My prayer is that I become the person God, in all His glory, created me to be. My prayer is that God shapes me and forms be to be like Him and His precious, ever loving Son. These are hard prayers; especially when God takes you up on it.
My own ability to criticize, judge, and blatantly think I know better than the next person amazes me at time. Thankfully, God is a polite, gentle, understanding God. He teaches me lessons one-on-one rather than in front of a large group. (Most of the time.) He teaches me lessons in little ways rather than big wammies. (Most of the time.) He teaches me lessons because He knows me better than myself. (All of the time.) He teaches me lessons because He loves me. (All of the time.)
I know these lessons are for my own good, so in spite of the pain and yes, the self-embarrassment, I will continue to pray these prayers. I will continue to strive to live like Christ. I will continue to go against the flow. I will continue to take a stand. I will continue to rely on God's Word and no one else's. And when I fail, which I will do, I will continue to get back up and take His hand, which He lovingly extends to me, to us all.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Life...
Much has happened in my life since I last posted. While I don't normally include a lot of personal details on this blog, mostly just thoughts, the events over the past few months seem too big to exclude. I'll share the extremely short version here.
After five months of working for my father in a new town, 2,000 miles away from my old town, my friends, and my family, my dad passed away from a sudden heart attack. He was 53 years old.
How do I explain that type of loss? I can't. From those around me I've heard the inevitable question: How could a loving God take a man away from his family so soon? How do I answer that question? I can't. What I can do though is continue to rely on the strength of the Lord, continue to walk on the faith that has never failed me before, and continue to love those around me as they move through their own stages of grief.
My God is bigger than death. I know this as a fact. My God is bigger than life on this Earth. I know that as a fact. When someone I love moves from earth to death, the pain is still there. But my God is bigger than my pain. I know this, although I may not always feel it.
Over the months since my father's death, my heart has healed somewhat. More important, my heart has grown. The love that I experienced from those around me and from those 2,000 miles away is the love of Christ. I hope to share that love as I continue down my path, as I continue fulfilling God's purpose for me. While I can't explain the events in my life, I know that if I let Him, God will use them to sanctify me, to make me more like Him.
I don't know why my dad died. But I do know my God is good, all the time. I know His love is true, all the time. So in the darkness of the night when sadness washes over me, I will cling to His light. I will cling to His life that He shares with me, and I will live for Him in spite of it all.
After five months of working for my father in a new town, 2,000 miles away from my old town, my friends, and my family, my dad passed away from a sudden heart attack. He was 53 years old.
How do I explain that type of loss? I can't. From those around me I've heard the inevitable question: How could a loving God take a man away from his family so soon? How do I answer that question? I can't. What I can do though is continue to rely on the strength of the Lord, continue to walk on the faith that has never failed me before, and continue to love those around me as they move through their own stages of grief.
My God is bigger than death. I know this as a fact. My God is bigger than life on this Earth. I know that as a fact. When someone I love moves from earth to death, the pain is still there. But my God is bigger than my pain. I know this, although I may not always feel it.
Over the months since my father's death, my heart has healed somewhat. More important, my heart has grown. The love that I experienced from those around me and from those 2,000 miles away is the love of Christ. I hope to share that love as I continue down my path, as I continue fulfilling God's purpose for me. While I can't explain the events in my life, I know that if I let Him, God will use them to sanctify me, to make me more like Him.
I don't know why my dad died. But I do know my God is good, all the time. I know His love is true, all the time. So in the darkness of the night when sadness washes over me, I will cling to His light. I will cling to His life that He shares with me, and I will live for Him in spite of it all.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
I Know I'm Filled to Be Emptied Again...
"I know I'm filled to be emptied again, the seed I've received I will sow." This is a line from the Desert Song by the group Hillsong. I love the entire song, listen to it here, but this line in particularly speaks to me.
In my life I've gone through ebbs and flows, valleys and peaks in my relationship with God. I've always (or for as long as I can remember) known there was a God and for the most part I've believed in Him and His goodness. Although there were certainly times when I didn't place my full trust in Him, that all changed about 7 years ago. I really started living FOR Him about 5 years ago.
Since truly, 100%, all out, no turning back dedicating my life to Jesus, the experience has been wonderful, the freedom amazing, and the change in my life phenomenal. God is full of blessings and love and friendship and joy and the list goes on. So if He's so wonderful, and fabulous, and amazing (and He is) then why would I ever not stay right next to Him?
If I'm honest with myself, there are times when I certainly don't spend the time in His word or with Him in prayer that I should to maintain our relationship. We've all heard this before. Just like any relationship, our relationship with God requires maintenance on both sides. Well, God is flawless so He always fulfills His end of the deal....it's us that struggle with time management, laziness, selfishness, and a host of other thorns in our flesh....or maybe that's just me.
Anyways, I've gotten somewhat off track. My point with the line from the Desert Song by Hillsong is that there are seasons in my life where I feel farther away from God. I would say at times I am in one of those seasons now. I'm in a place (physically, emotionally, and mentally) that I've never been before. I no longer have my group of friends to hold me accountable, a home church to keep me regular in worship, an accepted and recognized place in my community, or my dear sisters-in-Christ to meet and pray and cry and laugh in the Holy Spirit's presence (thank God for the telephone).
My point though is that in spite of the valleys I may find myself in, I believe that I have been filled at other points in my life so that I may be emptied at this point. There have been times in my life where I have been overflowing with the presence of the Lord and the effects of His presence. I know I'm still in the presence of the Lord now since He is always with us and promises to never leave us, but it is those times of fulfillment in the past that push me through these times of scarcity now.
Does any of this make sense? All in all, I'm so thankful for the undeniable love of our God. The blessings He shares and the amazing plan He has for our lives. I know I am exactly where He desires me to be. I know He is using me even if I don't realize it or can't see it in tangible ways. I know that all of the seeds I've received in the past are being sown now....and that there will be a time when I will be filled again so that once again I may be emptied for the mighty purpose of our Lord and Savior. Amen.
In my life I've gone through ebbs and flows, valleys and peaks in my relationship with God. I've always (or for as long as I can remember) known there was a God and for the most part I've believed in Him and His goodness. Although there were certainly times when I didn't place my full trust in Him, that all changed about 7 years ago. I really started living FOR Him about 5 years ago.
Since truly, 100%, all out, no turning back dedicating my life to Jesus, the experience has been wonderful, the freedom amazing, and the change in my life phenomenal. God is full of blessings and love and friendship and joy and the list goes on. So if He's so wonderful, and fabulous, and amazing (and He is) then why would I ever not stay right next to Him?
If I'm honest with myself, there are times when I certainly don't spend the time in His word or with Him in prayer that I should to maintain our relationship. We've all heard this before. Just like any relationship, our relationship with God requires maintenance on both sides. Well, God is flawless so He always fulfills His end of the deal....it's us that struggle with time management, laziness, selfishness, and a host of other thorns in our flesh....or maybe that's just me.
Anyways, I've gotten somewhat off track. My point with the line from the Desert Song by Hillsong is that there are seasons in my life where I feel farther away from God. I would say at times I am in one of those seasons now. I'm in a place (physically, emotionally, and mentally) that I've never been before. I no longer have my group of friends to hold me accountable, a home church to keep me regular in worship, an accepted and recognized place in my community, or my dear sisters-in-Christ to meet and pray and cry and laugh in the Holy Spirit's presence (thank God for the telephone).
My point though is that in spite of the valleys I may find myself in, I believe that I have been filled at other points in my life so that I may be emptied at this point. There have been times in my life where I have been overflowing with the presence of the Lord and the effects of His presence. I know I'm still in the presence of the Lord now since He is always with us and promises to never leave us, but it is those times of fulfillment in the past that push me through these times of scarcity now.
Does any of this make sense? All in all, I'm so thankful for the undeniable love of our God. The blessings He shares and the amazing plan He has for our lives. I know I am exactly where He desires me to be. I know He is using me even if I don't realize it or can't see it in tangible ways. I know that all of the seeds I've received in the past are being sown now....and that there will be a time when I will be filled again so that once again I may be emptied for the mighty purpose of our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thoughts on Life - Part 1
My thoughts on this fleeting life that we all enjoy. (Warning: This is slightly long.) Please share your thoughts as well.
1) We were all created by an almighty, all knowing, all present God
2) Each of us is a soul contained within a body
3) When we leave this Earth we will take nothing with us, just as we brought nothing
4) The almighty God that created us loves each one of us; those that know Him and those that don't.
5) He created us to have a real relationship with Him. A relationship that is more fulfilling than anything we could find on this Earth.
6) We have the freewill to choose whether or not to have this relationship. God will not force us because God is love and love does not force.
7) Deciding to have a relationship with God is easy! We are the ones who make it complicated.
7 (Expanded) All we need to do is admit (i.e. verbally say) that we are a sinner, which means we do things God's Word (The Bible) says are not right (i.e. lying, stealing, being selfish, conceited, or boastful; not serving others, being lazy or proud, and the list goes on) It's not that God wants us to live in a box, the opposite is actually true. He wants us to be free from the bondage that sin places on us (more about this to come in Part 2 ).
So to help us be free, God allowed His one Son to come to Earth to show us what it was like to truly love someone. Jesus did this His whole life and especially during the last three years. God then allowed his Son to die, showing the ultimate example of love – laying your life down for someone (more about his in Part 2 also).
So, back to making the decision to have a relationship with God. It’s about admitting need, admitting that you can’t do this world alone. Sure you may be able to survive but you won’t thrive – and who just wants to survive? Don’t we all really want to thrive?
God created this universe so He knows every stroke, He knows above anyone else how things flow. Ever feel like all the decks are stacked against you? Like you’re not going with the flow? Like you’re struggling to go up hill while everyone else is gently coasting down? Like the universe is out to get you? Perhaps it’s because you aren’t in touch with the Creator, the Great Road Map of the World. Having a relationship with God allows you to know which way the strokes go, how the current flows, where the mountains are. Trust me, it’s amazing! It’s like unlocking the key to the universe – or learning the code to the encryption, knowing the secret language. And the great thing is that God is a lousy secret holder! He’ll give the password to anyone that asks! That’s how loving He is and how passionate He is about us experiencing FREEDOM!
So, back to the decision (again). We have to verbally admit that we’re sinners, that we need him. We also have to admit that Jesus died for our sins. As God’s Word, The Bible, says, God required pure blood (a life) as an ultimate sacrifice. He sent Jesus to be that sacrifice for our sins. (No, I don’t fully comprehend all this – but I choose to believe anyway. More about believing versus understanding in a bit.)
When we admit that we are sinners and that Jesus Christ died for our sins, there’s just one more step – accepting Jesus as your savior. That’s saying – I need saving, I can’t do it myself, and I choose Jesus. Picture yourself drowning in the middle of a crushing river. Everything you’ve tried in order to save yourself has failed. You know the end must be near….you’re giving up. Then you see, on the bank of the river, a group of people holding signs that say: “I’ll save you.” Each person is wearing a name tag: Drugs, Sex, Work, Alcohol, Money, Friends, Family, and Jesus; they’re all there.
You could take the time pick through them all, to let them all have a chance to save you – but consider this, you’re drowning! The only one that can truly save you is Jesus. Sure the others may throw you a life ring that will keep you floating for a while – but eventually it too will fail. You know that don’t you? You know because you’ve tried them before, I’ve tried them before – we all have. That’s what is important to know. The main difference between those that have made the choice versus those that haven’t is simply that – we’ve made the choice to accept Jesus as our savior and to believe. We no longer depend on the undependable. The drugs, work, money, even our family….all of them will fail us eventually – but not Jesus – never.
We were all drowning just like you at one time in our life. Then, we hit rock bottom. Bottom may look different for everyone but it’s still bottom nonetheless. And that’s when we looked up through the raging river and saw on the bank the man named Jesus. Still standing there, all the others had left, had given up – but not Jesus, he NEVER gives up, He’ll never leave us, He’s always there waiting, just hoping you’ll reach out your hand and call His name so He can rescue you, so He can wrap His arms around you – you who are so precious to Him. You’re 47 years old? He’s been waiting 47 years and he’ll continue to wait. You’re 93? 93 years He’s been waiting. As long as you’re alive it’s never too late to make the choice, to accept Jesus as your savior and to experience the Freedom that awaits you.
Now let’s talk about believing versus understanding. Some folks reading this will say, I can’t believe in that because I don’t understand it. Why would God this? Why would God that? I don’t know how this works; I need more details, more facts. I need proof. Really?
Do you believe in shuttles going to space? Do you know all the details of how it works? Do you believe in computers? Could you create one yourself? Do you believe in electricity? Did you invent the light bulb? What about cell phones? Do you know all the logistics behind those? Get my point? I know a big difference between those examples and the God of this universe is that we can’t see God and yet….we can! As I write this, the birds outside are singing- that’s God. He made those. My sweet pup is laying at my fee t – again God made her. The sun is shining – God. Trees are swaying in the wind – God. Another great example: we believe in the wind but we can’t see it. We see the effect of the wind but not the wind itself. It’s the same with God – even though we can’t see Him, we can see the effects of God all around us – a new baby, a blooming flower, a majestic mountain, the endless ocean.
I know many people will also say – there can’t possibly be a God or if there is He can’t possibly be the loving God I speak of when so many bad things happen. You’re right that’s something I can’t explain and I don’t understand but, I choose to believe anyway. I choose to believe in something good rather than something bad. It’s my choice. It’s your choice.
My prayer (my hope) is that we will all choose to believe in a love undeniable. A love that will never judge us, never criticize us, never leave us. A love that covers over all wrongs and softens all hurts. A love that is the love of the creator of this world we live in. The undeniable love of God, shown to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. - AMEN
1) We were all created by an almighty, all knowing, all present God
2) Each of us is a soul contained within a body
3) When we leave this Earth we will take nothing with us, just as we brought nothing
4) The almighty God that created us loves each one of us; those that know Him and those that don't.
5) He created us to have a real relationship with Him. A relationship that is more fulfilling than anything we could find on this Earth.
6) We have the freewill to choose whether or not to have this relationship. God will not force us because God is love and love does not force.
7) Deciding to have a relationship with God is easy! We are the ones who make it complicated.
7 (Expanded) All we need to do is admit (i.e. verbally say) that we are a sinner, which means we do things God's Word (The Bible) says are not right (i.e. lying, stealing, being selfish, conceited, or boastful; not serving others, being lazy or proud, and the list goes on) It's not that God wants us to live in a box, the opposite is actually true. He wants us to be free from the bondage that sin places on us (more about this to come in Part 2 ).
So to help us be free, God allowed His one Son to come to Earth to show us what it was like to truly love someone. Jesus did this His whole life and especially during the last three years. God then allowed his Son to die, showing the ultimate example of love – laying your life down for someone (more about his in Part 2 also).
So, back to making the decision to have a relationship with God. It’s about admitting need, admitting that you can’t do this world alone. Sure you may be able to survive but you won’t thrive – and who just wants to survive? Don’t we all really want to thrive?
God created this universe so He knows every stroke, He knows above anyone else how things flow. Ever feel like all the decks are stacked against you? Like you’re not going with the flow? Like you’re struggling to go up hill while everyone else is gently coasting down? Like the universe is out to get you? Perhaps it’s because you aren’t in touch with the Creator, the Great Road Map of the World. Having a relationship with God allows you to know which way the strokes go, how the current flows, where the mountains are. Trust me, it’s amazing! It’s like unlocking the key to the universe – or learning the code to the encryption, knowing the secret language. And the great thing is that God is a lousy secret holder! He’ll give the password to anyone that asks! That’s how loving He is and how passionate He is about us experiencing FREEDOM!
So, back to the decision (again). We have to verbally admit that we’re sinners, that we need him. We also have to admit that Jesus died for our sins. As God’s Word, The Bible, says, God required pure blood (a life) as an ultimate sacrifice. He sent Jesus to be that sacrifice for our sins. (No, I don’t fully comprehend all this – but I choose to believe anyway. More about believing versus understanding in a bit.)
When we admit that we are sinners and that Jesus Christ died for our sins, there’s just one more step – accepting Jesus as your savior. That’s saying – I need saving, I can’t do it myself, and I choose Jesus. Picture yourself drowning in the middle of a crushing river. Everything you’ve tried in order to save yourself has failed. You know the end must be near….you’re giving up. Then you see, on the bank of the river, a group of people holding signs that say: “I’ll save you.” Each person is wearing a name tag: Drugs, Sex, Work, Alcohol, Money, Friends, Family, and Jesus; they’re all there.
You could take the time pick through them all, to let them all have a chance to save you – but consider this, you’re drowning! The only one that can truly save you is Jesus. Sure the others may throw you a life ring that will keep you floating for a while – but eventually it too will fail. You know that don’t you? You know because you’ve tried them before, I’ve tried them before – we all have. That’s what is important to know. The main difference between those that have made the choice versus those that haven’t is simply that – we’ve made the choice to accept Jesus as our savior and to believe. We no longer depend on the undependable. The drugs, work, money, even our family….all of them will fail us eventually – but not Jesus – never.
We were all drowning just like you at one time in our life. Then, we hit rock bottom. Bottom may look different for everyone but it’s still bottom nonetheless. And that’s when we looked up through the raging river and saw on the bank the man named Jesus. Still standing there, all the others had left, had given up – but not Jesus, he NEVER gives up, He’ll never leave us, He’s always there waiting, just hoping you’ll reach out your hand and call His name so He can rescue you, so He can wrap His arms around you – you who are so precious to Him. You’re 47 years old? He’s been waiting 47 years and he’ll continue to wait. You’re 93? 93 years He’s been waiting. As long as you’re alive it’s never too late to make the choice, to accept Jesus as your savior and to experience the Freedom that awaits you.
Now let’s talk about believing versus understanding. Some folks reading this will say, I can’t believe in that because I don’t understand it. Why would God this? Why would God that? I don’t know how this works; I need more details, more facts. I need proof. Really?
Do you believe in shuttles going to space? Do you know all the details of how it works? Do you believe in computers? Could you create one yourself? Do you believe in electricity? Did you invent the light bulb? What about cell phones? Do you know all the logistics behind those? Get my point? I know a big difference between those examples and the God of this universe is that we can’t see God and yet….we can! As I write this, the birds outside are singing- that’s God. He made those. My sweet pup is laying at my fee t – again God made her. The sun is shining – God. Trees are swaying in the wind – God. Another great example: we believe in the wind but we can’t see it. We see the effect of the wind but not the wind itself. It’s the same with God – even though we can’t see Him, we can see the effects of God all around us – a new baby, a blooming flower, a majestic mountain, the endless ocean.
I know many people will also say – there can’t possibly be a God or if there is He can’t possibly be the loving God I speak of when so many bad things happen. You’re right that’s something I can’t explain and I don’t understand but, I choose to believe anyway. I choose to believe in something good rather than something bad. It’s my choice. It’s your choice.
My prayer (my hope) is that we will all choose to believe in a love undeniable. A love that will never judge us, never criticize us, never leave us. A love that covers over all wrongs and softens all hurts. A love that is the love of the creator of this world we live in. The undeniable love of God, shown to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. - AMEN
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Living Simply - Yet Focused
I recently read this devotion from Oswald Chambers in his book My Utmost for His Highest (a fabulous daily devotional). It was a good reminder for someone like me that strives to live in the center of God's will and to do His work that the most important thing I need to do is spend quality time with Him.
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin" - they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon - all of these simply are as well - yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, becuase of our own conscious effort to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, "Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me." In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually - just as "the lilies of the field."
The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and "the lilies of the field" - simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.
If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live - yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him."
I think the last line is worth repeating: If you want to be of use to God (which we do, right?), maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him (how awesome that Jesus Christ wants a relationship with us!), and He will make use of you every minute you live - yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.
Isn't that amazing! I so desire for my entire life to be a reflection of Him, like a shining light that is unaware of its brightness. We've met people like that haven't we? People that draw us in with warmth and love yet are completely unaware they have that affect. These people are close to God. These people spend time in fellowship with Him, study His Word, and submit to His will. May we all strive to continuoulsy move towards Christ and experience His Love Undeniable!
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin" - they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon - all of these simply are as well - yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God's designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, becuase of our own conscious effort to be consistent and useful. Jesus said there is only one way to develop and grow spiritually, and that is through focusing and concentrating on God. In essence, Jesus was saying, "Do not worry about being of use to others; simply believe on Me." In other words, pay attention to the Source, and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38). We cannot discover the source of our natural life through common sense and reasoning, and Jesus is teaching here that growth in our spiritual life comes not from focusing directly on it, but from concentrating on our Father in heaven. Our heavenly Father knows our circumstances, and if we will stay focused on Him, instead of our circumstances, we will grow spiritually - just as "the lilies of the field."
The people who influence us the most are not those who detain us with their continual talk, but those who live their lives like the stars in the sky and "the lilies of the field" - simply and unaffectedly. Those are the lives that mold and shape us.
If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live - yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him."
I think the last line is worth repeating: If you want to be of use to God (which we do, right?), maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him (how awesome that Jesus Christ wants a relationship with us!), and He will make use of you every minute you live - yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.
Isn't that amazing! I so desire for my entire life to be a reflection of Him, like a shining light that is unaware of its brightness. We've met people like that haven't we? People that draw us in with warmth and love yet are completely unaware they have that affect. These people are close to God. These people spend time in fellowship with Him, study His Word, and submit to His will. May we all strive to continuoulsy move towards Christ and experience His Love Undeniable!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
He uses all types....
Today on a corner in 'Downtown' Red Lodge there was a group of about 20 or some from Bend, Oregon and Absarokee, Montana. They wore sandwich boards with truths from the Bible on them. One man was 'preaching' to the passerbys and then commenced to play his guitar while others sang.
I passed by these folks as I was headed to a restaurant to grab a bottle of wine to take back to the office. (A closing time treat on a Friday afternoon....for more than just me.) I felt slightly odd doing this with this group right out front but not enough to forego my task. I briefly spoke to one guy with the group. He was originally from Korea and was with the Bend, Oregon group in some type of a missionary training program.
While I don't necessarily agree with their method of sharing Jesus, and while it certainly doesn't have an impact on me (although me and Jesus are already pretty tight) I have to believe that these folks felt led to share Jesus' love in this manner. I would hope that someone who truly follows Jesus Christ wouldn't set forth on a path of sharing Him unless that path was blessed by Him. I pray someone, at least one person, was positively affected by what they heard today.
Tonight at dinner I had an interesting conversation with a friend and my father. I pray the words spoken might have some lasting effect. Our conversation followed a lovely dinner with a few glasses of wine amongst the table. Quite different from the demonstration on the street today but the goal was the same - to share the undeniable love of our God, our Creator, our Friend...Jesus Christ. Again, I have to believe that God can work through all manners and methods. I pray someone, at least one person, was positively affected by what they heard tonight.
Both events were just a good reminder that our God, with His love undeniable, uses all types. Amen.
I passed by these folks as I was headed to a restaurant to grab a bottle of wine to take back to the office. (A closing time treat on a Friday afternoon....for more than just me.) I felt slightly odd doing this with this group right out front but not enough to forego my task. I briefly spoke to one guy with the group. He was originally from Korea and was with the Bend, Oregon group in some type of a missionary training program.
While I don't necessarily agree with their method of sharing Jesus, and while it certainly doesn't have an impact on me (although me and Jesus are already pretty tight) I have to believe that these folks felt led to share Jesus' love in this manner. I would hope that someone who truly follows Jesus Christ wouldn't set forth on a path of sharing Him unless that path was blessed by Him. I pray someone, at least one person, was positively affected by what they heard today.
Tonight at dinner I had an interesting conversation with a friend and my father. I pray the words spoken might have some lasting effect. Our conversation followed a lovely dinner with a few glasses of wine amongst the table. Quite different from the demonstration on the street today but the goal was the same - to share the undeniable love of our God, our Creator, our Friend...Jesus Christ. Again, I have to believe that God can work through all manners and methods. I pray someone, at least one person, was positively affected by what they heard tonight.
Both events were just a good reminder that our God, with His love undeniable, uses all types. Amen.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Seeing His Love in Everyday Ways
Our God is amazing and He loves us so. I love that He knows what we need, before we do (thank goodness.) I love the way things just fall in to place when you trust His plan for your life. And I don't just mean big things, although it's amazing when that happens. But little things too. You're at the store and you think to yourself, "I need X." You turn the corner, and BAM. There is X. On sale none the less. Our God is a God that loves a bargain. :) Or you're in that same store completely forgetting those two very important items you need, you turn the corner, and BAM there they are practically calling your name. Our God is a God that doesn't forget.
Since my recent move across the Country, God has revealed His love for me in new and amazing ways every day. Yes, He of course still shows me in the big ways. I still get to see the beautiful mountains each morning and the sunset each evening. I still feel the presence of His Holy Spirit throughout the day. Jesus is still the best financial, business, and relationship advisor ever. But He shows me in the small ways too. In the cute things my dog does to wake me up in the morning. In the funny things I do as I adjust to my new life here. In the people I meet. In the smiles I share. In the random thoughts that pass through my head. All of these work together to remind me that my God, our God is a God with a love unquenchable. A love undeniable.
Since my recent move across the Country, God has revealed His love for me in new and amazing ways every day. Yes, He of course still shows me in the big ways. I still get to see the beautiful mountains each morning and the sunset each evening. I still feel the presence of His Holy Spirit throughout the day. Jesus is still the best financial, business, and relationship advisor ever. But He shows me in the small ways too. In the cute things my dog does to wake me up in the morning. In the funny things I do as I adjust to my new life here. In the people I meet. In the smiles I share. In the random thoughts that pass through my head. All of these work together to remind me that my God, our God is a God with a love unquenchable. A love undeniable.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
What it means to be a Christian.
So, I know it means a lot of things to be a Christian. Ultimately, it means believing that God sent His only Son to die a horrible death on a cross so that we, a sinful people, may have a relationship with Him. It means that not only can we have a relationship with God, our Creator, but also with His Son and His Holy Spirit. Amazing.
But being a Christian also means living for something and someone other than yourself. I think that's the part of being a Christian that we so often miss. It means waking up every day asking how you can serve others. Not how they can serve you. It means asking God want He wants you to accomplish today, not decideding that on your own. I means surrendering your plans to Him, not trying to live in a bubble. As a Christian I hold this belief. (Although I'm definitely not saying that I act it out perfectly every day. Thank God for grace and forgiveness.) Amazingly, I have experienced the freedom that comes with walking a life of dependence on God rather than self. The lightenss in my step, the joy in my heart, and the smile on my face come from knowing I've placed my trust in the God of the universe, I'm living for something and someone far bigger than myself, I'm a part of a love undeniable.
But being a Christian also means living for something and someone other than yourself. I think that's the part of being a Christian that we so often miss. It means waking up every day asking how you can serve others. Not how they can serve you. It means asking God want He wants you to accomplish today, not decideding that on your own. I means surrendering your plans to Him, not trying to live in a bubble. As a Christian I hold this belief. (Although I'm definitely not saying that I act it out perfectly every day. Thank God for grace and forgiveness.) Amazingly, I have experienced the freedom that comes with walking a life of dependence on God rather than self. The lightenss in my step, the joy in my heart, and the smile on my face come from knowing I've placed my trust in the God of the universe, I'm living for something and someone far bigger than myself, I'm a part of a love undeniable.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
His Reminder
I am constantly reminded of God's undeniable love. It's amazing. Lately He has reminded me that no matter where I am in life physically, He has me there for a reason. So, instead of bemoaning my current situation, I should give thanks, praise Him, and look for the reasons He has me there. This is not a new lesson He's shown me, but instead one which I seem to have forgotten. I'm thankful for His grace and mercy that never tires of teaching me His truths.
As I start this New Year I am thankful for God's presence in my life. His undeniable love is what sees me through day after day. I pray this year in 2010 I can do more to share this love with those around me, so they too may know the joy and peace of Christ's Love Undeniable.
As I start this New Year I am thankful for God's presence in my life. His undeniable love is what sees me through day after day. I pray this year in 2010 I can do more to share this love with those around me, so they too may know the joy and peace of Christ's Love Undeniable.
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