These thoughts are a compilation of several journal entries. They were resurrected in me by a couple of songs from church. The first song had the line, "... lay it at your feet..." Then and there You told me to lay not just my wants and desires, my hopes and dreams, but also my burdens at Your feet. Right then I envisioned laying a huge personal burden that had been acquired through my own bad choices at your feet.
You spoke tenderly to my heart at that moment and told me You would take it away. I was overcome by Your goodness to me later that night as we sang "Sweet Mercies." Tears poured forth and I could not sing for feelings of humility. Who am I to ask the God of everything to pour out His mercy on me? What have I done to deserve even such a position to approach Him and ask? I am but a wretched sinner, yet He calls to my soul drawing me unto Him into relationship.
Even in my pure humbleness, you still poured forth Your goodness and mercy while my husband and I prayed about this heaviness we've been hauling around. You called to my remembrance the following Scriptures and wrapped Your loving arms around me with their very words. "My child, I want to continue to pour out my rich blessings on you. You haven't seen anything yet! 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.' (1 Corinthians 2:9)... 'How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection blessing them before the watching world.' (Psalm 31:19) So, my dear, 'Give your burdens to the Lord and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.' (Psalm 55:22)
Monday, September 21, 2009
Foolishness
I'm finding that following Christ isn't what I thought it to be. Many times in recent days my choices have come under scrutiny by others. We've all been there. Remember those teenage years... Will Smith sang it best, "Parents just don't understand." But, I find it a little more difficult to live in decisions when face to face with others, not just parents, who "just don't understand."
If only my attitude might begin to look more like Paul's. "As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgement at this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So don't make judgements about anyone ahead of time..." (1 Corinthians 4:3-5) Sometimes God's call on our little lives is going to look strange to everyone. It should! After all God is not bound by this world. If he calls us to stand up and out, will we?
As I see this play out in my life, God is teaching me about my tendency to judge others and their choices. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 4 with words that pierce my own pride, "For what gives you the right to make such a judgement?" (v. 7) Everyone has their own Spiritual relationship. Their choices are between them and God. Silly or normal I must not judge someone based on the choices they make.
Paul reminds me, through his example, that to follow Christ will most often be the opposite of how the world is telling us to live. "We have become a spectacle to the entire world... Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed." He continues, "For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. Which do you choose?" (1 Corinthians 4:9-10, 20-21)
If only my attitude might begin to look more like Paul's. "As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgement at this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So don't make judgements about anyone ahead of time..." (1 Corinthians 4:3-5) Sometimes God's call on our little lives is going to look strange to everyone. It should! After all God is not bound by this world. If he calls us to stand up and out, will we?
As I see this play out in my life, God is teaching me about my tendency to judge others and their choices. Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 4 with words that pierce my own pride, "For what gives you the right to make such a judgement?" (v. 7) Everyone has their own Spiritual relationship. Their choices are between them and God. Silly or normal I must not judge someone based on the choices they make.
Paul reminds me, through his example, that to follow Christ will most often be the opposite of how the world is telling us to live. "We have become a spectacle to the entire world... Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed." He continues, "For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. Which do you choose?" (1 Corinthians 4:9-10, 20-21)
How big is God?
"Remember... that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you... As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God." (1 Corinthians 1:26, 29)
A thought to ponder... The weaker I am perceived to be, the more of Christ's power I depend on and the more glory of God to be revealed. God wouldn't look very big if I looked to the world like I could handle all I am willing to take on.
A thought to ponder... The weaker I am perceived to be, the more of Christ's power I depend on and the more glory of God to be revealed. God wouldn't look very big if I looked to the world like I could handle all I am willing to take on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)