Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Scared or Compelled?

Do you live life afraid or compelled by truth?  Over the years we as Christians have been brought into the kingdom of God on a Fear basis.  Let me explain, when the turn or burn item comes up, its natural to not want to burn in a lake of fire for eternity.  Also this is a truth of the gospel, but not all of it.  I repeat not all of it. 

Christ himself said, "Eternal Life is that they may know me and He who sent me".- John 17:3.  When we speak of Eternity and the issue of Salvation, it is absolutely essential to speak of this verse.  If we believe that God is a relational God, that He died upon the cross because He loves us, why would not include "Relationship" when describing the Gospel?  How great it is to not be headed to eternal separation from God, dare I say even greater it is to Have the living God, call you His child and to know him.  We obey because of His great love for us, we are compelled because there is "a fire shut up on our bones".   Where did this fire come from?  Did we "stir" it up?  Absolutely not.  This is the power and love of Almighty God that has set our hearts ablaze. 

When was the last time you let God set your heart ablaze?  I'm not talking about throwing bibles around at people like Frisbee's, but you see people as God sees them.  That He is in Love with them, He wants to restore them.  They aren't just someone to "convert".  My friends, it is OK, rather it is essential that we first receive from the Lord His Love, before we can display it. 

Monday, September 12, 2011

What resonates?

There is something in each human soul that resonates at certain things.  Its like the bell of a clock tower has been rung inside our hearts.  For me, it is the deep reality and presence of God.  It shakes everything up, the sound our life makes is a beautiful sound announcing the arrival of God.  God has planted something in us that waits for his touch, only he can bring the music to life. 

We resonate for something more, something greater than day to day motions.  We were made to resonate the beauty and wonder of Christ.  I have been taken lately with a song by Phil Wickam, called "your beautiful".  My friends, don't settle for your day to day motions thinking you don't matter, thinking that God doesn't have a plan for your life.  "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." - John Piper.  People around you need to hear the music of your life that God has put there, Trust Him to lead you and let it out.  People are longing for more.  May the Lord grant us all courage and passion with each step.