So How?

Melanie and I have been struggling with the state of our church now when it feels like a complete hoax, a social club, something which holds little substance. We had a very in depth conversation on how we should respond, how we could even attempt to change ourselves/ our church to become Kingdom focused instead of a self focused mess. I don't want us to be negative focused people who only see the bad of the church based on a bad experience in which people who claim to be the church are more interested in self-absorbed lives than giving up everything in pursuit of Christ. Maybe the problem is me, I am not sure, but I feel we should live for more than just nice lives with nice stuff. Do we just hop to the next church thinking that things will certainly be better. A church is supposed to embody a fellowship of like-minded believers who are seeking out Christ and making him known. I know we are not the only ones sick of this "American Church" that plays the guilty party which most of this generation states that they do not have a problem with Jesus, but they do have a problem with the church. How do we change both in ourselves and how do we push our brothers and sisters in Christ to seek first his kingdom and forsake the pointless things and hopes of this world and begin to actually start behaving like we actually believe what we say that " Jesus is the only way and that he loves people and we seek his return because that is all we really long for"

So How and when and where does this change begin, in me and in the body of believers?

Ira

That's it, now its time.

Well Tuesday Melanie and I started working out again every other day and I have enjoyed the soreness which comes from being out of shape. Today however my body has begun to remember the motions, so to speak and even my run felt good. It was not a long run, but I am trying to take it slow so I don't get burnt out. I ran .5 miles very slowly, but hey I am going to get it.
In other news we have been thinking, praying, and discussing our options for after Melanie graduates and are considering what seems to be unending options. Thoughts of me maybe going back to school to get my Masters degree, to staying put, or to moving across the country(or even the world). Not sure of any of the options at this point, but I can be patient and wait on God's timing.
I had to work today, but that is over now and tomorrow is Sunday so that is good. I hope all is well with everyone.

Ira

Day to day

So I graduate with a bachelor's degree in about two weeks. I feel like I should be excited and certain of my next move. At the same time I take comfort in the fact that I am able to put off a few of the harder decisions til next may when Melanie graduates. I have been trying to think about where to go from here, I enjoy my job now, but I still want more than a life defined by me. I see the options in front of me and while there are still a great deal of options and futures to think of and explore, I am afraid that if I am not careful I will allow my not making decisions to chose how my life is played out. I desire to step out in faith living radically in light of eternity, but where do I step? which choice do I dive into, because each choice requires at least figuratively diving in head first; buying a home-tying us down, moving to Morgantown-finding a job or not, Going anywhere(ie mission-field)-is that what we are called to?
I am not sure how this will inevitably play out, but I know that God has a plan and I want to be used. "Even so, Jesus Come!" As scary as the options are I desire to be content in my circumstances and passionately seek the Savior.

Ira

Passionate or Passive

God has been really showing me how easily I become passive about my relationship with Jesus. It is so easy to fall into the american church groove of I go to church on Sundays and I call myself a Christian without examining what this title even means or how it should or does impact my life. I was taught in college to be analytical/skeptical in everything I heard and to question miracles and interpretations of scripture. This has in many ways dulled my spirit and brought me to this point. I AM SICK OF BEING A PASSIVE CHRISTIAN!!! When I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior I gave him everything and I desire to live that way. I am tired of just discussing and speaking, I want to walk the walk so to speak. Melanie and I have several life altering decisions ahead of us in the next year or few, I don't want to make them. These decisions could very well mean the difference in becoming/staying in a place of complacency/passivity. I want so much more, I want to be pushed and molded by Christ, I want meaning in my life, I want to wholly and faithfully follow the one whom I have entrusted everything. It would be so easy to just settle in and exist, buying a house staying in my job going to church, but not necessarily being the church. I want soo much more. Any prayer you can offer would be appreciated,
Ira

Risk?

I was thinking the other day as I was drivng home that every thing in life is a risk, even breathing. So in a sense a life without risk is barely existing, life in essence demands risk and without risk life is a boring existence. I started thinking from that point about my views and the risks I choose to take with each breath. Earlier that day I was reading from John 15 where Jesus speaks stating that he is the vine and we are the branches giving the imperative that we "abide" in him, and we will bear much fruit. I have never thought much about this verse except for thinking that it seemed somewhat passive, but then it hit me, when Jesus says abide with him he is calling us to a life of risk for Him and his kingdom. When he says abide with him, he is telling us to remain with him not for safety but for purpose so that we may bear much fruit. This makes me think of the line from "The Chronicles of Narnia" when the children ask if Aslan is safe and gain the response that "no he is not safe, but he is good." When Jesus tells us to abide and stay with him that means trusting and following him both when it means things we see as good and when it means going alongside the Savior to a crown of thorns and three nails. Jesus' conquer over death not only promises us eternity, but also freedom from fear so that we may live lives of purpose for the kingdom of God. Risk can be an amazing hindrance or it can be an amazing challenge. When we claim Jesus as Lord and Savior we state that we are willing and ready to risk everything, even our very lives, for Him and His Kingdom. So I come to this challenge, can I, can we risk everything for Him? Will we? We must decide. I will risk, I will seek to live a life of purpose for Jesus...
Ira