Friday, May 18, 2012

Death


Death...It is an ugly word to many of us. Multitudes have felt its sting, its pain, its loss. It is a word that we tend to avoid like the plague. 


But Jesus didn’t avoid it. In the Gospel of John the word is repeated time and again. 
How could he be so comfortable and content with the word? Why does the it come up in the majority of His conversations? 
The answer: Because death is a prerequisite of life. One must die in order to live. 


The Christian’s life is a constant dying...death to self. In fact...Paul writes to “die daily.” 
In 2 Corinthians he further explains - “For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifest in our mortal flesh.”
So we die that Christ may life...”I have been crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live. Jesus Christ now lives in me!”
And when Christ is alive in the heart, He binds us tightly to the vine that His life giving sap may flow through our dead self, giving life and joy to the body. 


Not only life, but fruit...
“unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

Much fruit...
The Christian’s life is centered in death...a word we tend to avoid, but one which Christ embraces...For death brings...Life, and life more abundantly;
Friends...let us put off our fear of “death” and instead wholeheartedly embrace it. Knowing that “Thy Jesus can repay, from His Own fullness all He takes away...” 
We have nothing to lose and all to gain...Christ in you the hope of glory is worth dying for my friends...no matter what you have to lose. 

I promise.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Sorry

I have been running into some technical difficulties the last few days, so I'm sorry to all that have been experiencing problems...and thanks to all who let me know! Please bear with me as I sort the quirks out...for those who were wondering the comments are fixed, so yes, comment on. I would love to hear from you! Thanks!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Theater of Grace


It (the church) is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts. ~ AA 12

Christians a living spectacle...a walking stage to the world. 

What is the drama that is unfolding? 
Our Father’s unfathomable, matchless grace...


grace that transforms shattered fragments into stunning mosaics


...and delights in it...
But why would He place such a trust into the hands of such unworthy vessels? 

Because my friends, He loves to shine through broken pieces...  
Will you let Him showcase His grace through you? 
The church is the theater of His grace, in which He delights to make experiments of mercy on human hearts. ~ OHC 172

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

One Person at a Time


My precious child...
Yes my Father?
I have a new assignment for you...
Really? What is it? 
I want you to change the world...
What? Me? No! I think you forgot who you are talking to...or maybe I just misunderstood. 
No, don’t worry...you heard correctly and yes, I know who I’m talking to. I’m serious. I know it seems completely impossible to your little finite mind, but are you willing to trust me? 
I don’t know...I think you’ve overestimated me this time, Lord. Ah...well...I just don’t think I’m the one for the job...
But my dearest child...I don’t call the equipped, I equip the called. Just trust me and let me work through you. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And so I struggled. My heart rebelling at the calling my Father was giving me. But finally He got through to me. He needed ME. He was pleading for ME. How could I resist Him? So with a fearing heart and trembling lips I gave in. 

Lord, I’m willing, but I’m overwhelmed. Where do I even begin?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And then He sent me just what I needed...through the paragraph a friend sent
"People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. 
And I've noticed something about people who make a difference in the world:
They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters
They get excited over one smile. 
They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. 
They aren't determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they're satisfied with small changes. 
Over time, though, the small changes add up.
Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world..."
He spoke through another friend’s post
And I got it...
Changing the world is about individuals. About smiles. About a silent influence. About reaching out to those I meet everyday. About one.


And so I’m determined...I’m off to change the world, one person at a time. Not through my own strength, but by living a life of complete abandonment to Him. I know it won’t always be easy...He hasn’t promised that, but He has promised to be there. And my Father never breaks His promises. 


So my friend...will you join me? He is calling for you just as He is calling for me. You may have fears and doubts like I did, but don't let them stop you. He has all the power in heaven to impart on your behalf. Just surrender yourself completely to Him, let Him fill you and then you will become a lantern through which His light pours forth. The lantern doesn't have to worry about shining...the candle does that. The lantern just has to make sure it is emptied of everything but the candle. Our Father is looking for a whole army of lanterns...


Those who are willing to change the world...one person at a time.