Ditching the American Dream

Every once in awhile you come across a book that is meant to inspire you to be a better version of you, and depending on the topic and the author, such a book can do a pretty good job at encouraging change.  Hmmmm.  I have read such a book lately.  Add to the equation that said book is powerfully written to glorify Christ and you have a deadly weapon of mass destruction (or construction) on your hands!

That is how I would describe RADICAL {subtitled: Taking back your faith from the American Dream} by David Platt.  This book not only encouraged me to change but has ruined my life...  I can confidently say that I will never be the same. You think I'm being dramatic? Let's just say it's not called RADICAL for no reason!  Here are a few great thoughts from the book:

"Instead of imagining all the things we can accomplish, we ask God to do what only he can accomplish.  ...Instead of dependence on ourselves, we express radical desperation for the power of his Spirit, and we trust that Jesus stands ready to give us everything we ask for so that he might make much of our Father in the world."


"The mega-strategy of Jesus: make disciples.  ...This raises the bar in our own Christianity. In order to teach someone else how to pray, we need to know how to pray. In order to help someone else learn how to study the Bible, we need to be active in studying the Bible. ...When we take responsibility for helping others grow in Christ, it automatically takes our own relationship with Christ to a new level."


"He (God) doesn't give options for people to consider; he gives commands for people to obey." 


"Give. Give generously, abundantly, and sacrificially.  ...Give because Christ is in you. Give because your heart has been captured by a Savior who has produced in you "overflowing joy," welling up in a "rich generosity."


"Everything in all creation responds in obedience to the Creator... until we get to you and me. We have the audacity to look God in the face and say "No."


"I don't want to be blind to these things in my own life. And I don't want to leave Christ behind. I don't want to pursue stuff- even stuff in the name of Christianity, of stuff in the name of the church- and in the process miss Christ and the pleasures he alone gives in a life free from bondage to the possessions of this world."

The author confidently and boldly makes much of Christ and clearly defines our eternal, global purpose and unravels the deception our entire Western culture has bought into through the American Dream.  I wish I would have read this years ago.  If it piques your interest in the least - run out and buy it today. You won't regret it! I can't say enough great things about RADICAL.  Which leads me to finish my thought I left you hanging with last week...

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

I want to obediently follow the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..."  Mostly simply, go.  Initially it was my heart to just drop everything and take off to any poor nation and preach the gospel, immediately.  I then regained my sanity (partially, at least!) and understood that I will go when God's timing is perfect.  I believe the time will be relatively soon, and I also believe that I will go to the nation of Brazil.  So far this is what He has confirmed in my heart.  Please carry this information in your heart to see if you may desire to assist me with fundraising for such a trip.  I would love to see you partner with myself and the Lord on this endeavor!

In the meantime, I still plan to obey, and go.  I have been invited to join an amazing group of women whose sole purpose is to pray, hear from God, and then go out into our community to do whatever He says to do, on a weekly basis.  Exciting, right?!?

Hope you decide to jump in with both feet and read RADICAL.  I pray it will wreck your life in an even greater way than it has mine!

Love,
J