No Turning Back

Today at church we sang I Have Decided to Follow Jesus:

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus;
   I have decided to follow Jesus;
   No turning back, no turning back.
2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me;
   No turning back, no turning back.
3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   Though none go with me, still I will follow;
   No turning back, no turning back.
4. It was written by a man who was threatened with death if he did not recant his profession of faith in Christ. And this was his response. I've been talking with new friends so often lately about how knowing the gospel doesn't suddenly enable you to make changes in your life; it's the gospel that changes you. Dead people can't do anything! But thanks be to God who in Christ makes us alive. And once you're alive in Christ, there's no turning back. 

5 thanks given today (I'm picking a top 5, because oh how the blessings overflow today)

1. Creativity in cross-centered worship. The only guideline for worship at our church is that it be centered on Jesus. So we get to see a lot of different people doing music a lot of different ways. Today was a party! 

2. New friends enjoying a potluck taco bar "better than chipotle" 

3. The gift of being able to make delicious food for others to enjoy 

4. People who understand that Jesus is the point of marriage, and that love for Jesus is the only thing that can teach two sinners to love one another. 

5. Being awake to hear the Sunday paper arrive with a thud and cracking open the door to grab it right away.