Released

I am as guilty as anyone of emotionally and spiritually berating myself for poor decisions that I have made. I reflect on the damage I have caused to myself & those that I care about and sometimes allow it to paralyze me with shame. I find myself imagining the possibilities of "what could have been" if decisions had been made differently. 

This is a devastating cycle of refusing to find forgiveness and moving forward in the newness that God promises. Part of the process of healing involves our genuine confession of those things to God and a willingness to seek a change of direction. The supernatural transformation comes to us as God creates beauty out of the ugliness of our past choices. Refusing to accept that gift is a dangerous game as we find ourselves drowning in regret and missing the opportunities for brand new beginnings God is desperate to give to us.

Fellowship of the Unashamed

This is not my original work, but I shared it last night as we wrapped up How to Share Your Faith. It is titled "An African Martyr's Last Words."

"I am part of the 'Fellowship of the Unashamed.' The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.

I'm finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.

I won't give up, back up, let up or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes.

And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear. 'For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.' (Romans 1:16)"