Morphed By the Message
Posted7/6/2007@12:00 PM

Last week we started a new series called, “The Message.” Throughout this series our hope is that each of us would realize the importance the Bible plays in being a follower of Christ. Our goal is simply to be reading the Bible and actually doing what it says to do.

In the Message version John 8:31-32 says, “Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. 'If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.'"

The credibility of our life journey rests not on our knowledge of the Word, but on our commitment to doing what it says. Followers of Christ need to know about opportunities to implement the Word in everyday situations. We demonstrate the Word through acts of service, justice, compassion, generosity, righteousness, kindness, encouragement, courage, and sacrifice. The truth of God’s Word must move from our heads to our hearts and then to our hands and feet.

Imagine what God could do through us if we were to become people who are living out the word in every aspect of our lives. But in order to do that, we first have to know what it says! That is our prayer.

Here are the key ideas of The Message series, to help remind you of what we are studying:


MIND THE MESSAGE – “Passion is just as much the love of God with the mind as it is the heart.”

MY STORY IN THE MESSAGE - “The Bible is God’s story and we’re invited to play a part”

MEDITATE ON THE MESSAGE – “Meditation is simply spending time on a truth so that it becomes a part of our being.”

MEMORIZE THE MESSAGE – “Memorization equips you with the specific truths to combat the specific lies you encounter.”

MORPHED BY THE MESSAGE - “Metamorphosis/transformation is not just doing the right things, it’s becoming the right sort of person.”

During this 5-week series we would love to hear your stories.
How is God challenging you to be in the word?
How is the Bible becoming a part of your daily life?
What are your struggles with reading the Bible and doing what it says?
What are your victories?
How do you study, meditate, or memorize scripture?
What websites, blogs, resources, and books do you use to help you study?
What are your favorite passages?
How are you teaching your children?

We simply want to encourage each other, learn from each other, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

So enjoy this journey with us and take time along the way to comment on the journal, to share how God is changing you through His word…

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A Life Changing Love
Posted6/4/2007@9:43 AM

So this whole “being a new dad” thing is pretty amazing. I had always heard that there is no love like the love for your child and that a child will completely change your life, and thought I knew what those statements meant. I assumed that the love would be instantaneous and that the changes to your life would merely be schedule related. But I am realizing that it is much, much bigger than that.

To be completely honest, Melissa and I both had to fall in love with Gabriella. After she was first born we had this natural, protective love for her. Our focus was on tending to her short-term needs like feeding her, changing her approximately 500 dirty diapers (seriously), and getting her to sleep. Now that we are starting to figure her out, we are beginning to see her personality. I cannot tell you how my heart melts when she smiles; I love that when she is crying uncontrollably I can put on our favorite CD, hold her in my arms, and dance her tears away within a minute. As each day goes by, I continue to love her more and more deeply. But with that love comes the life-changing realization that I am responsible for helping this little girl become the woman she wants to be and the woman God has called her to be. The things I model are ultimately going to have an impact in shaping her life. In saying that, it makes me look at who I am as a person and as a man.

There is a story in the Bible where King David is about to die and is turning the kingship over to his son Solomon. In doing so, David gives this charge to his son - "So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands…” This is a pivotal point because, in saying this, David is opening himself up and laying his own experience and wisdom before his son. His words are telling his son that “this is the key to it all” but the litmus test of what is actually being communicated is when Solomon compares those words to his father’s life. Was that modeled or were they empty words? Did Solomon see his father pursuing God with integrity or only when others were watching? I guess this is the issue we all face as parents. We undoubtedly have the biggest impact on our children’s lives; for better or worse. How they see us embrace life ultimately affects the person they become.

Ella will see a side of me that only Melissa sees. Being a part of our immediate family, she will see me for who I really am. It’s who I am at home that she will learn from and remember me as. I can put a great front on in public or on a Sunday, but she will know if it is an honest reflection of the real me or if it is a distortion of the man I truly am. I pray that she grows up loving me and seeing me as a godly man in all aspects of my life. If she had to describe me in a few words, I want integrity to be one of them.

- Seth

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