Smart phones are cool

(image from youversion.com)

The YouVersion Bible app just released a new feature; it will now play audio of Scripture being read by a professional voice talent! I discovered it the other night as I was headed to bed; I was so excited I laid the phone beside me on the bed and clicked play. It seemed like my alarm clock rang instantly and it was time to start the day. Groggily I realized my phone was still reciting Scripture—8 hours worth from where I started—Matthew to John. I was thrilled with the endurance of the app, but convinced I needed a better way to utilize it than letting it tell me bedtime stories while I slept.

So, on my commute to the office I brought along a pair of head phones and contemplated where to start. I picked 1st Samuel. It’s the Old Testament stories of Israel’s first kings—Saul & David. I have heard all the stories before—David and Goliath, David & Jonathan’s friendship, King Saul’s jealousy of David. But being able to listen to the stories connected together as one large narrative brought new richness and meaning I’d never seen before. These were real people who did real things. By the end of the day I had heard every word of 1st Samuel.

One of the strongest themes in 1st Samuel is the contrast between the personality of Saul and of David. Saul is an arrogant, selfish, popularity-driven man. David is “a man after God’s own heart.”

I noticed these contrasts:

David	Saul
Asks God for wisdom before action-every time! (and God answers!) Patiently trusts God’s timing Character-driven leader Honors Saul as “God’s Anointed”	Takes headstrong action and begs for forgiveness Desperately grasps at every “opportunity” Charisma-driven leader Seeks to kill David

These were so clear, but it’s much harder to see them when you just read a single story.

If you have a smart phone, you should download the YouVersion app too. I have already gone through more books of the Bible than I read on paper all last month, and I am seeing it in a whole new light.

[I don’t think just listening to the Bible read is a substitute for studying it, but it offers a great perspective. It’s also a easier way to start if you’re intimidated by the big words and time it takes to read.]

-Michael Degroat

The Three Reasons Why I love The Awakening of Fellowship Dallas!

Connecting to Community 
I don't know about most of you, but I'm not originally from Dallas. Moving somewhere new with no family close by and little resources to connect makes meeting people, especially Christ minded people, increasingly difficult. The Awakening was the social community I needed to make close connections and develop friendships. The Awakening is a wonderful place to meet people AND to chat with someone about finding the right type of group or smaller community to plug yourself into. For me it was a nudge in the right direction to start a small group for young adult women like myself. I have found wonderful ladies in this newly budding community seeing new faces every week!


Spiritual Growth 
This might seem obvious but I have seen significant growth in myself spiritually from the start of The Awakening. The community of people and the young adult pastor Phil, offer loving truth and genuine support to face those tough spots in life. I've grown through the focus on missions work and discussion on how the sermon is applicable in a young adult's life. 


Romance 
Let's face it; most people are excited to see a little romantic plot twist. Well mine started at the Awakening. I went in with some hurt and bitterness from past experiences. I endured unhealthy relationship patterns and they all drew me away from God. I had gotten the idea into my head that what I needed was to call myself to a celibate lifestyle especially after I met Geoff for the first time and noticed my attraction to him. Thinking that nothing good could come of this, God used the community there to help me work through some of the hurt of past failings and be open to God's plan for my life. That is when I saw Geoff again and one thing led to another. God has blessed me with a healthy, loving, Godly relationship with a wonderful man through the community of The Awakening.


-Joy Schrader

DISCUSSION THOUGHTS: Powerlessness

What do you do when you can't DO anything?

This past Sunday we had a great discussion about powerlessness.  We are in the midst of a series talking about the Holy Spirit and how he is active in our lives.  The question we talked about was "How do we see the power of God in our lives?"

We heard great testimonies of God's hand at work. I was struck by the authentic boldness of Joey to share his story of redemption through Christ from his past hurts and hangups. (Thanks for sharing, man.) Kyle talked about an amazing story of God providing $600 for a dental crown given directly to the dentist by an unknown donor, even when they did not make their need known. (Brush your teeth lately?)  I was also moved by Daryl's story of getting into a fender bender this week.  The person she "fender bendered" found out her situation, her ministry at Save The Storks and not only decided to relinquish her from payment, but also told her that he was going to get his Church involved in supporting her ministry financially!


God IS on the move and at work in powerful ways around us.  But, to answer the question we began with, the conclusion we arrived at was, "We must recognize our powerlessness to experience the powerful grace of God." 


The question I left you with as you walked into the worship service was: What powerlessness do you need to own, so that God’s power can be displayed in your life? Any answers?  What did the sermon reveal from our discussion?  How did our discussion prepare you for the sermon?


On Mission,
Phil


Phil Ogilvie is the Young Adult Pastor and the South Area Pastor at Fellowship Dallas.