Moved

The Book of Psalms references not being moved or shaken. It describes a tree planted by rivers, and God being a rock and salvation. We live in a world that promotes fleeting emotions, and we find ourselves rooted in nothing. Our foundations are unsure because we don’t believe in anything. What was the last thing you felt so strongly about that you could not be moved or shaken? How grounded are you? What do you believe? Are you planted or placed? Is God really your rock and salvation? Be strong and of courage. Don’t be moved.

Passion

Can you imagine knowing that you’re going to die in four days? Can you imagine a friend betraying you for money? I can’t. No matter how hard I try. I find it difficult to imagine giving my life for the very people who would decide to murder me. I struggle with basic forgiveness. I’m so grateful that God saw fit to save a wretch like me. I’m so grateful that God’s passion does not compare to my own. This week I’m reminded of God’s sacrifice for me. I’m grateful for a debt being paid that I would have cost me my life. I’m grateful for the passion of Christ.

Members Only

We love being apart of something exclusive. We love feeling like we are getting something that someone else is not getting. We love feeling important. Membership is about belonging, but it’s also about identity. Every member must add value to the organization. They all have a role to play. These roles work together to ensure that the membership is functioning properly.

The body of Christ functions in the same way. Each part of the body works together for the benefit of the whole. It’s a “ members only”club that grants acceptance to those who believe. There are benefits to membership and each of us add value to the kingdom.  Are you a member?

Community

What does your community look like? Who is on your list to call when things go wrong? Who is on the invite list when it’s time to celebrate? Your community is everything. They are the people who you choose to share your life with no matter what. They are the shoulders you cry on and your cheerleaders in the stand. Make sure that your community is filled with truth tellers and wisdom seekers. Your community should be filled with people who can shine a light on your places of darkness and speak to where you are going. Your community should be filled with people who know the real you and love you anyway. Your community should be filled people who know where you are have insight into where you are going. I’ll ask again, what does your community look like?

Love Covers

In a day and age when everyone seeks to expose, we must remember that love covers a multitude of sins. I'm not saying that we should turn a blind eye. I'm saying that eventually everything does come to the light. We should not stand in a place of judgement casting stones. We should stand in a place of grace and mercy ready to forgive. The same way we would want God to be with us. Cover each other. Remind each other that we all fall short of the glory of God, but it is Christ that redeems us. 

The Gift

I hope you got everything on your Christmas list. I hope you were able to give what your heart desired to those that you love the most. I hope that this Christmas morning has brought you joy and happy memories. I hope that you are feeling loved and blessed because you are loved and blessed. I hope that you are reminded that God sent his son to die for you, and that is the greatest gift that you could receive this holiday season. I hope that you remember that you are a gift to all those around you. Merry Christmas! 

Pristine

The remnants of Atlanta's winter wonderland are melting. We rarely get snow in Atlanta. So, when we do, it is epic. This past weekend the trees were covered in snow. Kids were sledding in Piedmont Park, while others were making snowmen in their yards. It was beautiful to see the city covered with a beautiful white sheet of snow. Everything looked pristine. There were no remnants of last week's election. There were no remnants of corruption. There was no evidence of Atlanta's racial and socio-economic divide, just beautiful white snow. Sometimes, I wish everything could be covered with a white sheet of snow. Sometimes, I wish we could see people, things, and situations through a lens of original intent. I think that would change our perspective on a lot of things if we had a fresh understanding. Try to imagine your perspective of your world if you had a new outlook on life. Let it snow!