Think Life Change

As I walk through this journey of life, one thing is becoming apparent to me, life is evolving. Change is seldom neutral. We talk of "change for the better" or "change for the worse." I love this quote, "Make friends with change." But, for whatever reason people resist change, because it seems to require of us to leave what is comfortable and move to the unknown. (side bar: Takes Faith!)

Since we do not like to change very much; we need someone to push us, make us better, tell us what we do not want to hear, for the betterment of personal growth. At the heart of all life is growth and development, positive or negative.

The apostle Paul was writing to the Galatian church, and he was addressing the issue of false teachers trying to influence believers. These false teachers were trying to win them over with soft teaching that would tickle their ears. They were trying to keep them away from Paul with false motives of loving action. But, Paul was trying to tell them challenging truth that would effect their behavior and life, truth that was difficult for them to hear. It was challenging their core doctrine and beliefs. He was concerned they would not stay strong in the faith. He gave the most interesting analogy in this book to convey his passion to see change in their life, "...I am going through labor pains for you again...they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." Galatian 4:19 I am not sure how you receive Paul's heart here, but I know how I receive it. Here is a man that is passionate about this church receiving the truth of Christ. He is a man on a God assigned mission. He knows he is birthing something great through this church, and the enemy will do anything to stop the progress.

I am challenged to ask myself, "Do I have someone in my life that would be that controversial to ask me the hard questions?", "Do I have someone in my life that will speak the truth in love, until Christ is fully developed in me?", "Am I open for hard truth". "Am I open to be used of God to approach someone?" Ouch this hurts!

We need to approach the relationships that God has put in our lives as opportunities for Life Change. Let's not get so comfortable that we can not challenge one another to see Christ fully developed in the one's we truly care about. Let's be obedient to the call, even if it requires sacrifice. Let's move and live by the spirit. Obedience is crucial, especially when He is speaking for you to reach out, make the call, take the initiative. Experience the moment were you knew your life was making a difference in someone else. Nothing like that feeling!!!

By the way, I am thankful for my Loving Lord and Savior, I am thankful for my wonderful wife of 19 years and my 2 kids (Austin and Alexis). As I am writing, Austin is sick, he needs Gods touch of grace. I am thankful for Antioch Church and all the amazing life group leaders.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Covenant "What does it take to have successful Life Group"

The old saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you, " proves untrue in life and in small groups. Hidden agendas undermine a group and keep it from functioning effectively. Groups need to have a mutual understanding and commitment to one another to function at the top level.
It is so crucial that groups create a shared agreement of purpose, responsibilities, and understanding. Such a statement lets everyone know what they are getting into. This group may not be for everyone, but if you join in, it will be life changing as you make that covenant with the other group members. Covenant is a Biblical word that means serious expression of commitment with those under God's love.

Here are some suggestions of successful commitments to groups:
1. Attendance: You need everyone in the group in order to grow.
2. Affirmation: There is nothing you have done or will do that will make me stop loving you. We will sometimes "Agree to Disagree" This is OK!
3. Confidentiality: What's said here stays here!
4. Openness: I will strive to reveal who I am
5. Honesty: I will try to mirror back what I see others saying and doing, you can help me in the same way.
6. Sensitivity: I will try to put myself in your shoes and understand what it is like to be you.
7. Accountability: I am responsible for my own growth.
8. Prayer: During the course of covenant, I will pray for my other group members.

1 Samuel 18:3 "And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself."