Day 2- March 31

I thought it'd be a great idea on this second day to really highlight for you all some what's and why's. The two whats are: Bible Reading (Or as I enjoy thinking about "God's word absorbing") as well as blogging in light of God's love per day. I highlight this to say that no one is important than the other, nor can they function separate or apart. If I wanna explore God's love in a new way, I need to find hope in his word, and what he's done. That it might bring light to what he's doing every day all around me. The word of God has become so important to me over the course of my life, because it can truly be so transformational if you allow it. One of my personnel goals for this journey, is really to fall in love with Jesus again. Before you let your mind wander and assume the worst, realize I'm not suffering or in any spiritual turmoil, But I know that it's so easy in life to simply live in obedience or ministry, and miss this love relationship that he's trying to have with us, that we might share his love with others.

So as I was considering Day Two I felt like there was so many things I saw God's love in. But I thought id share in light of my Bible readings. So, I just about completed the journey through Acts, and what an amazing journey it was, and how much I feel like I hadn't fully seen or understood. If your unaware Acts really addresses the apostles, and the development of the early church. Yesterday as I explored time with my church family in three key areas, Authority, Ministry and Friendship, I was so honored to be able to be apart of the church. For me, fear and worry comes very naturally, so I could have the best God given idea, but can be consumed with thoughts of doubt. I tend to be my own biggest judge, to tell you the truth. So when it comes to presenting new ideas, or suggestions to my Pastor's I am honestly VERY hesitant. Despite human flaws of any person, understand that God has placed Pastors in such positions, and provided them with the vision for that church and as members we function in the vision. Both in helping them cast it, as well as supporting what they do. And if you don't believe in this, I would suggest exploring Acts. Take a look at some of THE church visionaries (it may blow your mind btw). So I had a suggestion, when it came to the church curriculum in our church, and like I said very hesitant, but an opportunity presented itself. I shared the idea and my Pastor was so open, even highlighting that it was something he had never considered, and insisted we should pursue it. I know you may be looking for the love so let me explain, the church was meant to function in communion with each other, but many times our fears and worries keep us back from that communion. The feeling that we can't have a level of transparency OR we look at suggestions as undermining our authority. In Acts, one of the amazing functions of the church was in Acts 2:45- "They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.." Maybe were not willing sell our possessions, but can share what we do have with or church body? Our gifting? Our abilities? Our faith? Our honesty? (Disclaimer: Respect and honor, is incredibly important when you approach any ministry leaders about any topics, please cordially maintain that attitude). In other words, look for the love in your church! And love your church by being in relationship, being active, being honest, and believing in the vision.

Within the context of church and ministry I also have to highlight an event that happened with a member of my youth group. Yesterday, during school a young girl deemed it necessary to prank him, by "Pantsing" him (By pulling down his pants in front of others). It amazes me what kid's will do. As a youth leader the journey for me was interesting, as I had been in prayer and to consider when I spoke with him a sensitivity for his embarrassment, as well as a compassion for this young girl. What was amazing was that as I spoke with this young man, you could hear the pain in his voice, but it was so amazing as we moved the conversation towards love and forgiveness how he began to consider the circumstance of this girl, as she was facing really serious ramifications for her actions. In my conversation with his mother, she explained that she spoke with the principal of the school and she said "I have to forgive her because the God I serve." Which was pretty amazing, so many times the ultimate love is forgiveness. God has called us all to this level of forgiveness through circumstance.

I'm realizing that the church is called to be there for one another. In love, in friendship, through life. We're called to live out Christ, but also look to the lives around us to see his transformational love. Don't let the day go by without looking for it.