True Identity…

There is a burning desire in the hearts of all people for a true understanding of their identity.  In some ways, this has always been true.  But with the ongoing dismantling of absolutes in our culture, even more so, since many people have always looked for a sense of identity in their surroundings.  Hence, all the focus on personality tests and assessments and quizzes.  Many are looking for a quick, magic bullet that will easily and accurately tell them who they are, so they can have peace.

The problem is that true, personal identity is not an isolated, quantifiable commodity.  It is — and has always, only been — a reality deeply interwoven with, and in response to, the Heart of Jesus.  The challenge is that love and intimacy and a true understanding of identity take a lot of work and time and patience (just like a successful marriage!).  But this is our only true, lasting, unshakeable hope.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1-3)

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The power of worship!

I was reading ROMANS CHAPTER 1 the other day. I was reminded that the greatest, most impacting decision we will ever make is “Whom will I worship?” No other decision we can make is as important or life-changing. Every other thing we think and say and do is merely a SYMPTOM of Whom or what we have decided to worship. That one decision sets in motion all other decisions, and reverberates into all the aspects of our lives — and changes forever who we are and who we will be in eternity.

I am not saying that we cannot resist God’s grace — I believe we can. (“As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.” 2 Cor. 6:1) But once we choose to worship and follow Jesus and are born again, I believe there is a wind of grace at our backs, always helping us to move forward, always making the right choice easier (not always EASY, but EASIER) than the wrong choice. And that is what I am talking about.

Brushstrokes…

The mind is a canvas. And it takes discernment (and patient practice) to know who is painting on it… us, or the culture or the enemy or God. Not all thoughts we have are from us (and many of our own thoughts are…uh..not that helpful). We cannot afford to be passive as we meander through our brains. We have to be aware and disciplined, and to know the difference between the stuff in our heads and the Word of God:

“…we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
(2 Corinthians 10:5)

His gravity, not ours.

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.”
(Romans 11:36)

Jesus, help us to break free from our own gravity today
(all our inner monologues, desires, plans, distractions
and self-absorption) and to revolve around You.

 

Shine!

“You are the LIGHT of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a LAMP and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your LIGHT SHINE before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

HAPPY NEW DAY, MY FELLOW SHINY ONES!!!

Was 2016 kinda dry?…

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18,19)

Was 2016 kinda dry?
May this year be a year of refreshing and renewal!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Further in the New Year!

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

Further up and further in!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Peace!

He’s a good, good Father!!!