I was at a young adult study tonight, and the topic of discussion was "revenge!" It was very interesting, because many times this topic is mostly overlooked. Especially in smaller circumstances. It's good to remember that vengence is not our responsibility, that we can trust God to take care of the situation. It can also be a hard topic to confront, because when people want revenge they tend to get offended, and angry with people that try to encourage them to forgive. I think the phrase that best sums up the topic of revenge is,

"Wanting revenge is like drinking a poison that hurts us instead of the person we seek the revenge for."

Revenge will consume you. It fills you with a Spirit that is not of God. Sometimes there needs to be space in relationships, especially when they are abusive. But forgiveness is our act of worship to God, and it honors him. It is a liberating experience. Instead of seeking revenge on others, seek peace. Revenge never really helps our situations as much as it makes it more climatic.

I was reading my devotional (My Utmost For His Highest) yesterday I believe, and I wanted to share some of the insites Oswald shares.

"'Be instant in season, out of season,' (2 Timothy 2:4) whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would do nothing forever and ever....When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you say- 'Now I will always be like this for God.' No, you will not. God will take care you are not. Those times are the gift of God ENTIRELY. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose."

My favorite part about this is that he says "you cannot give them to yourself." I think we decide in that moment that we are all-powerful and are able to control our emotions, situations, and everything we come up against, but that feeling is all God. Our human minds are also forgetful...that moment cannot sustain us for the rest of our lives. We need to continually seek God to fill us. Many seekings and findings will sustain us for life. :) The beauty of it is that the same God that so filled us before, is the same God with us now, and will continually bring us through our PRESENT circumstances.

God is good.

I was sitting in church today, pondering the sermon that was being preached, and I stumbled accross a revelation. I was struck at how much power there is in the American church. The church has powerfully impacted this nation (both negatively and postively). And I was just thinking of what AMAZING things God could accomplish if his people would submit to him! There are so many church buildings in the country, and even though the numbers are dropping, there are still tons of people ocupying those buildings on Sunday mornings. It's not like it matters though, God made Gideon and his army of 300 defeat the entire Midianite army, along with the Amalekites and other eastern countries (Judges 7). God doesn't need numbers, he just needs faithful servants. The Great Awakenings in America were led primarily by a select few traveling ministers. All we need is God's freakin' AWESOME Spirit!

There is a song by Switchfoot called, "Politicians." It points out the simple truth that WE are politicians. We think of our congressmen as policticians, but who really controls this nation? That's right...the people. The people that tell the congressmen what to do are the ones that get their way in this country. Obviously, because our congressmen want to get re-elected. So you can blaim the problems of this country on who you want, but the real problem is your absent voice. I know it's important to vote, and by all means go out and vote on Tuesday. But more importantly than whether the house and senate are controlled by republicans or democrats is making your voice heard through their ENTIRE term. Get your friends and others to communicate your needs to your congressmen, and make a difference.

With all this, never underestimate the importance of living with the Spirit. That's where change is really made. God can do amazing things if you allow him to lead.

PEACE!

Exciting news! I wrote my first song on the piano yesterday! It is "Casting Away."