"There's nothing wrong with being thirsty-- you just gotta know what you're thirsty for. And at your deepest, most basic, most human, most precious level, you are thirsty for me, Jesus says. The Author of the universe, your Creator, your Savior, your Lord...
An idol is any good thing set up as an ultimate thing...
Jesus' kind of love IS all you need and it makes any lesser kind of love a potential blessing."
Pastor Mark not only makes brilliant points in every sermon, but he teaches them in such a sincere, down-to-earth, and level-headed way. He often acknowledges that feelings are misleading and thus doesn't toy with the congregation's emotions. He doesn't rile us up like a manic street preacher; he doesn't guilt-trip, yell, cry, or shake. He simply discusses and teaches, treating the people in the congregation as intellectual equals. I really appreciate his preaching style because I think it's rare. It also reminds me of the way Jesus himself taught his disciples: a calm, faith-driven, prayer-centered understanding of God's person and ultimate will.
So often, Christians get caught up in the atmosphere of church-- the music, the brand of coffee, the devotionals, the closed eyes and raised hands. Sure, all of those special features can promote church fellowship by making members feel comfortable and invigorated... but what happens when the feelings fade? How about when you're having a bad day? Or maybe just a bad attitude? For me there's nothing lonelier than being surrounded by passionate Christians either shouting praise songs and jumping for joy or wailing prayers out loud, tears streaming down their faces when I'm not feeling it. But that's the thing my home church has stressed: feelings don't save. When we feel far from God, nothing has changed. He's still the same-- in control and bigger than mood swings. Lovelier and much more powerful than a well-sung worship song.
So that's one reason I miss the tiny church I grew up in, and this sermon specifically helped remind me to stay rooted. I've been craving lately. Sometimes I sit in front of the fridge and just stare at what's there. I know it's just a physical manifestation of cultural adjustment. I feel like I need more of everything, though I know I've got more than plenty. Living abroad is awesome but it can get pretty lonely. And when I'm feeling homesick, it would be a quick cure to go off in search of human contact, romantic love, human fulfillment. As a foreigner with blonde hair in South America, it would be very easy to find, seeing as Latin Lovers are the continent's most abundant resource. It could be as simple as agreeing to go out on a coffee date, messaging new acquaintances on Facebook messenger, lo que sea. But that kind of attention doesn't satisfy for long. In the end, the wasted energy of depending on others for my emotional fix just brings more frustration. Feelings fade; only God fills and I know patience will pay off...
Made it into Capital last night...
Night bus drive-by...
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