LIFE PACKAGES

It's said that some of the best gifts come wrapped in the ugliest packages. We see the unattractive wrapping and our (my) first reaction is "How can anything good come out of this?"
I'm learning that God reaches out to me in the midst of some "unpretty" gifts. He wants me to see beneath all the cardboard and tape to the real present deep inside. It may take some digging. I may get frustrated and not understand why all those packing peanuts are sooooo necessary (they can be so messy!).
There is an awesome gift in that box for me. Handpicked and carefully wrapped by my creator.

1 Corinthians 1:7
Just think—you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that.

Authenticity

2008/08/18

Authentic Friendships
by Rick Warren

But if we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin. If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:7–8 (NCV)

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In Christian fellowship people should experience authenticity.

Authentic fellowship is not superficial, surface-level chit-chat. It’s genuine, heart-to-heart, sometimes gut-level, sharing.


It happens when people get honest about who they are and what is happening in their lives. They share their hurts, reveal their feelings, confess their failures, disclose their doubts, admit their fears, acknowledge their weaknesses, and ask for help and prayer.


Authenticity is the exact opposite of what you find in many churches. Instead of an atmosphere of honesty and humility, there is pretending, role-playing, politicking, superficial politeness, and shallow conversation.


People wear masks, keep their guard up, and act as if everything is rosy in their lives. These attitudes are the death of real friendship.


It’s only as we become open about our lives that we experience authentic fellowship. The Bible says, “If we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each other. . . . If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves” (1 John 1:7–8 NCV).


The world thinks intimacy occurs in the dark, but God says it happens in the light. We tend to use darkness to hide our hurts, faults, fears, failures, and flaws. But in the light, we bring them all out into the open and admit who we really are.


Of course, being authentic requires both courage and humility. It means facing our fear of exposure, rejection, and being hurt again.


Why would anyone take such a risk?


Because it’s the only way to grow spiritually and be emotionally healthy. The Bible says, “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed” (James 5:16 MSG).

I loved this devotional today...reminded me of great friends from GCC. Friends that I do ministry with, serve with, pray with and fellowship with. Friends that ask "how's it going?" and really WANT to know!! I pray that others will find me an "authentic friend".

New Quote that I Love

"It's one thing to believe in the power of God...it's another to experience His power."
-----Dr. Bob Laurente

Sweet tastes of Summer!

Yeah...I know it's hot & humid, but don't ya just LOVE summer!!!