Lord Jesus Christ, I want to put You first.
each day, in everything, in every way.
to choose your path first at every junction,
for this--a way of life, I yearn and pray.
a songwriter once wrote “prone to wander”
and Lord, I do feel this so strong.
I do not plan to run from You; but so often,
my heart just grows cold and I find myself alone
why does my heart become so underwhelmed
when everything around shouts and sings of your great love?
why do I become distracted in the course set for me?
certainly this is the epitome of shallowness--what stupidity!
You are the pearl of great price
your worth is certain above all sacrifice
only with every possession held in full surrender,
can I embrace this life of complete abandon.
help me, Holy One who lives within
change my heart, free me from all sin.
fill me up with your desire and give me that ability to follow
guide me in the truth by your own power
not in the likes of me does power such as this abide
only in your gift of love can it possibly materialize
I am empty, broken, willing
Holy Spirit, be my filler, healer, and desire.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Birthday reflections
Birthdays are, among other things, opportunities to reflect on where you have been and where you are going. For those of us who follow Jesus, it is an opportunity to give thanks to God for what He has brought us through and the blessings He has given us.
As I enter a new year of life, I give thanks afresh to God for his provision of two amazing parents—parents who have sacrificially poured their own lives out for their children. For a father who has modeled a life of striving toward God, depending on God, giving thanks in all things, and a willingness to continue to grow and change regardless of his stage in life. For a mother who has demonstrated persistence in her relationship with God, unending love and concern for her family, hospitality to friends and strangers; a woman who’s inner beauty is becoming deeper and clearer with each new year.
I give thanks to God for three sisters—not just sisters, but the best and closest of friends. Sisters who have challenged me through their life choices and willingness to make radical decisions to follow Jesus; sisters who have encouraged me with words of affirmation, who have affirmed God’s work in me, and have both accepted and shared wisdom at apropos times.
Praise God, too, for a wonderful family in Christ. Even this year, God has expanded this family to include so many new kindred spirits. Thanks to God for new brothers, fathers, uncles; new sisters and aunts. Thanks to him for friends that are brothers indeed; for helping me learn new things about how to live and serve others in a community of grace.
Most of all, I give thanks for what Jesus did that enables me to truly know my heavenly Father and experience His comfort, life, joy, peace, and purpose. Thank you Jesus for continuing to shine Your grace upon me; thank you for giving me what I don’t deserve: Life. Not just air to breathe, but the Holy Spirit—breath from heaven that fills me to overflowing and brings me glimpses of a Reality that is far more glorious than anything I could imagine.
Many other co-workers, teachers, and dear international friends could be mentioned. I look at my facebook profile and see an astounding 388 people—all people that I know in some way or another. Relationships—with God and with others—these are the greatest of God’s blessings. Thank you for the birthday wishes; thanks for all of you who have helped me realize today how blessed I really am. I am a rich man.
As I enter a new year of life, I give thanks afresh to God for his provision of two amazing parents—parents who have sacrificially poured their own lives out for their children. For a father who has modeled a life of striving toward God, depending on God, giving thanks in all things, and a willingness to continue to grow and change regardless of his stage in life. For a mother who has demonstrated persistence in her relationship with God, unending love and concern for her family, hospitality to friends and strangers; a woman who’s inner beauty is becoming deeper and clearer with each new year.
I give thanks to God for three sisters—not just sisters, but the best and closest of friends. Sisters who have challenged me through their life choices and willingness to make radical decisions to follow Jesus; sisters who have encouraged me with words of affirmation, who have affirmed God’s work in me, and have both accepted and shared wisdom at apropos times.
Praise God, too, for a wonderful family in Christ. Even this year, God has expanded this family to include so many new kindred spirits. Thanks to God for new brothers, fathers, uncles; new sisters and aunts. Thanks to him for friends that are brothers indeed; for helping me learn new things about how to live and serve others in a community of grace.
Most of all, I give thanks for what Jesus did that enables me to truly know my heavenly Father and experience His comfort, life, joy, peace, and purpose. Thank you Jesus for continuing to shine Your grace upon me; thank you for giving me what I don’t deserve: Life. Not just air to breathe, but the Holy Spirit—breath from heaven that fills me to overflowing and brings me glimpses of a Reality that is far more glorious than anything I could imagine.
Many other co-workers, teachers, and dear international friends could be mentioned. I look at my facebook profile and see an astounding 388 people—all people that I know in some way or another. Relationships—with God and with others—these are the greatest of God’s blessings. Thank you for the birthday wishes; thanks for all of you who have helped me realize today how blessed I really am. I am a rich man.
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