Motives, Fulfillment, and Being Great?

My sister Liz and her husband Scott attend this church in Kansas City called Redeemer Fellowship. The pastor reminds them of Pastor Steve Hudson, which I would have to agree! Here are my notes from the message I heard from him on Sunday (September 20th).

From Mark 9:30-37

The book of Mark talks about our need for Jesus.

"We believe" --> Our attitude and thoughts do not always show that we believe.
We are in danger because we think "we got it-let's move on." Our hearts are not changed.

Three parts in this section of Scripture:
1. What Jesus' Mission is
2. Why we need this mission (our rescue)
3. How His mission changes our mission

• You can't understand Jesus without understanding the cross. The cross was the purpose of Jesus.
• (verse 32) They didn't understand, but they were too afraid to ask. Have you ever noticed your sin without others having to notice? Jesus didn't have to tell the disciples "I'm going to the cross because you are sinful."
• While Jesus was teaching sacrifice, the disciples were trying to figure out who's greater.
• In today's culture we get hung up with: promotions, used to do this awesome job and now I'm just a stay-at-home mom, unemployed, competitions, etc. Everything around you is about being GREAT!

What is right verses what sin tells you?

• Jesus never said, Don't try not to be great. Live a life that matters to the glory of God. Our sin wants us to be noticed as great. Have a great life because of God.
• Competition and level of greatness (ranking sin) Don't persue your greatness for being greater than others.
• How capable are you of using Jesus to getting something else? The sin issue is this: The goal isn't Him, but what He's going to do for me. You follow and desure Jesus, but while "using Him."

Extra Application:

Is marriage for no loneliness or sexual desires? Are you using relationships for fulfillment? Are you using the sake of having children for fulfillment?

In what areas of your life are you thinking, How am I going to be great? What is the motive?

When Dreams Come True

I'm reading this book for the second or third time. I really like it! It's about a love story. Two people who lived their lives according to themselves, then found God. Through grace they were given a new life, through Christ, and refocused their lives. The book is all about their lives before they met, their friendship, and then how it grew to love. It would be a wonderful thing to meet them someday. I should look them up online and see if they have a family of their own. =)

Sorry, I'm not keeping up on my blog lately. I really want to get back to writing again. I need to add more to my life experiences at Rosebud! I also should share the enjoyment of seeing my now one-year old niece "open" her presents. Her sweet little giggle as I played with her at her home. The joy she brings to our lives is absolutely wonderful! I also should find the time to write all the notes I took while listening to a great sermon at Liz and Scott's new church in Kansas City. I should asap! But until then.......thanks for your patience.