"...Jesus has called us to live a life of unimaginable adventure. It begins the moment we choose to follow Him." ~Erwin McManus, Chasing Daylight
I agree with Mr. McManus, as he says in Chasing Daylight, that God has been horribly misunderstood in our time (and probably long before our time)... and that He's been badly misrepresented. We're forever giving Him a bad name, and/or imposing on ourselves all sorts of restrictions and limitations He never intended for us. His is a glorious plan. His is a tremendous purpose in our lives. The other day, I was reminded how following Christ is not easy, pretty or free. But... it is, most definitely, the most rewarding experience in all of life. It is an adventure that comes with the most amazing rewards and blessings. It's real life. And it all starts with a moment of decision.
"The journey chose him, but the adventure was his to chose." ~entry 203, The Perils of Ayden (McManus)
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
it ain't easy...
it ain't easy.
it ain't pretty.
it ain't free.
(Luke 9:57-62)
Jesus addressed three different men, and, essentially, gave them these three responses. To one, He said that following Him would not be easy. He had no place to lay His head. To another, it may not be pretty. The dead would have to bury their own. And to another, it isn't free. Obedience is the price we're required to pay.
How important is it that we do our best *not* to offend people?
"The words of the Lord hurt and offend until there is nothing left to be hurt or offended." -My Utmost for His Highest, Oswalk Chambers (edited by James Reimann)
This is such an important lesson for me. Only when I've completely died to myself am I able to completely live. When I am humble, I am able to love unconditionally. On the other hand, when I am self-righteous is when I am most at risk of hurting the people around me.
Following Jesus isn't easy. I'm not doing it because it's fashionable. I'm doing it because He saw something in me worth redeeming. He loves me, and He believes in who He's called me to be. Only by His grace am I a follower of Christ.
it ain't pretty.
it ain't free.
(Luke 9:57-62)
Jesus addressed three different men, and, essentially, gave them these three responses. To one, He said that following Him would not be easy. He had no place to lay His head. To another, it may not be pretty. The dead would have to bury their own. And to another, it isn't free. Obedience is the price we're required to pay.
How important is it that we do our best *not* to offend people?
"The words of the Lord hurt and offend until there is nothing left to be hurt or offended." -My Utmost for His Highest, Oswalk Chambers (edited by James Reimann)
This is such an important lesson for me. Only when I've completely died to myself am I able to completely live. When I am humble, I am able to love unconditionally. On the other hand, when I am self-righteous is when I am most at risk of hurting the people around me.
Following Jesus isn't easy. I'm not doing it because it's fashionable. I'm doing it because He saw something in me worth redeeming. He loves me, and He believes in who He's called me to be. Only by His grace am I a follower of Christ.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
my hideaway
i love the idea of running to a place that's safe. a place of refuge... where i can find rest, and be refreshed. knowing that my Lord is waiting for me there. waiting to offer comfort and encouragement. willing to train me in ways i'm not yet skilled.
but, do i always have to be running? what if i just showed up regularly to recount the day's events? or stopped by early to consider what's ahead? hmmm...
my hideaway.
i'm safe and secure. i'm growing. i'm relinquishing not only my sorrow, but my vices and dependencies outside of Christ. i'm relishing the joy that is mine in Him.
may i be ever-mindful of my need to get away. to be still and know that He is G-d - and i'm not.
Lord, will You help me with this?
but, do i always have to be running? what if i just showed up regularly to recount the day's events? or stopped by early to consider what's ahead? hmmm...
my hideaway.
i'm safe and secure. i'm growing. i'm relinquishing not only my sorrow, but my vices and dependencies outside of Christ. i'm relishing the joy that is mine in Him.
may i be ever-mindful of my need to get away. to be still and know that He is G-d - and i'm not.
Lord, will You help me with this?
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