God Loves You. Such a simple, yet profound statement. I've been comtimplating it lately. Thinking about the difference it would make in my life if I would let it sink into my soul and really live like I believe it. Here's what I've come up with.
God: the sovereign creator of the universe, all knowing, just, rich in every way. It's so big that I almost can't get my mind around it. How does one actually define God - He's everything good, without anything bad. And yet that hardly begins to do justice in describing Him. To sit in His presence is to be known in a way that strips away any preconceived idea. He describes himself as "I AM." To be honest, that about covers it. As a human to comprehend that it's enough to just "be" is almost impossible, and yet that's exactly what he tells us. I believe myself to be a secure person, but if someone were to ask me to describe myself, "I am" wouldn't come close to be the answer. That is ultimate security. That is who He is.
Love: 1 Corinthians 13 describes love eloquently. Love is patient and kind, not quick to anger...etc. Seems like way too much for me to live up to on an average day. We describe it as an emotion, but also a choice. We "love" ice cream, but we also "love" our family - I'm pretty sure we're not meaning the same thing about both. I sometimes get the feeling that we either put love way up on a pedastal or dilute it completely. As I've contimplated this - I've really tried to get a perspective on love. What I've come up with is that like God, love is defined very simply, yet perfectly. When God loves us, it is perfect. When we accept His love, we are accepting what we can not receive from any other. No, not even ice cream! God's love is secure and when we accept His love we are secure.
You: I've learned somethings about myself over the last several weeks that are quite profound. Specifically that the way I define myself is very different from the way that God defines me. I'm broken - whether as a result of living in a fallen world or the fallout of a dsyfunctional family - I cannot, in anyway define myself and come close to what God thinks of me. The harder I tried, the farther off I was. He brings me into complete clarity. Instead of dwelling on my perceived weaknesses, He is cultivating what He planted in me during my creation and I'm discovering that "I am enough." Go figure. When I allow Him to define me, He includes a definition of Himself. That's because I am created in His image. Even with all of my faults and shortcomings, because of Christ's sacrifice and triumph over death, I can walk without shame and in total security.
I hope you can see that God's love for you is perfect and when breathed in like a sweet aroma, and allowed to marinate your soul, you find a place of security that allows you to be who He created you to be. Belive it, live it out everyday in your life.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Celebrating the King
As Americans, it's difficult to relate to the idea of a monarchy. The idea that a single person could rule over us is foreign. In our democratic mindset, we think that "right" and "fair" come only from having a say in the matter. We have the opportunity to vote for our representatives, petition the courts, and, when all else fails, express our opinion on the air waves, press or internet. What a great country we live in!
We think the kingdom of heaven should operate the same way. But it doesn't it is a monarchy - with a very loving, fair, just King. This is beautifully demonstrated in the life he lived while here on earth. I was struck by this fact as I thought this week about the Triumphal Entry as we prepare for the Palm Sunday celebration. We know a big part of the story, as we have the benefit of reading God's word. And I'm struck by the fact that as Jesus fulfilled the scriptures and the Jews celebrated what they thought was the setting up of His earthly kingdom, Jesus looked further down the road.
We humans are so fickle! And Jesus knew it. As his disciples and "the whole multitude" were celebrating the kingdom as they understood it, the Pharisees were getting really mad and Jesus was simply in the moment. Looking with compassion on the people, accepting their accolades, knowing that among that group were many people who would call for his cruxifiction in just a few days. Jesus was here for a purpose. That purpose was greater than a short earthly reign. He knew that what those people needed, what we all need, is more than a temporary fix. We needed someone to pay the ultimate price and he was here to do that.
In my own life, I often define my success by my lack of trouble. It's difficult to stop in the moment and enjoy it for what it is. I'm often caught looking down the road to that next big problem that is lurking - just a few days away. Jesus deserved the praise and honor that they gave him that day. Regardless of their motives - those people were recognizing his position. Jesus was being obedient to the Father. This wasn't his idea of a good time, but he loved us and wanted a relationship with us.
So this Palm Sunday I will celebrate my King, by living obediently in the moment. Recognizing that he knows more than I do and that he will lead me through the things that I think of as a hardship. I'm here for a purpose and he will be my guide as I live out that purpose. I hope that you find a way to do that too!
We think the kingdom of heaven should operate the same way. But it doesn't it is a monarchy - with a very loving, fair, just King. This is beautifully demonstrated in the life he lived while here on earth. I was struck by this fact as I thought this week about the Triumphal Entry as we prepare for the Palm Sunday celebration. We know a big part of the story, as we have the benefit of reading God's word. And I'm struck by the fact that as Jesus fulfilled the scriptures and the Jews celebrated what they thought was the setting up of His earthly kingdom, Jesus looked further down the road.
We humans are so fickle! And Jesus knew it. As his disciples and "the whole multitude" were celebrating the kingdom as they understood it, the Pharisees were getting really mad and Jesus was simply in the moment. Looking with compassion on the people, accepting their accolades, knowing that among that group were many people who would call for his cruxifiction in just a few days. Jesus was here for a purpose. That purpose was greater than a short earthly reign. He knew that what those people needed, what we all need, is more than a temporary fix. We needed someone to pay the ultimate price and he was here to do that.
In my own life, I often define my success by my lack of trouble. It's difficult to stop in the moment and enjoy it for what it is. I'm often caught looking down the road to that next big problem that is lurking - just a few days away. Jesus deserved the praise and honor that they gave him that day. Regardless of their motives - those people were recognizing his position. Jesus was being obedient to the Father. This wasn't his idea of a good time, but he loved us and wanted a relationship with us.
So this Palm Sunday I will celebrate my King, by living obediently in the moment. Recognizing that he knows more than I do and that he will lead me through the things that I think of as a hardship. I'm here for a purpose and he will be my guide as I live out that purpose. I hope that you find a way to do that too!
Monday, April 03, 2006
25 cent increments
Most of my thoughts aren't original. When possible, I try to give credit, but most of the thoughts come from reading things that I don't have in my possession. Today's thought comes from a statement I read on a fellow bloggers site, http://trinityfamilyonline.com/blog/. At that site, Pastor Donnie credits Rev. Fred Craddock for the following quote in Leadership magazine.
"We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $10,000 bill and laying it on the table – “Here’s my life, Lord. I’m giving it all.” But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $10,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there…Usually giving our life to Christ isn’t glorious. It’s done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time.”
I'd like to thank each of you for giving your whole life in 25 cent increments. The smallest investment can pay a huge dividend in eternity. That reminds me in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."
So when you feel like there's nothing left to give, dig a little deeper for that last bit of change (given only by HIS grace), and know that it won't be wasted!
"We think giving our all to the Lord is like taking a $10,000 bill and laying it on the table – “Here’s my life, Lord. I’m giving it all.” But the reality for most of us is that he sends us to the bank and has us cash in the $10,000 for quarters. We go through life putting out 25 cents here and 50 cents there…Usually giving our life to Christ isn’t glorious. It’s done in all those little acts of love, 25 cents at a time.”
I'd like to thank each of you for giving your whole life in 25 cent increments. The smallest investment can pay a huge dividend in eternity. That reminds me in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."
So when you feel like there's nothing left to give, dig a little deeper for that last bit of change (given only by HIS grace), and know that it won't be wasted!
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