Chosen Series: Part 4

I have procrastinated, for more reasons than I know to explain. But the short answer is this: As I stepped into the waters of writing a study of the condition of the feminine heart and the truth of scripture, I found myself severely lacking. And even that is my own perception. The truth is, even this procrastination has stemmed from my struggle of wanting to be worthy of being chosen. I have let fear cripple me, hold me in chains, keep me from moving forward. I fear that no one will approve what I say. I fear that no one will confirm that I am a writer, that I am not wasting my time. I have led myself to a mountain of expectations that I cannot possibly climb. I expect myself to be able to speak only the truth of scripture as I look at Peter's life. I expect to move past assumptions and questions and tell you only what is true and accurate and flawless. But, I am not a scholar. I have a thousand times more questions than answers. And so, I have hidden from this series, from you because I have been afraid that I would not be able to maintain a standard worthy of being chosen.

Now, I will write about Peter, about how I see myself in him. I will not dissect the original language. I may offer more questions than answers. But, this is how we learn. Questions. If we do not ask, we will not discover.

Through the Gospels, Peter is called a few different things: Simon Bar Jonah, Simon Peter, Peter-the rock, Satan. The last one seems a bit harsh, doesn't it? So many names, one might get confused as to their true identity. Peter must have wondered who he was. "Am I silly ridiculous Simon, son of a silly little dove(I learned a while back that Jonah means silly little dove) ?" "Am I a rock, worthy of the church being built on?" "Am I working for the enemy of my Teacher?"

When Jesus first meets Simon Bar Jonah, he renames him. Before Simon speaks a word, he is given a new name and a destiny. He says to Simon, "You are Simon, the son of John. But you will be called Cephas-which translates Peter".

What strikes me most in this exchange is the timing. Jesus did not wait for Peter to obey. In fact, Jesus had not even extended the invitation (or command) to follow him. So, then, is this how it works? Before we even begin to walk with Jesus, we are given our new name?  I think so. But, it's also important to recognize that Jesus wasn't giving Simon Peter this new name based on who SP was but rather on who he would become.

Let's sit with that for a while. In Christ, we have been given a new identity and destiny. And I would venture to say that most of us are not yet walking in our new name. But, it was not given to us based on who we are today. It is who we will become. It is who our Maker created us to be.

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Questions for today:

1. What are the names you have been called by over the years?

2. Have you been given a glimpse of your new name? Care to share?

I would love for us to answer these questions in the comment section. If you feel like you need to, you can always comment anonymously.

Happy Journey!
Erin

A Season of Change

This has been a summer of changes for me. The biggest and best of which has been the decision to join Bayou City Fellowship.  Aside from the brief hiatus in college, I have attended the same church since birth. It is a phenomenal church. I learned to worship there. I learned scripture. I learned to love the nations. And most importantly, I began my relationship with Christ. Most of my story has taken place at that church. But, as with every story, there comes a time when, in order for the character to continue growing, something must change. For me, in this season, that has been my place of worship.

I had known for some time that the Lord was calling me out from where I had been, but I was lost as to where it was I should go. And, now,within a week, I had two roads before me. One, a job in another city. It was a job that seemed a perfect fit, the one I'd been hoping for since graduating from Texas A&M. And the other road: join a team of people who were stepping into the journey of planting a church in Spring Branch. What followed was a couple of weeks of interviews, prayers, and waiting. Both roads were filled with promise and both were filled with challenges. I couldn't have even told you which of the two roads I preferred. However, when I was told the job would be going to someone else, I did not experience the sting that usually accompanies the closing of a door. Instead, I found that I was thrilled to know that I would be linking arms with a church full of individuals and families that from day one would seek to love God and love our city well. A church called Bayou City Fellowship.

BCF has been an indescribable blessing. Over the last few years, my faith had taken a bit of a beating. I had come to a place where I was not convinced of the Lord's goodness, and I was questioning if He was really worth my obedience. For several months before joining BCF, my prayer had been, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief." (Mark 9:24). And through this new community, The Lord has been answering that prayer. I have witnessed the Lord's faithfulness through Bayou City Fellowship and I can confidently say that the Lord has been doing just what I asked, helping my unbelief. As I have stepped into this new family, I have begun to see the Lord's faithfulness a little more clearly. In preparing for our launch on September 11th, we have, more than anything else, spent time on our knees asking the Lord to move. And I have seen those prayers answered. As we have prayed for healing, provision, vision, and opportunity, the Lord has answered. I invite you to come hear for yourself the stories of how He has healed, provided, given new eyes, and opened doors. I am blessed and honored to be a part of this church and I cannot wait to see what the Lord will continue to do in me, in Spring Branch, and in the world through Bayou City Fellowship. For His glory, for His Kingdom!

On the Market

213 Pershing

College Station, TX 77840

(Identified by the City of College Station Community Enhancement Division as one of the 2010 “Outstanding Residences” in the city’s historic district.)

PRICE: $397,750

 3 bedrooms; 2 baths

1,760 sq ft; 0.25 Acres

Property Details

Lot Size:            0.25 Acres

Lot Size:            10,875 sq ft

House Size:        1,760 sq ft

Year Built:          original construction in1947

Style:                 Traditional

Stories:              1

Garage:              1 attached w/double drive

Property Type:   Single Family Home

Neighborhood:  Oakwood Historical Dist.

Schools:             College Station Schools

Property Features

·     Well maintained lot with medium and large trees; walking distance to A&M campus and Kyle Field

·     Utilities: city sewer, city water, overhead utilities

·     Modern kitchen w/custom cabinets; slide out shelves in lower cabinets and pantry; (will leave all appliances: refrigerator, washer, dryer dishwasher, stove/oven, microwave, freezer)

·     Garbage disposal

·     Living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with laundry/utility room inside.

·     Side deck w/privacy lattice

·     Central heat and air conditioning

·     Wood floors under carpet

·     Tile floors in kitchen and baths (marble surrounds in tub/showers)

·     Ceiling fans throughout

·     Plantation shutters in formal areas

·     Modern (anodized) windows throughout

·     Gas water heater; gas heating unit

·     30 yr. composition roof

·     New 10’ x 12’ storage building in back

·     Sprinkler system

·     Garage door opener

·     Large enclosed attic storage room

·     Double driveway with brick feature in front

Tax History:  Appraised: $245,950;  Assessment: $194,592;  Taxes: $4,365 w/o exemptions

Viewing by Appointment Only

Contact:   Joe Woods   Phone: 281.556.8866   Cell:  281.467.2625   

Email: intl.pinpoint@sbcglobal.net