Conformed or Transformed?

We are doing a sermon series based on the movie "Facing the Giants" and today I preached on Complete Surrender. We ended the sermon with my first communion service that I have performed. I felt so unworthy to be serving. What an awesome privilege I have been given. Here are some of the notes from my sermon: What does it mean to love God more than anything else? The first time “love” is used in the Bible is when Genesis speaks of Abraham’s love for his son Isaac. Isaac was Abraham and Sarah’s only child, born to them when they were past child-bearing age. God promised to Abraham that Isaac would continue the legacy and ancestry of Abraham for future generations. Did Abraham love Isaac more than God? God was going to test Abraham’s commitment to Him by asking Abraham to do the unthinkable. Let’s read about it in Genesis 22...... Genesis 22:1-18 1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 2 Then God said...

We have been gone and I forgot to post that there would be no posts....sorry to my faithful readers! But, good news is....I'm back home! Our family went to visit a good friend of mine from the FLAME classes I attend. It's always fun to visit other churches and see how they do ministry and have some time just to sit and talk ministry. Brian and I were able to spend significant time talking (we spent over 18 hours one way in the car!). We need to carve out more time to do that when we are at home. We are seeking what God's good will is. We don't want to settle for something that is just good, but something that is God. We want His good, pleasing and perfect will. It's hard not to make decisions on how we feel. We must go on what we are called to and lead to and follow that in complete trust in the One who is leading us there.

This morning I got up and read 1 Samuel 17, which is the story of David and Goliath. It's fun to read those ever so familiar stories again. It's been a while since I've actually read the story and not heard it Veggie Tales style. Here's a YouTube depiction of the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQDAp1SGRTU So what I take away from David this morning: 1. He was obedient to his Father to go serve his brothers and did not question him, but went. (vs. 20) 2. He considered himself a servant. (vs. 32,34) 3. He was faithful with a little, so he was prepared for much (Note: to me...killing a bear and a lion with his hands wasn't little) (vs. 34-36) 4. He took no confidence for himself. His courage was strong and His trust was completely in the Lord. His faith now had feet to them. (vs. 37) 5. When David knew what God had called him to do, he didn't hesitate. He moved quickly. (vs. 48) I want these things for my life. May I always be an obedient servant who is fai...