Hey Ryan, What's The Big Deal?

Whoa, did you get a load of what Pastor Ryan laid down tonight at the Edge? I mean, what is THAT all about? How in the world am I supposed to react to that kind of a message?

Oh sure, let's just lay down and allow those people in our lives that have hurt us, to now kick us and demean us, as we continue to pour out our lives to make sure that they are ok ... that sounds like loads of fun! Hey, isn't that job description only reserved for Pastors? I mean where does he come off putting me in that catergory? Ohhhh, right right right - I am a follower of the One who first showed me that this was what He did for me. If I am a believer in the One who came - I must become like Him and less like me. Ergo, I need to get in the game to be used. This game is a tough game, with a lot of big hits and it involves those two big points that Ryan laid out tonight: (1) The Blessing: God has given us other people; and (2) The Challenge: God has given us other people.

Actually, most of what I heard hit me square between the eyes as I think I have come to realize why God gave me two eyes, two ears and one tongue. He wants me to see through His eyes, hear with His ears and use His tongue to speak - I am finding it most difficult at times.

You know, I used to believe that being a Christian was about keeping to the good things like not swearing, never lying, speaking nice about people -- you know do unto others as you would like done to you. Now I have come to realize that being a Christian is not about trying to follow some lame rules that I made up about what being a Christian is - it is all about Love. It is putting myself aside and "getting over myself" and letting Jesus rule my relationships through me. I continually ask for a short memory so that I am not reminded how badly I get treated by people or how hurt I can get when something doesn't go my way - you know lower my expectations so that they are met instead of unmet -- is that what Ryan said?

When I came to realize the immense depth of the Love that God has for me through Christ - I realized that He has this for all people, not just me, the saved or those that come to Him -- but all people. As I begin to understand His love in my own life - I realized that my life is not my own. It doesn't mean that I don't get caught up in those bitter feelings about others from time to time, but I try to remember how I act toward others and what messages I send to them. When I continue to pray for others to be changed and not myself - I am only posing in front of them and Christ.

Way to lay it down tonight, my brother and Pastor -- well done, that is a big deal!

Stay Strong
Rob