5. ECCLESIASTES 1 : 9 (THE MESSAGE):
What was will be again,
What happened will happen again.
There’s nothing new on this earth.
Year after year it’s the same old thing.
Does someone call out,“Hey, this is new”?
Don’t get excited—it’s the same old story.
9. MATTHEW 16 : 24-26 (THE MESSAGE):
Then Jesus went to work on his disciples.
“Anyone who intends to come with me
has to let me lead.
You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am.
Don’t run from suffering; embrace it.
Follow me and I’ll show you how.
Self-help is no help at all.
Self-sacrifice is the way, my way,
to finding yourself, your true self.
What kind of deal is it to get everything
you want but lose yourself?
What could you ever trade your soul for?
12. MATTHEW 16 : 24-26 (THE MESSAGE):
Here’s another way to put it:
You’re here to be light, bringing out the
God-colors in the world.
God is not a secret to be kept.
We’re going public with this,
as public as a city on a hill.
13. MATTHEW 16 : 24-26 cont.. (THE MESSAGE):
If I make you light-bearers,
you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you?
I’m putting you on a light stand.
Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand
—shine!
Keep open house; be generous with your lives.
By opening up to others,
you’ll prompt people to open up with God,
this generous Father in heaven.