What Is Your Will In Christ?

In the early hours just before the sun rises, the glory of the night sky in all of its majestic splendor of lights prepares to fade into a glowing dawn, revealing once again the wonder and breath taking creativity of the God who took a world completely void of life and detail and clothed it with such amazing beauty and life. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." Genesis 1:1-2 (NLT) Who could have imagined what He alone has done? Who could have seen in his own mind's eye with the wisdom and power to create from nothing, the array of such awe inspiring and seemingly unending masterpieces - one after another, from a once blank and now living and continually changing canvas?  And for what reason has He done it? What heart consuming motivation brought Him to such a monumental and unparalleled  work?  "Then ...

"Distance makes the heart grow fonder". I've both read it and heard it said numerous times over the years. But little did I know that it would become a reality in the way that it has under our current circumstances with the need for social distancing due to virus concerns. I've heard of numerous churches railing against the restrictions placed on large gatherings that affect their ability to once again open the doors. But as I sit back and consider the desire to once again come together as we did prior to the plague of virus that's found its way around the world, I find myself wrestling two separate views. I can certainly understand and am possessed of a desire myself to once again come together as Christ's family - one certainly stronger and more destined to endure than one simply of flesh. After all, as brothers and sisters in Christ we're more permanently bound to spend eternity together and share one eternal Father in His presence. I miss being to...

Among the many characters described in scripture that had passion for the Lord and close relationship with Him, I doubt there are many who despite their passion made as many simultaneous errors as David, the son of Jesse.  David the Psalmist, the writer of songs to the Lord, displayed his deep passion and reliance on the Lord in both music and word, often displaying his desire to honor and serve Him - but still struggled with the weakness of his humanity. His was a struggle that we all share in common at times, but there was a deep and honest love connection between the man David and his God that had the ability to eventually draw him back when he strayed with heart rending repentance and humility. David knew the source of his strength and all of the good that enveloped him in his life, but at times his weaknesses would betray him and the direct connection of his heart to the Lord's would be momentarily and carelessly set aside with sometimes tragic results - his focus would wan...

Our sensitivities find comfort in continuity and the reliability of certain things and people in our lives. So when something of substantial change occurs, especially in the more intimate areas of our lives, it can have the potential to leave us shaken. Some events have more rattling potential than others and if our perspective isn't truthfully informed, clear and focused, we could be left devastated... Even though we may have had some warning, the abrupt reality of someone that we love leaving this physical life can sometimes rise up to attempt to overwhelm the truth that we know. I've lived it a number of times now and understand it, but I've also come to allow my thinking to be adjusted by the truth of a far bigger picture. And it brings some measure of peace with it when I know that the person departing this life is merely continuing to fulfill their purpose to have lived here at all. Maintaining the physical life of our bodies is a major priority from the moment t...