Monday, February 13, 2012

Encouragement

Yesterday, John and I checked out a service at Christ Church. It is a local non-denominational church and the first church here that we actually would like to visit again. John and I are not big on jumping into churches. We have been hurt in the past and we don't want to repeat history. We are very much ready to find our place though. So it is very exciting to at least find a church that we would like to visit again! 

The sermon was week 4 of their Sync series. (The good thing was this sermon stood well alone and we didn't feel like we missed anything or didn't understand where the pastor was going.) Here are some notes from the service: http://www.youversion.com/events/70428. The part that really stood out for me was Problem 2 Living Bound up. This problem talks about the fact that most of us are living bound up in the anger, disappointment, frustration, etc. of the past. The only way we can move forward is to learn how to live in the freedom God gave us and the only way to do that is by:  

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

This is something that does not come naturally and has to be something we put into practice daily. You will mess up, but one of the best things about God's love is that it is unconditional and He forgives us despite all of our shortcomings. 

This isn't something new I learned, but sometimes you just need a good reminder. There is so much peace that can be gained, when you realize that you don't have to be perfect and that you can't achieve perfection. It's also wonderful to know that being perfect is pretty over-rated anyway. ;)

Make this week a good one!

<3 Anna

3 comments:

  1. I feel like sometimes God places situation and services in your face consistently to remind you of things you need to learn. Thanks for sharing your Sunday learning with us :) I loved reading it - great Bible verse!
    ox

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  2. I always feel like sometimes, when we need it most, we hear these little messages and they remind us about what's important. Thanks for sharing!!!!

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