I was blessed to watch the movie Soul Surfer this past week. It is one of the best movies I have seen in some time in the secular movie world. God was evident in the movie through Scripture and even praise songs at a church service. I must admit I was moved to tears multiple times. Reflecting on those tears and the movie itself has encouraged me to "surf my soul" and find the reason for those tears. These are my discoveries....
There is a greater purpose for every trial and struggle in life. We may not see it from close up, but in hindsight or when we view the big picture, we will see His hand in it all. Lately I have not been seeing the big picture. I have been confused and in a big struggle with work and relationships. I know when I step back and look that the Lord ordained for me to be here. I need to be the best cupbearer I can be in my job as Nehemiah was in his. I need to have a greater measure of grace with those around me and love them as Christ so loved us. I need to rest in His perfect plan and enjoy the journey and the growth through the struggles and the heartaches.
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord has more for me. This discovery comes with some regret. I know the Lord has another season down the road in which He will greatly use me in other avenues. I await that season with great anticipation for I know it will be one of much joy, growth, and eternal value. It is this current season where the regret is found. I have been given much in the ways of passions, gifts, and opportunities. I must confess I have not made the most of any of those. I have missed opportunities and left my passions and gifts dormant far too many times. I must make the most of every opportunity for the harvest is ripe and as is evident in the deaths around me, life is very fleeting.
I MUST use the gifts God has given me now. I MUST use the passions God has given me now. Will it be hard? Will I be tested and face adversity? Of course, but as was repeated many times in the movie, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me!" If Bethany Hamilton can lose an arm and get up again and use her passions and talents to minister to others, why can't I do the same in the face of my minor challenges?
I am convicted to pick up my cross today, to use my every breath, my every fiber, my every idea, and every word to spread the glorious Gospel and edify the church. May my remaining days be a fragrance of great, yet humble, service to the King. I lay my desires, gifts, talents, and passions at your feet Lord. Use them as You will.
I pray this be not only my desire, but the desire of many. The harvest is ready. Our world needs the hope found only in Jesus Christ. May we, like Bethany Hamilton, use our everything for His glory, and His alone. My hand is to the plow...
One Pure and Holy Passion
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me on magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your dicsiple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you, my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after you
To know and follow hard after you
To grow as your disciple in the truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lord to know and follow hard after you
And to grow as your disciple in your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing you my Lord
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you
Lead me on and I will run after you
This is my ambition, my passion, and I pray a deepening obsession. Oh Lord may all I desire be to run after the prize of knowing and serving You. May all else fade.
To God be the glory!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Oh To Be Dangerous...
As I contemplate the next season of life, I have been faced with a great question. Am I DANGEROUS? Are my choices and the things I am doing changing the world and ruining the plans and desires of the evil one? Jim Elliot has convicted me greatly through his life and his words. The following quotes seem to be so distant from my life and yet a great desire of my soul.
"We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "
"Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."
How harmless am I? Why am I on the sidelines so often? Get in the game Jason! I greatly desire to be that crisis man, to direct people to the King of Kings, and to change lives for eternity. I know the fear of stepping out in faith has kept me from being the dangerous man I know I should be. Do I not trust Him? The book of Joshua reminds us over and over to "be strong and courageous." Paul says that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2nd Timothy 1:7)
I so often feel inadequate. Why would the God of the universe choose to use me as a crisis man? I am so wretched at times and so impure. How can I yet be considered for His service? It is so easy to become crippled and stagnant when we feel inadequate or incapable. That thinking is all about us and not about Him. It is about my being a sinful man when it should be about His power and might. Oh Lord make me less that You might become more. Change my mindset that I may always look Heavenward! Through His work on the cross we are washed clean and made worthy to be His heirs and to serve Him for eternity. I must grab hold of this truth and rest in it.
I choose to throw off the fear and the feelings of inadequacy that hinder my service in the army of Lord of Lords. TODAY MAKE ME DANGEROUS! May that be said of us as the body of Christ. The harvest is ready and our world needs the hope of Jesus Christ. May we daily say "Here am I, SEND ME!"
Hasten your kingdom Lord! May we be found giving our all and holding nothing back.
I'll Give (Smalltown Poets)
yesterday i lived for me
and i was so alone as i could be
then i saw you and how you give yourself away
and i want to live for you today
i'll give; i'll hold nothing
i'll give and i'll hold nothing back
my love is a lot like me
wanting nothing less than everything
but i know you're the only love that's true
and only giving makes me close to you
my hands are open, so take what you see
and i keep nothing, hold nothing back for me.
"We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless," and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are "sideliners" -- coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous! "
"Father, make of me a crisis man. Bring those I contact to decision. Let me not be a milepost on a single road; make me a fork, that men must turn one way or another on facing Christ in me."
How harmless am I? Why am I on the sidelines so often? Get in the game Jason! I greatly desire to be that crisis man, to direct people to the King of Kings, and to change lives for eternity. I know the fear of stepping out in faith has kept me from being the dangerous man I know I should be. Do I not trust Him? The book of Joshua reminds us over and over to "be strong and courageous." Paul says that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2nd Timothy 1:7)
I so often feel inadequate. Why would the God of the universe choose to use me as a crisis man? I am so wretched at times and so impure. How can I yet be considered for His service? It is so easy to become crippled and stagnant when we feel inadequate or incapable. That thinking is all about us and not about Him. It is about my being a sinful man when it should be about His power and might. Oh Lord make me less that You might become more. Change my mindset that I may always look Heavenward! Through His work on the cross we are washed clean and made worthy to be His heirs and to serve Him for eternity. I must grab hold of this truth and rest in it.
I choose to throw off the fear and the feelings of inadequacy that hinder my service in the army of Lord of Lords. TODAY MAKE ME DANGEROUS! May that be said of us as the body of Christ. The harvest is ready and our world needs the hope of Jesus Christ. May we daily say "Here am I, SEND ME!"
Hasten your kingdom Lord! May we be found giving our all and holding nothing back.
I'll Give (Smalltown Poets)
yesterday i lived for me
and i was so alone as i could be
then i saw you and how you give yourself away
and i want to live for you today
i'll give; i'll hold nothing
i'll give and i'll hold nothing back
my love is a lot like me
wanting nothing less than everything
but i know you're the only love that's true
and only giving makes me close to you
my hands are open, so take what you see
and i keep nothing, hold nothing back for me.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Written In Stone
My mother shared the following story with me this morning through an e-mail that recapped the past year in the life of my father. Their joys, hurts, and struggles have been great in 2011. Death has taken loved ones to Heaven. Their bodies have experienced great pain and aches. Their ministry has had many mountains and valleys. Yet through it all they have maintained that joy and the hope of Romans 5 that does not disappoint. They have never stopped serving and putting others first and those things are written in stone. I pray the wind does blow away the pains and struggles that are written in their sand if it be His will. Perhaps His will is that those things in the sand will lead to more things of eternal value that are written in stone and stored as treasures in Heaven. Lord Thy will be done in my life and in the lives of my family and friends. Our stones are full for we are blessed. Continue to give us the grace and courage to let those winds come and wipe clean the sand. May we be found joyful as we seek and serve You. Lord increase our joys as our wills align with Thine.
WRITTEN IN STONE
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
HE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'
THE FRIEND REPLIED “WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR JOYS IN STONE.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
To God Be the Glory!
WRITTEN IN STONE
TWO FRIENDS WERE WALKING THROUGH THE DESERT. DURING SOME POINT OF THE JOURNEY, THEY HAD AN ARGUMENT AND ONE FRIEND SLAPPED THE OTHER ONE IN THE FACE.
HE ONE WHO GOT SLAPPED WAS HURT, BUT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING, WROTE IN THE SAND, "TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE".
THEY KEPT ON WALKING, UNTIL THEY FOUND AN OASIS, WHERE THEY DECIDED TO TAKE A BATH.
THE ONE WHO HAD BEEN SLAPPED GOT STUCK IN THE MIRE AND STARTED DROWNING, BUT THE FRIEND SAVED HIM.
AFTER HE RECOVERED FROM THE NEAR DROWNING, HE WROTE ON A STONE: “TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.”
THE FRIEND WHO HAD SLAPPED AND SAVED HIS BEST FRIEND ASKED HIM, 'AFTER I HURT YOU, YOU WROTE IN THE SAND AND NOW, YOU WRITE ON A STONE, WHY?'
THE FRIEND REPLIED “WHEN SOMEONE HURTS US WE SHOULD WRITE IT DOWN IN SAND, WHERE WINDS OF FORGIVENESS CAN ERASE IT AWAY.
BUT, WHEN SOMEONE DOES SOMETHING GOOD FOR US, WE MUST ENGRAVE IT IN STONE WHERE NO WIND CAN EVER ERASE IT.
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND
AND TO CARVE YOUR JOYS IN STONE.
"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
To God Be the Glory!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Your Grace Is Enough
Sometimes I can't help but laugh at the ways the Lord works. I find myself reading a book and then being immediately challenged numerous times on the very subject the book or the passage dealt with. Only our God has the ability to work such things for His glory. My favorite book of the past year was What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey. The main difference between Christianity and other religions is grace in the words of C.S. Lewis. I have been challenged to live out this difference in many ways these past few weeks.
God's grace is evident all around me and in me. It is only by His grace that I am alive. It is by His grace that I have my current job. It is even by His grace that I am single and waiting on the one He has to run the race with me. His grace is sufficient and all I need.
The question then is how do I breathe that same grace into the lives of others? I am far to oft selfish, prideful, and impatient. I like to see the faults in others instead of working on those that exist in my own being. I only like to give grace to those who give it to me. This is the antithesis of Christ's grace. He laid down His life and took up His cross. It was on that very cross as He called to His father to forgive and save the very ones that crucified Him. He forgives over and over no matter how deserving we are. Even more amazing is that He forgets and does not hold those sins over our heads.
The ball is in my court. Romans 12 reminds me that as far as it depends on ME to live at peace with everyone. I can not control the actions of others, but only my own actions and reactions. I can not wait for grace to be given, rather I must give grace and love unconditionally. I must look first to the needs of others. I must humble myself and wait upon the Lord for "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." (Ecclesiastes 7:8). I must remove the plank from my eye instead of focusing on the specks in the eyes of others. As it is written in John 8:6-8, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
It is for God alone to judge. Only He is righteous, pure, and able. That same pure, holy, just, jealous God shows AMAZING grace. May I be found doing the same as a humble servant, made in His image, and for His glory.
Let It Go - Newsboys
You are waiting on a beach
For a healing word to come
Maybe an apology in a bottle
Maybe a flare that says, "I'm sorry."
And the hurting leaves you numb
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You don't understand it
Let it go
You are waiting on a beach
This is where the east meets west
And as another sun sets on your anger
The darkness laughs, as the wound destroys
And it turns your prayers to noise
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
This bitterness you hide
It seeps into your soul
And it steals your joy
'til it's all you know
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
Beneath the cross
You hear His words,
"Father, forgive them,"
And you know
You can't understand it
Let it go
Who do you need to forgive (and forget) today? What bitterness are you holding onto? Forgive, forget, and live by the grace that God lavishes upon us. If grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions and yet we do not live it or give it, are we truly any different? Oh that we might breathe grace into the dark and needing world around us. What a pleasant aroma that would be to others and to the glory of the giver of grace and life. His Grace Is Truly Enough!
God's grace is evident all around me and in me. It is only by His grace that I am alive. It is by His grace that I have my current job. It is even by His grace that I am single and waiting on the one He has to run the race with me. His grace is sufficient and all I need.
The question then is how do I breathe that same grace into the lives of others? I am far to oft selfish, prideful, and impatient. I like to see the faults in others instead of working on those that exist in my own being. I only like to give grace to those who give it to me. This is the antithesis of Christ's grace. He laid down His life and took up His cross. It was on that very cross as He called to His father to forgive and save the very ones that crucified Him. He forgives over and over no matter how deserving we are. Even more amazing is that He forgets and does not hold those sins over our heads.
The ball is in my court. Romans 12 reminds me that as far as it depends on ME to live at peace with everyone. I can not control the actions of others, but only my own actions and reactions. I can not wait for grace to be given, rather I must give grace and love unconditionally. I must look first to the needs of others. I must humble myself and wait upon the Lord for "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." (Ecclesiastes 7:8). I must remove the plank from my eye instead of focusing on the specks in the eyes of others. As it is written in John 8:6-8, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
It is for God alone to judge. Only He is righteous, pure, and able. That same pure, holy, just, jealous God shows AMAZING grace. May I be found doing the same as a humble servant, made in His image, and for His glory.
Let It Go - Newsboys
You are waiting on a beach
For a healing word to come
Maybe an apology in a bottle
Maybe a flare that says, "I'm sorry."
And the hurting leaves you numb
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You don't understand it
Let it go
You are waiting on a beach
This is where the east meets west
And as another sun sets on your anger
The darkness laughs, as the wound destroys
And it turns your prayers to noise
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
This bitterness you hide
It seeps into your soul
And it steals your joy
'til it's all you know
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
He left his rights
Will you leave yours?
You won't understand it
Let it go
Will you forgive?
Will you forget?
Will you live what you know?
Beneath the cross
You hear His words,
"Father, forgive them,"
And you know
You can't understand it
Let it go
Who do you need to forgive (and forget) today? What bitterness are you holding onto? Forgive, forget, and live by the grace that God lavishes upon us. If grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions and yet we do not live it or give it, are we truly any different? Oh that we might breathe grace into the dark and needing world around us. What a pleasant aroma that would be to others and to the glory of the giver of grace and life. His Grace Is Truly Enough!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
My Thanksgiving
As I have sat and enjoyed Thanksgiving with my family and life long friends, I have been reminded again of how truly blessed I am. It is sad that for myself and many Americans it takes a special day to remind us to reminisce and be thankful for all we have and are. The past few months have forced me to take a look at my life; past, present, and future. As I have done so, I can not help but see the hand and providence of a wonderful God woven throughout my life.
After the turkey was gone, the games played, and the friends has said their goodbyes, I was blessed with some time to ponder this day and why I need Thanksgiving. Why should I be thankful today? Why should I be thankful tomorrow?
I am blessed with another day. God has allowed me another day to breath and enjoy the life He has created for me. I may not be able to run right now, but I can walk, sing, and rejoice. My God is greater, stronger, and He is a healer who is awesome in power. He gave the greatest gift of all that I might spend eternity with Him. While I got used to losing a lot in high school and college basketball, it always pained me deeply. It angered me. What a joy to know that no matter what happens here on earth, I have eternal victory over death and the grave through Jesus Christ. That in itself makes Thanksgiving a great day. May each breath of every day be music and worship to His ears.
I am thankful for where the Lord has me. I am truly proud to be an American and thankful for those who daily put their lives in harms way to give me that freedom. I am thankful for the freedom we have to worship and to fellowship. I pray that the Lord sends a revival to this great nation and that we are truly once again One Nation Under GOD. God bless America!
I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has given to me and the passions He has laid on my heart. They have driven me and led to into who I am today. I find true joy as I use them to seek and fulfill His calling on my life. I pray for greater opportunities to use these gifts for His name's sake.
I am thankful for my family. As I hear stories of broken families and of holiday drama in other families I can truly thank the Lord for a family who loves each other and who above all loves the Lord. They are a constant example of God's unconditional and sacrificial love. They daily set an example for me in life. As I see my mom and dad serve I am so proud and so convicted. How often do I serve only when asked and forget to simply look around for need? I must be looking for opportunities to serve rather than waiting to be asked. The need is great and the harvest is ready. Make me a servant like my parents Lord. I see the looks on the faces of neighbors when my parents show up to do a thoughtful deed spur of the moment. Christ is truly seen in my parents and I pray that in these holiday times I become a greater servant. As I serve may He become more as I become less.
I am thankful for the legacy that is being left. As I see my grandpa begin to fade I am saddened. My selfish, human nature longs for him to remain on earth. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He has a home in glory and he anxiously awaits the day he will see his Savior face to face for He has that eternal hope. I too long for that day when there will be no more pain and just the glory of the Lord. I think of my grandpa's life (grandma too) and wish I had spent more hours listening to stories. Life is fleeting, but the legacy is forever. The lives that have been touched, mine included, are immeasurable. I hope and pray that I leave that same legacy of service and love for His kingdom. I long to hear Him say "Well done good and faithful servant."
As this year has passed by quickly I have gone through many things I would not have chosen for myself. I have come to realize that I am thankful for His perfect plan. His plan is to prosper me even though I may not see it in the here and now. I look back on my life and hindsight truly is a thing of beauty. God has woven a beautiful story in my life. I have fallen time and again and made a mess of things quite often. The beauty comes in Him cleaning it up, washing me clean, and loving me as my Abba Father. My job may not be where I see myself, but it is where God has me for this season. My relationship status may not always be how I want, but it is where God wants me right now. Many of my friends have moved and it is not what I desired, but God knows and He has strengthened some of those very friendships through the miles and struggles. One of the songs I loved to hear my grandpa sing was Because He Lives. This song reminds us that because He lives I can face tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His faithful plan for my life to date will continue into the future and for eternity. In that I hope and promise I can truly rest.
The Bible is full of the traits of God though we can never really comprehend His majesty and power for His ways and thoughts are far above ours. He is our God, our Creator, our Healer. He is the beginning and the end. He is the friend of sinners. He loves us unconditionally with more grace and mercy than we can fathom. He is faithful when we are faithless. He pours out blessings on our lives from His immeasurable riches. He is always there and always listens. He knows every part of us even before we were formed. He is our strength, our salvation, and our shield. He gives us livingwater that we may never thirst. Above all He is our eternal Father and we are His children whom He dearly loves.
Today and everyday I choose to be thankful. Thankful despite hardships and pain. Thankful despite my plans falling apart. Thankful despite what the world may say. Thankful simply because He lives, He loves me, and He has a perfect plan. I can truly say from my heart, "THANK YOU!"
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
After the turkey was gone, the games played, and the friends has said their goodbyes, I was blessed with some time to ponder this day and why I need Thanksgiving. Why should I be thankful today? Why should I be thankful tomorrow?
I am blessed with another day. God has allowed me another day to breath and enjoy the life He has created for me. I may not be able to run right now, but I can walk, sing, and rejoice. My God is greater, stronger, and He is a healer who is awesome in power. He gave the greatest gift of all that I might spend eternity with Him. While I got used to losing a lot in high school and college basketball, it always pained me deeply. It angered me. What a joy to know that no matter what happens here on earth, I have eternal victory over death and the grave through Jesus Christ. That in itself makes Thanksgiving a great day. May each breath of every day be music and worship to His ears.
I am thankful for where the Lord has me. I am truly proud to be an American and thankful for those who daily put their lives in harms way to give me that freedom. I am thankful for the freedom we have to worship and to fellowship. I pray that the Lord sends a revival to this great nation and that we are truly once again One Nation Under GOD. God bless America!
I am thankful for the gifts the Lord has given to me and the passions He has laid on my heart. They have driven me and led to into who I am today. I find true joy as I use them to seek and fulfill His calling on my life. I pray for greater opportunities to use these gifts for His name's sake.
I am thankful for my family. As I hear stories of broken families and of holiday drama in other families I can truly thank the Lord for a family who loves each other and who above all loves the Lord. They are a constant example of God's unconditional and sacrificial love. They daily set an example for me in life. As I see my mom and dad serve I am so proud and so convicted. How often do I serve only when asked and forget to simply look around for need? I must be looking for opportunities to serve rather than waiting to be asked. The need is great and the harvest is ready. Make me a servant like my parents Lord. I see the looks on the faces of neighbors when my parents show up to do a thoughtful deed spur of the moment. Christ is truly seen in my parents and I pray that in these holiday times I become a greater servant. As I serve may He become more as I become less.
I am thankful for the legacy that is being left. As I see my grandpa begin to fade I am saddened. My selfish, human nature longs for him to remain on earth. I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that He has a home in glory and he anxiously awaits the day he will see his Savior face to face for He has that eternal hope. I too long for that day when there will be no more pain and just the glory of the Lord. I think of my grandpa's life (grandma too) and wish I had spent more hours listening to stories. Life is fleeting, but the legacy is forever. The lives that have been touched, mine included, are immeasurable. I hope and pray that I leave that same legacy of service and love for His kingdom. I long to hear Him say "Well done good and faithful servant."
As this year has passed by quickly I have gone through many things I would not have chosen for myself. I have come to realize that I am thankful for His perfect plan. His plan is to prosper me even though I may not see it in the here and now. I look back on my life and hindsight truly is a thing of beauty. God has woven a beautiful story in my life. I have fallen time and again and made a mess of things quite often. The beauty comes in Him cleaning it up, washing me clean, and loving me as my Abba Father. My job may not be where I see myself, but it is where God has me for this season. My relationship status may not always be how I want, but it is where God wants me right now. Many of my friends have moved and it is not what I desired, but God knows and He has strengthened some of those very friendships through the miles and struggles. One of the songs I loved to hear my grandpa sing was Because He Lives. This song reminds us that because He lives I can face tomorrow. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His faithful plan for my life to date will continue into the future and for eternity. In that I hope and promise I can truly rest.
The Bible is full of the traits of God though we can never really comprehend His majesty and power for His ways and thoughts are far above ours. He is our God, our Creator, our Healer. He is the beginning and the end. He is the friend of sinners. He loves us unconditionally with more grace and mercy than we can fathom. He is faithful when we are faithless. He pours out blessings on our lives from His immeasurable riches. He is always there and always listens. He knows every part of us even before we were formed. He is our strength, our salvation, and our shield. He gives us livingwater that we may never thirst. Above all He is our eternal Father and we are His children whom He dearly loves.
Today and everyday I choose to be thankful. Thankful despite hardships and pain. Thankful despite my plans falling apart. Thankful despite what the world may say. Thankful simply because He lives, He loves me, and He has a perfect plan. I can truly say from my heart, "THANK YOU!"
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
What is my motive?
Today I was challenged to consider my motives for the things I do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 commands us to do all for His glory. What does all include? I oft forget this even includes my growth and my battle for freedom from sin. I fear that I have pursued these for my own desires and glory. I think my pride often gets in the way of His glory. I think I often think "What do I want to be seen as?" instead of seeking to truly live Matthew 5:16. My life, even in growth and battles, must be lived solely for His glory. In the victories, He gets the praise. In the defeats and struggles, I still praise Him. Psalm 79:9 reminds us that He delivers us for His name's sake and that he helps us for His glory.
Why would the God of the universe share His glory? Perhaps this is why our growth is stunted or why we fail at overcoming ensnarement to sin. Perhaps God is waiting for a transformation in our motives before He allows His spirit to transform us. In Judges 7, God trimmed Gideon's army down significantly. He did not want the Israelites to win the battle and take the glory themselves. If they were an army of few then they would see God's hand and the glory would be His. Again Psalm 115:1 says "Not to us, but to your name oh Lord be the glory." We must change our motives if we desire true renewal and transformation.
How can we see God's glory? God's glory was manifested in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-4 paints the picture of Christ as the brightness of God's glory. Our victories will be many when we cling to Christ, seek to be made in His image, and give Him ALL the glory. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 reminds us that true liberty is found where the spirit of the Lord is. When we grab onto to Christ, the veil is lifted and the Spirit brings liberty and transformation.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Our eyes must be fixed solely on Christ and our motives solely for His glory. Then, and only then, will we know and taste true victory and transformation. The victory is ours in Christ. Run the race in such a way!
This is my prayer for myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ:
Lord I confess my desires to make myself free and for growth are often so that others can see more of me. My desires have been to find my glory through freedom, growth, new relationships, and who I then would be. I confess that I have not been living Matthew 5:16. Lord I desire this change and this freedom that others might see your power over sin and that Your light alone may shine through me and into the darkness that others may come to you. Lord make that my sole motive and the true desire of my heart.
Why would the God of the universe share His glory? Perhaps this is why our growth is stunted or why we fail at overcoming ensnarement to sin. Perhaps God is waiting for a transformation in our motives before He allows His spirit to transform us. In Judges 7, God trimmed Gideon's army down significantly. He did not want the Israelites to win the battle and take the glory themselves. If they were an army of few then they would see God's hand and the glory would be His. Again Psalm 115:1 says "Not to us, but to your name oh Lord be the glory." We must change our motives if we desire true renewal and transformation.
How can we see God's glory? God's glory was manifested in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-4 paints the picture of Christ as the brightness of God's glory. Our victories will be many when we cling to Christ, seek to be made in His image, and give Him ALL the glory. 2 Corinthians 3:16-18 reminds us that true liberty is found where the spirit of the Lord is. When we grab onto to Christ, the veil is lifted and the Spirit brings liberty and transformation.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Our eyes must be fixed solely on Christ and our motives solely for His glory. Then, and only then, will we know and taste true victory and transformation. The victory is ours in Christ. Run the race in such a way!
This is my prayer for myself and my brothers and sisters in Christ:
Lord I confess my desires to make myself free and for growth are often so that others can see more of me. My desires have been to find my glory through freedom, growth, new relationships, and who I then would be. I confess that I have not been living Matthew 5:16. Lord I desire this change and this freedom that others might see your power over sin and that Your light alone may shine through me and into the darkness that others may come to you. Lord make that my sole motive and the true desire of my heart.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Approved Workmen Are NOT Ashamed!
I am reminded of my years in Awana as I read through 2 Timothy 2. I can hear myself singing that song in the high, squeaky voice I am sure that I had. It was so easy back then to not be ashamed of anything. As I grew up I was confronted with the norm of trying to fit in. I must confess that too often became my norm as well. Ah to have the faith of a child still, to be ashamed of little, and to not be so content to just go through the motions. That is my goal, my prayer, my cry...
I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions
(The Motions by Matthew West)
The second half of 2nd Timothy 2 is a great Godly "To Do" list. We are to live unashamed and to properly handle the Word of God (vs 15). Paul continually reminds Timothy to guard what is entrusted to him, to fan it into flame, and to unashamedly entrust and teach what he has learned and heard to others. We must treat the Gospel in the same manner. We must read it, memorize it (Psalm 119:11), and take it to the nations: to the ends of the earth.
Furthermore we are called to avoid quarreling and godless chatter. How different would we look to our world if we did not gossip and lived at peace with everyone as best we could (Romans 12)? This includes foolish arguments as well. I so often find myself in arguments where the outcome is of little or no value. I see this in the church as well. We split over things like musical preferences. We split over things we may not even know the answers to like predestination and the end times. Does God look on favor as His church, His bride, His body is divided? Think of the impact we could have on our world if His body, the church came together as one body under one head the Lord Jesus Christ!
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
We must flee the evil desires of youth in the same way Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. He left his cloak and ran. We can't wait around, we must RUN! Our character must have a foundation of righteousness, faith, love, and peace. As we teach we must not be self-righteous, but rather humble, gentle, and gracious. Are we not sinners ourselves? If we take the mindset of Paul when he said in 1 Timothy 1:15 that he was the worst of sinners that Christ came to save, perhaps there will be a different reception to the Gospel. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions. May we be found living as Timothy was instructed; peaceful, unashamed, and studying and teaching the Gospel of Christ properly and with gentleness and grace. What will our legacy be? Righteousness, faith, love, and peace? I pray that it is so in my life.
FIND US FAITHFUL
We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Steve Green
FOR HIS GLORY AND HONOR!
I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions
(The Motions by Matthew West)
The second half of 2nd Timothy 2 is a great Godly "To Do" list. We are to live unashamed and to properly handle the Word of God (vs 15). Paul continually reminds Timothy to guard what is entrusted to him, to fan it into flame, and to unashamedly entrust and teach what he has learned and heard to others. We must treat the Gospel in the same manner. We must read it, memorize it (Psalm 119:11), and take it to the nations: to the ends of the earth.
Furthermore we are called to avoid quarreling and godless chatter. How different would we look to our world if we did not gossip and lived at peace with everyone as best we could (Romans 12)? This includes foolish arguments as well. I so often find myself in arguments where the outcome is of little or no value. I see this in the church as well. We split over things like musical preferences. We split over things we may not even know the answers to like predestination and the end times. Does God look on favor as His church, His bride, His body is divided? Think of the impact we could have on our world if His body, the church came together as one body under one head the Lord Jesus Christ!
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
We must flee the evil desires of youth in the same way Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. He left his cloak and ran. We can't wait around, we must RUN! Our character must have a foundation of righteousness, faith, love, and peace. As we teach we must not be self-righteous, but rather humble, gentle, and gracious. Are we not sinners ourselves? If we take the mindset of Paul when he said in 1 Timothy 1:15 that he was the worst of sinners that Christ came to save, perhaps there will be a different reception to the Gospel. As C.S. Lewis reminds us, grace is the difference between Christianity and other religions. May we be found living as Timothy was instructed; peaceful, unashamed, and studying and teaching the Gospel of Christ properly and with gentleness and grace. What will our legacy be? Righteousness, faith, love, and peace? I pray that it is so in my life.
FIND US FAITHFUL
We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find
CHORUS:
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
Steve Green
FOR HIS GLORY AND HONOR!
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