Monday, April 27, 2009

The Overflow

We often think our lives are lived in a vacuum and no one really notices how we live. But this is not the case at all. There is a strong impact our lives have in wake of our living day to day. How often do we stop to consider the way our lives are impacting others. Stop for a moment and consider this verse.

"For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." Jesus
Whether we like it or not, our lives bubble over and touch others. Our actions are connected to what is deep within us. The truth is whatever we are putting into our lives will in fact be seen by those in our corner of the world.
We must care deeply about the interior of our lives. We must consider what we are taking in less we be surprised- or embarrassed- about what comes out.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Challenges We Ignore

I was reading the other day in the gospel of Mark about a time when some people begged Jesus to leave because they were not comfortable with His actions. It seems that it frightened them and I can understand because I have been there. I have been in the place where Jesus is at work and the work He is doing does not fit into my normal or natural framework. This makes me uneasy and really pushes me to limits I am not used to. Why am I like this? What is it in me that only allows Jesus to work in ways that are in line with my certain way of thinking? Why do I do this? I am convinced that I (we) miss the activity of Jesus far more than know. Jesus is always at work around us and wanting to use us, but we shrug it off as weird or unusual, while He is pursuing the greater good of us all. This makes me sad and strangely hopeful about the future. God still wants to work but we must be open. Jesus is always, always working toward the purposes of the Father.

Lord help us to be vessels you can use... Vessels open to your unique work in this your great world.

May we not ignore the work of God... the simple leadings of the Spirit... Jesus be magnified in us we pray!!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Navigating Life

Navigating life is hard... Often life deals us certain situations that just make us stop... pause... and consider the life we have, the life we want, and the life we are uncertain about. On this rainy Sunday evening I am wondering about my life. What will it bring? What will I give myself to and how will I live out the days I have been given. I pray that I will leave a mark stamped with the hand print of God's redemptive love.

Grace and Peace From Him

Grace and Peace to You

Grace and Peace For All

Grace and Peace Flows Down

Grace and Peace Arises

Grace and Peace