So I’ve talked for months about the upcoming Illinois Marathon and how I am going to participate in the half marathon portion of the race. This is part of what I called my unfinished business in the weeks before Easter during the Red Letter Day series. Not so I can celebrate an accomplishment of my own power, but that I can know the joy that comes with finishing the race.

Through my training I have learned a few things and one of them is something that Craig pointed out during his discussion of horoscopes in this week’s FAQ sermon. During the sermon he pointed out the crucial truth that we should never put our faith in anything but God. As I’ve trained to finish my 13.1 mile race, I’ve learned that it is God who gives me strength and that even when my body wants to fail me, my faith in Him can keep me moving to see what else He has in store for me.

I strive to apply this truth throughout all aspects of my life as I desire to be more in tune with God and to achieve the satisfaction that comes with being a more fully devoted follower of Christ. What lessons have you learned about the importance of putting our faith in God as opposed to anything else? How has God sustained you when you felt there was no way to keep moving forward?

So we’re deep into another season and life continues literally blossom before our eyes and I have been trying to take in all that God is doing around me. I know it’s impossible to ever really take it all in but the glimpses that I catch just propel me on as I am inspired to search for more. One great way that I am able to catch a glimpse is by hearing from those around me and so this week I want to encourage you to encourage someone else. Let someone know what’s going on in your life or let them know where you see God moving in theirs. You never know how much they might be longing to hear from you and what life God will grow in them from your words.

Come out and cheer on Mike Frogley and his amazing, dedicated NIWBT Champion student-athletes for a night of fun.

I know this is short notice, but the 5th Annual Ultimate Basketball Challenge is this Wednesday night at Huff Hall.  Doors open at 5:30,  with the festivities starting at 6.  Tickets are $5/person at the door.  This is a fundraiser for the men and women wheelchair basketball programs and coaches vs cancer.  Plus, it’s just a lot of fun!!  The men and women of the U of I wheelchair and varsity teams play a friendly (mostly) game of wheelchair basketball.  It is a good chance to meet some dedicated student-athletes and watch them have some fun.

You can read more about it here:

http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/040610aaa.html

Terry

This week we begin the FAQ (frequently asked questions) series. Have you ever wondered what God thinks about…(insert your “thing” here)? I am beyond excited about this series, for a couple of reasons. 1.) I have a million questions (poor Jerris, Mary & Aaron, I am always asking questions). 2.) When I am talking to my friends who are not believers, most of the time, the reason that they do not want to have anything to do with God or the church is due to questions that they have. Do you know people like that? I think that we, at one time or another, have all had friends or co-workers or even family members that are caught/stuck on the questions. This is the perfect series for them…or maybe even the perfect series for you.

So, who are you going to invite? Phone a friend or even use Facebook. Most of us probably have a Facebook account. Create an event, or put an invitation out on your status or even send an email. Go to Lifechurch.tv to watch a preview for Sunday and get some inspiration!

Red Letter Day was such a challenging series and I really do believe from the conversations each week that God has brought about and started many wonderful changes throughout the lives in our congregation. Besides all the blessings that I see for people in this, I am excited by what Jerris referred to one week as a real spiritual momentum at Grace Community Church. I can see this momentum in the ways that I am growing closer to God, the changes that I see in my family, and the changes I can see in the students and families of Grace.

Where can you see spiritual momentum in your life and the lives of those around you?

Unfinished Business - by Mary

This past weekend’s message about unfinished business has been whirling around in my head this week. I have had this “holy discontent” for several months, actually through most of the fall and winter. I know God has something for me to do. Not sure what that is yet, but I have been seeking Him through fasting, prayer and just alone time with Him.

One thing I realized last fall was that if I was going to be ready for whatever God has for me that I had better get in shape physically. So that has been my next step over the winter. I get anxious wanting to know “what’s next”. But God knows me and probably isn’t going to put the next agenda item in front of me until I have finished the first task. It is too easy for me to get distracted before I finish the task at hand. I found myself saying, “yep, that’s me,” when Aaron talked this past Sunday about one of his professors telling him that he was good at starting many things, but not so good at finishing. Anybody else like that?

Have you been thinking about your next step this past week? Is it just not starting anything new until you finish the task at hand? Or is it seeking God for what that next step is? Or are you jumping into something that has been calling you for some time? I’d love to hear what is going on with your Unfinished Business.