Our enemy knows if he can rob us of our hope he can keep us from the evidence we need to succeed in our faith. Now think about that for a second. The BIBLE tells us that: "in CHRIST the impossible becomes POSSIBLE! Until recently I really struggled with that truth. But, struggle or not - it was still true.
I was writing an email to someone today and I wanted to share a thought from Ephesians 6 where it says: "Be strong and courageous". Accidentally I typed: "Be strong and outrageous". I quickly corrected it and then I began thinking. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to be outrageous in my faith.
| I know I don't want to be (1A or 1B), (2) or (3) but . . . (4) is what I am thinking about. Extremely unusual, unconventional, extraordinary - I like all of those when I think about OUTRAGEOUS FAITH. Extravagant appeals to me too. After all, we are called to be a "peculiar people" right? When I was living life with "THE QUESTION" (What will THEY think IF . . .?), OUTRAGEOUS was something I avoided at all costs. Don't rock the boat. Don't upset anyone. Don't say what you are really thinking. But, in many ways even then I lived OUTRAGEOUS FAITH most of the time. GOD has a plan for you. HE has a plan for me. HIS plan is good! You CAN TRUST HIM with your future. HE is the only one who has 100% "BEST INTEREST in mind when it comes to you and your future. HE cannot lie! So why not allow GOD to have control? Be strong and OUTRAGEOUS. Where do we start? In GOD's WORD the BIBLE! Begin by reading HIS WORD and looking for HIS promises. Pay close attention as many of those promises have some significant "strings attached". i.e.: you do this - HE will do that. It's exciting to know that GOD will keep every promise HE made if we do what HE tells us to do - the way HE tells us to do it. Parents are often like that. Some kids think that's bad. But, it's GODLY! HE LOVES US! UNCONDITIONALLY! The promises are not unconditional. That doesn't change HIS love for us. If you are going to live OUTRAGEOUS FAITH, you can't do it apart from reading, understanding and obeying GOD'S WORD. You also need to spend time in prayer! Talk to GOD. HE is not only listening but HE will answer. Don't limit HIS response to your ideas. Finally - make sure you get connected with "the BODY of CHRIST". Within the "family" you will find all the support you need to grow and to live out your OUTRAGEOUS FAITH. It's all up to you! In mid-December I took the biggest leap of faith of my whole life and if I had not done that, most likely I wouldn't be here to write about it. I am loving LIFE! You can TOO! Need help? Call me: 717-224-1334 (WARNING - I will not be able to be reached by phone Feb 5 - Mar 7 as I will be out of the USA living out my OUTRAGEOUS FAITH!) |
adj 1. being or having the nature of an outrage 2. grossly offensive to decency, authority, etc. 3. violent or unrestrained in behaviour or temperament 4. extravagant or immoderate outrageously adv outrageousness n |
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