"There is none like you. No one else can touch my heart like you do...."
We had corporate prayer at church tonight. One person mentioned in prayer that we would not be a stumbling block for unbelievers. That when people see us (Christians) they see Christ; his love, kindness, etc. I was reminded of this song listed above. Only God can reach the very deepest part of me, only He knows everything about me, and He is the only one who brings comfort to my soul. My prayer for myself and other Christians is like the Psalm "Lord, point out anything within me that offends you...". I know that if something offends God than it will most likely also offend others who don't know Christ. We are called to make His name famous, but in order to do that we must be like Him! I'm praying this psalm because there are most certainly a lot of things in me that offend Christ and I don't even see it. So, I hope that you would join me in this prayer in hope that Christ's name would be made famous because of the way that we live! God is able to "touch my heart" like no one else and He is able to point out the sin that offends Him, and others.
This has become one of my favorite verses from scripture and I wanted to share it. Some time last year I was introduced to this verse be a good friend during a season of my life when I wasn't necessarily making good decisions all the time. She told me to ask myself the question "is this profitable?" before making any decisions or actions. And that question has stuck with me ever since and has challanged me to live a holy life...I pray this scripture challanges you as well.
"My soul is getting restless for the place where I belong. I can't wait to join the angels and sing my Heaven song." -Phil WickhamI love this song because I'm reminded that this place is not my home. It's easy for me to get frustrated with life...the busyness, responsibilities, stress, etc. and forget that this is only temporary. Now, don't get me wrong...I have a good life. But I'm sure most people can understand where I'm coming from. However, I will say that my soul truly is "getting restless for the place where I belong." I just want to be home. I want to hug Jesus, sing with the angels, and rest. But, until then, I will keep running the race and try my best to push my will aside and let God's will control my life. It may not be easy and I certainly will fail many times, but I will rest in knowing that God's love is unfailing.
For the past few months I've felt extrememly overwhelmed with life. School and work have been crazy, and I think I just have too many plates spinning at one time. Well, last night I had a dream that I was walking in a field with Jesus. I was holding onto his arm and we were just talking. I wish I knew what we were talking about, but just being by his side was enough for me. Ever since I woke up I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace within me. And I can feel His presence more strongly than I've ever felt before. I don't think it is important that we were talking or what we were talking about. But rather God is reminding me that He is with me! In every season and in every circumstance He is here with me, helping me, guiding me, and continually showing me his unfailing love. I love him so much that my heart can hardly contain itself. :)
I recently watched a video of one of Steve Harvey's comedy shows. Steve Harvey, a secular comedian, while in front of a secular audience poses the question "How would you introduce God?" His response is amazing! I couldn't get the video to post to my blog so I typed up his response.
Ladies and gentleman it is my honor to introduce a man who needs no introduction.
His credits are too long to list.
He has done the impossible time after time, He has!
Out of a manger in Bethlehem and Jerusalem by way of Heaven.
His mother is still head-lining in the Catholic Church today.
His daddy is the author of a book that has been on the best seller list since the beginning of time.
He holds the record for the world’s greatest fish fry.
He fed 5000 hungry soldiers with 2 fish and five loafs of bread.
He can walk on water and turn water into wine. No special effects. No camera tricks.
He has a head shot on every church fan across the country.
Even before the Kings of comedy, He was hailed the King of all Kings,
Ruler of the Universe, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and the End,
the Bright and Morning star.
Some say he’s the Rose of Sharon. And some say he’s the Prince of Peace.
Put your hands together and show your love for
the second coming of the One and Only.
A few months ago I read a book titled Crazy Love by Francis Chan. My life was changed because of it. Recently I was reminded of this book and I decided to read it again. I've made it through 6 chapters and it's as if I'm reading it for the first time. As did the first time I read it, every chapter has made me step back and examine my life, and has challenged me to love unconditionally...
A concept that I've struggled with my entire life (and probably always will) is God's unconditional love. I just don't get it. I am sinner. Always have been and always will be. But yet God always has and always will love me with a love so deep and so powerful that even the grave couldn't stop it. "...broken and poured out all for love. Love so amazing!"
Crazy Love has challenged me on the whole concept of unconditional love. Not only does God love us unconditionally, but the same unconditional love that God has for us is the same love that He calls (commands) us to love people with. The fleshly part of me only wants to love people that I know. But we are called (commanded) to love everyone with the same unconditional love that God shows us. Yes, we are even commanded to love the people driving 55 mph in a 70 mph zone! :) For it is our unconditional love for people that allows Jesus to be revealed throughout the nations. But I know that without the help of Christ, I will invariably and ultimately fail at every attempt to love unconditionally. Praises that His grace is sufficient!
And lastely, I am to have an unconditional love for God. I am reminded of how many times I've become angry with God because things didn't turn out my way. Or the time that I completely turned from God because of (what I thought to be) his 'lack' of action in my life. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." Again, we are commanded to love unconditionally...God and people. I know there will be times I will fail, but I MUST give Him everything! That is what He expects. He won't settle for less.
Love God. Love People. Reach the World.
