By Steve Conley
Scripture: James 1:9-11
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 and A2 enter. A1 is looking at a piece of paper.
A1: Will you look at this! How can we afford this? It never fails, just when you think you’re at the top of the hill you get kicked back down again!
A1 looks at A2. A2 seems to be not paying attention.
A1: Are you listening to me? This is serious! I feel like I’m Jack rolling down the hill and I’ve broken my crown. A crown that I will never have!
A2: Trust me, I’m listening. I can’t help from it. You need to calm down a little bit.
A1: Calm down? Are we even on the same page? We do share the same fortune you know. Which appears to be going fast!
A2: You need to have a little more faith.
A1: Ok, here we go. What I need to have is a little more money! I bet Harvey and Jane never worry about any of this stuff.
A2: Now why do you mention Harvey and Jane?
A1: Have you seen the new car they have?
A2: Yes. Is that not the prettiest car you have ever seen?
A1: Yes, and I bet it came with a pretty price tag also. While we’re over here drowning in poverty they are on the cruise ship of wealth!
A2: Now you can’t say that. I’m sure they worked hard for that new car.
A1: Worked hard? Why Harvey has never lifted a finger to do anything. It just falls into his lap. That’s right, the lap of luxury!
A2: You know the Bible says we should glory in our exaltation.
A1: Oh, so I should boast about everything I don’t have? (yelling) Hey everyone, look at me! Look at how much I don’t have! Don’t you wish you could be like me?
A2: No, we should boast in being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
A1: I don’t know about perfect and complete but I sure got the lacking in nothing covered.
A2: Some day the one who lacks so much now will be brought up, exalted, to a place of completion and fullness. We should look forward to the future, not boasting in the present, but in what God is going to do.
A1: I know you’re right. But what ever happened to fairness? Why couldn’t we be more like Harvey and Jane?
A2: Well, I’m sure they have hard times just like we do. You know just as well as I do that Harvey and Jane have seen their share of troubles.
A1: True, but they always come out smelling like a rose. And have you seen the price of roses lately?
A2: Roses? What’s that?
A1: Ah, never mind that last statement.
A2: The Bible also says the rich should boast in their humiliation, because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. The rich appear to have no difficulties in life. What the Bible is saying is that they certainly do have trials as well.
A1: Oh the trials of being rich!
A2: These are the trials of being tempted to trust in one's wealth and believe that they are some kind of sign of one's eternal place or status. Riches will fade away, they will be temporary. Riches do not help one to receive what God has to offer, in fact, they may very well be a barrier to it.
A1: So, it is actually the rich man himself that fades away. He himself is changed from pride in his possessions to humility in recognizing his own spiritual poverty before God.
A2: Now I think you’re getting it!
A1: So, for the rich believer, his boasting is in the triumph of God over his delusion about his own true condition. He my be fooled into believing that his riches gave him a reason to think that he was spiritually rich. However, in the end, through his trials, it will become clear that God is the real and only life-giver, not riches.
A2: You are right again. So do you still feel like you would want to live in Harvey and Jane’s shoes?
A1: Well…..
A2: Really?
A1: No, not really. Harvey and Jane are good people. I just got caught up in the moment. I’d like to stay right here rolling down my own little hill.
A2: You know everything’s going to be ok. With God’s help we’ll get through this and come out better on the other side.
A1: How right you are.
A1 and A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
How to be a wise person
By Steve Conley
Scripture: James 1:5-18
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters wearing a cap and gown (graduation), wearing glasses and carrying an encyclopedia.
A1: (pacing slowly across the stage as in great thought) Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. - Immanuel Kant, A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance. - Henry David Thoreau
A2: Enters carrying a plumbing fixture and a book.
A2: Honey, the sink has messed up again don’t you thin you should… (looks strangely at A1) What is this garb you have on?
A1: To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. - Henri Bergson
A2: What?
A1: How do I look?
A2: Do you really want to know?
A1: No need. Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. - Jonathan Swift
A2: I think someone gave you a swift knock on the head! Maybe we should take you to see the men in white coats and padded walls. Cause that’s exactly what I’m about to do if you do snap out of this vision!
A1: Ok, don’t get so excited! I can tell you’re not impressed.
A2: Impressed about what?
A1: Look at me.
A2: (stepping back) Ok.
A1: What do you see?
A2: A flash back from High School. You still look as goofy now as you did back then.
A1: Forget that! Does this not make me look smarter?
A2: Quite the opposite. Oh, and don’t let the kids see you in this. We’re trying to get them to graduation, not to run from it.
A1: That’s really funny. I can see already that my plan is working.
A2: What plan?
A1: In order for us to undergo trials we need special wisdom from God to face them. Thus, you get what you see, a man filled with wisdom.
A2: I see a man that should be wise enough to know better!
A1: Don’t shoot me down for trying.
A2: I applaud your effort but the way you are going about it is all wrong.
A1: And you have a better idea?
A2: I don’t, but God does. God wants to bring His children to maturity as spiritual adults. Wisdom is sometimes defined as "the right use of knowledge." It involves applying the truth that we know to the situations that we confront. And trust me; you should never confront anything looking like that!
A1: You know me. When I do something I do it right!
A2: (laughing) That statement shows your lack of wisdom! Understand that all wisdom centers in God. Without a knowledge of God, we can’t understand life’s circumstances. The right thing to do is to continually seek wisdom from God. There is no room here for self-sufficiency or spiritual pride.
A1: I understand what you’re saying but I thought I would just seek this one on my own. Besides, can you imagine how busy God is?
A2: You need to understand the character of God. He is a giving God. We need have no fear of rejection when we come to God for wisdom. He does not ridicule us. Our past failures are not brought up to shame us. Even if we come to Him looking like this. (point to outfit)
A1: So a proper view of the character of God as a giving God will encourage us in coming to Him for wisdom?
A2: Yes, but if we expect to receive the wisdom we need, we must come in faith. We must trust that God is able and willing to do as He has promised.
A1: But sometimes I feel like I’m under great deal of pressure!
A2: Sometimes we feel like the world is crashing down and we begin wondering if God really loves us, doing what’s best for us, and will He see us through as promised. We must fully rely in Him and come as His children asking Him to do as He promised. (pause) Do this for me; wave your arms back and forth.
(A1 holds his arms out and waves them like imitating a tree blowing in the wind.)
A1: Like this?
A2: Yes, the Bible says, one who doubts is like a wave of the sea. Waves are at the mercy of the wind. If our faith is not firmly placed in God we lack stability in life. For a time there is confidence and joy in God. Then, as trials come and persist, there is doubt and wavering. It is a life of instability. (pause) You can stop waving now.
A1: So this is how break dancing feels.
A2: Listen, we can be sure beyond a doubt that God will give wisdom for trials to those who ask of Him. We must ask in faith, believing that He is able and willing. That is the “plan” for us as believers.
A1: Ok, I understand what you’re saying. Sounds like a great plan to me and much better than mine!
A2: Good, but I’ve got another way you can gain wisdom and to be a wise person.
A1: Really, what’s that?
A2: (hands A1 a book) Read this book on plumbing and apply that wisdom to fixing the sink!
A1: Real funny… real funny!
A1 & A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Scripture: James 1:5-18
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters wearing a cap and gown (graduation), wearing glasses and carrying an encyclopedia.
A1: (pacing slowly across the stage as in great thought) Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life. - Immanuel Kant, A man is wise with the wisdom of his time only, and ignorant with its ignorance. - Henry David Thoreau
A2: Enters carrying a plumbing fixture and a book.
A2: Honey, the sink has messed up again don’t you thin you should… (looks strangely at A1) What is this garb you have on?
A1: To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. - Henri Bergson
A2: What?
A1: How do I look?
A2: Do you really want to know?
A1: No need. Vision is the art of seeing the invisible. - Jonathan Swift
A2: I think someone gave you a swift knock on the head! Maybe we should take you to see the men in white coats and padded walls. Cause that’s exactly what I’m about to do if you do snap out of this vision!
A1: Ok, don’t get so excited! I can tell you’re not impressed.
A2: Impressed about what?
A1: Look at me.
A2: (stepping back) Ok.
A1: What do you see?
A2: A flash back from High School. You still look as goofy now as you did back then.
A1: Forget that! Does this not make me look smarter?
A2: Quite the opposite. Oh, and don’t let the kids see you in this. We’re trying to get them to graduation, not to run from it.
A1: That’s really funny. I can see already that my plan is working.
A2: What plan?
A1: In order for us to undergo trials we need special wisdom from God to face them. Thus, you get what you see, a man filled with wisdom.
A2: I see a man that should be wise enough to know better!
A1: Don’t shoot me down for trying.
A2: I applaud your effort but the way you are going about it is all wrong.
A1: And you have a better idea?
A2: I don’t, but God does. God wants to bring His children to maturity as spiritual adults. Wisdom is sometimes defined as "the right use of knowledge." It involves applying the truth that we know to the situations that we confront. And trust me; you should never confront anything looking like that!
A1: You know me. When I do something I do it right!
A2: (laughing) That statement shows your lack of wisdom! Understand that all wisdom centers in God. Without a knowledge of God, we can’t understand life’s circumstances. The right thing to do is to continually seek wisdom from God. There is no room here for self-sufficiency or spiritual pride.
A1: I understand what you’re saying but I thought I would just seek this one on my own. Besides, can you imagine how busy God is?
A2: You need to understand the character of God. He is a giving God. We need have no fear of rejection when we come to God for wisdom. He does not ridicule us. Our past failures are not brought up to shame us. Even if we come to Him looking like this. (point to outfit)
A1: So a proper view of the character of God as a giving God will encourage us in coming to Him for wisdom?
A2: Yes, but if we expect to receive the wisdom we need, we must come in faith. We must trust that God is able and willing to do as He has promised.
A1: But sometimes I feel like I’m under great deal of pressure!
A2: Sometimes we feel like the world is crashing down and we begin wondering if God really loves us, doing what’s best for us, and will He see us through as promised. We must fully rely in Him and come as His children asking Him to do as He promised. (pause) Do this for me; wave your arms back and forth.
(A1 holds his arms out and waves them like imitating a tree blowing in the wind.)
A1: Like this?
A2: Yes, the Bible says, one who doubts is like a wave of the sea. Waves are at the mercy of the wind. If our faith is not firmly placed in God we lack stability in life. For a time there is confidence and joy in God. Then, as trials come and persist, there is doubt and wavering. It is a life of instability. (pause) You can stop waving now.
A1: So this is how break dancing feels.
A2: Listen, we can be sure beyond a doubt that God will give wisdom for trials to those who ask of Him. We must ask in faith, believing that He is able and willing. That is the “plan” for us as believers.
A1: Ok, I understand what you’re saying. Sounds like a great plan to me and much better than mine!
A2: Good, but I’ve got another way you can gain wisdom and to be a wise person.
A1: Really, what’s that?
A2: (hands A1 a book) Read this book on plumbing and apply that wisdom to fixing the sink!
A1: Real funny… real funny!
A1 & A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Lord, I struggle
Lord, I struggle with time
Time and I we fight
It’s robbed me of my past
And stealing away my future
Lord, I struggle with faith
Faith and I we fight
It’s always been so weak
And has never let me down
Lord, I struggle with sin
Sin and I we fight
It’s forever on my mind
And forever friends with time
Lord, I struggle with hope
Hope and I we fight
It’s always at a distance
And constant companion to faith
Lord, I struggle
Struggle and I we fight
It’s there without my knowledge
And seeps in a little at a time
Lord, It’s good that you’re here
Cause I’d never win my fights
Faith and hope rule time and sin
My weakness, your strength
My distance, you’re closeness
Time and I we fight
It’s robbed me of my past
And stealing away my future
Lord, I struggle with faith
Faith and I we fight
It’s always been so weak
And has never let me down
Lord, I struggle with sin
Sin and I we fight
It’s forever on my mind
And forever friends with time
Lord, I struggle with hope
Hope and I we fight
It’s always at a distance
And constant companion to faith
Lord, I struggle
Struggle and I we fight
It’s there without my knowledge
And seeps in a little at a time
Lord, It’s good that you’re here
Cause I’d never win my fights
Faith and hope rule time and sin
My weakness, your strength
My distance, you’re closeness
Monday, February 9, 2009
Overcoming Trials and Problems
By Steve Conley
Scripture: James 1:2-12
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters taking to God.
A1: Why God? I’ve been faithful! Why must you allow all of this to fall down on me? Why now? Did I not pray enough? Or read your Word enough? I thought I had this all figured out. I thought…
A2 enters.
A2: A1 I just heard. I’m so sorry.
A1: Thanks, but I’m having a really hard time understanding all of this.
A2: I can only imagine. Is there anything I can do?
A1: Can you make this nightmare go away?
A2: I wish I could.
A1: Can you at least explain all of this mess to me?
A2: I wish I could do that also, but I don’t have all the answers.
A1: Answers! I’ve been praying for answers and all I get is silence.
A2: Sometimes silence is all we need.
A1: Yeah, well I need answers. Where’s God when I need Him most?
A2: God is still here. He will never leave you. You know that.
A1: I know what I believe. I know God is here, but these trials and problems are simply overwhelming.
A2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
A1: (sarcastic) Wow! You’re sounding real Bible-ish aren’t you!
A2: It’s not my words, its God’s words… from the Bible.
A1: Pure joy? Where do I find joy in a time like this?
A2: From the One who gave you joy to begin with. You must be determined to allow God to work everything out. Faith develops perseverance.
A1: Perseverance? Faith? That’s easy for you to say. You’re not walking in my shoes.
A2: True, but there are many who have been where you are right now, and I know they would be willing to be there for you and help you get through this.
A1: I don’t need anyone right now. I can get through this on my own.
A2: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
A1: Wow! You sure are handy with the Word. And now you’re telling me I’m acting immature about all of this.
A2: I’m sorry…, but that’s not what I trying to do at all. I’m just trying…
A1: I know. You’re just trying to be helpful.
A2: You’ve never gone through this before. That’s where the immaturity lies. Many of us are immature when it comes to something like this. Mature simply means developed or advanced and I know you, nor myself included, could ever be ready for something like this. That’s where our immaturity comes from.
A1: So what should I do?
A2: Seek wisdom from God through prayer. Seek wisdom from others who have walked this road before you. God says, you should ask and He will give it to you.
A1: But the pain!
A2: I know it must hurt, but you’ve got to persevere. I’ll help you and be there for you and I know many others will also. You will get through this.
A1: Deep down I know it. Deep down I know what to do.
A2: We’ll do it together. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
A1 & A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Scripture: James 1:2-12
A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2
A1 enters taking to God.
A1: Why God? I’ve been faithful! Why must you allow all of this to fall down on me? Why now? Did I not pray enough? Or read your Word enough? I thought I had this all figured out. I thought…
A2 enters.
A2: A1 I just heard. I’m so sorry.
A1: Thanks, but I’m having a really hard time understanding all of this.
A2: I can only imagine. Is there anything I can do?
A1: Can you make this nightmare go away?
A2: I wish I could.
A1: Can you at least explain all of this mess to me?
A2: I wish I could do that also, but I don’t have all the answers.
A1: Answers! I’ve been praying for answers and all I get is silence.
A2: Sometimes silence is all we need.
A1: Yeah, well I need answers. Where’s God when I need Him most?
A2: God is still here. He will never leave you. You know that.
A1: I know what I believe. I know God is here, but these trials and problems are simply overwhelming.
A2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
A1: (sarcastic) Wow! You’re sounding real Bible-ish aren’t you!
A2: It’s not my words, its God’s words… from the Bible.
A1: Pure joy? Where do I find joy in a time like this?
A2: From the One who gave you joy to begin with. You must be determined to allow God to work everything out. Faith develops perseverance.
A1: Perseverance? Faith? That’s easy for you to say. You’re not walking in my shoes.
A2: True, but there are many who have been where you are right now, and I know they would be willing to be there for you and help you get through this.
A1: I don’t need anyone right now. I can get through this on my own.
A2: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
A1: Wow! You sure are handy with the Word. And now you’re telling me I’m acting immature about all of this.
A2: I’m sorry…, but that’s not what I trying to do at all. I’m just trying…
A1: I know. You’re just trying to be helpful.
A2: You’ve never gone through this before. That’s where the immaturity lies. Many of us are immature when it comes to something like this. Mature simply means developed or advanced and I know you, nor myself included, could ever be ready for something like this. That’s where our immaturity comes from.
A1: So what should I do?
A2: Seek wisdom from God through prayer. Seek wisdom from others who have walked this road before you. God says, you should ask and He will give it to you.
A1: But the pain!
A2: I know it must hurt, but you’ve got to persevere. I’ll help you and be there for you and I know many others will also. You will get through this.
A1: Deep down I know it. Deep down I know what to do.
A2: We’ll do it together. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
A1 & A2 exit.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
Monday, February 2, 2009
Crazy Love
By Steve Conley
(Person 1 comes rushing into the room)
Person 1: Person 2 I just did the craziest thing you have ever seen!
Person 2: Really? What is it?
Person 1: Guess.
Person 2: Okay, you ran outside without your coat on?
Person 1: No, although that’s pretty insane though. Think more in line of a radical God thing.
Person 2: Alright, you said the Pledge of Allegiance and kept the words “under God” in it?
Person 1: No, but that’s awesome! Okay, I can’t wait, I’ve got to tell you. …I’m so excited!!
Person 2: What? You’re killing me!!
Person 1: I left a Bible tract in the bathroom stall at Wal-Mart!
Person 2: No way!
Person 1: Yes, way!
Person 2: You’re so brave!
Person 1: I know. But when you are crazy in love with Jesus you will do anything!!
Person 2: I’m with you sister! Just yesterday when I was eating lunch at Mickey D’s, I prayed before I dug in to my quarter pounder!
Person 1: Whoa! You prayed in a restaurant?
Person 2: Yes! I bowed my head and everything. I just thought to myself… I’m going for it!
Person 1: Did anyone see you?
Person 2: Oh yea! This little kid playing in the kid’s area. Looked right to the window at me! He even made a face at me!
Person 1: Ahhh, you’re kidding?
Person 2: Yeah, ya know. Sometimes you just gotta suffer for Jesus. Pick up your cross even if someone makes fun of you.
Person 1: That’s crazy!
Person 2: You better believe that’s crazy!
Person 1: I remember the time when I fell in love with God. How everything in my life seemed to change. That’s exactly how lives should change, if we truly fall in love with God.
Person 2: The problem with some Christians is they need to realize who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is. Because when you're crazy in love with someone, it changes everything in your life.
Person 1: My life changed! I would have never left a tract in the bathroom if I had not been changed like that.
Person 2: You know it!
Person 1: A lot of people live caught up in themselves. It's crazy that they think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. Do they live with the idea that perhaps today they might die? Life is all about God and not about us at all.
Person 2: That’s exactly what I was talking about to my small group. God is numero uno!
Person 1: What would that group do without you?
Person 2: Go on.
Person 1: You are so the man!
Person 2: It’s all about me baby! All about me!
Person 1: They’re so lucky.
Person 2: Ya know. The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. I try and tell them do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world?
Person 1: Hopefully they’ll get it one day!
Person 2: Like-you-and-I!
Person 1: Remember the parable of the soils. People shouldn’t assume they are good soil! Most American churchgoers have thorns that choke any seed that is in them.
Person 2: Listen, a relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sin, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it.
Person 1: Money! We give, we tithe!
Person 2: When we can!
Person 1: And Sin?
Person 2: Under the rug!
Person 1: Activities? We have no activities!
Person 2: We’re too busy doing everything else to have activities!
Person 1: And sports teams?
Person 2: We’ll, everyone knows you can make an exception every once in awhile.
Person 1: Addictions?
Person 2: Just say no!
Person 1: Commitments?
Person 2: You, my dear, are my only commitment!
Person 1: Jesus clearly states over and over he wants all or nothing.
Person 2: We can not give him leftovers, we can’t give him only what doesn't hurt us or only what doesn't put us at risk. Leftovers are for lunch not for Jesus!
Person 1: You were so brave praying at lunch the other day.
Person 2: (looking humbled) I know.
Person 1: We need to tell the world that when you're crazy in love with someone, it changes everything.
Person 2: God wants us to trust Him. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in crazy situations. Just like you Person 1. What if someone had seen you leave that tract? They might have attacked you right there in the bathroom stall!
Person 1: Listen, if that glass had not been there separating you and that little boy… well, I’d hate to think what might have happened.
Person 2: Ya know, Christians should be obsessed with Jesus. They should care more about the Kingdom more than our own lives being shielded from pain or distress. They should live their lives connected with the poor…
Person 1: …we’ve watched the TV commercials!
Person 2: We do things that don't make sense in terms of success or wealth…
Person 1: …we bought the big house because we like to entertain our Christian friends and needed the extra room.
Person 2: We seek humility…
Person 1: …we are so humble.
Person 2: We take joy in loving people. We are known as givers…
Person 1: …I give my time! I go to church on Sunday! And you didn’t even make change in the offering plate last Sunday!
Person 2: I know. Something inside me said, “Person 2, let that quarter go.”
Person 1: We should be committed to live each day as if it is our last before we meet Jesus. Everyone should view a bathroom stall as a battleground!
Person 2: I wish everyone had that kind of crazy love like we have.
Person 1: I wish that to Person 2. I wish that to.
(If you use... give credit where credit is due)
(Person 1 comes rushing into the room)
Person 1: Person 2 I just did the craziest thing you have ever seen!
Person 2: Really? What is it?
Person 1: Guess.
Person 2: Okay, you ran outside without your coat on?
Person 1: No, although that’s pretty insane though. Think more in line of a radical God thing.
Person 2: Alright, you said the Pledge of Allegiance and kept the words “under God” in it?
Person 1: No, but that’s awesome! Okay, I can’t wait, I’ve got to tell you. …I’m so excited!!
Person 2: What? You’re killing me!!
Person 1: I left a Bible tract in the bathroom stall at Wal-Mart!
Person 2: No way!
Person 1: Yes, way!
Person 2: You’re so brave!
Person 1: I know. But when you are crazy in love with Jesus you will do anything!!
Person 2: I’m with you sister! Just yesterday when I was eating lunch at Mickey D’s, I prayed before I dug in to my quarter pounder!
Person 1: Whoa! You prayed in a restaurant?
Person 2: Yes! I bowed my head and everything. I just thought to myself… I’m going for it!
Person 1: Did anyone see you?
Person 2: Oh yea! This little kid playing in the kid’s area. Looked right to the window at me! He even made a face at me!
Person 1: Ahhh, you’re kidding?
Person 2: Yeah, ya know. Sometimes you just gotta suffer for Jesus. Pick up your cross even if someone makes fun of you.
Person 1: That’s crazy!
Person 2: You better believe that’s crazy!
Person 1: I remember the time when I fell in love with God. How everything in my life seemed to change. That’s exactly how lives should change, if we truly fall in love with God.
Person 2: The problem with some Christians is they need to realize who God is, how "crazy" his love for us is. Because when you're crazy in love with someone, it changes everything in your life.
Person 1: My life changed! I would have never left a tract in the bathroom if I had not been changed like that.
Person 2: You know it!
Person 1: A lot of people live caught up in themselves. It's crazy that they think today is just a normal day to do whatever we want with. Do they live with the idea that perhaps today they might die? Life is all about God and not about us at all.
Person 2: That’s exactly what I was talking about to my small group. God is numero uno!
Person 1: What would that group do without you?
Person 2: Go on.
Person 1: You are so the man!
Person 2: It’s all about me baby! All about me!
Person 1: They’re so lucky.
Person 2: Ya know. The greatest good on this earth is God. Period. I try and tell them do you believe that God is the greatest thing you can experience in the whole world?
Person 1: Hopefully they’ll get it one day!
Person 2: Like-you-and-I!
Person 1: Remember the parable of the soils. People shouldn’t assume they are good soil! Most American churchgoers have thorns that choke any seed that is in them.
Person 2: Listen, a relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, sin, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions, or commitments are piled on top of it.
Person 1: Money! We give, we tithe!
Person 2: When we can!
Person 1: And Sin?
Person 2: Under the rug!
Person 1: Activities? We have no activities!
Person 2: We’re too busy doing everything else to have activities!
Person 1: And sports teams?
Person 2: We’ll, everyone knows you can make an exception every once in awhile.
Person 1: Addictions?
Person 2: Just say no!
Person 1: Commitments?
Person 2: You, my dear, are my only commitment!
Person 1: Jesus clearly states over and over he wants all or nothing.
Person 2: We can not give him leftovers, we can’t give him only what doesn't hurt us or only what doesn't put us at risk. Leftovers are for lunch not for Jesus!
Person 1: You were so brave praying at lunch the other day.
Person 2: (looking humbled) I know.
Person 1: We need to tell the world that when you're crazy in love with someone, it changes everything.
Person 2: God wants us to trust Him. He wants to show us how He works and cares for us. He doesn't call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in crazy situations. Just like you Person 1. What if someone had seen you leave that tract? They might have attacked you right there in the bathroom stall!
Person 1: Listen, if that glass had not been there separating you and that little boy… well, I’d hate to think what might have happened.
Person 2: Ya know, Christians should be obsessed with Jesus. They should care more about the Kingdom more than our own lives being shielded from pain or distress. They should live their lives connected with the poor…
Person 1: …we’ve watched the TV commercials!
Person 2: We do things that don't make sense in terms of success or wealth…
Person 1: …we bought the big house because we like to entertain our Christian friends and needed the extra room.
Person 2: We seek humility…
Person 1: …we are so humble.
Person 2: We take joy in loving people. We are known as givers…
Person 1: …I give my time! I go to church on Sunday! And you didn’t even make change in the offering plate last Sunday!
Person 2: I know. Something inside me said, “Person 2, let that quarter go.”
Person 1: We should be committed to live each day as if it is our last before we meet Jesus. Everyone should view a bathroom stall as a battleground!
Person 2: I wish everyone had that kind of crazy love like we have.
Person 1: I wish that to Person 2. I wish that to.
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