this group has helped me to hold myself accountable for my faith, my trust, my path to God.

This Friday will mark my 4th meeting with the group, and I must say, I really enjoy it.  I don't have many friends, as many of my dear friends have moved away, but in this group, I have found a handful of women whose life's journeys are at a similar point to my own.  I found the group warm and inviting and have easily taken my guard down and opening up was effortless.

Hearing the Message Loud and Clear

I'm not sure how this always seems to happen, but I've noticed that sometimes, just when I a little reassurance of just where I'm going on this journey, God speaks.

At our service this past weekend, I walked in a little late.  Our pastor was talking about being "weird".  "Weird in a Godly way."  Now, it may sound a little strange, but hear me out.  He was just about to quote Romans 12:2 which says:

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - is good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)

Another version states it like this:

"Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." (MSG)


I had just posted my first post a couple of nights before.  I worried what people would call me. I wondered if people would change how they think of me if they knew I listened to the Christian radio station. I worried that people would change because I've changed.  Well - in a way.


Romans 12:2 is telling me that I don't need to hide the fact that I'm different from "normal", or that I'm what my pastor calls, "Weird."  I need to follow the path of God and Jesus and know that I don't need to worry or wonder about all of those other things.  People will see me for who I am and will see the glory of God through my actions. 


Lord knows I am willing.  Putting it out there. Putting my faith on the line, well, that's just gosh darn scary.  I know people look at Christians differently. I know people hold back when they are around them. On the other hand, I know some Christians who flaunt their religion around like it's the new trend. They look down upon you if you're not a Christian, or don't go to their church, or can't quote bible verse off the top of your head.  This is what I'm afraid of. 


I pray tonight, Lord, that you give me the strength to stand up for what's right and to be my true self - and to not be afraid to include Christian into my self-description. Help me to become what you have planned for me. Help me to see and reveal my true self to others. Help me to renew my mind so that I may show - not tell - but show the glory of God, the glory of Christ Jesus, through my actions, Lord. It is because of you that I have become who I am. Let me also help others who may be on the same journey as me to help bring their own lights to the surface. To help them to release the clouds of doubt they may have and to become who they are meant to be: a child of God.  Amen.