I'm not sacrificing anything.
I don't know how, exactly, but I want to change that.
Sacrifice has new meaning for us as believers. Romans 12:1 says we are to be living sacrifices, and that it's our spiritual act of worship. This is pleasing to God. We should want to sacrifice for our God.
We have to give up our lives and continually give more than we have.
When you sacrifice that which cost you nothing, your sacrifice is greater than you can imagine.
What would the world - and the body of Christ - look like if we willingly sacrificed more in order to serve and please God, as well as serve others?
'For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.'
[2 Corinthians 8:3-5]
Showing posts with label Service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Service. Show all posts
September 19, 2008
July 23, 2008
Ch. 140 - Blast From the Past
So this morning I went over to the church to see if Phil (the youth pastor) needed any help on one of the mission teams. Because of the flooding here in Cedar Rapids, the annual Des Moines trip for the Mid-Hi was canceled; the Senior-Hi decided to stay and do flood relief work here instead of going to Minnesota. Also because of the flooding, one of the youth projects that was supposed to happen in June was cancelled - Paint by Neighbors - so that is what the Mid-Hi has been doing this week.
I just sort of placed myself on the Mid-Hi team because I didn't have any work boots, basically. Plus I love working with Mid-Hi, so it was what I wanted to do! But you know, as we headed out to the work sites, I looked around me and realized that I didn't know these middle schoolers. It's a new group and I wondered how this could have happened so suddenly. I felt old. I'm 19, for goodness' sake! I started to worry about not being connected with these kids since I've not been around the youth group for the past couple of years. But I love working with Mid-Hi and I was determined to not let the fact that I didn't know these kids bring me down.
Fortunately, my worries started to dissipate once we got to the houses the group has been working on. All it takes is some introductions, encouragement to get started and a little chit-chat and song-singing while we work to get in my Mid-Hi mode. Soon I was practically one of them and I was in my element, both with the kids and the painting. Bliss.
'Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...'
[Philippians 2:14-15]
I just sort of placed myself on the Mid-Hi team because I didn't have any work boots, basically. Plus I love working with Mid-Hi, so it was what I wanted to do! But you know, as we headed out to the work sites, I looked around me and realized that I didn't know these middle schoolers. It's a new group and I wondered how this could have happened so suddenly. I felt old. I'm 19, for goodness' sake! I started to worry about not being connected with these kids since I've not been around the youth group for the past couple of years. But I love working with Mid-Hi and I was determined to not let the fact that I didn't know these kids bring me down.
Fortunately, my worries started to dissipate once we got to the houses the group has been working on. All it takes is some introductions, encouragement to get started and a little chit-chat and song-singing while we work to get in my Mid-Hi mode. Soon I was practically one of them and I was in my element, both with the kids and the painting. Bliss.
'Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe...'
[Philippians 2:14-15]
June 22, 2008
Ch. 109 - I like people...
I'll admit it. When I get frustrated with someone, usually a stranger, I'll mutter "I hate people..." Is it true? Of course not. But when there's a mom with seven kids running circles around her in the middle of the sidewalk, blocking any possible way to walk around them, sometimes I can't help but be seized with a flash of anger. I may have gained some patience lately, but there's still a lot to learn and attain.
Anyway, the truth is, I like people. I love people. I like to give everyone benefit of the doubt and believe that they all have some good in them - or at least good intentions. So when I hear about people who are truly good people, it makes me love people in general even more. It gives me hope for mankind, as ominous as that may sound.
Today in service our youth pastor told the congregation how the folks from VIM (Volunteers in Mission, I believe) up in Minnesota, where the senior-hi was supposed to go on their mission trip, have decided to come down and help Phil (our youth pastor) out by organizing the off-site details for the senior-hi "trip". Phil has decided to stay here in Cedar Rapids for the mission trip so that they can help out with the flood relief and clean-up. However, he wants a traditional, off-site mission trip experience for the kids, so they'll be spending the nights and worship experiences out at Camp Hitaga. This is a huge relief for Phil and the other youth leaders, because they've been so busy lately with trying to figure out mission teams and what they're going to be doing throughout the summer for the people of Cedar Rapids. The team in Minnesota didn't have to come down and help out. They could have simply stayed up there and felt sorry for us and said, "Oh well. Nothing we can do. We have to deal with you not being here to help us with our camp." They're even donating the money the kids paid to go on the trip back to Cedar Rapids and the flood relief. So helpful.
So yes. I like people. A lot. I love people. A lot. It just goes to show that because God loves us, we can love as well. Maybe not as perfectly as He can, but it's worth trying to. 'Love thy neighbor' has never meant so much to me. This is going to be huge.
' "... but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." '
[Leviticus 19:18]
Anyway, the truth is, I like people. I love people. I like to give everyone benefit of the doubt and believe that they all have some good in them - or at least good intentions. So when I hear about people who are truly good people, it makes me love people in general even more. It gives me hope for mankind, as ominous as that may sound.
Today in service our youth pastor told the congregation how the folks from VIM (Volunteers in Mission, I believe) up in Minnesota, where the senior-hi was supposed to go on their mission trip, have decided to come down and help Phil (our youth pastor) out by organizing the off-site details for the senior-hi "trip". Phil has decided to stay here in Cedar Rapids for the mission trip so that they can help out with the flood relief and clean-up. However, he wants a traditional, off-site mission trip experience for the kids, so they'll be spending the nights and worship experiences out at Camp Hitaga. This is a huge relief for Phil and the other youth leaders, because they've been so busy lately with trying to figure out mission teams and what they're going to be doing throughout the summer for the people of Cedar Rapids. The team in Minnesota didn't have to come down and help out. They could have simply stayed up there and felt sorry for us and said, "Oh well. Nothing we can do. We have to deal with you not being here to help us with our camp." They're even donating the money the kids paid to go on the trip back to Cedar Rapids and the flood relief. So helpful.
So yes. I like people. A lot. I love people. A lot. It just goes to show that because God loves us, we can love as well. Maybe not as perfectly as He can, but it's worth trying to. 'Love thy neighbor' has never meant so much to me. This is going to be huge.
' "... but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." '
[Leviticus 19:18]
June 16, 2008
Ch. 103 - The Perfect Timing
As I've said before, I wasn't planning on coming home. I truly thought I was going to stay at the University of Utah and thus would remain in Salt Lake for the summer to fully establish residency and take a couple of extra classes. But that pull on my heart was so strong and as I continued to think about a life of serving God [in missions], I realized that it truly is the right thing for me. I know I had gone back and forth so many times about transferring and taking the first formal step into that life - and that I settled on staying in Utah - but this is it. It's really going to happen. And I couldn't be more excited!
Returning to the fact that I'm in Iowa now, I have no problem believing that God brought me back, and for a reason. The flooding in Cedar Rapids occurred the week after I arrived (June 7). At the time I kept thinking, "Man. What a welcome back... stupid rain," or "Oh great. No showers for a week? Ugh!" and "If only I had called my parents a week later... then I wouldn't have to put up with this."
What a great attitude, eh?
First of all, I finally shaped up and tried my best to think positively. Secondly, I found myself realizing yet again that things really do happen for a reason. I'm in Iowa. Many areas of Iowa have been declared disastrous after being ravaged by floods and tornadoes. There are a lot of people who need help. Business, homes and places of worship have been utterly destroyed. There's going to be an awful lot of cleanup in the near future here in Cedar Rapids, that's for sure.
And I'm ecstatic.
I can't wait to get started. My entire summer will be like one giant mission trip, honestly. There's just so much to do. If possible, I'd love to help out somewhere at least once a week. My church isn't even sending out the mid-hi and senior-hi to their prospective mission trip destinations. Phil, the youth pastor, said that the senior-hi trip will be a local one. They'll have an off-site location where they will stay for a week and a half and work at different areas of Cedar Rapids.
You know, during service on Sunday, one of our pastors told us that she had received an e-mail from a pastor in Gulfport, Mississippi, where the senior-hi has gone for the past two summers on their trip... from what I understand, the e-mail said that people in Gulfport are going to try and come up to Iowa to help us. How neat is that?
I really think it's a good thing that I decided to transfer and come home in the process. I have two months [from today!] until I move to Moberly - and I plan on making them count.
'And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." '
[Genesis 9:12-15]
While I was helping at a water distribution site on Saturday, it was storming off and on. At one point during the day we spotted an incredibly bright rainbow that seemed so close it was if we could seriously go and find the end of it. It was beautiful and even brought tears to a few people's eyes.
Returning to the fact that I'm in Iowa now, I have no problem believing that God brought me back, and for a reason. The flooding in Cedar Rapids occurred the week after I arrived (June 7). At the time I kept thinking, "Man. What a welcome back... stupid rain," or "Oh great. No showers for a week? Ugh!" and "If only I had called my parents a week later... then I wouldn't have to put up with this."
What a great attitude, eh?
First of all, I finally shaped up and tried my best to think positively. Secondly, I found myself realizing yet again that things really do happen for a reason. I'm in Iowa. Many areas of Iowa have been declared disastrous after being ravaged by floods and tornadoes. There are a lot of people who need help. Business, homes and places of worship have been utterly destroyed. There's going to be an awful lot of cleanup in the near future here in Cedar Rapids, that's for sure.
And I'm ecstatic.
I can't wait to get started. My entire summer will be like one giant mission trip, honestly. There's just so much to do. If possible, I'd love to help out somewhere at least once a week. My church isn't even sending out the mid-hi and senior-hi to their prospective mission trip destinations. Phil, the youth pastor, said that the senior-hi trip will be a local one. They'll have an off-site location where they will stay for a week and a half and work at different areas of Cedar Rapids.
You know, during service on Sunday, one of our pastors told us that she had received an e-mail from a pastor in Gulfport, Mississippi, where the senior-hi has gone for the past two summers on their trip... from what I understand, the e-mail said that people in Gulfport are going to try and come up to Iowa to help us. How neat is that?
I really think it's a good thing that I decided to transfer and come home in the process. I have two months [from today!] until I move to Moberly - and I plan on making them count.
'And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." '
[Genesis 9:12-15]
While I was helping at a water distribution site on Saturday, it was storming off and on. At one point during the day we spotted an incredibly bright rainbow that seemed so close it was if we could seriously go and find the end of it. It was beautiful and even brought tears to a few people's eyes.
June 9, 2008
Ch. 96 - DO Something
There is so much going on right now. In Iowa. In the Midwest. In the United States. In the world. Every day I hear about flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes. Death. Destruction. Devastation. It's everywhere.
It's easier said than done at times, but if at all possible we should be going out and helping people. Whether it's sandbagging, reconstruction, distribution, medical care, pastoral care... we need to be there for people whose lives and 'worlds' are in danger, or for people whose lives and worlds have been turned upside-down.
These are sad times. Bad times. End times. Whatever you consider it... it's not good.
Let us be a light to those who are living in darkness.
' "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." '
[Matthew 7:12]
It's easier said than done at times, but if at all possible we should be going out and helping people. Whether it's sandbagging, reconstruction, distribution, medical care, pastoral care... we need to be there for people whose lives and 'worlds' are in danger, or for people whose lives and worlds have been turned upside-down.
These are sad times. Bad times. End times. Whatever you consider it... it's not good.
Let us be a light to those who are living in darkness.
' "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." '
[Matthew 7:12]
March 15, 2008
Ch. 60 - Sprin-g-Row
Spring. Grow.
At Cru this past Thursday the speaker, Rick, gave us a sheet to follow for spring break. For each of the nine days there is a theme, bible verses to read and possible activities corresponding to the theme. We were to ask nine people if we could pray about anything for them. We can take notes for each day if we'd like.
Today was the first day; the theme was serve. The Bible verses were Mark 10:42-45, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 2:3-4. I decided to clean Darcy and Katie's room a bit... just some vacuuming (I love to vacuum, is that weird?), taking out of the trash and recycling, some light dusting (I also love dusting) and cleaning the tops of their desks and dressers. Oh! I also lint-rolled Darcy's black chair, because I love to lint roll as well.
Yes, I'm a freak.
Now that that's been confirmed, I must say that I love serving. You can serve in so many ways. There are many people who need a hand or two - why not offer yours? We are called to be the least by serving not only those who are the greatest, but also those who are considered the least.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:3-4]
At Cru this past Thursday the speaker, Rick, gave us a sheet to follow for spring break. For each of the nine days there is a theme, bible verses to read and possible activities corresponding to the theme. We were to ask nine people if we could pray about anything for them. We can take notes for each day if we'd like.
Today was the first day; the theme was serve. The Bible verses were Mark 10:42-45, 2 Corinthians 4:5 and Philippians 2:3-4. I decided to clean Darcy and Katie's room a bit... just some vacuuming (I love to vacuum, is that weird?), taking out of the trash and recycling, some light dusting (I also love dusting) and cleaning the tops of their desks and dressers. Oh! I also lint-rolled Darcy's black chair, because I love to lint roll as well.
Yes, I'm a freak.
Now that that's been confirmed, I must say that I love serving. You can serve in so many ways. There are many people who need a hand or two - why not offer yours? We are called to be the least by serving not only those who are the greatest, but also those who are considered the least.
'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.'
[Philippians 2:3-4]
February 26, 2008
Ch. 42 - Together
I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard that 'we' - believers - are the body of Christ.
Have you ever wondered what body part you would be? I've been doing some thinking about just that lately, and I've come to believe that I am the ears and feet of Christ. I listen. I want to go, travel to places that have not heard the Word. Perhaps the arms, too, or the hands - I like to reach out... do things... work with my hands: Build houses. Clean up. Give. I mean, that's what I want to do, after all. Work for God. Serve Him. Help His people.
And I finally know that it's not just what I want. Someone else is pulling me in that direction.
If we were to come together, work together... imagine what we could do. I get emotional every time I think about it. That doesn't happen often with me. I don't let my tears flow freely. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve. I do more so nowadays than before, but even still. By working together we will build up the body of Christ. People will come to know God like never before. Many people are meant to do great things, they just don't always know it. Things for others, for God. So take the first step, whatever it may be. I can't tell you. It's up to God. Trust in Him, have faith, and see what happens.
'... to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.'
[Ephesians 4:12-13]
Have you ever wondered what body part you would be? I've been doing some thinking about just that lately, and I've come to believe that I am the ears and feet of Christ. I listen. I want to go, travel to places that have not heard the Word. Perhaps the arms, too, or the hands - I like to reach out... do things... work with my hands: Build houses. Clean up. Give. I mean, that's what I want to do, after all. Work for God. Serve Him. Help His people.
And I finally know that it's not just what I want. Someone else is pulling me in that direction.
If we were to come together, work together... imagine what we could do. I get emotional every time I think about it. That doesn't happen often with me. I don't let my tears flow freely. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve. I do more so nowadays than before, but even still. By working together we will build up the body of Christ. People will come to know God like never before. Many people are meant to do great things, they just don't always know it. Things for others, for God. So take the first step, whatever it may be. I can't tell you. It's up to God. Trust in Him, have faith, and see what happens.
'... to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.'
[Ephesians 4:12-13]
February 24, 2008
Ch. 40 - The Great Commission
I've been accepted to the Virginia Beach Student Venture summer project!
You have no idea how excited I am for this summer. It should be amazing.
I'll be in Virginia Beach from June 1 until August 12. I'll spend the month of May at home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and head back to Iowa after August 12 for a week or so before I have to be back in Utah for school.
Gah. There's so much I wanted to do this summer. I had made quite the list, actually. Summer project was at the top of the list, though, so I can't wait to head out and see what God has in store for me.
Something in my heart tells me that this is going to be huge for me.
Huge.
'Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." '
[Matthew 28:18-20]
These verses are what Campus Crusade for Christ emphasizes for summer projects.
You have no idea how excited I am for this summer. It should be amazing.
I'll be in Virginia Beach from June 1 until August 12. I'll spend the month of May at home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and head back to Iowa after August 12 for a week or so before I have to be back in Utah for school.
Gah. There's so much I wanted to do this summer. I had made quite the list, actually. Summer project was at the top of the list, though, so I can't wait to head out and see what God has in store for me.
Something in my heart tells me that this is going to be huge for me.
Huge.
'Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." '
[Matthew 28:18-20]
These verses are what Campus Crusade for Christ emphasizes for summer projects.
February 15, 2008
Ch. 31 - 'Go and Tell'
Send me.
I'll go.
I don't know what to say. As much as I do want to just... go... I don't think I'm ready. But I want to. And that has to count for something.
Soon.
'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" '
[Isaiah 6:8]
I'll go.
I don't know what to say. As much as I do want to just... go... I don't think I'm ready. But I want to. And that has to count for something.
Soon.
'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" '
[Isaiah 6:8]
February 14, 2008
Ch. 29 - All You Need
' "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." '
[John 13:34-35]
3. May 2010 Edit:
Jesus loved us so greatly.
The Man gave up His life for us.
Willingly.
So when He tells us to love one another as He loved us, that may seem like a command that we cannot fully obey. But are there people you would be willing to die for? No questions asked, no strings attached for that person... you simply love them for who they are, and desire the absolute best for them. You are honestly and wholeheartedly willing to do anything for them.
Encourage.
Teach.
Listen.
Lead and guide.
Comfort.
Serve.
Indeed, die.
[John 13:34-35]
3. May 2010 Edit:
Jesus loved us so greatly.
The Man gave up His life for us.
Willingly.
So when He tells us to love one another as He loved us, that may seem like a command that we cannot fully obey. But are there people you would be willing to die for? No questions asked, no strings attached for that person... you simply love them for who they are, and desire the absolute best for them. You are honestly and wholeheartedly willing to do anything for them.
Encourage.
Teach.
Listen.
Lead and guide.
Comfort.
Serve.
Indeed, die.
February 4, 2008
Ch. 19 - All I Wanna Do
I had the most lovely day. It was truly wonderful. I learned so much, I feel. I really don't have much to say, though. I simply would like to reaffirm the commitment I made to God to serve His people for His glory. By serving His people, I serve Him. I want to help people. I want to be like the disciple Tabitha [Acts 9:36]. I don't know how, exactly... I just have this burning desire in my heart to do something, anything - for anyone. I want to reach out to non-believers and share God's love with them. That's all. I pray that this summer God will teach me how I can do so and, if it is His will, use me to awaken the Spirit in people whose names are written in the Book of Life - be it one, two, or twenty people. The Word of God is so alive to me and I just want to share it as much as possible. God relit the fire within me tonight and I am so thankful for that. Praise God!
'Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.'
[2 Timothy 4:2]
'Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.'
[2 Timothy 4:2]
January 29, 2008
Ch. 13 - Removing Darkness
'After night
Comes a light
Dawn is here, dawn is here
It's a new day, a new day
Oh, everything will change
Things will never be the same
We will never be the same'
[The Glory of It All]
After night comes a light. Everything will change. We will never be the same.
Jesus is often referred to as a Light. What is the purpose of light? To remove darkness. Where light exists, darkness cannot. Because of what Jesus did for us, we are changed forever.
In Paul's letter to Ephesus, he speaks of how their [the Ephesians'] works were done in the ruler of the kingdom of the air - Satan. They were sinners and dead in their transgressions, but were made alive in Christ. Paul goes on to remind them that they are saved by grace and through faith alone - not works. Yet they were made in God's workmanship to do good works - that were prepared for them by God in advance.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said that by humbly letting others see your good works, they may be moved to love and serve God likewise.
To do good works. To be a light unto the world. That is what we are called to do.
Fact:
Believers are outnumbered by non-believers at least five-to-one.
Fact:
In total darkness, the flicker of a match can be seen twenty miles away.
We may be a minority, we may seem small and insignificant, yet we can and should have a powerful influence on our world. This is so, of course, only because of God's grace and strength at work within us - for on our own we are nothing and can do nothing [Philippians 4:13].
There is so much darkness in the world. Be a light. Change things. Remove that darkness.
' "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." '
[Matthew 5:14-16]
Comes a light
Dawn is here, dawn is here
It's a new day, a new day
Oh, everything will change
Things will never be the same
We will never be the same'
[The Glory of It All]
After night comes a light. Everything will change. We will never be the same.
Jesus is often referred to as a Light. What is the purpose of light? To remove darkness. Where light exists, darkness cannot. Because of what Jesus did for us, we are changed forever.
In Paul's letter to Ephesus, he speaks of how their [the Ephesians'] works were done in the ruler of the kingdom of the air - Satan. They were sinners and dead in their transgressions, but were made alive in Christ. Paul goes on to remind them that they are saved by grace and through faith alone - not works. Yet they were made in God's workmanship to do good works - that were prepared for them by God in advance.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said that by humbly letting others see your good works, they may be moved to love and serve God likewise.
To do good works. To be a light unto the world. That is what we are called to do.
Fact:
Believers are outnumbered by non-believers at least five-to-one.
Fact:
In total darkness, the flicker of a match can be seen twenty miles away.
We may be a minority, we may seem small and insignificant, yet we can and should have a powerful influence on our world. This is so, of course, only because of God's grace and strength at work within us - for on our own we are nothing and can do nothing [Philippians 4:13].
There is so much darkness in the world. Be a light. Change things. Remove that darkness.
' "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." '
[Matthew 5:14-16]
January 21, 2008
Ch. 5 - The Commitment; 7. 1. 08
Have you ever 'walked on Cloud Nine' before? You know, been sort of... out of it... because you're in a state of pure happiness?
I have.
It's a wondrous experience. The best part is, my walking on Cloud Nine was a product of the Spirit moving in my heart like never before. And that, folks, is a double whammy if I've ever known one. The Spirit... Cloud Nine... beautiful.
When I say the Spirit moved in my heart like never before, I mean it. I'll tell you a secret: I thought I was having a heart attack - when I suddenly thought, "Oh wait. Just kidding. That's God... thanks, Big Guy!"
Let me break it down a bit. I've been thinking for the past couple months or so that I simply want to serve the Lord for the rest of my life. Yet it never really seemed as if it was something I had to do, if that makes sense. I believe we are called to be sacrificial servants, but it's truly up to you how far you will go in doing so. I had been reading a devotional sent to me through Purpose Driven Life; I had sort of already read it, because it was sent on December 31, but I had skimmed through it more than anything. It was basically a call to commitment to God - to serving Him and doing His will. The second paragraph was what made the Spirit move in my heart - it was as if the Spirit was jumping for joy, really. Anyway, it says this:
'I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.'
I feel God was saying, "Hey - pay attention, here. This is what I want from you."
I know those are things He wants from all of us, but to me it has a deeper sense of meaning. I say this because recently I've been thinking and praying about exactly that - what God wants of me. I think it's safer than ever to say that God answers prayers.
'But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.'
[1 Kings 8:61]
I have.
It's a wondrous experience. The best part is, my walking on Cloud Nine was a product of the Spirit moving in my heart like never before. And that, folks, is a double whammy if I've ever known one. The Spirit... Cloud Nine... beautiful.
When I say the Spirit moved in my heart like never before, I mean it. I'll tell you a secret: I thought I was having a heart attack - when I suddenly thought, "Oh wait. Just kidding. That's God... thanks, Big Guy!"
Let me break it down a bit. I've been thinking for the past couple months or so that I simply want to serve the Lord for the rest of my life. Yet it never really seemed as if it was something I had to do, if that makes sense. I believe we are called to be sacrificial servants, but it's truly up to you how far you will go in doing so. I had been reading a devotional sent to me through Purpose Driven Life; I had sort of already read it, because it was sent on December 31, but I had skimmed through it more than anything. It was basically a call to commitment to God - to serving Him and doing His will. The second paragraph was what made the Spirit move in my heart - it was as if the Spirit was jumping for joy, really. Anyway, it says this:
'I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.'
I feel God was saying, "Hey - pay attention, here. This is what I want from you."
I know those are things He wants from all of us, but to me it has a deeper sense of meaning. I say this because recently I've been thinking and praying about exactly that - what God wants of me. I think it's safer than ever to say that God answers prayers.
'But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.'
[1 Kings 8:61]
January 17, 2008
Ch. 1 - The Realization; 22. 12. 07
I'm starting anew once again. These past few weeks... these past couple of months, actually... have built me up and torn me down. Now I stand on level ground, humbled.
I've grown.
My goodness, how I have grown. I love how now no matter what, as life goes on, I will never stop learning. I will make more mistakes. I will cry. I will laugh. I will distance myself from Him. I will grow closer to Him. I will see the good in what has been deemed bad, and I will see the bad in what has been deemed good. I will have peace. I will have struggle.
But I am ready.
He is with me every step of the way. I want to live my life for Him. My actions, my words, my choices... may they please and glorify Him.
At this point in my life, I've come to realize that all I want is to serve Him. I can't explain it; I simply feel this beautiful, deep desire within my heart to do so. I believe it's what He wants - not only of me, but also for me.
It's as if I need to - for both of us. That's the best way I can put it.
'Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.'
[Romans 12:11]
I've grown.
My goodness, how I have grown. I love how now no matter what, as life goes on, I will never stop learning. I will make more mistakes. I will cry. I will laugh. I will distance myself from Him. I will grow closer to Him. I will see the good in what has been deemed bad, and I will see the bad in what has been deemed good. I will have peace. I will have struggle.
But I am ready.
He is with me every step of the way. I want to live my life for Him. My actions, my words, my choices... may they please and glorify Him.
At this point in my life, I've come to realize that all I want is to serve Him. I can't explain it; I simply feel this beautiful, deep desire within my heart to do so. I believe it's what He wants - not only of me, but also for me.
It's as if I need to - for both of us. That's the best way I can put it.
'Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.'
[Romans 12:11]
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