Over the Thanksgiving break I had a chance to spend several days in Florida and have some much needed time with family and friends. One of the nights in particular was spent with some of my favorite people around the bonfire. Just like old times we had a great time of fellowship together and I continue to be amazed at what all God is doing in everyone's life. During our time together I was asked a question that I have thought much about since that night, "what is the one thing that God has taught you most over the past year?" If I fully answered this question this first post would be whoa too long and none of you would finish reading it because I can truly say this whole year has been nothing but a learning process for me. However, after much thought I do believe I can narrow it down to two major lessons. Neither are new, but they have been a much needed reminder for me during this season of life. I hope that God will use them as a reminder for you as well.
- The first lesson is that I need the gospel! You would think that having been a Christian for almost 20 years now that this would be a no brainer for me, but the truth is that I had forgotten this. I mean I knew the message, but I was not preaching it to myself daily or even realizing that I needed it daily. You see it is not something that we grow beyond, instead we grow deeper into. The gospel is the means of salvation, but it is also the means to discipleship. I had been so caught up in the "do more" and "try harder" mentality that so many believers have that I needed to be reminded Jesus had already done it all. Many times we spend so much time working on fixing behavior modification that we forget the irony of the gospel is when we behold God and the gospel we will naturally be transformed from the inside out. To sum it up I am being continually reminded that I do not do good works to earn God's favor---I do good works because I already have God's favor! This favor was promised and proven in Jesus!
- The second lesson God has taught me is to have a deep love for His Church! This lesson came in two forms for me. The first was in the way of leaving...ironically enough God used calling me away from a faith family that I truly love to remind me of his great love for the local church. While no church is perfect, this body of believers was made up of dear people that I loved. People who had encouraged me, stretched me and taught me much about ministry and community. Many of whom today, living states apart, continue to be some of my closest friends and valued prayer partners. God has continued this lesson by leading me to the Summit Church. I have truly found a home at this church and it has deepened my love for Jesus and His church. This faith family is crazy in love with the gospel and they have a true heart to reach Raleigh and the nations for Christ. They are intentional about planting their lives and planing churches across the world and I am humbled to be a part of all that God is doing in and through this church. We were designed to learn and to live out the gospel in community. This year has reminded me of this simple, yet profound truth. In a season of life that is busier than ever and I must be intentional about making time for community, I am learning all the more why it is so important.
I hope in some way you have been encouraged and/or challenged by these two powerful lesson's God has been teaching me. Remembering the gospel...we are far worse sinners than we even realize and yet loved far more than we could ever imagine! Jesus is all that we truly need for true joy in life has completely wrecked my life this year, in a good way. And finally, seek out community in a local church and learn to love His church. He does and you need that community! Oh and one more final thought....what has God taught you most over the past year?
in HIS grip,
Julie
