Well, it has been almost two months since I've written anything! Much too long, yet I've felt I needed to "marinate" for awhile, to really grasp what God has been speaking to me lest I say anything in vain.
It has been an interesting time most recently. So much uncertainty as to the future, questioning what I truly value and what my priorities are. I have begun to realize just how much more disciplined I can be (& need to be) with my time. Time is such a gift from God- it is a commodity that we all claim is always getting away from us, yet if we examine our daily routine, so much of our day is wasted on things with little eternal significance.
Much too often, I catch myself going through the motions of life, yet not savoring each moment as a gift. It's a paradigm shift to treasure every second as precious, to see that relationships are the key that determine the quality of life. Tending to get caught in the mentality that tasks are of the utmost importance, many times I miss the opportunities that have the most value & worth.
God's sweet voice continually pulls me back to a place of quietude, of sitting before Him in awe of who He is. Of seeing the beauty in every single person, regardless of a rough exterior or tough front they may project to myself & others.
To paraphrase Kevin Turner, Founder of Strategic World Impact & the keynote speaker at the Global Impact Celebration's Banquet this past Friday night, ' the world doesn't need another great sermon, it needs people who live out God's love to others everyday.'
I've come to realize that God's love is so much deeper than I can imagine, and though I try to show that in a practical way to others, many times I fail. Yet somehow, God's grace is sufficient in that He can use me to speak to others of His love. By His Holy Spirit, He can use men, broken vessels, to carry the living water of the gospel to those who would otherwise perish in a dry and weary land.
All this to say I am still learning, and it moves me to see a glimpse of God's love, to feel the pull of the Holy Spirit on my heart for the nations. Oh my word, the World Children's Choir came Friday night, I was so torn up inside. These kids have been through such unimaginable tragedy, so many of them orphans, yet they are singing praises to God. They don't blame God for the fact that they may have lost one or both of their parents, instead they have chosen to serve Him with their whole heart.
To see the children of the nations praising God in their native languages, now that is the power of God on display. God's presence was so thick & tangible in the room. It seemed I almost saw, as through a glass darkly, a picture of what it will be like in heaven when we are praising our Lord & King altogether. So indescribable- the pure joy of laughter and the triumph of the Kingdom of God over the kingdom of darkness.
Thank you Jesus that Your word is true! You are so good Lord and I praise you for your love that you have shed abroad in our hearts. I praise You Lord- You are worthy of all honor, glory and praise--forever and ever! Amen.
