The Work will be Finished

Just a couple things from the last week:

First:
I've been reading through the Gospel of Luke and chapter 6 really seemed to hit me the other day. According to some this is the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 as well) but some think its the same teaching but a different incident, nevertheless its pretty cool stuff. As I read through it I couldn't help but think to myself how awful I am at times in trying to live this out. Jesus has some pretty blunt words in regard to forgiveness, sin, and judgement. How quickly we are to judge others, and how unprepared we are to forgive those do something against us. Upon reading this I've come to the conclusion it would be quite hard to call yourself a Christ follower and not practice what is taught here. How can we be so reluctant to administer Grace to others (including our enemies) when the God of the universe has distributed such an awesome Grace to us. Jesus even brings home this point at the end of Luke 7 - "...But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."

Second:
Listening to the radio there have been 2 songs which constantly seem to encourage me. The first is "The Redeemer" by Sanctus Real and the second "You Love Me Anyway" by the Sidewalk Prophets. If you haven't heard them, go check them out! Im only going to spend time on the second song here, however. Towards the end of the song the lyrics always seem to break me down. It constantly reminds me of how I felt before Jesus, and his awesome love for us.

Finally:
Kind of going off the last point I was listening to a Matt Chandler sermon and an exerpt from it really encouraged me. Its so encouraging to remember that in the midst of our struggles and weakness Jesus will finish the work. I cut the part out and put if below. 

Bittersweet Blog

As I sit here it saddens me to think that 3 of my now very close friends are on their way back home.  While im super excited for what they will do back in Norway for the Lord, its still just one of those feelings I dont like.  Im super glad to say Vegard, Peter, and Kristine you have been an amazing blessing to me this last year.  (I hope you guys read this when your home!)  Its crazy to think its really been 11 months since you got here.

On the bright side, though, im reminded of the awesome times we shared this last year, the times that WILL come in the future, and the fact that one day we will sit at the banquet table together with Jesus.  If there is one thing you guys have shown us all its that regardless of where you go, or what you do, if the common denominator is Jesus then things will work out (however hard or easy it may be!)

To Peter:

I didnt see you as much as your brother but the times we spent together were amazing.  I still remember the first time we rode together we convinced Ben to scare you from the back of my dads car!  You are such an awesome guy, and love Jesus so much! Keep Vegard on the straight line and do work in Norway!

Kristine:

Im so glad we got to lead together!!! You've been such a blessing in how you constantly send encouragement to the people around you!  Its been awesome to me how Jesus has used you in the lives of the Girls at Dixie, as well as to convict my own heart by your great attitude.  Finally i'll miss that you always seemed to bring questions to me about scripture which always seemed to push me to seek answers and sharpen my faith.

Vegard:

Gosh, I can honestly say I would consider you one of my best friends after this year.  Through many car rides, conversations about life, sarcastic arguments, and just living life together Im going to miss you bud.  Its crazy how God does things, like me you and peets meeting at Lake Champion so long ago, to now being so close.  Keep runnin for Jesus, and loving people like I know you do.

I think I can speak for all of the Students, Leaders, and anyone else you guys came into contact with this last year that you will be greatly missed.  You can always remember in any circumstance you have a huge family in the states if you need anything.

Cant wait for the adventures we will have in the future!!!

Post Camp Stuff

Getting back from camp Sunday I have tons of stuff floating around my head, so why not create a blog to clear some stuff out!

To start things off the picture above gets me super pumped about this upcoming year.  To be short and sweet God is going to do so much through this community (and the ones not in the picture!!) at Dixie!


Second I think ill keep the main focus of this blog on one thought I had after the Sin talk.  One thing I feel like I have been able to constantly remind myself within the last couple years is the idea of how Sinful I really am.  All to often my thoughts seem to echo Paul when he says he is "chief sinner".  While this in some ways has led me to look at Grace as something so much bigger than I could imagine, it has also let to me living in less of a saint attitude.  Its so much easier for me to see myself as dirty, and "chief of sinners" rather than a redeemed individual.  In a convo recently I was reminded of the fact that those who live knowing the grace they have received, live radically different.


Along the lines of this thought as well I began to think of my dependence on Jesus.  Just ponder on it for a minute:  One day we will stand before the God of the Universe, "His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God." (Rev. 19:12-13) While standing we will give an account for our lives, and in that moment see just how ridiculously small our "good deeds" compare to a Holy, Just God.  Its then we may be asked why we should be let into an eternity with him.  Its here that I cant seem to fathom what it really will be like.  When realizing just how helpless I am in his presence, Jesus steps forward and claims me as his own. Should he not come forward, what hope would I have? 


It is by Grace we have been saved, so lets live like it.