Thursday, October 29, 2009

Toilets and Blessings


I just saw this picture on my twitter page from charitywater.org. This organization has a simple mission: give safe drinking water to people who need it. The caption that goes along with this picture says, "this toilet was used by slumdwellers in Monrovia, Liberia." It reminds me that I am blessed. I have never had to use a shack positioned on the edge of a pond to relieve myself. My gut says that if you're reading this from the convenience of your home, office, or school using your computer and high speed internet connection that you rarely, if ever, experience conditions like these. We are blessed. Spend time giving God credit for how incredible your life is.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Reach


Today as I read Romans I was reminded how marvelous a thing it is to be found in God's grace. It's difficult (if not impossible) to comprehend how God can look upon us with favor, mercy, compassion, love. It is only by GRACE that we can call ourselves sons and daughters of the King. I am thankful that our Father saw fit to reach down into this world and into my life for I know that it is impossible for me to reach Him by any other means. I am thankful that through the Cross God reached to me, a depraved sinner, and saw fit to bring me into a right relationship with Himself. I am thankful that Christ, who was and is God, seeing my desperate need, reached out His arms and completely ended my cursed state. I am thankful that one day Christ will again reach out to me and call me home with Him. Thank You for reaching me.





Monday, October 26, 2009

Encouragement


Personally, there's never enough encouragement. I can always use more, especially from the ones I respect and love. My world can completely change with genuine encouragement. I tend to be my biggest critic. It's commonplace for me to get down on myself and beat myself up over the little shortcomings in life. Often, after trying to live an upright standard of life on my own, I realize the futility of personal effort. While frustrating, this pushes me to the Cross. I must realize that only there will I find the power to be the man God has called me to be. That's good news. He's provided for me. Now if I would live in that realization and forsake living life of my own effort. What's more good news is that He is also an encourager: John 16:7 & 13 read, "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; bu if I go, I will send Him to you...He will guide you into all truth." I desperately need the Encourager and maybe you do, too. What would He say? How would He encourage? Maybe like this:

Dear Servant,

How are you? I can tell that you are frustrated from all of your up’s and down’s. I can see that you are disappointed with yourself and your inconsistency. Be encouraged. Not because it’s okay to be inconsistent, but because it’s all been handled. You’re trying too hard to do things on your own, can’t you see? This life wasn’t meant to be lived in solitude. You are not designed to fight your spiritual battles in isolation. You are designed to follow me. I will lead you, guide you, and show you the way. I am here to give you assistance every step of the way, not just when you think you need it. So please, stop living as though you don’t need me. Stop waking up every morning with a list of do’s and don’ts – life is more than that. I care more about your heart than your actions.

I know it must be difficult to understand. You live in a culture that demands self improvement, self realization, and self centeredness. That’s all the work of the enemy. You must redevelop your entire thought-life in order to gain a better perspective on how to truly be successful. Success is not about triumph, it is about submitting yourself to Me. You need to understand that as long you are the focus of your decisions and actions you will continue staying stuck, or worse. Rather, turn your attention to Me and those around you. It is totally counter-cultural, which may be difficult, but we both know it is the only way.

Will, stop worrying about who you are. You are mine and that is enough. I am not concerned about whether or not you make a name for yourself as a preacher or pastor. I prefer that you focus more on getting to know Me instead of telling others about Me.

Rest assured that you will have trials in this life. You will experience difficult times and rough moments. Don’t loose it because that’s normal. I want more than anything for you to rely on Me to pull you through those brutally harsh experiences. You are prized in my eyes and I promise that I will screen everything that comes your way. If it’s too big for you to handle, I’ll handle it for you. You can trust me.

When temptation raises its head and stares you down remember, I fought the same fight. I experienced the temptation to be lazy, have pride, and lust. I know that you sometimes think there’s no possible way to overcome those things in your life. There is. Or have you forgotten the Cross? Have you forgotten what was accomplished? I set you free to sin no more – live like you know that. I did not die for my sake, it was for you. Carve that into your heart and remember when you feel like giving in that I provided a means for you to honor Me.

I am so happy that you are my son. I remember the party we had up here when the eyes of your heart were opened for the first time! Now, my son, take heart in me as your Father and give me more than you think I am capable of handling. I am always here and I will never forsake you.