Too Casual

Sometimes he seems familiar. Other times he seems foreign. Sometimes he seems as close as a lover. Other times he seems as distant as a loner. But a walk with God is to be taken much more seriously than just a walk in the park. So when God seems foreign and I feel alone, I have to ask,"Why have I been so casual in my pursuit of this holy God?"

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'”
-1 Peter 1:13-16

Anxiety

She walks a fine line between the broad and the narrow. But walking a tight rope or sitting on a fence's edge is not a comfortable place to stay. Still, her comfort zone is hard to find when comfort is a feeling she's barely known. Instead, she clings to familiar feelings far from comfort. And you think, "maybe it's time to talk her down", but how can you talk her down when she finds shelter in your very own mind?

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
-1 Peter 5:6,7

A Reflection on Motherhood

She tugs and she pulls, needing to take from the strength I don't have. So I tug and I pull, asking him for the strength I know he has. And he gives me what I need so that I can give her what she needs. Then as the end of the day falls into night, she calls me a good mom, and I call him an even better God.

"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me."
-2 Corinthians 12:9

Security

Financial security does not equate with eternal security. Still, sometimes I think we believe the more creature comforts we acquire, the more smoothly paved the path toward heaven will seem. But if we are honest with ourselves, we know can neither buy our happiness nor our salvation.

So does that leave us feeling empty handed? Or does it move us to place our trust in the Lord, the only one who can truly offer security?

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
-Philippians 4:12-13

No Regrets

Jesus came to save the world, so when I realized I couldn't even save the day, I knew I needed him. Still, the world wanted me to sell out, but I knew I needed to buy in, regardless. Now the days when I sang songs of sorrow are gone. Instead, I cry tears of joy for the years I have not lost and for the regrets I have not made.

"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
-Matthew 19:10

A Consuming Fire

The God of the Bible who appears as a burning bush now burns passionately and personally today. He kindles a fire in the souls of men and women that may start out reminiscent of the tune "This little light of mine...", but it grows and burns brightly. You see, we have the luxury of experiencing God, not as a burning bush from a distant desert in the middle east, but in the closest confines of our own hearts.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'"
-Hebrews 12:28,29

The Love of God

He is the picture of perfection and his picture hangs on every wall of my heart. But even while I am not picture perfect, my picture still hangs on every wall of his heart.

Do you know where your picture hangs?

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Romans 8:37-39