“Live Redeemed”

“God’s highest aim in dealing with His people is in developing Christian character. He is after creating in us those rich virtues that belong to our Lord Jesus Christ. He is seeking to make us like himself. It is not so much work that He wants in us. It is not greatness. It is the presence in us of patience, meekness and submission to the divine will. He wants praying saints who bring everything to Him. He seeks to create His own image in us.” ~ E.M. Bounds, The Classic Collection on Prayer

I’ve been reading The Classic Collection on Prayer by E.M. Bounds, and was struck by the quote above that reminded me so much of Sarah. It’s something I tried to articulate when I wrote about what it means to #servelikesarah. We can be active doing many things, serving in many capacities, striving for spiritual greatness, but at the same time be void of the Spirit of God and lacking tenderness in obedience to His leading in our lives. The busy-ness of service does not necessarily indicate a heart surrendered and fully devoted to the Lord.

“For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:16-17 [NASB]

Sarah’s heart was consumed with longing to “be” who He had called her to be. That’s why her journals were full of challenges to herself to “Live Redeemed.” She longed to be transformed to the likeness of Christ through the renewing of her mind, so she regularly and consistently spent time in His Word and prayer, recognizing the transforming power of both. She understood the exceedingly high cost of her redemption and longed to live a life worthy of the calling with which she had been called.

“knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19 [NASB]

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1 [NASB]

With that in mind we chose the phrase she loved, prominently displayed on her laptop, “Live Redeemed” to go on the shirts, hats, blankets and decals we are selling to help raise the funds necessary to support a missionary for one year in honor of Sarah and her desire to Go and Tell. The funds will all be donated through The Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Offering.

If you prefer to donate rather than purchase shirts you may donate through Mount Zion Baptist Church here by designating it to “Lottie Moon Fund” in the drop down menu, or by mailing donations clearly marked “Lottie Moon Offering in honor of Sarah Harmening” directly to Mount Zion Baptist Church at 228 Mt. Zion Road, Huntsville, AL 35806.

The fundraising sale ends August 20th, 2017, thank you for considering the opportunity to help us send a missionary out to continue Sarah’s mission!

Even if you do not feel led or are not able to help financially we would very much appreciate your prayers that we meet our goal and are able to fully fund a missionary in Sarah’s stead to support and pray for in the year to come.

CLICK HERE to check out all the shirts, sweatshirts, blankets, hats and decals available