Tracy's thoughts

So I went on a week vacation a little while ago and set a goal to read two books -- entirely. Now, that may not seem like such an outlandish goal, but one must remember that my addiction is TV and movies and, at least on vacation, I slip very easily into that addiction (especially when cable is available!).

I picked two books that seemed to me to be written by authors who were brutally honest about the situations in which they were writing. And I was right. I found myself shaken by their honesty and yet also laughing multiple times throughout each book. Did I agree with everything written? No. But that's ok. The two books I read were "Confessions of A Reformission Rev." by Mark Driscoll and "Starving Jesus" by Craig Gross and J.R. Mahon (look below for more info).

This blog is not meant to be a book review, so let me get to my point about what I learned from the books. I basically was convicted (or re-convicted) that my concern for others (especially those who don't have a relationship with Jesus) is not where it should be. As I am learning more about who Jesus is and what He was/is passionate about in life, I'm continuing to find myself not looking at those around me with the same view that He does. In other words, my heart for others needs to be more like His. Simply put, I'm continually amazed at how selfish I am in daily life -- despite my head knowledge of the gift He has given me. Wow. I've got a ways to go still...

Anyway, I write what I was convicted about not to make anyone feel guilty, but rather to challenge you to get to know Jesus. Get to know how much He loves you (do we really understand this??)! Remember what exactly it was that He did for you. Get to know how much He cares for those who don't know Him. That's my challenge. For you AND me.

You see, I believe that as we come to a greater understanding of this amazing truth, we will be compelled to share the Good News to others. And I don't mean cold-call knocking on doors to share the four spiritual laws. I mean building relationships with those in our existing network of friends, colleagues, and neighbors and demonstrating God's love in tangible ways. I mean getting off our butts and loving those around us out of compassion and not guilt.

So that's where I'm at today. Maybe I need to go back on vacation.
Tracy

http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Reformission/dp/0310270162/ref=pd_sim_dbs_b_1/102-1034394-7226516?ie=UTF8
http://www.starvingjesus.com/ (click on 'the book')