Hi, just wanted to send out a note of encouragement to everyone and let you know some exciting things that are coming up with The Sweet Life Fellowship. Before I get into announcements, I want to briefly talk about what God is doing in our ministry. You know, I’m reading a book right now called “Revolution”, by George Barna. If you have never heard of George Barna, he is a highly respected expert on church growth trends and cultural behavior. In the book, Barna writes about the character of Christ during His ministry on earth and shares insight into Jesus’ status as a revolutionary. I wanted to mention one particular point that made me think a little deeper and thank God a little harder for His perfect love, and for The Sweet Life Fellowship.
You know it’s amazing if you stop and think, no one who has ever lived throughout all of time has ever influenced so many people and changed the course of so many lives as Jesus Christ. Not a single bullet fired, not a life taken but only a life given. Christ’s message was so simple that a child could nestle in His lap and fully understand it, yet required so much sacrifice that it’s impossible for the greatest intellects of our world to fully grasp it. Jesus Christ, being both man and God could have easily with one word done away with an entire army of persecutors and naysayers. But he didn’t. Christ overcame all that this world could throw at Him, the taunts, the name calling, the questioning, you name it. And the awesome thing is He did it all to follow His perfect, simple mission, to love God and to love people.
You know it strikes me at just how blessed we are that Jesus loved us so much and it is so exciting that God is giving us this unique opportunity with The Sweet Life Fellowship to share His simple message with the community and world around us. Looking at it closely it makes me want to do everything I can to be Christ like in my life. You know Jesus modeled acceptance so perfectly. He didn’t approach people with prejudice, presupposition or pride he saw needs and he met them. He delivered truth, healing, comfort, peace, and joy to every life he touched. He lifted burdens and exalted God. Whether feeding thousands on a hillside with fishes and loaves or quietly healing a desperate soul with but a touch of His garment. Jesus revealed His immeasurable love to the community and the world around Him. I look so forward in the days ahead to finding unique and revolutionary ways to do our best to be like Jesus as we go and share that love with our community and world by loving God and loving people.
I want to hear you guys’ thoughts on this too please email me, or comment on The Sweet Blog located at www.lifesosweet.com. If you haven’t checked out the website yet please do. There you can read about the vision of The Sweet Life Fellowship as well as check out some crazy photos from our events, you can also read and respond to blog postings and find out what we’re going to be doing next on our “What’s Comin’ Up!” calendar of events. I also want to point out the banner that sits at the top of every page on our website where you may submit a public or private prayer request. The Bible says in Matthew 18:19-20 that God is right there with us when we pray together in His name.
Matthew 18
19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
God has given us many tools to help us through our life journey but one of the greatest and one that should never be overlooked is that direct line of communication we have to our heavenly Father through prayer. God loves us and He loves to talk with us. Nothing touches His heart more than when we stop everything else and start talking to Him and nothing is more encouraging to us than when we are joined by our brothers and sisters in Christ who love us and want only the best for us. So make sure that you use that link so that we can join our prayers with you.
Love ya’ll,
Darin
2 comments:
One thing that really has been a defining mark, in my opinion, of Jesus' time on earth, is that He came as a friend to all. I can't think of anyone else that I learned about in History class or personal experience throughout life who made that claim or lived that way. He proved His love through His friendship and He laid down His life for that friendship. We, mankind, were given the greatest blessing from God of all His creation by having free will. We turned it into a condemnation by rebelling against God with the option given to us by free will. But as a testament to His love for us, Jesus came and healed the broken connection between us and God. Now is the time for us to give thanks to God by using our free will and worshiping Him instead of possessions or others. Giving Him our time is the greatest gift we can ever give Him.
You know I can't help but think one thing the whole time I am reading all of this..We are blessed beyond measure. Just to have the opportunity to serve such an amazing God. I feel so guilty to not spend every second I have dedicating my life to God. Jesus done that for us and God does that for us every day. He takes care of every person with the love of no other. So thanks for the blessing guys and I give God all the glory!
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