2 Corinthians 4:11-12 “For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us…”
If there is a quiet cry in my heart, I would have to admit that it’s a plea to become more like Him. And since I know that self-preservation is quite prevalent in my soul, I must conclude that the Holy Spirit within me is the One producing the cry. “More of You and less of me” is the song that is sung by my spirit. “Surely there is more to life than this” is my new man’s expectation…
Exodus 33:20 “But He said, ‘…no man can see Me and live!’”
I believe that seeing His face is the key. Being held by the gaze of those firey eyes literally sears the reality of His holiness and His genuine affection upon my heart and I am undone.
And I no longer wish to live, but rather, desire Him to live through me.
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Suffering is par for the course…
Acts 14:21-22 “After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.’”
It’s passages like this one that bring comfort to my heart. Jesus’ disciples needed strengthening and encouragement to continue in the faith. They had to be reminded that difficulties are “par for the course.” Unexpected dilemmas can potentially invite uncertainty about our value to God, but our circumstances absolutely do not define His love for us. Rather, they call us to lean all the more completely upon our Beloved King. And such dependence provides complete access to His Kingdom.
1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”
There is revelation to be obtained through suffering...hidden treasure in the depths of despair. I am persuaded that our suffering is an opportunity for His love to be revealed to us. We are summoned into the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:8-11) and as we journey through the grief of our anguish, we come to know His love more thoroughly.
It’s passages like this one that bring comfort to my heart. Jesus’ disciples needed strengthening and encouragement to continue in the faith. They had to be reminded that difficulties are “par for the course.” Unexpected dilemmas can potentially invite uncertainty about our value to God, but our circumstances absolutely do not define His love for us. Rather, they call us to lean all the more completely upon our Beloved King. And such dependence provides complete access to His Kingdom.
1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”
There is revelation to be obtained through suffering...hidden treasure in the depths of despair. I am persuaded that our suffering is an opportunity for His love to be revealed to us. We are summoned into the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:8-11) and as we journey through the grief of our anguish, we come to know His love more thoroughly.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Does the way seem narrow or steep?
Psalms 24:3-6 "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face—even Jacob. Selah."
The ascent, at times, taxes me. I find myself spiritually huffing and puffing and must stop to catch my breath. “Selah” is slipped in there to suggest something of a break. The Hebrew Lexicon says that it is a technical musical term used to indicate some form of accentuation, pause or interruption. Rest two, three, four…
Matthew 7:14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Luke 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Is there too much of me to fit through? Must I leave something behind? Am I still too full of myself to navigate the entrance into the Kingdom?
The climb requires something of me in a way that the narrowness asks for less of me. Both are apparently necessary on the journey into intimacy with the Father…
The ascent, at times, taxes me. I find myself spiritually huffing and puffing and must stop to catch my breath. “Selah” is slipped in there to suggest something of a break. The Hebrew Lexicon says that it is a technical musical term used to indicate some form of accentuation, pause or interruption. Rest two, three, four…
Matthew 7:14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Luke 13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
Is there too much of me to fit through? Must I leave something behind? Am I still too full of myself to navigate the entrance into the Kingdom?
The climb requires something of me in a way that the narrowness asks for less of me. Both are apparently necessary on the journey into intimacy with the Father…
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