sunday scud review (april 1, 2007)

Today we wrapped up the Elements message series. It's been great. Dwight closed it out in a strong way. Today's element: Personal Ministry.

Here's a review of the scuds he fired:

• "I battle fear all the time. We have all had times in our lives when we wish we would have done something but we didn't because we were afraid."
• "Whenever we trust God in spite of our fears it honors him."
• "Are you going to give in to your fears or are you going to trust your Father?"
• "I'd rather have my kids trust me than obey me. Obedience will flow out of trust."
• "Faith grows when we get outside our comfort zones."
• "God wants to give you a story...of how he used you to make a difference."
• "God knows exactly what's going on in your life. He sees, he knows, he cares. Whatever you're going through...God cares."
• "God asks us, 'Yeah, you're busy alright...but are you productive?"
• "'What ifs' are zeal-quenchers. 'What ifs' are show-stoppers."
• "God will never ask you for something you don't have."
• "With God you are not inferior to anyone."
• "You don't need another Bible study. That's the safe way. God says that doesn't impress him. He wants to know when it is that you're going to set aside your fears and do something."
• "God + you = the majority. God + anybody = an overwhelming team."
• "It's not about your ability. It's about your availability."
• "If God were to die, is there anything you'd have to quit doing?"

Dwight refered to something written by Louie Giglio. In case you're like me and were thinking, wow that's good...wish I had that...here it is:

God was telling Moses: I AM the center of everything. I AM running the show. I AM the same every day, forever. I AM the owner of everything. I AM the Lord. I AM the Creator and Sustainer of Life. I AM the Savior. I AM more than enough. I AM inexhaustible and immeasurable. I AM God.

In a heartbeat, Moses knew God's name--and something more. He finallyknew his. For if God's name is I AM, Moses' name must be i am not. I am not the center of everything. I am not in control. I am not the solution. I am not all-powerful. I am not calling the shots. I am not the owner of everything. I am not the Lord. And that's your name and mine name too . . .I am not running anything. I am not the ahead of anything. I am not in charge of anything. I am not the maker. I am not the savior. I am not holding it all together. I am not all-knowing. I am not God. And God's name is still I AM."