Advertisement
Published: November 19th 2005
Edit Blog Post
The night before last we went to see Rueben Morgan from Hillsong. He preached a little bit about the importance of praising God and being free in our worship. He reminded us that we should fear God more than the person next to us (ie raise our hands, shout, dance or whatever we feel like to praise our God). I’m not used to being the only person raising my hands, or the only one who is brought to tears when praising God. In the past if I had been there and no one else was raising his or her hands I probably wouldn’t have either. It is so freeing to be where I am now, not care about others view of me but just want to praise and honor my Father. I also know that by just praising my God and not caring what others think I am helping others to see it is not that scary but is actually quite wonderful (since God inhabits the praises of His people).
Last night was my turn to preach but I didn’t manage to go for an hour and a half like Karoline did last Friday. It is so strange how I
used to dread speaking in front of people but tonight I was actually looking forward to it. I feel like God has shown me so much that I want to share it with others. Everything I shared was very basic but really important for people to understand and practice in their lives. To begin, I spoke about my decision to move to Europe, to join Jesus Revolution Army and my prayer that I would not return the same person but become more like Jesus. Then I went on to talk about what God has shown me since I’ve been here in the Army. The main lessons I talked about were, not to look back because it can keep you from going forward, to keep your focus on God instead of yourself, and the importance/power of prayer. I ended by saying how God has already changed my perspective in the short 3 months I’ve been here. Instead of asking “God what is your plan for my life” I know ask, “God how do I fit into your plan for salvation.” I want to surrender my life to Him and His plans for the world rather than see what He can do
for me and my goals or desires. I maybe spoke for 20 minutes. I really need to get out of the habit of speaking so fast!
I have noticed that I have this new desire to stir Christians up! I know there are so many people who love Jesus but for some reason are afraid or perhaps don’t think they are called to share the gospel (I lived in that lie for many years). I think this desires stems from the fact that I personally know so many who don’t have the hope that I do, that don’t wake up in the morning knowing no matter what comes their way the King of kings has their back and loves them in a way that our minds can’t fully grasp (which I find pretty amazing). I know I need to stand up and be more bold. I look forward to what lies ahead and how God will continue giving me more boldness as I step out in faith. I know the desire and drive I used to have to succeed in the world and to look successful in the eyes of man God is turning into a desire and drive
to reach His lost children. I know that with that purpose, there is absolutely no fear of failure because what I do is out of the love my Father has for me and for His people. Plus I know that I am on the winning team. As Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
A line from a song from a Disney song has randomly been popping into my head lately. It is the one says something like, “I can show you the world…” It made me think about how God is showing me the world right now (I never thought I would be living in Norway!) and how much more He will continue to show me over the next eight months (how many people get to travel to 13 countries on an 8 month road trip sharing the Good News!?). I wonder which continent He will show me next!
Oh I’ve decided I am now 21. Many people are surprised by how “old” I am, and tell me I look around 21 so that sounds good to me! They also tell me I act 21 (I’m not sure if I consider that a compliment though). It is good God is keeping me young because there is so much I know God has in store for me. I also know His plans do not include me slowing down anytime soon!
I've noticed being here with Karoline and watching the interaction between her and her friends how hard it can be to be back in your former "world" after and while God is changing you. Karoline was like me in the fact that we weren't always following God how we "should be" and enjoyed the party lifestyle. Her friends seem suspicious of her now that she has joined Jesus Revolution Army. They even make fun of her. I am glad she is staying strong but I know it is tough when the people she used to have fun with give her such a hard time and treat her differently. I think one of the reasons people do that is to test her and see if she has really have changed and also because it threatens them. By changing from how they still live it makes them start to look at their own lives. I don't think many people like to really examine their lives closely because when you shine light on your life it can be kind of painful. Thankfully God does require us to be perfect before we can run to Him. He just requires us to accept Jesus’ love, what He did on the cross for us and He will do the rest (our part is just to trust in Him).
Advertisement
Tot: 0.125s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 5; qc: 56; dbt: 0.0703s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb