i become distracted.
i get caught up in the stuff i have.
i'm tempted to put my identity where this world tells me to.
i want things.
i try to rely on myself.
i judge people for what they say and do.
i envy people at times.
so what do i tell myself?
Jesus has redeemed me and forgives me.
Jesus came to give us life, and life to the full.
Jesus is where my identity is found.
Jesus overcame the world.
Jesus' power is made perfect in my weakness.
Jesus made me just the way I should be.
Jesus is my satisfaction.
i am not perfect and no human on this planet is. i wake up every day knowing that Jesus is my rock and redeemer, yet there are times when i struggle. i am having this realization that pursuing holiness is hard. i knew that it was before but i think because the sermon series at my church is about this, i am being confronted by it. so thank you hope cc. you are making me dig deep into what is going on in my heart and life.
i become distracted and so does every other person i know. i hate that our world is a big amusement park of distractions. there are so many "fun" things in our society that people entertain themselves with and think they are satisfied by. this is because satan knows that our flesh is easily tempted and he knows where to tempt each person differently. our flesh is the problem. we were not meant to be satisfied by this world.
i used to think getting all A's would satisfy me. it did not. i used to think having it look like everything was perfect in my life would satisfy me. it did not. i used to think people could satisfy me. they cannot. these things were all distractions in my life. distractions that were disguised as satisfactions.
people are distracted with work, technology, video games, money, drinking, partying, sex, relationships, and the list goes on. i wish i could just scream out (in the most loving, gentle way) to people that these things will not satisfy them. some of these things can be good. our money can be used to further God's kingdom and help people, but only if we obey God with it (Pastor Steve talks about this a lot). the distractions and issues, "are symptoms of heart issues. i think Jesus is the only cure for these things," says Joel from Ascend the Hill. he is right on. people are looking for something and these distractions are because of deeper issues. people are longing. creation is groaning. we are yearning for a Savior. as i see the depravity of my own sin, i long more and more for Jesus. i trust Him as He cleanses me because i, along with every other human am sinful. Jesus is what satisfies me and gives me complete joy, just as He promised:
"as the Father has loved me, so have i loved you. now remain in my love. if you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as i have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. i have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. my command is this: love each other as i have loved you." (John 15:9-12)
if you want this joy that Jesus offers, i encourage you to seek after God. pursue him and not the distractions. talk to God. worship and obey Jesus. put your faith and trust in Him. repent, but know that you are not doing that to make Jesus love you more. He already has died on the cross for you, so receive Him as your Treasure! i become tempted in this world, so i am going to hang a sign up by my bed that says- good morning, kill sin today and do as much damage in the kingdom of darkness as you can. follow Jesus. He loves you and died to give you life to the full.
"this world will let you down. it will turn its' back on you. it will leave you wanting and desiring more every single time. you can search far and wide for hope and satisfaction and truth and life and fulfillment, but that only comes from Jesus." -Joel Davis
(i was searching for this song on youtube and look what i found...some NWC friends made this.)
here are hope cc's sermons: http://hopecc.com/sundays/sermons.html
here is an interview of Joel: http://www.heartsupport.com/blogs/addiction/ascendthehillinterview1.html
