Forgivable: Acknowledge

Change follows apology. At least, it should! When we seek forgiveness through our confessions and apologies, the next step in being forgivable is to work towards change. In fact, an apology without a change in behavior isn’t really an apology at all. Apology implies change.

So, we have been considering change for the past two weeks in worship. Specifically,

• How does change happen?
• Where does change begin?
• What are the steps to create meaningful change in our lives?
• What does scripture say about change?

Saul (Paul) has been our guide as he stumbles into dramatic life change on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9). As Saul’s story begins, he shows us where change begins.

AWARENESS

Change begins with an awareness. For Saul, this awareness manifests through a blinding flash of light. When it comes to change,

You cannot change what you cannot see!

Saul must see something new in order to change. And the flash of light forces Saul to see what he has not yet seen, that is, the impact of his persecution and the call of God upon his life. Check out the incredible irony in this story: Even as Saul goes blind from the light, he can now see that something is happening to him. And this leads Saul to the next step in the process of change.

Questions for Awareness:

• What do I see?
• What do I see that I have not seen before?

INFORMATION GATHERING

Just because you are aware of something does not mean you see everything! Awareness is only the beginning of change. In order to see the big picture, in order to see clearly, we need to gather more information and begin to learn. We need to get curious and learn about our actions. We need to learn about how others have been affected by our words and actions. So, we begin asking questions, just like Saul.

Saul asks: ” Who are you, Lord?”

Saul becomes aware through that blinding light, and then he gets curious. What is happening? Who is doing this? What is this light about?

By asking questions and gathering information, we begin to see more. We begin to see what we have not yet seen.

Questions for Information Gathering:

• What do I need to learn more about?
• What do I think about what I am learning?

It’s All About Acknowledgment

Both Awareness and Information Gathering are all about Acknowledging our mistakes, messes, failings and faults. If we do not acknowledge what we have done, then we can never move on towards the life God wants for us.

This past Sunday we looked at the next two steps to creating change in our lives when we apologize. Look for a blog next week about those two steps in change and in the meantime check out Sunday’s message on those two steps below.

Did you miss Sunday’s worship? Catch our Outdoor Worship here:

This Week at Hood:

Thursday, April 7 – AM: Ladles of Love Meal Preparation & Delivery (contact church office to volunteer)
Friday, April 8 – No Noon Devotion & Prayer Time
Sunday, April 10 – 10:30 am Palm Sunday Worship (Children are invited to process with palms)
Sunday, April 10 – After Worship: Lenten Soup Lunch & Bible Study
Sunday, April 10 – 1:30 pm Live Last Supper Rehearsal

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Holy Week

Monday, April 11 – 12 noon Devotion & Prayer Time (Online & Free Conference Call 563-999-1222)
Wednesday, April 13 – 12 noon Bible Study of Proverbs & Prayer Time
Wednesday, April 13 – 6:00 pm Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday, April 13 – 6:30 pm Live Last Supper Rehearsal
Thursday, April 14 – AM Ladles of Love Meal Preparation & Delivery (contact church office to volunteer)
Thursday, April 14 – 7:30 pm Live Last Supper (Maundy Thursday Service)
Friday, April 15 – 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm Live Last Supper (Good Friday Service)
Saturday, April 16 – 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Easter Egg Hunt Family Event
Sunday, April 17 – 10:30 am Easter Worship