Anyway... This week at YWAM UMDTS has certainly been one to remember. From amazing teachings to going to a couple of outreaches (one of which is a new one that I think God is calling me to). On Tuesday I went to a local pub and showcased how much we all need Jesus through music at an open mic night. The pub graciously let me do five songs (It was too turnt) and I will for sure be returning every Tuesday as long as they allow me.
My amazing leader Jeanine and I will also be going into the city to make beautiful music for an open mic on a slightly larger scale. Praying that there will be some hearts will be called to Jesus this evening. That is what it is all about anyway. Everything is about glorifying our Almighty Lord and Savior Jesus. Then on Wednesday I had the opportunity of going with a couple of my leaders to a wonderful local church and work with the youth group (middle school age mostly). It was a wonderful night of beginning to build relationships with these younger kids. After a message by the youth leader, we proceeded to play a rather intense hour or so worth of dodgeball. I am beyond grateful to be able to plug into the local community here in Derby. God is already using me in the churches here to help younger people grow in their relationship with Him. I absolutely love it here. God has blessed me with such an amazing group of people that surround me. I am just thankful for everyone here at YWAM Derby.
This week in lectures we went through and looked at what the holy scriptures tell us about the character and nature of God and looked at hearing God's voice. Hearing God's voice was actually from the wonderful teachings of YWAM Derby's very own Coach Clarence. If you read this Clarence, you did a very marvelous job. Your teachings on being prophetic to specially edify the church were powerful and incredibly encouraging.
It was all a brilliant reminder of how truly amazing, powerful, almighty, loving, righteously wrathful, and glorious God really is. From looking at His unchanging nature, omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, the first few days of this week surrounded around the character and nature of God were truly ones I will never forget. One that really stuck out was when we looked at God's holiness. Francis Chan once said, "It is about actually becoming more like Him." That's so true. God is holy and we are made directly in His image, therefore it is something we are to pursue. We looked at God's holiness in relation to us throughout the scriptures. One that really stuck out to me was in Hebrews 12:14
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see The Lord." (ESV)
The NAS version says: "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see The Lord."
In this particular epistle pursuing sanctification is explained as two different things:
1. A drawing near to God with full faith and a cleansed conscience. Now let's look back to Hebrews 10:19-25 we see that the writer is giving a summary of the arguments for the "superiority of Christ's priestly ministry." Particularly, verse 10:22 relates to what we just looked at 12:14. "Let us draw near..." Let us draw near. Yes. pursue holiness. Draw near to Him. We have already learned from the book of James in 4:8: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts..." We must draw near to Him.
2. A genuine acceptance of Christ as the savior and sacrifice for sin, bringing the sinner into fellowship with God. Think about this. "Unbelievers will not be drawn to accept Christ if believers' lives do not demonstrate the qualities God desires, including peace and holiness." (John MacArthur)
I mean, it says it straight up in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
"...but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also holy in all your behavior; because it is written "You shall be holy for I am holy."
There is no second guessing it. We are called to pursue holiness as Christ is holy. We are to practice a holy manner of living because we are directly associated with the holy Hod and must treat Him and His Word with respect and reverence. We therefore will glorify Him the best by being like Him. Verse 17 basically goes on to say that "if you address as Father..." (If you are a Christian) you are to respect God and during your time on earth, you will long to honor the heavenly Father.
For me that was all just incredibly encouraging and really just lit a fire in me to further pursue
Christ-like characteristics diligently. I am so grateful for everything so far here in Derby. It has only been two weeks and I am already learning so much. I realize that I have only but scratched the surface of who God truly is and what His will for me is. He has been speaking directly to me so much these past days through His word, others, and in prophetic ways. I am just overjoyed. Did I also mention that the English know how to cook? The food here is amazing. Except they like to put mayonnaise on their salads?? I don't know what that is about... As the great philosopher Jimmy Fallon would say, "Ew."
Well I love you all and look forward to sharing more with you next week! Everyone have a blessed week and pursue His holiness as He was holy. I love you Rachel! Also, did I mention how just absolutely beautiful the views are in this country? Georgia needs to step its game up.
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