Like a tree stands firm,
It's roots grow deep.
In the midst of trials,
The hurricane sweeps.
As a child grows up,
An old man dies.
Embracing the truth,
Seen through Gospel eyes.
Changed by love,
and humbled by Grace.
Visit me now,
Within this place.
Of suffering and dying, of sin and lust.
Only you oh Lord,
Can deliver us!
Not swayed by the wind, but enriched with strength.
Oh comforter please for you I thank.
Spotless lamb, you became for us.
Atoning death, praise you I must.
Dead to sin, and alive in you.
Into your arms, I rest in truth.
My life and spirit, my whole heart lies.
As I walk through life,
with Gospel Eyes.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Overcoming the Old Man
It is by God's love and grace we are found standing. Naked and unashamed. So powerless, like a new born baby. We can't walk eat, poop without the assistance of another. How could people not believe in God? He is personal, near, alive and breathing. I couldn't imagine life lived without him. We are wicked creatures. Blown to and fro by every wind and current we are caught up in. So many spend their time and energy trying to make life happen instead of living life. Moment by moment he is changing me, us. Some he has chosen to reveal himself. Some will believe but have not yet heard. That is our job. We don't always comply because we are so occupied with our self. Self? Self-is so relevant to our culture because we are so full of it. Even Christians and churches are full of self. What can God do for me? What does the stranger in my path do for me? What do my spouse, children, or government do for me? If only our hearts and lives were fully arrested and consumed with God and His plans for us. Not what He is doing for us or through us, but what he did through Jesus. This totally rocked the world, but it is so overlooked now. This changes everything. No longer are circumstances and trials consuming us, but Jesus is. It is no longer what this or that person is doing for us, it is how can I serve THEM. No longer do we ask God, what are you doing for us, but how well do I worship him with my time, money, and life.?
We start to change from the heart side out. Eventually, through much sanctification, we default to this way of living without a second guess. But it is only by God's grace, authority, and spirit in our lives that it happens. If we are not spirit led, we do not have this (HIS) mind and heart.
"And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us." (1 John 4:13)
And so it is by this I try to live life. In community with other believers as well as with non believers. Living the Gospel by example is a great witness to the world. But not only as a doer but proclaiming with our mouth. Humbly walk before the Lord Jesus and ask Him to change you, to move you, and to free you.
We start to change from the heart side out. Eventually, through much sanctification, we default to this way of living without a second guess. But it is only by God's grace, authority, and spirit in our lives that it happens. If we are not spirit led, we do not have this (HIS) mind and heart.
"And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in him and he in us." (1 John 4:13)
And so it is by this I try to live life. In community with other believers as well as with non believers. Living the Gospel by example is a great witness to the world. But not only as a doer but proclaiming with our mouth. Humbly walk before the Lord Jesus and ask Him to change you, to move you, and to free you.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Contentment and Joy
Think about life for a moment. Are you/me/we content in our surroundings? Do we wish for more, better, faster, easier? I do sometimes. It seems it is easy to find contentment in other peoples lives sometimes and forget about our own. We all can and do have secret struggles and at times, for me at least, there is a sense that, "If only my life were this way or that." Would it be better I wonder? But it is in those moments that i learn contentment and satisfaction in all aspects of life. I am reminded by God and the word that when my satisfaction and joy are coming only from the World, that I have gotten off track. But the great joy in my life comes from God.
You see, I am learning that Joy is better than happiness. Happiness is a feeling unlike joy. You can be happy to one extent, and then saddened just as quickly. Joy, however, is continuous and empowering. Through junk, through pain, through heartache, and sadness comes joy (in Christ). But also in love, in prosperity, in triumph, and through victories (I don't really like that word, it sounds too Joel Osteenish) comes joy all the same. Think about this. A man(or woman) who is in Christ looses their job. They could either become bitter, enraged, or depressed. Or they could surrender their heart to Christ, and allow His will to come through. Out of that comes Joy. On the other hand, the person without joy has a harder time with such a loss. It is easy to talk about this when all is well in your life, I know. I am a firm believer however in pre-supposing something could happen. We don't know what will happen to us or what temptations we will face. But we can prepare for anything and everything through prayer and meditation on the word of God.
So, once again, I have littered the web with my thoughts and reflections. I am by no means perfect or right. I just express myself through blog because, no one else will pay attention to me. Lest I feed my own ego. So that is perfectly well and good. As I continue through this maze of life, I can only hope in and pray to the one true God in my life and ask that He would continue to radically change me, pursue my heart and bring me joy in all my circumstances. I pray for anyone who would care to read this that you would find joy and that you would pray that I would continue to fight the good fight.
Peace ><>
You see, I am learning that Joy is better than happiness. Happiness is a feeling unlike joy. You can be happy to one extent, and then saddened just as quickly. Joy, however, is continuous and empowering. Through junk, through pain, through heartache, and sadness comes joy (in Christ). But also in love, in prosperity, in triumph, and through victories (I don't really like that word, it sounds too Joel Osteenish) comes joy all the same. Think about this. A man(or woman) who is in Christ looses their job. They could either become bitter, enraged, or depressed. Or they could surrender their heart to Christ, and allow His will to come through. Out of that comes Joy. On the other hand, the person without joy has a harder time with such a loss. It is easy to talk about this when all is well in your life, I know. I am a firm believer however in pre-supposing something could happen. We don't know what will happen to us or what temptations we will face. But we can prepare for anything and everything through prayer and meditation on the word of God.
So, once again, I have littered the web with my thoughts and reflections. I am by no means perfect or right. I just express myself through blog because, no one else will pay attention to me. Lest I feed my own ego. So that is perfectly well and good. As I continue through this maze of life, I can only hope in and pray to the one true God in my life and ask that He would continue to radically change me, pursue my heart and bring me joy in all my circumstances. I pray for anyone who would care to read this that you would find joy and that you would pray that I would continue to fight the good fight.
Peace ><>
