Authors
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Josh Hurst
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Benjamin Donley
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Patrick Walsh
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Zack Esgar
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Justin Hancock
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Amā Norris
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Noel Bryant
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Chris Poethead Brooks
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Penny Hight Wilson
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Ryan Michael Hildebrand
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Kurtis Vanderpool
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Matt Martinez
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Lauren Houlette
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Al Martin
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Lauren Hughs
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Mitch Lynch
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Jacee Carter
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Administrator
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Ryan Marcum
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Chase Fallin
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Claire Bradley
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Andrew Hudson
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Latest Comments
Christians Are Supposed to be Ugly
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mal 13px/17px Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "> I just re-read my blog profile for the first time in a long time. (www.justagalilean.blogspot.com)
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It reminds me of something a friend said this past weekend.
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Following Jesus isn't sexy.
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It's not easy.
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It isn't fun.
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It's not enjoyable.
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So, this begs the question,
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"why are so many 'happy' people following Him?"
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The answer:
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They are either in a great season of blessing,
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They don't fully understand the gravity of it yet...
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...or they aren't really following Him
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Now, please don't write me off as a cynical happy hater, I've been caught in the "Jesus makes everything perfect and fun" mode many MANY times in my life as well, and hold no grudges or judgment over those that might be there right now.
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But it IS a season.
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There's a time for everything (check out Ecclesiastes 3).
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Too long we've taken Christianity and made it something that is not supported in scripture.
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We've felt incredible and decided it was God filling us.
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We've attended church events.
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We've started acting like those around us.
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We've talked to God when it was expected and sometimes more.
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We've designed programs to reach out to people and bring them in to us.
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We've worked hard to provide finances and security for our family
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and we've never given up on our dreams.
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We've put a spiritual aspect to our own selfishness and personal servitude.
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We've made Jesus fit our American idealism.
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We worship what's in the mirror,
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whether we're bowing down to the one looking back at us or not, we've made daily sacrifices and given our time, effort, and attention to what we want and think is best.
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Last time I checked, that was idolatry.
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When instead, scripture and righteous living COMPELS one to:
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Worship and respond to God's presence, not merely enjoy it.
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Be an active part of Christ's body (I didn't say member of a group that meets in a building)
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Put yourself aside and model Christ's lifestyle.
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Listen for God's heart and will (He's supposed to minister to us and we serve Him, remember?)
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Seek direction from the Holy Spirit ALL DAY, EVERY DAY to GO to a lost and dying world
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Submit to His will and desires (if you can't figure those out, try reading a bible it's covered in them)
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and never give up on His heart and dreams.
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Being a Christian may be sexy
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but following Jesus isn't.
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And news flash for all of us that decide to complain that something isn't working out,
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something isn't exciting anymore
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something isn't fun
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"I'm not getting filled."
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That was never promised you.
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Jesus never promised this would ALWAYS make you happy
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always be exciting
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always be fun
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or always make you FEEL great.
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In fact, He said it would suck.
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He said it would kill you
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He said you would have to die to yourself
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As a believer and "follower" the purpose of Christ in your life is not
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TO SERVE YOU at all times.
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It's not to give you what you want
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keep you happy
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make you feel good
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work everything the way you want it
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and make life more enjoyable.
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The purpose is to change you to look like Jesus (another news flash: that hurts)
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Quit seeking what's easiest
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what's the most stimulating
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what's best for YOU.
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Quit GIVING UP if everything's not perfect
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Seek His Word (that's Jesus too, not just the bible)
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Invest in community (LET THEM SHARPEN YOU WITHOUT GIVING UP ON THEM)
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and GO.
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End of Story
