The Single Greatest Gift

Imagine-
we can bring the truth to people around us, that life is better with Jesus.

As we begin this campaign of Just Walk Across the Room, let's practice listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as Sean spoke about.

• People matter to God...that is what this is all about...not making conquests, but really caring about people the way God does. Let's start thinking and praying about the people already in our lives and imagining what knowing Jesus can do for them.
• God uses people to make a difference. Let's start praying for ourselves to be ready to be used.
• Embracing the interruptions. It would go a long way toward integrating into our lives what the Bible teaches by regarding interruptions as an opportunity to see what God can use us for, rather than getting angry or frustrated that our day is not going the way we planned.
  

An Era of Opportunity

The message this morning made me think that at the heart of all we are doing at CCC and in By Design is to encourage caring relationships. I thought of The Calendar that By Design is organizing; the purpose is to give opportunities to be girlfriends...to establish and maintain caring relationships. The proposed Prison Ministry, Angel Tree, Divorce Care, KidsChurch, the Walk Across the Room campaign and on and on...Ladies we are on our way to be a part of The Era of Caring. At least there are things in place that we can plug into to. But we all have a choice to sit on the sidelines or jump in!

Again we have a test!
What best describes us according to what Steve Bell outlined this morning?
High touch?
Low touch?
No touch?
Slap or my idea (since he invited us to rename this category) Mean Touch?

It is interesting to me that on the heels of Pastor Dennis' message last week that we can see change in our lives, this week we have a sense of what we should be changing toward.

Something I have always believed is-- part of the process of our own lives changing is that we have to spend some time thinking about people other than ourselves. This week, in light of this message, as we spend time in prayer and in reading our Bibles let us consider and ask what God wants us to do to move us toward becoming "High Touch" women.

You're Not Stuck, Change is Possible

Here is the start of a new idea from By Design. We are hoping that through postings in this blog along with comments from other women that have heard the Sunday morning message, we can encourage one another to apply our lives to the messages.

Just a couple comments about this blog. First of all, each of us is living a unique journey with the Lord. We should therefore realize that the sermons will very possibly "hit" us differently. The parts that really speak to me may or may not be what is most important to you. that is why we are encouraging you to treat this blog interactively. after reading the initial posting, please make comments that will be pertinent to the application of the message. The comments will be moderated...meaning we will read the comments before we post them. Those that help with the applications will be posted.

What a great message to start with...
that we CAN experience change in our lives.

My prayer in the last few months has been that i would be an effective Christian. God has been faithful to show me some things that are getting in the way of my effectiveness (so kind of Him). So this morning one of the points that struck me is that i am in a wrestling match with Him for control of my life.

There are many things that need to change in my life and i am sure in all of our lives. let's just start today by choosing one.

Ask God what's that habit, flaw or problem that we need to have changed. Crisis in our life will point to it...for example... Not enough time? maybe a change in how time is spent is in order. Health problems? maybe a change in diet and exercise is necessary. Relationship problems? God can show us what to change and how to live with what we can't change...if you have no clue...ask people who really know you...if you are brave enough. They might have some insight...if your reaction is to argue with the answer...in a sense, wrestle with the response then it is probably hitting close to home!

Write it down.

then take the test-
1. Am I willing to obey God and do what He says (Even when is really hard and something i don't think i can do)
2. Am i willing to trust God for the outcome?

when you can honestly answer yes then:

As you spend personal time with the Lord in Prayer and Bible reading, ask and expect God to bless you (increase you) for this specific change...record what he shows you. This is part of Commitment--Act on what He shows you...work with God. This will bring us to the Confession part that Pastor Dennis was talking about...He will let us see who we really are so that then He can bring Conversion to our lives...a new identity and purpose in Him.

Let's start today