3000-12

Two Weeks. 3000 Push-ups or Sit-ups. 12 Verses Memorized.

The Passage: Romans 8:28-39

I am so excited about all the people who signed on to the challenge. I intend to post some reflections on the verse of each day, as we go through this, as well as reflections about the physical difficulties and soreness that we will be experiencing. I am believing that God will show us some great things over this next couple weeks. Spiritually, intellectually, and physically, we will be challenged. As we meditate on this passage, I am confident that God will speak to each of us in powerful ways - that we will be greatly encouraged. I pray that this next two weeks will prove to be just the start of a consistent lifestyle. I pray that as we recognize who we are in Christ, that we will live that out and experience supernatural growth.

For those of you who are taking part in this challenge, I encourage you to come back to this blog regularly to read some reflections. Also, feel free to comment. Part of this passage is pretty difficult to understand, so I hope and pray that we will do some real intellectual wrestling with the text, and that through this God will give us wisdom.

Let us encourage one another and hold one another accountable - spurring each other on. I believe as we grow together that we will become more deeply united in love and faith - that God will bless our fellowship as we continue to seek His face.

Good Old Fashioned Biblical Confession and Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to purify us of all unrighteousness.

James 5:16 - Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Matthew 6:14-15 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

We had an incident at our school last week. A 10th grade kid, who is a little bit different and who struggles academically and socially, lost his temper. There was yelling, cursing, and fighting. He attacked a girl - trying to choke her. He would not submit to his teacher (who is an ex-marine) and tried to attack him. He was finally arrested by the police and escorted away from the premises. He has been dismissed from the school.

Today, in chapel, he came and gave a sincere heart felt apology. He humbly asked forgiveness from everyone. He has repented. A crowd of kids huddled around him to pray for him for a few minutes. Afterwards, he left.

Then, the director of the board challenged the kids about being sensitive and discerning when they tease each other. He encouraged them to be encouraging and supportive. He encouraged the kids to repent if they have been teasing or mean to other people. All over the chapel, kids were asking each other for forgiveness. I had a student ask me for forgiveness.

And then, we worshipped. As we worshipped, my heart just welled up with joy. There is nothing like God's people humbly confessing sins, asking forgiveness, and granting forgiveness toward each other. The body of Christ is beautiful. Restoration, redemption, reconciliation. We experienced it this morning. It is wonderful.

I am so thankful that our God is a forgiving God - that He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and quick to love. I am so thankful for the example Jesus set for us - washing his disciples feet and dying on the cross so that we can be forgiven.