"Gospel Obsessed"

Being obsessed with the gospel; what a strange and confusing concept. I am in the process of trying to figure out this beautiful lifestyle, and live as one who literally a fanatic for this Good News.
The term obsession is so often seen as a negative thing. And I suppose in most situations it is. I see the things I become consumed with like music, friends, material items, and dreams. They fill my mind and my heart and they preoccupy my thoughts. At times, I reckon I get to the point of living for them. I talk about them and think about them regularly. And as I examine these things I begin to think about that term, "Gospel Obsessed". Am I truly a fanatic for the Gospel?
Wow. I long to be that. I yearn to be so in love with the Gospel that I can't help but think about it and talk about it. I crave this obsession. I want my life to be consumed with it. I want to fall more and more in love with it, minute by minute. I desire to treasure it, and for it to be rich in my life. What else matters! It is the ONLY obsession that will truly satisfy and fulfill.
And beyond this, I want to be apart of spreading this love for the Gospel. I long for Christ to use me, in whatever way necessary, to pass this "Gospel Obsession" on. For my life is worth nothing, if I do not complete the task placed before me. And I reckon this is, in fact, the task at hand!

Everywhere I go, I have a task to complete. In everything I do, I should be running the race.

As I head to back to school, I start to think about the fact that everywhere I go is a mission field. I meditate on the fact that "missionary" is a mentality, not a career. Union University is my mission field. This is where Christ has placed me for now, and therefore I will work to advance the Kingdom HERE!

... So when I step out of my room, may I hear "welcome to the mission field" whispered in my ear. And may I begin the race!

Being a "rebel"

Today there is such a hunger and thirst to stand out and be different. I absolutely have this longing to be distinct. And I see people all around me striving to achieve this. It can often be looked down on, however. It is seen as rebellious and wrong. But, I believe we should take hold of this eagerness to be unusual, which is so widespread and popular during this day. We must not resent it, but we ought to have a hunger for that very thing; to be dissimilar. The only difference is how we accomplish this. Often, people believe that to be rebellious is to act out or do what others consider appalling and wrong. However, as I look around I see that everyone is, in fact, doing those things. So, I suppose it’s not acting rebellious at all when doing those things, it’s actually conforming. I reckon to truly be revolutionary in this day we are to resemble Christ. So for us to in fact to be “different”, we must rise up against the world and live as Jesus did. It is then that we are living a radical life. Not when we do the outrageous, BUT when doing as commanded. So let us join the fight for what is right. Let us struggle to be distinct and diverse. When we clothe ourselves with a pure and wholesome love for God AND others, we will accomplish that very thing. By continuing in obedience to God, and offering our bodies as living sacrifices we can achieve that longing to be unusual in this world we live.

Beautiful moments

Sitting with an 85 year old great great aunt, a 73 year old cousin, a 71 year old grandmother and grandfather, two 42 year old aunts, and a 12 year old cousin- praying TOGETHER, hand in hand. Tears pouring from our eyes, as we present our requests and thanksgiving before our Redeemer.... That is a beautiful moment.

.. And I experienced it last night.