We are diving into week one of the “Crazy Love” book over at Bloom. It’s not too late to join us, and it looks like it will be a very powerful book.

I’m intending to share my thoughts through the Preface and Chapter One through my blog today… but they will be shared just as that: thoughts. They may appear random, they may go off on tangents, they may not even relate well to each other. We’ll leave the editing to the true writers!

If you’re reading the “Crazy Love” book with me, I’d love to hear your feedback. Even if you’re not, please feel free share your thoughts as well.

PREFACE:

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“…we are each part of the church and therefore responsible.” (pg 17)

This statement was impactful to me and made me think of several conversations I’ve had with friends as well as a few different sermons I’ve heard in the past year or so. Specifically, it made me think of the “consumerism” in many churches (or rather in the people attending the churches). I’m as guilty as anyone in saying, “This church doesn’t have what I want/need. The children’s ministry isn’t strong enough. I don’t care for the music. The small groups are unorganized.” The list could go on indefinitely, I’m afraid. Too many people (again, myself included) approach the church with an attitude of “how can you serve me?” instead of “how can I serve God here?” or “God, please use me here!”

It also made me think about serving in general within the church. This was a conversation a friend and I recently had. Often when we welcome new Christians into our church, we tell them about the relationship with Christ – which of course is central. But we don’t always show them how to get plugged in and/or ask them to serve. What we miss by being so “seeker sensitive” that we don’t ask for help is giving people the opportunity to be “filled up” through their service. Think about the last time you were in service to a cause greater than yourself – how did you feel? Personally, the amount of effort I gave for the cause was beneficial to the cause to a degree – but much more beneficial to me. We are blessed to be able to serve – tap into those blessings!

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“I get nervous when I think of how we’ve missed who we are supposed to be, and sad when I think about how we’re missing out on all God wants for the people He loved enough to die for.” (pg 18)

Those last 3 words made that sentence read differently to me than I’ve ever thought of before. In the past, the question, “What is God’s will for my life” has resonated with me. However, the urgency of discovering and acting upon that will – because HE DIED FOR ME – makes me want to get moving!

What is my purpose? What am I here for? I need to slow down and learn to listen to God. I need to listen intentionally. I need to pray for and expect answers…and wait for them rather than praying and then just running of to my next commitment. How many answers have I missed, simply because I didn’t hang around and pay attention? Do I even want to know the answer to that question?

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“Then God began changing my heart. This took place largely during the times I spent reading His Word.” (pg 18)

I need to go back and dig out some quotes from my Monday night ladies’ Bible Study. Suffice to say our leader is constantly hammering home that the ONLY way to know God is to know His word. The Bible is God’s love letter to us. In fact, it’s more than that – for we’re told, “In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God. And the Word WAS God.” (John 1:1) We have been given constant access to Him – what excuse can really be good enough that we’re not taking full advantage of that access?

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[Regarding the book] “It is for those who don’t want to plateau, those who would rather die before their convictions do.” (pg 19)

Last Monday night, our ladies’ Bible Study leader said, “There is no plateau in Christianity. Either you’re moving forward or you’re moving backward.” The sad thing to me is that it’s always under my control…my choice. It is my choices that determine whether I’m moving forward or backward. Sure, I try to blame the busy-ness of life, the stress of being a working mom, the hectic schedule, etc., etc., etc. But could it really be lack of effort, laziness, or lack of self-discipline? Likely.

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“I hope that reading this book will convince you of something: that by surrendering yourself totally to God’s purposes, He will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next.” (pg 19)

I read that and thought, man… what am I waiting for!? If that’s not a tempting invitation, I don’t know what is!? Let’s surrender now…not just some of me, but ALL of me!

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“I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them. I believe He wants us to be known for giving – of our time, our money, and our abilities – and to start a movement of “giving” churches. In so doing, we can alleviate the suffering in the world and change the reputation of His bride in America.” (pg 19)

This phrase resonated so strongly with me, especially considering the line of work Jon’s been in (i.e. non-profits) for the last 11 years. I think that, generally speaking, the church is good at overseas missions, but often misses the boat when serving “in their backyard.” Churches often rely on those in the community to come to them, but don’t always meet the unchurched where they are. Why would an unchurched person (you name the history) come to our church with us “just because?” I believe strongly that the best way to share Christ is to live it – to let Him shine through you. As the phrase goes, “Share the Gospel daily. And if you must, use words.” Once the relationship is forged, then they may be willing to accept an invitation to church or be willing to hear and accept the Gospel message of salvation. Jesus was a man of relationships. Why aren’t we? Jesus went to people and met them where they were. Why don’t we?

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“We need to stop giving people excuses not to believe in God. [cut] At least then they’d address their rejection of God rather than use the church as a scapegoat.” (pg 20)

This statement was really convicting to me. Does my life reflect God? Or does my life give people a reason not to believe? What does my attitude and actions tell people about God and living a Christian life? I’m sad to say my answers would vary depending upon the time of day, my mood, my work load, my kids’ behavior. Not always the reflection of God I’d like to be portraying.

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[Inaccurate view of God] “We see Him as a benevolent Being who is satisfied when people manage to fit Him into their lives in some small way. We forget that God never had an identity crisis. He knows that He’s great and deserves to be the center of our lives. Jesus came humbly as a servant, but He never begs us to give Him some small part of ourselves. He commands everything from His followers.” (pg 20)

Wow. Knife to the heart. How many times do I say, “Well, I’m late to church…but at least I made it!” or “I don’t have time to do my devotions, but I’ll make sure to pray.” Or how many times to I fall asleep praying. One could argue that I was at peace and in comfort and it lulled me to sleep… but really… is that how YOU feel when someone falls asleep on you mid conversation? Am I really giving God my best? Or am I giving Him my “good enough?” Because “good enough” simply doesn’t cut it. He deserves, yes He commands, more than that!

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“Come with me on this journey. I don’t promise it will be painless.”

While I’m often told I’m my own worst critic (I think others can relate to that statement as well)… I think I’ve illustrated how painFUL and convicting this book just may be!

Lord, help me to see You and better yet, acknowledge You for as great, powerful, and awesome as you really are. Shine through me. Change my heart, change my attitude. Help me to count it all joy so that I’m not a stumbling block for others. Teach me how to surrender it all to You, not for the pleasures in this life that you promise, but to give You glory. Because You alone are Holy. You alone are worthy. You deserve my all. Amen.