God's Design, My Mission

Galatians 1:15-17 (MSG) 
Even then God had designs on me. Why, when I was still in my mother's womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity! Now he has intervened and revealed his Son to me so that I might joyfully tell non-Jews about him. Immediately after my calling—without consulting anyone around me and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was—I got away to Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus,

Why, when I was still in my mother's womb he chose and called me out of sheer generosity!  Does this mean that God had a plan for me before I was even born? Is Scripture telling me my likes and dislikes, talent and passion are all part of His plan for my future? The He knew me before time began. That is difficult to embrace, but awesome to think about. In His eyes I am special, important, and part of His great plan.

Does this put pressure on me? It shouldn't. It should only help me to embrace life and move forward knowing that those gifts I have, the special talent I possess, have a purpose. When I embrace these gifts, enjoy working within my passions, I am pursuing God's best for my life.

Because I love to paint, I am not wasting time when I indulge this passion. Because I am good with numbers, I might use spare time plotting a spreadsheet or helping a child with math. And this is all part of us utilizing our gifts for God's glory.


Galatians 1:15-17

Jesus predicts His resurrection

17 ApriL                          

Read Matthew 16:21-28 and reflect on the passage.

I’ve heard the story of Jesus many times. In the songs of VBS and the drama of Tetélestai, I came to understand His trial, execution, and resurrection on a deeper level. Through personal study, I made more connections and found more answers. Over and over, I’ve been led to this story of hope, adventure, and the encouragement to seek more. Although I’ve read, heard, and sung this story dozens of times, I can’t possibly become immune to the deeply moving and intense selflessness, love, and pleading of Jesus in the last days of His life.

Jesus explains to the disciples—who have been by His side through the best and worst—the most pivotal event in history, and the worst torture and death a person could endure. He willingly gives Himself over because, regardless of the pain He will suffer, He has “in mind the things of God.” What’s more, His concern for each and every one of us is a plea to live the fullest, most intentional, most beautiful lives we can. Jesus asks me to deny myself and follow Him; what better story could I be a part of?

Questions

1. Do you want to be a part of the greater story?

2. Are you ready to deny yourself, give up the things of this world, and experience the “more” that is following Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, there’s no greater adventure, no greater journey, no greater life than the one lived with You. Thank You for Your selflessness and invitation. Amen.

—Abby Fullen

Peace from Grace

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV) 
 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.  

What a world this would be if everyone always tried to be kind to each other.  It is difficult to even imagine that scenario.  I think to the time of Jesus and observe how He responded to people.  There was something different about Him; something unique and attractive that people flocked to be around Him.  The Bible says there was nothing outstanding about His looks that people should be drawn to Him, so it had to be something else.

 A kind-hearted person, one who exudes grace, is one who others want to spend time with.  There is a peace that accompanies grace.  There is hope where grace resides.  If you are fortunate to be in the audience this week during the VBS program you are witness to a variety of situations which give grace to each other.

When I hear the phrase "cut him or her some slack", I think of grace.  Grace is giving the benefit of the doubt, it is not jumping to conclusions and even more it is overlooking those conclusions even when the evidence is incriminating.  We are all guilty.  We all deserve punishment for our sins, but God forgives, extends grace to each of us when we repent.   

As the song, "It's By Grace" puts it, “When it’s nothing we could earn. When it’s not what we deserve. That’s the gift of the Lord we call grace. Grace is Jesus loving you, leaving nothing you must do. Just say thanks and give praise for His grace."

Ain't Love Grand? 1 Corinthians 13

Back in April, a couple weeks before Easter, we spent two days on these verses. Now, during VBS (Vacation Bible School) we are addressing them again.  There must be something very important and profound about love.  What do you think?   Is love significant in your life?

"And now I will show you the most excellent way."  This sounds awfully significant to me.  Think about it, love is the most excellent way. Our lives are filled with love, different types of love and different focuses as well.  We might love our brothers and sisters, and also love our pet; but these loves are different.  I love a good book or a great dish of ice cream, but that love is different and cannot be compared to loving a family member.

When a relationship is experiencing difficult times, love hurts.  During those seasons in our lives when we are happy and contented and feel loved, all is right with the world.  How many times have we heard of someone struggling with trust and peace only to find they were deprived of love during their childhood years.  Love is the most excellent way for sure.

Read 1 Corinthians 13 at Biblegateway.com