Christians. Yeah... we're different.

After running a marathon yesterday, I am reminded by the old Brooks slogan, "Runners. Yeah... we're different." Let's face it. Not everyone has the urge to spend 4 hours running, causing their bodies to ache and becoming extremely weak in the process... 26.2 miles pushing yourself all the way.

Although Christians don't all run that sort of physical race, we are all running a race. We pursue God's purposes and seek Him in our daily lives, our interactions, our time with Him.


A Different Spirit

37 The plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his officials. 38 So Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God [b] ?"

39 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. 40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." -Genesis 41:37-39

Joseph is a great example of a Christian who was really different in terms of his spirit. It didn't take the Pharaoh long to figure out that Joseph was different and this difference came from the Spirit of God which was in him. Joseph himself admits that he cannot interpret dreams, but only God can. He also forgives his brothers and recognizes how God has worked through them in order to save many people from the famine. I don't know how to describe it, but I feel that so often I can see and feel that spirit. Lord, fill me with your spirit, so that I may be a testimony to you.


A Different Understanding

5At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:25-30

God also allows us, whether little children or not PhD seminary students, a different understanding of the Bible and heaven and Him. Through prayer and time in His presence, He reveals so much. Year after year, I read the Bible. Year after year, time with the Lord and reading His word bring me to new or heightened understanding about the Lord, about ourselves, about so much. Lord, I'm seeking right now to see where you would have me go next year. I pray that You would guide me and teach me and continue to give me Your understanding even if I am not in a seminary program.