I’m going to be honest, here. I feel that there’s a huge problem today in our worship to God (myself included).
This is especially true in our American culture, I think.
And I’m not just talking about singing, for it’s most certainly not the only way to worship.
The problem, in my opinion, is this:
A lot of us have an extremely low view of God.
If this view of him can change, I believe everything will change.
Everything. (more…)
“Here I raise my ebenezer, hither by Thy help I’ve come…”
Today holds value in terms of markers in my life. And I can honestly (and embarrasingly) say that it’s a rare day.
You see, I’m taking a risk today. A pretty big one for me, at least.
And I am not good at taking risks. Trust issues, I suppose.
Today I’m flying to Nashville to record a 6-song EP with Jeremy Casella. I’ll be going nonstop from Thursday to Sunday. I’m super excited and super afraid at the same time. I believe this is what qualifies it as a real risk, right?
This is a time to remember where God has shown up before.
And He has a lot.
Today I’m resting in the truth of what God says about me, not what I think about myself in my insecurity. I would greatly appreciate your prayers, specifically that I don’t talk myself out enjoying something that God has provided for in so many mind-blowing ways.
When was the last time you took a risk?
What became of it?
The lines, the power, the heritage- all things I love about vintage automobiles. You will often find me glued to the couch on Saturdays watching collector car auctions on television, where my excitement level increases with each bid.
I especially love the stories of cars that sat in barns for decades, only to be meticulously restored to better-than-original condition. Sure, there’s the same model car that has rarely been driven, with only 18,000 miles or something. One can appreciate the fact that someone knew that the car may have been worth something one day. But, I would argue that the car was barely driven, and it spent a lifetime just sitting still. And besides…
Restoration stories are so much better.
It’s not just the end result of the better-than-new car that appeals, it’s the story of how it got to that point. Often times the person who restored the car will share on how, when the car was stripped down to the bare metal, major issues reared their ugly heads. Multiple layers of paint and body filler do a pretty good job of creating something pleasant to look at on the outside, only to be decaying from within. When those layers are peeled back, the truth of what needs restoration is revealed.
At this point of the post, insert my (and your) life here.
This season of participating in Christ’s death have peeled ripped back many layers in my life. Complacency and sitting still has caused the tires to rot and the battery to die. Being exposed to the elements have brought about a thick, rusty layer of pride, degrading and decaying anything in its path. The discovery (on this sort of level this season) has proven to be far from a gentle process. I’m not sure why I was expecting anything different. All I need to do is look at Christ. Look what they did to him. Why would I expect anything easy? Remember, there’s no story of redemption without depravity. If we have nothing to be restored to, why do you and I need restoration?
So restore away, God. I don’t want to just sit. Maybe that would mean less risk, but it would certainly mean less living. Besides…
Every detail. No omissions.
I hope these posts have been encouraging to you, as I’ve tried my best to honestly share my experience participating in Christ’s death before celebrating his resurrection. There is a bit more to say in terms of it, but for today, I’d like to keep it simple. I came across this prayer, and I find it quite fitting these days.
Almighty God,
You know that we have no power in ourselves
to help ourselves:
Keep us both outwardly in our bodies
and inwardly in our souls,
that we may be defended from all adversities
which may happen to the body,
and from all evil thoughts
which may assault and hurt the soul;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Take that in. Rinse & Repeat...
Happy Monday to you all, and welcome back to the series of posts about this season of Lent. In case you haven’t read them yet, check them out and get up to speed on the wrestling. They’re linked below for you convenience.
Ok, back to today…
You know, sometimes Friday’s quote doesn’t seem believable to me. Sometimes there’s
only one deafening sound from God in times of great need, and it’s this:
During this season of dying, which has felt really close to what I imagine the real thing feels like, I’ve had my share of the [seemingly] silent treatment from God. Why doesn’t he speak up when I’m crying out? Why can’t I seem to find him anywhere?
Is he testing me? Is the silence a part of some sort of lesson? Perhaps it’s to show me why faith is necessary.
I have a feeling that I’m just not paying attention.
Romans 1:20 says:
For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
You see, I really have no excuse for missing out on seeing his power displayed and his nature personified. For one, He’s everywhere. I’ve seen his power on display at the Grand Canyon and the ocean. And I’ve seen glimpses of his nature in my wife’s patience with me(you have no idea), my co-worker’s compassion for those struggling, and Eliud, whom I’ve never even met.
Maybe I should lift my head up and take everything in. Maybe I should pay closer attention to all of the reminders that are around me. I feel like the image above conveys what he says to us…
Where are you seeing God in your life right now?
