From the Desk of the Lay Director – Feb. 2014

New Creation2For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.  And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.  ~ 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

Surrender, freedom and strongholds are three words I have heard a lot about in the past month or so. Ryan Smallwood led us through a series about breaking through strongholds, surrendering ourselves to God and finding freedom. I made a statement in last month’s newsletter about the “old” me still being in there and coming out sometimes. I know the reason that is true is because I haven’t fully surrendered that part of myself in obedience to God’s word and will for me. That is one of my strongholds.

Why do I continue to hold on to something that takes me to a place that I don’t want to be? Why can’t I just let it go and move forward? If I am being honest with myself, I believe it is because I am afraid to. See “that” guy keeps me from being hurt too deeply. “That” guy is the “tough guy” who can handle anything and give it back, in spades. “That” guy is who I have been hiding behind since sometime in the second grade to cope with bullies, rejection, etc. “That” guy is the devil sitting on my left shoulder while the angel sits on the right.

I am trying very diligently to make some more changes in my life to completely erase “that” guy. I am trying to learn to completely lean on Jesus and live out the scripture that tells me I am a NEW creation, the old is gone, the new has come! So, here is the “new” me, again, ready and willing to step out of my old shell and old self to continue to become who God is calling me to be. Praying that some of you will join me. Let’s all take off our masks and be real with one another. This is me doing that for you. Who’s with me?

DeColores!
Love and Blessings,
Chad Oglesby