THE LEAP

Well, we are beginning to have folks sign-up for our small group ministries on Sunday August 31st. This a big leap for me. I haven't lead a study before. I've been to plenty. The issues singles face are so unique to each individual, that I hope the topics can touch people. I'm perfectly happy being single. I have been married before and I don't want to do it again. Although, I can understand why people want to get married. (It's a struggle but I get it.)

The leap comes from not wanting to disappoint my church, the people signing up or most of all God. I don't take failure easily, I'm codependent so I want to "fix" and "control" everything. The thing is I realize the flaw, but I still want to do it. I'm trying to get out of the way and let God lead this group. Because my standard answer is "Just get over it, already!" So I guess that's what I need to say to myself...Just get over it and do it already!

The leap is more about my willingness to totally rely on God. You know how therapist have people take the test of "trust"...falling back and letting someone catch you. I never understood the test...first I don't trust anyone that much, second they'd have to be pretty strong to catch me. (I'm not the thinnest rope in the shed.) So here I go taking the Nestea Plunge into leading a study for singles, trying to connect all the struggles singles face and boy...I'm exhausted already. I hope God realizes I haven't swam in a while and I don't want to drown!

The leap is a test of character and the Lord has such a sense of humor when He tests mine. Our first topic will be on "Starting small" so is that a jolt to my senses or what...He's telling me I have to start small.

He doesn't expect miracles, He performs them. He doesn't want it to be about me, He wants it to be about Him. He doesn't heal the healthy, He restores the sick. He won't withhold his bounty, He showers us with blessings. He doesn't leave us stumbling in the dark, He lights the path. He is Jehovah, the Lord. He is Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides. He is Jehovah Rapha, the Lord that heals. He is Adonai Jehovah, the Lord God. Jehovah Mephalti, the Lord my deliverer. He is Jehovah ‘Ori, the Lord my light. He is Jehovah Yasha, the Lord thy Saviour.

The leap doesn't taunt me any more, I will take it willingly. He is strong enough to catch me for He is Jehovah Tsori, O Lord My strength.

Watch Me! Watch me!

When did we get the idea that it’s okay to promote ourselves instead of Christ?

My need to be first in line…pushing past obstacles, charging ahead with disregard to those around me and then proclaiming Jesus when I’m good and ready too. Leaving my ego intact, but bruising others on the endless climb up! I am reminded of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13: 11 “When I was a child, I spoke like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I grew up, I gave up childish ways.”

I can still hear the child in me screaming “Watch me, Watch me!” needing the attention I craved.

I wonder now why I needed to be noticed. What was the motivation? Sanctimonious is the word that comes to mind. When did we think we mattered more that the sibling, spouse, friend or person next to us. I cringe when I hear myself crying out “WATCH ME, WATCH ME!” I’m not talking about confidence; Christ did not give a spirit of timidity but of might. We as Christians just need to watch ourselves and make sure the might is for Christ not for ourselves. It’s easy to get confidence and self-righteousness confused and the lines blurred. I mean who are we trying to impress. No matter what station we might be in, there will always be somebody, thinner, prettier, richer, have a better spouse not to mention perfect teeth and wonderfully obedient children! Why do we need to be noticed…Isn’t being loved by God enough? Unfortunately, for most of us it’s not!

I think of Jesus…He had friends, He built relationships with others. He was noticed; even though He resisted the limelight, it happened. Every act was for a lesson to be learned. Following the Leader of all leaders, is difficult. He gives us hope and an example of selflessness. I think about what imperfect beings we are and wonder why God loves us at all. I look at the life of King David “a man after God’s own heart” and I see how badly he would mess up his life. He was flawed, just like we are. What is it then, driving me to scream “Watch Me! Watch Me!”

Taking a step back and looking from a different direction, I often wonder what would happen if I was more like Christ and became more selfless. Have you seen those folks that are not vying for attention? Those folks who quietly serve? The ones that take a meal to someone when they find out they are sick or just home from the hospital. The folks who hold the door open for the elderly or handicapped. The Christians who are like Christ and being His hands and feet.

They don’t have to scream out Watch Me! Watch Me!, because they’re doing what Jesus tells us to do, love one another. You see it’s easy to take the focus of myself if I can love. Really love!

Love everyone, the difficult boss, the gossiping neighbor, the person who is down on their luck, all the people God loves. When I change the focus from me to others I don’t need to be noticed. I don’t even want to be noticed. Giving a smile to the wait person, when everyone else is complaining and giving them a good tip despite the service … letting someone cut in line at the coffee shop drive thru and getting a frantic wave…letting the homeless man have my meal …visiting the nursing home and bringing snacks to the local homeless shelter…giving a teenager a ride to church, is all the attention I want.

The Lord is watching me. He tells the story in Matthew 25 about what you do for the least of these you have done for me. He’s waiting for me and you to love one another. As I become His voice sitting with someone after they hear their marriage is ending, He is watching. As I become His hands and hold a newborn so a new mom can eat a meal, He is watching, as I become His feet and drive to the local women’s shelter to drop off supplies they need, He is watching. Don’t miss the many opportunities He gives us each day to show His love to one another.

As I become more focused on loving people I clamor less for the attention and the sound of the child inside me screaming "Watch Me! Watch Me" is silenced.

The Breakfast Club launches

The time is near....WOW! The Breakfast Club launches in a few weeks...
What is "The Breakfast Club"? The Breakfast Club is one of many Christ Point Church Connect Groups. The Breakfast Club is for adult singles (35-55), whether you have always been single or newly single, we have place for you.

The Breakfast Club is for anyone wanting to experience all the blessings of being single and how God has a plan and purpose for all of us. We will be meeting on a regular basis beginning in September.

Our discussions topics are for singles by singles. Stop by and enjoy a cup of coffee, cappuccino and lite breakfast fare and let the blessings begin!