When I started writing on this new blog location back in February I shared how far away I had drifted in my "Personal" walk with Christ and how God was leading me "back home." Because of the "NEW" things God is doing in my life as a result of investing the first hour of each day exclusively to HIM, we are focusing our attention on Sundays to this topic: "The Courts of the Lord." I figured since God was showing me how to get back on track, I should share with our people what He was teaching me. I don't think I have ever spoken on a topic that was so real in my personal journey at the time I was actually experiencing it!
As I was writing in my journal yesterday after reading a very difficult Psalm to translate and apply (I am talking about Psalm 88; it is a difficult one), I began thinking about the way we respond to those difficult times in our lives that seem to be as dependable as rising consumer prices. I thought I would share some of the things I wrote and maybe inspire some "deeper" thinkers to process some of these ideas.
From my journal:
The Psalm I read this morning was dark and gloomy. (Ps.88) There is no doubt that this song was written by someone in deep anguish. While the message of this Psalm is difficult to discern, it reminds me how the Bible is true to life. This song describes how many of us "feel" when things in our lives are going bad. The Bible is real because it does not paint a glossy picture of reality that we can't identify with. We all feel like we've been abandoned at times.
Actually, God created us to LIVE! We are specially designed to enjoy life. When problems come into our lives we respond according to our design. Sin, sickness, death, and the many manifestations of evil are abnormal for the LIFE God designed us to live. Our reactions to adverse life situations is born in our created design.
We read in Genesis of a "Curse" that was placed on humanity, the earth and Satan after the first sin by Adam and Eve. This curse circumvents our reality by continually forcing us to process situations that we were not designed for. That is why we NEED the STRENGTH that only God can give us for this formidable task.
We are not "called to cope" with life on earth; we are "CALLED TO OVERCOME!" The Bible is filled with stories of "OVERCOMERS!" In the opening chapters of Revelation there are 7 letters that were written to 7 real churches. In each of the letters there is a Promise of Blessings by God for those who OVERCOME the setbacks, temptations, and challenges of our "fallen world."
Processing the various stimuli that affect our 'outlook' on life, God, happiness, pain, etc. involves a careful mixture of Faith and a determination that refuses to give up. The "Abundant Life" Jesus promises us is available in the midst of the various "traps" set for us to steal what God has designed for us. (cf. John 10:10) Psalm 77:19 says that God made a way for His People "through the sea." This means that God's WAY in every problem lies in the midst of the problem! Walking by faith and living in the "real world" should never be segregated. It is only when we integrate faith with our daily challenges that we actually experience this ABUNDANCY OF LIFE!
Well, that's what I wrote in my journal on May 3, 2010. HAPPY MUSING!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Missing It
[One reason I was hesitant to get back into "blogger world" was this tendency to neglect taking the time to write down current thoughts that will hopefully prove helpful to any who take the time to read. If you do check to see if I have written anything, please forgive my delay. It is certainly not because God hasn't been saying anything to me! My journal is filled with insights God has given me, truths that are transforming me, mysteries that I wrestle with, and praises for the ONE who has given me the privilege of taking this journey.]
On the current front, my thoughts and gleanings are directed to the subject of God's Kingdom being present right here on planet earth. The more our world spirals downward through anti-God influences, His Kingdom remains strong, intact, unhurried, and dependable. Since we place so much weight on those who lead us, I find great comfort and excitement to know that God's Kingdom is in great shape because the Leadership cannot be questioned, challenged, or overthrown. Jesus is the ruler in the Kingdom of God! As some of our songs testify, "HE REIGNS!"
For those who have personally experienced God's love and power through salvation, it is a given fact that Jesus Reigns over the Throne of God "In Heaven." We also readily accept that His Dominion and Power cannot be challenged by anyone or anything! We fully expect, because of our salvation, to reside with our Risen Lord forever after our time on earth ends. But, there is one aspect of God's Kingdom that receives very little publicity or explanation. Jesus said for us to pray this way... "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth just as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10) This tells me that there is much more involved in becoming a "Christ-Follower" than heart/head belief, verbal profession of belief that His Gospel is TRUTH, and labeling ourselves as Christians, Believers, etc.!
I have been meditating on the current position that many people take in reference to their Christian faith. It is like we expect God to be explainable. We also expect somehow that our willingness to give away our allegiance to God through Christ should somehow insulate or insure us against painful life-situations here on earth. When trials and troubles do come, we struggle to "make sense" of them, wondering why God has abandoned us. My thoughts are leaning towards a different understanding about the Kingdom of God coming on earth right now! (like Jesus said it was supposed to) The reason we don't see the Kingdom of God transforming our social structures on earth is because even those of us who have embraced the Truth of Jesus' story have continued to exist more in the "Worldly Kingdom" than we do the Kingdom of God!
If interested, chew on this idea: What difference could it make if God's Kingdom agenda became our agenda? Let me know what you think. I will pursue more thoughts along these lines for those who are intrigued enough to participate in the climb!
On the current front, my thoughts and gleanings are directed to the subject of God's Kingdom being present right here on planet earth. The more our world spirals downward through anti-God influences, His Kingdom remains strong, intact, unhurried, and dependable. Since we place so much weight on those who lead us, I find great comfort and excitement to know that God's Kingdom is in great shape because the Leadership cannot be questioned, challenged, or overthrown. Jesus is the ruler in the Kingdom of God! As some of our songs testify, "HE REIGNS!"
For those who have personally experienced God's love and power through salvation, it is a given fact that Jesus Reigns over the Throne of God "In Heaven." We also readily accept that His Dominion and Power cannot be challenged by anyone or anything! We fully expect, because of our salvation, to reside with our Risen Lord forever after our time on earth ends. But, there is one aspect of God's Kingdom that receives very little publicity or explanation. Jesus said for us to pray this way... "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth just as it is in heaven." (Matt. 6:10) This tells me that there is much more involved in becoming a "Christ-Follower" than heart/head belief, verbal profession of belief that His Gospel is TRUTH, and labeling ourselves as Christians, Believers, etc.!
I have been meditating on the current position that many people take in reference to their Christian faith. It is like we expect God to be explainable. We also expect somehow that our willingness to give away our allegiance to God through Christ should somehow insulate or insure us against painful life-situations here on earth. When trials and troubles do come, we struggle to "make sense" of them, wondering why God has abandoned us. My thoughts are leaning towards a different understanding about the Kingdom of God coming on earth right now! (like Jesus said it was supposed to) The reason we don't see the Kingdom of God transforming our social structures on earth is because even those of us who have embraced the Truth of Jesus' story have continued to exist more in the "Worldly Kingdom" than we do the Kingdom of God!
If interested, chew on this idea: What difference could it make if God's Kingdom agenda became our agenda? Let me know what you think. I will pursue more thoughts along these lines for those who are intrigued enough to participate in the climb!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Winning and Losing
Some sports fans readily know what I mean by the phrase "March Madness." This has long been the identifiable label that CBS assigns to the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. If you do follow this sporting event you know how quickly people's brackets were wiped out by unheard of teams finding a way to beat the top teams that everyone expected to make it all the way. It goes to show how difficult it can be to predict winning and losing.
In our world, winners are applauded and compensated well while those who "Lose" when the world is watching are forgotten, questioned, analyzed, and certainly criticized. The older I get the more disdain I have for the people who wear the headsets and seem determined to give some deep psychological evaluation on every single move the players make. My Dad says that they must get paid by the word! (OK I am detracting just a bit; sorry) Everybody loves the WINNER! Loyalty is challenged when our team is not winning. Coaches are criticized and even villified. One football coach of a major university decided to leave his position for another one and people rioted in the town where this school is located. HOW SAD!
So, what possible point am I trying to make? (I kind of got lost in my rantings too) Today has long been referred to as "GOOD FRIDAY" by the Evangelical Church. As I began my day in prayer and meditation on the significance of what this day Commemorates -- i.e. The Sacrificial Death of Jesus Christ to compensate for the sins of the world -- it occurred to me how all the evidence for those who witnessed His gruesome death suggested that HE WAS THE LOSER! While it remains a TRAGEDY that this Innocent, Divine Man had to suffer so greatly because of something we are guilty of, after the physical experience was over, JESUS actually was the WINNER! He accomplished something incredible by His death! He beat SIN/Death on its own turf.
It occurs to me that, in light of how outward evidence suggested Jesus was losing when in actuality HE was accomplishing something that surpasses explanation, there is a variant perspective on the challenges and trials we experience in this world. Jesus said that the "first shall be last and the last shall be first." What He meant was that, for those who willingly and enthusiastically put everything aside to pursue a relationship with Him, while they may appear to the world to be losers, they are actually winning on a level greater than most people even know exists.
The EASTER MESSAGE/MIRACLE is not merely an historical event for us to marvel about, celebrate once a year, or whatever other response is extended to what is called Easter. Instead, EASTER is about WINNING AT LIFE! It is about a POWER-SOURCE that exceeds anything that can be purchased or manufactured by man's brilliance. Maybe some of the things that enter our consciousness are more about our WINNING than LOSING! Maybe we are living in the midst of something incredible that is the anti-thesis of what our world classifies as WINNING! I'm not talking about a "Crutch" to lean on when explanations are impossible to find. I am talking about something that is so real that you can only grasp it by experiencing it.
I encourage you to stretch beyond your limitations and ingest the ever-living power of the Christ who was dead but WHO is now alive!!! WINNING is just one prayer away.
In our world, winners are applauded and compensated well while those who "Lose" when the world is watching are forgotten, questioned, analyzed, and certainly criticized. The older I get the more disdain I have for the people who wear the headsets and seem determined to give some deep psychological evaluation on every single move the players make. My Dad says that they must get paid by the word! (OK I am detracting just a bit; sorry) Everybody loves the WINNER! Loyalty is challenged when our team is not winning. Coaches are criticized and even villified. One football coach of a major university decided to leave his position for another one and people rioted in the town where this school is located. HOW SAD!
So, what possible point am I trying to make? (I kind of got lost in my rantings too) Today has long been referred to as "GOOD FRIDAY" by the Evangelical Church. As I began my day in prayer and meditation on the significance of what this day Commemorates -- i.e. The Sacrificial Death of Jesus Christ to compensate for the sins of the world -- it occurred to me how all the evidence for those who witnessed His gruesome death suggested that HE WAS THE LOSER! While it remains a TRAGEDY that this Innocent, Divine Man had to suffer so greatly because of something we are guilty of, after the physical experience was over, JESUS actually was the WINNER! He accomplished something incredible by His death! He beat SIN/Death on its own turf.
It occurs to me that, in light of how outward evidence suggested Jesus was losing when in actuality HE was accomplishing something that surpasses explanation, there is a variant perspective on the challenges and trials we experience in this world. Jesus said that the "first shall be last and the last shall be first." What He meant was that, for those who willingly and enthusiastically put everything aside to pursue a relationship with Him, while they may appear to the world to be losers, they are actually winning on a level greater than most people even know exists.
The EASTER MESSAGE/MIRACLE is not merely an historical event for us to marvel about, celebrate once a year, or whatever other response is extended to what is called Easter. Instead, EASTER is about WINNING AT LIFE! It is about a POWER-SOURCE that exceeds anything that can be purchased or manufactured by man's brilliance. Maybe some of the things that enter our consciousness are more about our WINNING than LOSING! Maybe we are living in the midst of something incredible that is the anti-thesis of what our world classifies as WINNING! I'm not talking about a "Crutch" to lean on when explanations are impossible to find. I am talking about something that is so real that you can only grasp it by experiencing it.
I encourage you to stretch beyond your limitations and ingest the ever-living power of the Christ who was dead but WHO is now alive!!! WINNING is just one prayer away.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Too Cool Not to Share
I just had to share real quick something great that God did in my T.A.W.G. today (Time Alone With God). After spending some time in prayer I put a DVD in my computer that has numerous worship songs with video backgrounds on it. I was leaving the office yesterday and grabbed it to listen to a version of the song "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" because we are in a study called "Experiencing the Cross" (you can go to www.washingtonavenue.org to listen to the messages).
Anyway, after listening to that song I was clicking through the other songs on the disc and just stopped on one because my mind suddenly went back to the Scripture passage I had just read in the Psalms (chpt. 48). I literally turned my eyes back to the Bible and started writing these words in my journal: "This God is our God forever and ever; he will be my guide until the end." (v.14) As I was writing these words, the song I had unintentionally stopped on started singing the very words I was writing!!!!!
Let me tell you, that was an incredible moment. It was like God was saying to me, "I really am your GUIDE and will be until the end." He is so AMAZING to always show up at exactly the right times with exactly what we need to hear. No matter what anyone thinks or says, I know that God used this incredible "coincidence" to remind me that He is with me.
We were fishing the other day and having a difficult time finding fish. I told the guys I was fishing with that one thing was certain: we definitely could not catch anything if we didn't put our hooks in the water. Every T.A.W.G. does not produce something Obvious and Amazing like I experienced today but one thing is certain: I never would have these experiences if I didn't put my "hook" out there. Let me encourage you to "carve" out time in your busy schedule for solitude with God. All you need is a quiet place, a Bible, a pen and paper and a "SEEKING" heart. God will do the rest! Happy SEEKING.
Anyway, after listening to that song I was clicking through the other songs on the disc and just stopped on one because my mind suddenly went back to the Scripture passage I had just read in the Psalms (chpt. 48). I literally turned my eyes back to the Bible and started writing these words in my journal: "This God is our God forever and ever; he will be my guide until the end." (v.14) As I was writing these words, the song I had unintentionally stopped on started singing the very words I was writing!!!!!
Let me tell you, that was an incredible moment. It was like God was saying to me, "I really am your GUIDE and will be until the end." He is so AMAZING to always show up at exactly the right times with exactly what we need to hear. No matter what anyone thinks or says, I know that God used this incredible "coincidence" to remind me that He is with me.
We were fishing the other day and having a difficult time finding fish. I told the guys I was fishing with that one thing was certain: we definitely could not catch anything if we didn't put our hooks in the water. Every T.A.W.G. does not produce something Obvious and Amazing like I experienced today but one thing is certain: I never would have these experiences if I didn't put my "hook" out there. Let me encourage you to "carve" out time in your busy schedule for solitude with God. All you need is a quiet place, a Bible, a pen and paper and a "SEEKING" heart. God will do the rest! Happy SEEKING.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Health Care Reform?
It has been a little over 2 years since I started posting thoughts from my heart and mind on the internet in this medium called Blogging. While I have only been using this particular "Host" (I think that is what you call it) for a few weeks, I had another blog address where I shared dozens of posts. (I believe you can still access that site with this address: www.chuckbridges.wordpress.com). I stopped using the other site because they messed up my domain for some reason.
Anyway, before I digress too much further let me get to the point. In all of these thousands of words posted I think there was only one time that I shared something about an issue that was going on in our country (primarily speaking about our political circus in Washington, D.C.). I wanted to begin this post by making this clarification so that, in case someone new reads my blog or a follower wonders about my motives, just know that this is not the primary intent of this blog!
Now, my reason for sharing this is not so much to get something "off my chest" but to point out how the recent decision of our nation's elected leaders to pass one of the largest and most significant pieces of legislation in a long time -- i.e. the health care reform bill (soon to be law) -- clearly affirms the prophecies contained in Scripture concerning the "Last Days." By "Last Days" I am referring to the time period immediately preceding the time when God says "That's enough; it is time to end life on earth as we have known it!" (This is not a good way to state the many truths concerning the "End of Times" so just stay with me even if you are wondering right now what I am talking about).
So that there is no confusion let me just go ahead and say that I am saddened by the way this health care legislation has been "driven" down the American people's throat without any consideration for the will of the people. This is another step in the past years precedence set by courts that Over-Rule statewide elections if the result does not suit the particular judge who may be presiding over a case. It is also my opinion that once our Congressmen/Women are elected they could care less what the people want. (They even speak a totally different language than those of us who live in the real world)
I wanted to share this to highlight my primary objection about the way our national leaders take care of "OUR" business. Some people may think that this legislation will cause law-abiding, tax-paying citizens to pay for abortions for the first time. This has been one of the "Hot-Topics" consistently discussed by both sides in this season of political posturing. While it makes me very angry to think that money I earn and send to my national leaders is paying for something that I oppose with every ounce of my being, to think that this legislation began this policy is nothing short of ignorance.
For years our tax money has funded a powerful organization called "Planned Parenthood." Don't let the civilized name fool you. This is one of the leading abortion providers and defenders in the world! Our tax money has been paying for abortions through this organization for years. The sad thing is that most people don't realize it. Sadder still is how the efforts to stop this atrocity by people who do understand this have failed.
Instead of ranting on let me just stop here and say that, while I am sad for the country of my physical birth -- America -- I am not dismayed because this is no longer my Home Country. You see, because of what Jesus Christ did for me on the Cross, and because I surrendered my heart and life to His Lordship (i.e. control), I am now living for a different world. The Country where my "Citizenship" now rests is eternal and is ruled by my gracious and loving Creator. My heart rejoices today because the Easter Message promises LIFE like nothing this world can give!! Even in the midst of our disintegration as a nation that cannot even protect our most vulnerable, weak members -- THE UNBORN -- my heart will REJOICE! These oppressive policies by the ruling elite actually should incite Christ-Followers to get less connected to this world and place our HOPE in the world that cannot be changed!
While I do not propose that Christians exit the arena of National, State and Local politics, to be perfectly honest, I have a hard time doing anything proactive because I am convinced that my little voice -- and my little vote -- are powerless in the process. Even though I am not proud to say this, I just have to be honest. Those in leadership are going to do whatever they want no matter what I say. When I do disagree on legislation, do I still have to abide by it? Even when it violates my moral conscience? Isn't this what fueled revolts in the past? (Again, to be clear, I am not interested in starting a revolt; actually I believe revolts start themselves and manage to pull in the people who are personally affected or who have reached a point where they no longer wish to abide within a system that is adverse to everything they stand for!)
It is my wish that my assorted, somewhat choppy thoughts will cause you to think. I am not interested in finding people who agree with me. On the contrary, I ONLY WISH TO PLEASE THE ONE WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME! Everything else is secondary.
Anyway, before I digress too much further let me get to the point. In all of these thousands of words posted I think there was only one time that I shared something about an issue that was going on in our country (primarily speaking about our political circus in Washington, D.C.). I wanted to begin this post by making this clarification so that, in case someone new reads my blog or a follower wonders about my motives, just know that this is not the primary intent of this blog!
Now, my reason for sharing this is not so much to get something "off my chest" but to point out how the recent decision of our nation's elected leaders to pass one of the largest and most significant pieces of legislation in a long time -- i.e. the health care reform bill (soon to be law) -- clearly affirms the prophecies contained in Scripture concerning the "Last Days." By "Last Days" I am referring to the time period immediately preceding the time when God says "That's enough; it is time to end life on earth as we have known it!" (This is not a good way to state the many truths concerning the "End of Times" so just stay with me even if you are wondering right now what I am talking about).
So that there is no confusion let me just go ahead and say that I am saddened by the way this health care legislation has been "driven" down the American people's throat without any consideration for the will of the people. This is another step in the past years precedence set by courts that Over-Rule statewide elections if the result does not suit the particular judge who may be presiding over a case. It is also my opinion that once our Congressmen/Women are elected they could care less what the people want. (They even speak a totally different language than those of us who live in the real world)
I wanted to share this to highlight my primary objection about the way our national leaders take care of "OUR" business. Some people may think that this legislation will cause law-abiding, tax-paying citizens to pay for abortions for the first time. This has been one of the "Hot-Topics" consistently discussed by both sides in this season of political posturing. While it makes me very angry to think that money I earn and send to my national leaders is paying for something that I oppose with every ounce of my being, to think that this legislation began this policy is nothing short of ignorance.
For years our tax money has funded a powerful organization called "Planned Parenthood." Don't let the civilized name fool you. This is one of the leading abortion providers and defenders in the world! Our tax money has been paying for abortions through this organization for years. The sad thing is that most people don't realize it. Sadder still is how the efforts to stop this atrocity by people who do understand this have failed.
Instead of ranting on let me just stop here and say that, while I am sad for the country of my physical birth -- America -- I am not dismayed because this is no longer my Home Country. You see, because of what Jesus Christ did for me on the Cross, and because I surrendered my heart and life to His Lordship (i.e. control), I am now living for a different world. The Country where my "Citizenship" now rests is eternal and is ruled by my gracious and loving Creator. My heart rejoices today because the Easter Message promises LIFE like nothing this world can give!! Even in the midst of our disintegration as a nation that cannot even protect our most vulnerable, weak members -- THE UNBORN -- my heart will REJOICE! These oppressive policies by the ruling elite actually should incite Christ-Followers to get less connected to this world and place our HOPE in the world that cannot be changed!
While I do not propose that Christians exit the arena of National, State and Local politics, to be perfectly honest, I have a hard time doing anything proactive because I am convinced that my little voice -- and my little vote -- are powerless in the process. Even though I am not proud to say this, I just have to be honest. Those in leadership are going to do whatever they want no matter what I say. When I do disagree on legislation, do I still have to abide by it? Even when it violates my moral conscience? Isn't this what fueled revolts in the past? (Again, to be clear, I am not interested in starting a revolt; actually I believe revolts start themselves and manage to pull in the people who are personally affected or who have reached a point where they no longer wish to abide within a system that is adverse to everything they stand for!)
It is my wish that my assorted, somewhat choppy thoughts will cause you to think. I am not interested in finding people who agree with me. On the contrary, I ONLY WISH TO PLEASE THE ONE WHO GAVE HIS LIFE FOR ME! Everything else is secondary.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Standing on Solid Ground
"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." (Psalm 33:11)
We never know with each new day what kind of challenges await us. What remains hidden to my consciousness is not "hidden" to God. Pursuing faithfulness to God while navigating the many challenges of our volatile existence on this earth depends on our effectiveness at surrendering everything to the Wisdom and knowledge of God -- both the things we know about and those things we have yet to learn about.
We are good at praying for things that come to our attention. Consistency in our walk with the Lord hinges on our ability to commit to prayer those things that have yet to be revealed. It is too easy to enter each "uncertain" day with an unspoken expectation that our life is supposed to be free from challenges. How different would our focus be when "challenging" situations come our way IF we had already surrendered everything to God (known and unknown) before we had our first human-to-human encounter each day?
Until we learn to SURRENDER to God what we have not yet learned about, our disposition, attitude, personal growth, joy, etc. can easily be hijacked by the next crisis (or disappointment, personal attack, etc.) Our experience with Christ will seem like a wild roller coaster ride (i.e. up an down; twisting and turning). Our inconsistencies will be much larger in the eyes of others than the testimony of faithfulness we strive for.
Standing on the "Solid Rock" of God's Love for me requires this consistent surrender. When something "NEW" becomes a part of my knowledge, I need to remind myself that this is not "NEW" to God. He has known about it since before the world began and He is not worried about it at all! And, no matter how bad something may seem or how much pain it can bring into our lives, nothing will negate God's plans from being accomplished.
"For I know the PLANS I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."
(Jeremiah 29:11)
We never know with each new day what kind of challenges await us. What remains hidden to my consciousness is not "hidden" to God. Pursuing faithfulness to God while navigating the many challenges of our volatile existence on this earth depends on our effectiveness at surrendering everything to the Wisdom and knowledge of God -- both the things we know about and those things we have yet to learn about.
We are good at praying for things that come to our attention. Consistency in our walk with the Lord hinges on our ability to commit to prayer those things that have yet to be revealed. It is too easy to enter each "uncertain" day with an unspoken expectation that our life is supposed to be free from challenges. How different would our focus be when "challenging" situations come our way IF we had already surrendered everything to God (known and unknown) before we had our first human-to-human encounter each day?
Until we learn to SURRENDER to God what we have not yet learned about, our disposition, attitude, personal growth, joy, etc. can easily be hijacked by the next crisis (or disappointment, personal attack, etc.) Our experience with Christ will seem like a wild roller coaster ride (i.e. up an down; twisting and turning). Our inconsistencies will be much larger in the eyes of others than the testimony of faithfulness we strive for.
Standing on the "Solid Rock" of God's Love for me requires this consistent surrender. When something "NEW" becomes a part of my knowledge, I need to remind myself that this is not "NEW" to God. He has known about it since before the world began and He is not worried about it at all! And, no matter how bad something may seem or how much pain it can bring into our lives, nothing will negate God's plans from being accomplished.
"For I know the PLANS I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future."
(Jeremiah 29:11)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Moving from Living to Vitality
I have shared recently about my 'Long Journey Home' moving back to a place of abundancy and joy in my personal relationship with God. Each day as I rise before the sun, do my rituals to get awake, and then "Park My Heart in Front of God" He continues to reveal Himself uniquely. I must confess, I am getting to the point where I can't wait to SIT before Him because I just don't know how He will choose to transport me from this depressing existence to His glorious activity.
While I am still heading back to where I have been and long to be with Christ, I began thinking today about the meaning of "Spiritual Vitality." Basically this just means to be Spiritually "Healthy" with a drive to gain even more while enjoying what you are experiencing. This drive for more is not fueled by what I am missing (or any other stimuli generated by a feeling of "missing" something). Instead this pursuit becomes fueled by how great the daily experiences are.
For example, I have heard people talk about getting a certain feeling when running long distances. This has been referred to as a "runner's high." I confess that I have never experienced this from running. For some reason I decided that I wanted to run a 5k race before I turned 50. So, I started my own training process that is not going to prove successful. I have run over 3 miles many times but I have not yet experienced this mysterious "runner's high." You must have to run further than I've been. But, I can honestly say that I feel so good that I can't wait until my next opportunity to go back to the gym. It feels good to sweat, get stronger, and I am also trying to eat right.
The point is this: I now want to get back to the gym as often as I can because I am enjoying the benefits immensely. This is my best attempt to define "Spiritual Vitality." I am enjoying the benefits of investing time with the Lord "EVERY DAY" and this makes me DESIRE to get back in my T.A.W.G. as soon as possible. (Time Alone With God)
You know the Bible has been compared to our FOOD for Spiritual Growth/Life. It is interesting when we realize the difference between Spiritual and physical food. The longer we go without physical food the more we crave it! Isn't it amazing when we try to "cut back" or eat more healthy that the foods we know should not enter our body consume our every thought! (WOW! I just thought about a Reece Cup!) On the contrary, the longer we stay away from Spiritual Food, the less we desire it! It is so easy to let it slide a few times and then, before we know it, several weeks or months have passed without any spiritual food.
Spiritual Vitality is a great place to live! I raise my glass of lemon water to you right now and toast your new journey into Vitality! Invest the time; do the drills until they become your DELIGHT! You will be glad you did! (of course it wouldn't hurt to eat less, eat better and exercise too!)
While I am still heading back to where I have been and long to be with Christ, I began thinking today about the meaning of "Spiritual Vitality." Basically this just means to be Spiritually "Healthy" with a drive to gain even more while enjoying what you are experiencing. This drive for more is not fueled by what I am missing (or any other stimuli generated by a feeling of "missing" something). Instead this pursuit becomes fueled by how great the daily experiences are.
For example, I have heard people talk about getting a certain feeling when running long distances. This has been referred to as a "runner's high." I confess that I have never experienced this from running. For some reason I decided that I wanted to run a 5k race before I turned 50. So, I started my own training process that is not going to prove successful. I have run over 3 miles many times but I have not yet experienced this mysterious "runner's high." You must have to run further than I've been. But, I can honestly say that I feel so good that I can't wait until my next opportunity to go back to the gym. It feels good to sweat, get stronger, and I am also trying to eat right.
The point is this: I now want to get back to the gym as often as I can because I am enjoying the benefits immensely. This is my best attempt to define "Spiritual Vitality." I am enjoying the benefits of investing time with the Lord "EVERY DAY" and this makes me DESIRE to get back in my T.A.W.G. as soon as possible. (Time Alone With God)
You know the Bible has been compared to our FOOD for Spiritual Growth/Life. It is interesting when we realize the difference between Spiritual and physical food. The longer we go without physical food the more we crave it! Isn't it amazing when we try to "cut back" or eat more healthy that the foods we know should not enter our body consume our every thought! (WOW! I just thought about a Reece Cup!) On the contrary, the longer we stay away from Spiritual Food, the less we desire it! It is so easy to let it slide a few times and then, before we know it, several weeks or months have passed without any spiritual food.
Spiritual Vitality is a great place to live! I raise my glass of lemon water to you right now and toast your new journey into Vitality! Invest the time; do the drills until they become your DELIGHT! You will be glad you did! (of course it wouldn't hurt to eat less, eat better and exercise too!)
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