Weirdos at church.

So, 'church' consists of some pretty cool, wise and awesome people, right?

Then there's those people we don't often talk to—maybe they're too geeky or seemingly arrogant; maybe too introverted or extroverted; maybe they're just poles apart from us in culture or generation. Why be part of this club? There's too much diversity!

Yet, what brings us all together but the gospel? Jesus paid the penalty for all sin by his death, that whoever puts their trust in him receives not only forgiveness, but eternal life and a glorious inheritance with him—there is not a hint of discrimination. Being united as one body, we have also been called to encourage one another daily so that none of us may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness and so drift away from such a great salvation.

When we learn to love one another like this, this diversity becomes glorious for the name of Jesus.
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The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.. so that the world may know that you sent me.

John 17:22-23

The vicious bite of sin.

The scariest thing about sin is not knowing you're in it.
And even when you do know, it keeps telling you it's not a problem.

What a way to die. 
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Be clear-minded and alert! Your enemy the Devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
1 Peter 5:8

A call for resistance.

As intimacy increases, control, communication and purpose collapses. 

Keep dating holy and pure.

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Treat younger women as sisters in absolute purity.

1 Timothy 5:1-2

Weapons of mass reflection.

1. How have you chosen to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in this last week?

2. What have you done in the last week for your present comfort and/or security?

3. How have you chosen to be mistreated with the people of God in this last week?

4. How have you made friends / stored up treasure in heaven in the last week?

5. What are the weight/s and sin/s that are clinging closely that you need to lay aside? How are you going to do that? What needs to change?

6. What is the single obstacle/issue that is stopping you from considering vocational ministry?

7. What does the bible say about this issue?

Jesus sure was disciplined.

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Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

When it feels like freedom.

The below is a good description of what I fear most when I'm overwhelmed by stress, anxiety and frustration; when my ears become closed to the voice of reason yet very wide open to the voice of my nerves and mass emotions; when I won't give a damn about the world, truth or responsibility.

And, after the storm, amendments may need to be made, apologies may need to be said, and certain requests may need to be offered to God.

Emotions are real. Sin is real. Responsibility is real. We will have to deal with it. But thank God that Jesus died for the church that there may be support, encouragement and friendship.

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In your anger do not sin;

when you are on your beds,

search your hearts and be silent.

Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.

Psalm 4:4-5

Technical problems with God.

O: I'm finding it hard to pray or even just to focus on God through all of this.

A: That is only normal in a time like this. But even when you don't know what or how to pray, he knows what you need before you even ask — you don't even have to say a word. Keep groaning and crying out to him. 
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In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 

 Romans 8:26