This video is a response to an incredible book I recently finished reading by Mary DeMuth called Everything. In this topsy turvy view of the Christian walk, Mary dispels the myth that Christian growth results from a try harder life. To experience radical change we need a relational transformation - of our head, heart and hands. Every person longing for freedom from performance Christianity should read this book.
Her words challenged me. Her question begged an answer. Was Jesus really my Everything? Did I love him with head, heart and hands?
There was a time I could not have responded yes. Although I knew Jesus, I strolled with Him as a casual acquaintance. I knew the right answers at church. I could find all the passages in my Bible. I was faithful to my church and served generously. But my real, walk-around life stayed the same.
In 2002 I introduced my faith to a coworker. God used my shallow faith to deeply penetrate his heart. I witnessed a miracle. Everything about him transformed because Jesus was his everything.
I decided to admit that I was a long-time new believer. It was time to start walking with Jesus as an intimate friend. I gave myself the counsel I'd given countless others - to begin reading the Bible in the book of John.
It didn't take too many days before my eyes fell on John 5. There we find Jesus healing the man by the pool at Bethseda. He simply asks him, "Do you want to be well." I knew with certainty He was asking me too.
I blubbered a yes and began to take daily steps toward intimacy with Jesus. I talked to Him. I listened to Him. I read His word. I thought about His word. I walked around with Him throughout my day.
My marriage, my parenting, my home were all radically changed by the proximity of my new walking partner.
Do you want Jesus to be your Everything? Then read Mary's book. Your heart, head and hands will bear the marks of your journey. You can get your own copy here: http://amzn.to/yxEeaz
How would your life look different if you dared to let Jesus be Everything?
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Would you like to join Mary's video challenge? Click here to find out how!
Thank you for boldly sharing how He changed your life and encouraging us to examine ours! I will keep that book on mind after I finish these studies I'm doing. We are so close to a rivival as well as a mass fall away in this country! I know God is calling all His children to live our loud!
ReplyDelete"Live out loud" - that is such a call to action. Love it!
DeleteWhat a wonderful post and challenge. thank you for being so honest
ReplyDeleteand willing to share that..........Sounds like a great book. Will have to check it out.
and yes, there is nothing like living with Jesus as an intimate
friend, he is my everything too!
Blessings, Nellie
Nellie, I know you'll love the book. It isn't available until mid-October but you should totally preorder so you'll get a copy as soon as it is!
DeleteI love this! Hooray for your amazing walking partner!
ReplyDelete:) Isn't He just the greatest?
DeleteOooh...this sounds right up my alley! I'll be checking it out and I'm sure adding it to the "pile" of books backed up in my Kindle. :) LOVE your video clip. You are just beautiful, my friend. God blessed you with an amazing smile. It's contagious. I couldn't help but smile too.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you joined me in a smile. Smiling together is even more fun!
DeleteShannon, love how you shared this and what Jesus has done in your life!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deanna. It was such a fun challenge and I'm so thankful I read Mary's book. It was life-changing!
DeleteI love it! Can't wait to read on...
ReplyDeleteHere's a free sample chapter you can read now: http://www.scribd.com/doc/102473560/EVERYTHING-by-Mary-DeMuth-sample-chapter
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ReplyDeleteHi Shannon, I love your honesty. There are times we all have to check ourselves and be sure we really are giving everything to Christ.
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to start going through the motions isn't it. Thankful for His patience as I continue to grow.
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