“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
And yet we do. We submit to a yoke of slavery of some sort, over and over and over again. Many do not yet know Christ… and so they submit to these yokes of slavery unaware of what freedom is available to them in a Christ-filled life.
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
“For God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
What a gift, that by His wounds, we are found new, we are healed, we are forgiven, and we are made free.
And yet many of us who profess our faith, who strive to fight the good fight and live a Christ-filled life, die daily to the temptations this world has to offer. Satan has made his place look pretty good. It’s enticing. It feels good. Everyone else is doing it, so why strive to be different? Why not fall into the worldly handouts rather than focus on what is eternal and divine. So we buy into it. That devil loves to make great promises. The result? Insecurity. Doubt. Failure. Brokenness. Unworthiness. Despair. And we yoke ourselves to it. It becomes what we feel and who we are, and before we know it, we don’t even recognize ourselves. What we thought were treasures were simply earthly values.
I am currently reading Beth Moore’s new book, So Long Insecurity and though I was a little skeptical it would be a lame “self-help” type book, in many ways, it has changed my life recently. It has certainly changed my year. It has been eye-opening for me to see myself for the insecure person that I truly am, yoking myself to anything that will help me to feel significant, important, and worthy,in the world’s view. As I live a life professing to be in Him, my thoughts have yoked on to things that are not of Him, that are not important to Him, and that do not breed strength and dignity.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity.” Proverbs 31:25
I am? Really? Oh…. Because if one were to see my “thought closet”, they would see that I am actually clothed in defeat, sorrow, frustration, pride, and well… pride. So whose clothes am I wearing?! Who am I choosing to believe? Beth writes, “All insecurity is a cover-up for unbelief.” I am immediately reminded of the father in Mark 9 who exclaimed to Jesus, “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!”
And so I have pondered this Christ-given freedom a lot this week. I am free. I choose to submit to yokes of slavery and He offers me something so much better…
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 29-30
It sounds so easy, and yet we who are trying to live in this world and not of this world know better. It is hard. It is a daily struggle to fight the good fight and live for Him. But He offers us so much… His Word. I have found through my study of the Word this year that it is living, and He speaks to us through it, encouraging us and pruning us to be more Christ-like each day. He doesn’t leave us. He walks the road with us, nurturing us and growing us in Him.
I had a moment with Rush this week, where I was trying to convince him to ride his bike. It’s a small bike, with training wheels, so he really has nothing to be scared of, and yet he is petrified of it. I finally convinced him to get on, after promising many times I would not let go. I convinced him to let me walk him around the driveway twice, and I would not let go. As we walked, God spoke to me so clearly… “I will not let go…” I am free. And He is not going to let go.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
I also found an old favorite when I was cleaning out the car this week… a song by Jami Smith that speaks so much to the freedom that I know I have, but fail to live.
Waterfall
i need a hand to hold
one that won't pull away from me
and i need a smile
one that won't turn down on me
cause i need a reason
to put my feet on the floor
and i just want security, given for all eternity
you said you'd stay, one too many promises
that you made in vain
no offense but there is only one
there is only one, only one to depend upon
cause His love is forever
it's unlike anything that we know
how high, how low, how wide
how deep, how rich, how true, how strong
so take me where the water falls
down on me and washes me
take me where the water falls
down on me, and lead me to where i'm free
my freedom is in God my freedom is in God
Today I read Paul’s words in 2 Timothy to Timothy towards the end of Paul's mission:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8.
Do you think Paul was free?
She is clothed with strength and dignity.
YES. I am.
Praise you, Lord. Amen.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
"A thicker life" posted January 2009 on my personal blog...
As many of you know, our church recently welcomed a new head pastor. Those of you who are methodists know this practice all too well of rotating the pastors. Peachtree City UMC had Chuck for 11 years, up until this past May. Gregory and I are excited about Herzen Andone, our new pastor and what this season will bring for our church. A few weeks before Christmas I received a letter from Herzen asking me (along with others) to consider joining him on an endeavor to develop a new vision for our church, and what God's will is for the people of PTCUMC in this season of life. I was excited, humbled and nervous about the task that God had set before me. As part of this group, Herzen asked us each to read a book entitled, Death By Suburb, by David L. Goetz. I was excited to read this book, but discovered quickly that I would be challenged by the author's words more than ever in my adult life.
In this book, Goetz seeks the "thicker life", a spiritual life that goes deeper than the superficialness of life in the "suburbs." He writes, "The suburbs tend to produce inverse spiritual cripples. Suburbia is a flat world, in which the edges are clearly defined and the mysterious ocean is rarely explored. Every decision gets planned out, like the practice of registering at retail stores for one's wedding gifts. Only tragedy truly surprises. Too much of the good life ends up being toxic, deforming us spiritually." His response to this suburbia is not to move away from the hype and busyness, but to seek a deeper perspective, one that is Christ-like amidst this sin-stricken world. I like to put it as living in this world,but not of it. Goetz writes, "It's a higher existence, a plane where I am not the sum total of my house size, SUV, vacations, kids' report cards- and that which I still need to acquire." The challenge then, is to experience the presence of Christ amidst life in the suburb.
In his book, Goetz writes of eight spiritual practices or insights. These are simply "practices and perspectives that hold out the greatest possibility for transforming the bloated reality" we experience. Each chapter focuses on an "Environmental Toxin" and the spiritual practice we can use to combat it:
Environmental Toxin: "I am in control of my life"
Spiritual Practice: The prayer of silence
favorite quote: "As I grow tired of controlling my life, I wonder what it might mean to live with inner peace, the kind that comes only from God."
Environmental Toxin: "I am what I do and what I own."
Spiritual Practice: the journey through the self
favorite quote: "An immortality symbol is not really about the thing, It's about the glory that the thing bestows on me."
Environmental Toxin: "I want my neighbor's life"
Spiritual Practice: Friendship with those who have no immortality symbols
favorite quote: "The competitive environment of the suburbs tends to disable, with time, even the most genuine promise to live with the humility, service, and contentment God wants from us. And often without the victim noticing the change."
Environment Toxin: "My life should be easier than it is."
Spiritual Practice: Accepting my cross with grace and patience.
Favorite quote: God essentially said, "My grace is sufficient for you."
Environmental Toxin: "I need to make a difference with my life."
Spiritual Practice: Pursuing action, not results
Favorite Quote: "The fifth key spiritual practice is to move from the pursuit of significance in your life to simple obedience to the things of God."
Environmental Toxin: "My church is the problem"
Spiritual Practice: Staying put in your church.
Favorite Quote: "The real journey to God involves, at least in part, the relationships of the worshipping community."
Environmental Toxin: "What will this relationship do for me?"
Spiritual Practice: Building deep and meaningful friendships
Favorite Quote: "I live in spiritual poverty if my "starter castle" envy is so great that my Friends possess only the immortality symbols that I feel good about."
Environmental Toxin: "I need to get more done in less time."
Spiritual Practice: Falling in love with a day
Favorite Quote: "Million are the reasons why the suburbs seem to produce a class of folks who feel trapped. Perhaps it's the unlimited opportunities or the unchecked narcissism or the stubborn refusal to be left behind."
This weekend I attended a retreat with our pastor Herzen and the others who were called to discuss a vision. As we spent the past 24 hours in thought and discussion about this book, I had so many emotions going through my head. What a daunting task... to break free from these, and so many more, spiritual toxins that cause our souls to wither as we busy ourselves in this life. This book is a hard read... It challenges every aspect of your living, your thoughts, and your paradigm you have established for yourself. It makes you take a deep breath and a HUGE look inward to what it is that drives you, what it is that controls you, and what you put your "stock" in. It is my hope and my prayer that God will begin to chisel away at those things in my life, that He will replace those immortality symbols with Godly treasures that will glorify Him.
I have learned in the past few months that the road to a "thicker life" is paved with a true relationship with Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on me in all areas of my life.
"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God." 1 Chronicles 22:19
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God." Psalm 42: 1,2
"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8
It consists of a daily walk with Him, immersing myself in His Word. Scripture is necessary in order to equip ourselves with the sword of the spirit. It is our only offensive weapon!
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119: 9,11
It involves a conversation with Him, one that allows for response to Him after hearing and receiving His Word. He longs for our companionship.
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"You do not have, because you don not ask God." James 4:2
"Pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
And it consists of living a spirit filled life... It is only by the Holy Spirit that I can aspire to live like Jesus. I take up my cross daily, striving to serve my God, thankful for His grace and His mercy, because it is sufficient.
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:5-6
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live,but Christ lives in me..." Galatians 2:20
God wants a relationship with us. If we seek Him, He will meet us, and in that meeting, I aspire to develop a thicker life. Don't you?
In this book, Goetz seeks the "thicker life", a spiritual life that goes deeper than the superficialness of life in the "suburbs." He writes, "The suburbs tend to produce inverse spiritual cripples. Suburbia is a flat world, in which the edges are clearly defined and the mysterious ocean is rarely explored. Every decision gets planned out, like the practice of registering at retail stores for one's wedding gifts. Only tragedy truly surprises. Too much of the good life ends up being toxic, deforming us spiritually." His response to this suburbia is not to move away from the hype and busyness, but to seek a deeper perspective, one that is Christ-like amidst this sin-stricken world. I like to put it as living in this world,but not of it. Goetz writes, "It's a higher existence, a plane where I am not the sum total of my house size, SUV, vacations, kids' report cards- and that which I still need to acquire." The challenge then, is to experience the presence of Christ amidst life in the suburb.
In his book, Goetz writes of eight spiritual practices or insights. These are simply "practices and perspectives that hold out the greatest possibility for transforming the bloated reality" we experience. Each chapter focuses on an "Environmental Toxin" and the spiritual practice we can use to combat it:
Environmental Toxin: "I am in control of my life"
Spiritual Practice: The prayer of silence
favorite quote: "As I grow tired of controlling my life, I wonder what it might mean to live with inner peace, the kind that comes only from God."
Environmental Toxin: "I am what I do and what I own."
Spiritual Practice: the journey through the self
favorite quote: "An immortality symbol is not really about the thing, It's about the glory that the thing bestows on me."
Environmental Toxin: "I want my neighbor's life"
Spiritual Practice: Friendship with those who have no immortality symbols
favorite quote: "The competitive environment of the suburbs tends to disable, with time, even the most genuine promise to live with the humility, service, and contentment God wants from us. And often without the victim noticing the change."
Environment Toxin: "My life should be easier than it is."
Spiritual Practice: Accepting my cross with grace and patience.
Favorite quote: God essentially said, "My grace is sufficient for you."
Environmental Toxin: "I need to make a difference with my life."
Spiritual Practice: Pursuing action, not results
Favorite Quote: "The fifth key spiritual practice is to move from the pursuit of significance in your life to simple obedience to the things of God."
Environmental Toxin: "My church is the problem"
Spiritual Practice: Staying put in your church.
Favorite Quote: "The real journey to God involves, at least in part, the relationships of the worshipping community."
Environmental Toxin: "What will this relationship do for me?"
Spiritual Practice: Building deep and meaningful friendships
Favorite Quote: "I live in spiritual poverty if my "starter castle" envy is so great that my Friends possess only the immortality symbols that I feel good about."
Environmental Toxin: "I need to get more done in less time."
Spiritual Practice: Falling in love with a day
Favorite Quote: "Million are the reasons why the suburbs seem to produce a class of folks who feel trapped. Perhaps it's the unlimited opportunities or the unchecked narcissism or the stubborn refusal to be left behind."
This weekend I attended a retreat with our pastor Herzen and the others who were called to discuss a vision. As we spent the past 24 hours in thought and discussion about this book, I had so many emotions going through my head. What a daunting task... to break free from these, and so many more, spiritual toxins that cause our souls to wither as we busy ourselves in this life. This book is a hard read... It challenges every aspect of your living, your thoughts, and your paradigm you have established for yourself. It makes you take a deep breath and a HUGE look inward to what it is that drives you, what it is that controls you, and what you put your "stock" in. It is my hope and my prayer that God will begin to chisel away at those things in my life, that He will replace those immortality symbols with Godly treasures that will glorify Him.
I have learned in the past few months that the road to a "thicker life" is paved with a true relationship with Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to fall afresh on me in all areas of my life.
"Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God." 1 Chronicles 22:19
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God." Psalm 42: 1,2
"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8
It consists of a daily walk with Him, immersing myself in His Word. Scripture is necessary in order to equip ourselves with the sword of the spirit. It is our only offensive weapon!
"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16
"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119: 9,11
It involves a conversation with Him, one that allows for response to Him after hearing and receiving His Word. He longs for our companionship.
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"You do not have, because you don not ask God." James 4:2
"Pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
And it consists of living a spirit filled life... It is only by the Holy Spirit that I can aspire to live like Jesus. I take up my cross daily, striving to serve my God, thankful for His grace and His mercy, because it is sufficient.
"For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:5-6
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live,but Christ lives in me..." Galatians 2:20
God wants a relationship with us. If we seek Him, He will meet us, and in that meeting, I aspire to develop a thicker life. Don't you?
Monday, January 4, 2010
A "Haggai" New Year!
I have been reflecting on New Year's all weekend, and well, just haven't felt really motivated to come up with "resolutions." Sure, I'm going to commit to getting back into my workouts each morning, as I have negleted those the past month, but that's a given. That's easy. I feel like a "resolution" should be something I truly "resolve" to do, and in some ways, I feel like I'm doing that all the time. Everytime I mess up, which is pretty often, I "resolve" not to do that again. So thinking of specific resolutions for New Year's is a bit exhausting to me. It just makes me tired thinking about having more "to do"... more to "work on". So I said a few "minute" prayers to God throughout the past few days... "Lord, show me areas of my life where I might need a "resolution" to be renewed, changed, or strengthened," or "Lord, give me a great "idea" or "task" that you are calling me to do, and let me set to it." Hmm. I just wasn't feeling it. Not really in the mood for "New Year's" this year, I guess.
He is so faithful. Today the Lord lead me to Haggai, (yes, that's a book in the Bible) and it became pretty clear, pretty fast that the Lord was speaking a "Haggai New Year's" to me. In case you are not familiar with Haggai, as I was not, he was the first of the post-exilic prohets. (meaning the time period when the Jews began to return to Judah after being exiled to Babylon for 2-3 generations. They were allowed to return and called on to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.) So upon that return to Judah, the Jews began to rebuild their temple, but did not complete it. Through the ministry of Haggai, (and some other prophets) the Jews were motivated and the temple was completed.
Oh how true is that for me. I allow so many commitments to take precedence over my time. I give in to the demands and expectations or work, church, family, hobbies, meetings, etc. only to have left the bare minimum for God, and that's on a good day. Our values and priorities are reflected in how we live, what we say, and what we choose to do. I know what I should be doing... how I should be living... how important my quiet time is, my prayer time, and my listening to Him, but do I always do it. I "resolve" to over and over, sometimes successful, sometimes not.
But God calls me to continue in this relationship with Him. Do not get discouraged by my own failures or sturggles in this walk, but persevere. Press on in the race before me, continue to take up my cross, seeking Him wholeheartedly. To let my struggles, imperfections, and small failures get the best of me would be to give in to pride and sin.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
What does this have to do with Haggai the prophet? He is calling the Jews to continue a great work. To reassess their priorties and focus on rebuilding something that matters. The House of the Lord. For us, that is our hearts. God is continually calling me to return to that place with Him, to prune, rebuild, renew, and grow.
"Then the word of the Lord came through the prohet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the Lord Almight says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." 3-6.
Once again, I am reminded that my heart needs a little dusting. I need to reassess priorties and recognize that though I may mess up, God is doing a great work in me. I will confess my sins, and try again. For to give up because I cannot attain perfection is not a choice. For God promises perfection in the end for those who seek Him.
"This is what the Lord Almighty says: Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord." 7-8.
So my New Year's Resolution is this: I will continue to nurture my relationship with Him, for only through Him will I be able to let go of those things I cannot change or control. In that, true Freedom comes, and blessings will be found abundant.
"So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith." (Galatians 6:9,10)
I was touched when I read THIS today... Go here and be blessed.
He is so faithful. Today the Lord lead me to Haggai, (yes, that's a book in the Bible) and it became pretty clear, pretty fast that the Lord was speaking a "Haggai New Year's" to me. In case you are not familiar with Haggai, as I was not, he was the first of the post-exilic prohets. (meaning the time period when the Jews began to return to Judah after being exiled to Babylon for 2-3 generations. They were allowed to return and called on to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.) So upon that return to Judah, the Jews began to rebuild their temple, but did not complete it. Through the ministry of Haggai, (and some other prophets) the Jews were motivated and the temple was completed.
Oh how true is that for me. I allow so many commitments to take precedence over my time. I give in to the demands and expectations or work, church, family, hobbies, meetings, etc. only to have left the bare minimum for God, and that's on a good day. Our values and priorities are reflected in how we live, what we say, and what we choose to do. I know what I should be doing... how I should be living... how important my quiet time is, my prayer time, and my listening to Him, but do I always do it. I "resolve" to over and over, sometimes successful, sometimes not.
But God calls me to continue in this relationship with Him. Do not get discouraged by my own failures or sturggles in this walk, but persevere. Press on in the race before me, continue to take up my cross, seeking Him wholeheartedly. To let my struggles, imperfections, and small failures get the best of me would be to give in to pride and sin.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11
What does this have to do with Haggai the prophet? He is calling the Jews to continue a great work. To reassess their priorties and focus on rebuilding something that matters. The House of the Lord. For us, that is our hearts. God is continually calling me to return to that place with Him, to prune, rebuild, renew, and grow.
"Then the word of the Lord came through the prohet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the Lord Almight says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." 3-6.
Once again, I am reminded that my heart needs a little dusting. I need to reassess priorties and recognize that though I may mess up, God is doing a great work in me. I will confess my sins, and try again. For to give up because I cannot attain perfection is not a choice. For God promises perfection in the end for those who seek Him.
"This is what the Lord Almighty says: Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord." 7-8.
So my New Year's Resolution is this: I will continue to nurture my relationship with Him, for only through Him will I be able to let go of those things I cannot change or control. In that, true Freedom comes, and blessings will be found abundant.
"So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith." (Galatians 6:9,10)
I was touched when I read THIS today... Go here and be blessed.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Empty Me
Wow... I started writing, and then became so busy with Thanksgiving, school, babies, Christmas, birthday, etc. that I haven't been back... and oh how satan would just love that. I don't think so. Things are settling down a bit, and I am anticipating the New Year with some "resolutions". We'll see how long they last!
My sweet baby boy turns four today, and as I wished him Happy Birthday this morning, scooping him up into my arms so I could love on him, he said, "Mama, but I'll always be yours and Daddy's baby." Oh, how he just doesn't know how true that is! He will be. He will be my baby when he starts Kindergarten. He will be my baby when he attends his first school dance. He will be my baby when he goes on his first trip without us. He will be my baby when he becomes a teenager and wants nothing to do with me. He will be my baby when he has his first girlfriend (even though she will think he is hers). He will be my baby when he goes to high school and starts to drive. He will be my baby when he goes to college (Auburn. Of course.). He will be my baby when he finds the one, and meets her at the end of the aisle. He will always be my baby. In times of joy, sorrow, happiness, pain, success, and frustration, he will continue to be my baby.
But as I thought of these things this morning, as on many occasions when I am just soaking him in, I am reminded of why I believe God gives us children. For it is in these precious moments of parenthood that we experience and discover just a glimpse of God's amazing love for us. We are His babies. I look at my sweet babies, and can't imagine loving anything more, but God does. He loves us more. The thought of losing one of my children or seeing them go through something difficult paralyzes me... and God experiences that with us... even when we are uninterested in Him. Looking at my sweet baby, knowing how much I love him, gives me just a glimpse of how much I don't comprehend God's love for me.
But I want to.
So I press on in the Word... in my quiet times... in my praise and worship... so that I may experience Him and His omnipotent love.
"Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3
In the past year, God has convicted me on numerous occasions of pride and selfishness. It is something I must lay down before Him daily. It became my prayer back in the spring for Him to do a good work in me... to "empty me" of myself and fill me with "Him." It hasn't been exactly easy, but I have felt His hands all over me, pruning away that which does not bear fruit, and watering that which does. I am so thankful for His enduring love, a love that I cannot comprehend, but one that He gives me a glimpse of through my children and my love for them.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." John 15:1-3.
My New Year's Resolution, and my prayer for 2010 and years to come...
"Holy Fire burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me.
I want more of you and less of me.
Holy Fire burn away
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me,
I want more of you and less of me, yeah.
Empty me,
Empty me, yeah,
Fill, won't you fill me,
with you, with you, yeah.
Holy Fire, burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me.
I want more of you and less of me, yeah.
Empty me,
Empty me, yeah.
Fill, won't you fill me, with you, with you, empty me now.
Well won't you empty me, well won't you empty me now. repeat x2
I want more, I want more, I want more of you, Jesus.
I want more, I want more, oh.
Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, oh yeah,
Thank you, Jesus, yeah.
Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire."
-Jeremy Camp
My sweet baby boy turns four today, and as I wished him Happy Birthday this morning, scooping him up into my arms so I could love on him, he said, "Mama, but I'll always be yours and Daddy's baby." Oh, how he just doesn't know how true that is! He will be. He will be my baby when he starts Kindergarten. He will be my baby when he attends his first school dance. He will be my baby when he goes on his first trip without us. He will be my baby when he becomes a teenager and wants nothing to do with me. He will be my baby when he has his first girlfriend (even though she will think he is hers). He will be my baby when he goes to high school and starts to drive. He will be my baby when he goes to college (Auburn. Of course.). He will be my baby when he finds the one, and meets her at the end of the aisle. He will always be my baby. In times of joy, sorrow, happiness, pain, success, and frustration, he will continue to be my baby.
But as I thought of these things this morning, as on many occasions when I am just soaking him in, I am reminded of why I believe God gives us children. For it is in these precious moments of parenthood that we experience and discover just a glimpse of God's amazing love for us. We are His babies. I look at my sweet babies, and can't imagine loving anything more, but God does. He loves us more. The thought of losing one of my children or seeing them go through something difficult paralyzes me... and God experiences that with us... even when we are uninterested in Him. Looking at my sweet baby, knowing how much I love him, gives me just a glimpse of how much I don't comprehend God's love for me.
But I want to.
So I press on in the Word... in my quiet times... in my praise and worship... so that I may experience Him and His omnipotent love.
"Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.” Hosea 6:3
In the past year, God has convicted me on numerous occasions of pride and selfishness. It is something I must lay down before Him daily. It became my prayer back in the spring for Him to do a good work in me... to "empty me" of myself and fill me with "Him." It hasn't been exactly easy, but I have felt His hands all over me, pruning away that which does not bear fruit, and watering that which does. I am so thankful for His enduring love, a love that I cannot comprehend, but one that He gives me a glimpse of through my children and my love for them.
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you." John 15:1-3.
My New Year's Resolution, and my prayer for 2010 and years to come...
"Holy Fire burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me.
I want more of you and less of me.
Holy Fire burn away
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me,
I want more of you and less of me, yeah.
Empty me,
Empty me, yeah,
Fill, won't you fill me,
with you, with you, yeah.
Holy Fire, burn away,
my desire for anything
that is not of you and is of me.
I want more of you and less of me, yeah.
Empty me,
Empty me, yeah.
Fill, won't you fill me, with you, with you, empty me now.
Well won't you empty me, well won't you empty me now. repeat x2
I want more, I want more, I want more of you, Jesus.
I want more, I want more, oh.
Thank you, Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, oh yeah,
Thank you, Jesus, yeah.
Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire, Holy Fire."
-Jeremy Camp
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What are you thirsty for?
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-24
I am thirsty for the Lord. At least... I think I am. I say I am. I hope I am. But do my choices show that? Do my desires reflect that? Do I have a heart for the Lord like David did? A faith like Moses? A dedication like Abraham? Or am I more like Saul? Reluctant to step up for my faith. Or Solomon? Wanting, but coming up short? These are questions that I have struggled with as I go through a season of digging deep into the Word, growing in my faith, and searching out Truth. As I have looked deep within, I come up asking myself, "Whose Kool-Aid are you drinking?"
In my readings of the Old Testament these days, I am astonished at how quickly these rulers start out on the right track, and then quickly get detoured into sinful acts, idol worship, and lustful desires. I almost want to get mad at them... tell them how weak they are... Question their hearts... Give them a piece of my mind. And then I realize we are just like them... getting so caught up in the things of this world. Temporary things. Oh, how I can identify with Solomon... He started off so well. He asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment, and the Lord obliged. Oh, how we too should seek Him before we jump into our endeavors. But do we? Really?
"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
"The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." I Kings 3:7-14.
God is so good. He wants to show us the way. He wants to guide us in our decisions, big and small. All we need to do is ask. He awaits.
God called Solomon to build the temple. And Solomon did. He completed it in 7 years.
"In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it." I Kings 6:38
"It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace." I Kings 7:1
God then granted Solomon the means to build himself a palace. This took 13 years. Um... yeah. 7 years for God, 13 for himself. I'm starting to see Solomon's priorities shift. In fact, they are starting to look familiar... I think I can identify...How much of ourselves do we give to God, and how much do we save for ourselves?
In all of the blessings Solomon received as a result of seeking God and living faithfully, Solomon lost himself somewhere. He became powerful, wealthy, full of great wisdom, insightful, and strong. With that came much attention and adoration from others. Somewhere in there, his pride got the best of him. He went from humble to proud, conceited, pompous, and arrogant. He lost sight of the Lord, his priorities, and his purpose. He gave in to sinful acts, idols, and lust.
"The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command. So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." I Kings 11:9-12.
As a result, Solomon suffered consequences. Not only did Solomon suffer consequences... His son suffered as well. Oh how easy it is to get caught up in the things of this world... the things that are not eternal. But God is eternal. He has a place for us if we will seek Him in all our ways. He wants to be a part of our lives, if we will simply allow Him to enter in.
Like the kings of the Old Testament, we too submit to idols... the things that take up space in our thoughts and in our day that should be where God is. We all have our own "palace" of some sort that we are building... How much time do we spend on it? Is there any time left for God? What propaganda is our world selling to us right now? Who are we listening to? Is it Godly? Are we seeking Him? He has something for us. It's huge. It's life changing. It's eternal.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
Whose kool-aid are you drinking?
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:22-24
I am thirsty for the Lord. At least... I think I am. I say I am. I hope I am. But do my choices show that? Do my desires reflect that? Do I have a heart for the Lord like David did? A faith like Moses? A dedication like Abraham? Or am I more like Saul? Reluctant to step up for my faith. Or Solomon? Wanting, but coming up short? These are questions that I have struggled with as I go through a season of digging deep into the Word, growing in my faith, and searching out Truth. As I have looked deep within, I come up asking myself, "Whose Kool-Aid are you drinking?"
In my readings of the Old Testament these days, I am astonished at how quickly these rulers start out on the right track, and then quickly get detoured into sinful acts, idol worship, and lustful desires. I almost want to get mad at them... tell them how weak they are... Question their hearts... Give them a piece of my mind. And then I realize we are just like them... getting so caught up in the things of this world. Temporary things. Oh, how I can identify with Solomon... He started off so well. He asked the Lord for wisdom and discernment, and the Lord obliged. Oh, how we too should seek Him before we jump into our endeavors. But do we? Really?
"Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
"The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life." I Kings 3:7-14.
God is so good. He wants to show us the way. He wants to guide us in our decisions, big and small. All we need to do is ask. He awaits.
God called Solomon to build the temple. And Solomon did. He completed it in 7 years.
"In the eleventh year in the month of Bul, the eighth month, the temple was finished in all its details according to its specifications. He had spent seven years building it." I Kings 6:38
"It took Solomon thirteen years, however, to complete the construction of his palace." I Kings 7:1
God then granted Solomon the means to build himself a palace. This took 13 years. Um... yeah. 7 years for God, 13 for himself. I'm starting to see Solomon's priorities shift. In fact, they are starting to look familiar... I think I can identify...How much of ourselves do we give to God, and how much do we save for ourselves?
In all of the blessings Solomon received as a result of seeking God and living faithfully, Solomon lost himself somewhere. He became powerful, wealthy, full of great wisdom, insightful, and strong. With that came much attention and adoration from others. Somewhere in there, his pride got the best of him. He went from humble to proud, conceited, pompous, and arrogant. He lost sight of the Lord, his priorities, and his purpose. He gave in to sinful acts, idols, and lust.
"The LORD became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the LORD's command. So the LORD said to Solomon, "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen." I Kings 11:9-12.
As a result, Solomon suffered consequences. Not only did Solomon suffer consequences... His son suffered as well. Oh how easy it is to get caught up in the things of this world... the things that are not eternal. But God is eternal. He has a place for us if we will seek Him in all our ways. He wants to be a part of our lives, if we will simply allow Him to enter in.
Like the kings of the Old Testament, we too submit to idols... the things that take up space in our thoughts and in our day that should be where God is. We all have our own "palace" of some sort that we are building... How much time do we spend on it? Is there any time left for God? What propaganda is our world selling to us right now? Who are we listening to? Is it Godly? Are we seeking Him? He has something for us. It's huge. It's life changing. It's eternal.
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13
Whose kool-aid are you drinking?
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