content?

The college ministry at my church (www.rcikynetic.com) met tonight and the topic of discussion is still heavy on my mind. We talked about being content where you are in life but still desiring to move forward – just being happy with your present situation. I’m reminded of a song by Mainstay called “Become Who You Are.” To me, the song talks about letting each experience we go through help shape us into who God wants us to be. I think we should try to glean at least one thing from every trial we endure or else we went through it for nothing – there was no benefit so it was a waste of time and a needless emotional struggle. Lots of good points were brought up in our talk but I think the main point was to trust God, even though we may be frustrated with our circumstances and not understand all the ‘why’s’. We have to rest in the knowledge that God is able to see the big picture while we can only see a small part. It all goes back to Jeremiah 29:11: “I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” (Message).

slow dance

I’ve read a couple of books lately that have altered the way I look at God. I think sometimes I struggle with getting past the fact that He’s the Creator of EVERYTHING to see that He also desires a personal relationship with me as well. But now I’m beginning to see God as wanting me more than anything and I want that too. I’m currently reading a book called “Searching for God Knows What” by Donald Miller. In one chapter he talks about Adam and Eve and the whole concept of them not being aware of their nakedness. “Man is wired so he gets his glory (his security, his understanding of value, his feeling of purpose, his feeling of rightness with his Maker, his security of eternity) from God, and this relationship is so strong, and God’s love is so pure, that Adam and Eve felt no insecurity at all, so much so that they walked around naked and didn’t even realize they were naked.” He goes on to talk about the loss of their glory once they eat the forbidden fruit but that’s another post.

I was listening to one of my favorite songs today, “You and Me” by Lifehouse and though it’s about a guy and girl, I began thinking about the song in a different way. When we enter into a personal relationship with God, it’s just us and Him. It’s as though we’re slow dancing, God gently guiding us around the room as we sway and spin to the music softly wafting in the air. We completely trust where God is taking us, totally enraptured with Him that we notice nothing else. Everything and everyone seems to fade into the background as we become lost in our love for the One we’re with. While God is big and powerful, He's also gentle and loving. Yes, God made everything but He also made us to enjoy it.

he still moves stones

Today is a day for celebration. Today is the day that Jesus rose from the dead, proving that He had indeed defeated death and He became the gateway for salvation. It is through the cross that we are able to meet God. The choir at my church put on a program this morning entitled, "He Still Moves Stones." No matter where we are or where we've been or what we've done, no "stone" is too big for God to move. I heard a quote once, "How big is God? Well, how big do you need Him to be?"

It's because of this day that we're able to have the assurance that one day we'll be able to be with God. We'll be able to walk those streets of gold and commune with those we've longed to meet. Robert Flatt once said: "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." He still moves stones.

wait on me

I read a book a few years ago but my attention was suddenly drawn back to it today as I spied it sitting on my shelf. It's called "His Princess - Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd and it's just that - 'letters' from God to His daughters. I want to share one with you and hope it touches you as it did me.

"My Princess...Wait on Me.

Wait on Me, My princess. My timing is always perfect. I know you're anxious about many things, and I see your passion for all the plans I have put in your heart. I know that you long to fly, and I see your enthusiasm. However, just as a vinedresser nurtures the vine and waits patiently for the right moment to harvest the grapes, so too am I working tirelessly to prepare you to bear much fruit. Don't run ahead of Me or try to fly before My plans are complete. Your strength will fail you, and your dreams will wither away. Trust Me that My dreams for you are far greater than you can dream on your own. You will run farther and soar higher if you will patiently wait for the season of My blessing. Draw close to Me now, and I promise that this season of waiting will bring you the sweetest of rewards.

Love,
Your King and Lord of perfect timings"

made for

Everything is made for a purpose. Cell phones? They're made to send/receive calls, text messages and sometimes take pictures. Cars? They're made to drive and get us from point A to point B. Us? We're made to worship the One who made us. During worship tonight, the lead singer for our praise and worship band brought up this point as we were making the transition from fast and upbeat songs to slow and intimate songs. She said that just as we would get frustrated with our phone or car for not doing what it's made to do, so does God sometimes get frustrated when we fail to do what we're made to do - worship Him.

The song "Made to Worship" by Chris Tomlin only echoes this thought: "You and I were made to worship. You and I are called to love. You and I are forgiven and free. You and I embrace surrender. You and I choose to believe. You and I will see who we were meant to be." I've heard it said that "Life is God's gift to man. What we do with it is our gift to God." What kind of gift is your life to Him?