Free to Be ...

Free to Be...

Love One Another

Free to Be Truly Loving

After leading a study of Roman's, the idea that we are "free" from the law is less than new to me. But this morning, I heard this freedom in a new light. We are freed from the ties of obligations and can open ourselves instead to be truly loving, not just as someone 'enslaved' or 'on the job'.

¹ It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

² Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. ³ Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. ⁴ You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

⁷ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? ⁸That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. ⁹ “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” ¹⁰ I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. ¹¹ Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. ¹² As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. ¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. (Galatians 5:1-15)

Many religions are based on good works. Certain sacrifices, ceremonies and good deeds are necessary in order for you to be 'right with God'. This would lead to us doing good things, but without the love in our hearts. Since we are free from the law and lists of obligations, we are free to 'serve one another humbly'... most importantly 'in love'. Love must come from the heart, not from a list of shoulds, but from the desire to express our sincere faith through love.

Praise God that we are no longer confined by the law, but we are free to love the lord our God with heart and soul and mind... and love our neighbor as ourself!

Free to be Weak

We are also free to lean not on our own good works and our own goodness (because then we might boast), but we are free to lean on the Holy Spirit who guides us through our struggles, trials, and difficulties. We are free to be weak, and lean on the strength we have in Christ.

It hardly seems like a blessed... free to be weak? But freedom to be weak, imperfect children of the living God, is a freedom to be real and genuine instead of putting a fake 'front', we call out to God for guidance and counsel and help. And then we see how strong God truly is!

The new song by Matthew West called "Strong Enough" speaks to this point.

Well, forgive me
Forgive me if I'm wrong
But this looks like more than I can do
On my own

I know I'm not strong enough to be
everything that I'm supposed to be
I give up
I'm not stong enough
Hands of mercy won't you cover me
Lord right now I'm asking you to be
Strong enough
Strong enough
For the both of us

Well, maybe
Maybe that's the point
To reach the point of giving up

I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
And I don't have to be
Strong enough
Strong enough

The story on his webpage talks about a young girl named Haleigh who had just started school at Columbia and was in a terrible accident during a break. She has now gone through 13 surgeries, 3 years later. She lost her health insurance and was unable to continue with school. Her response to her mother inspired this song. (http://www.matthewwest.com/2011/03/30/strong-enough/)

Matthew West describes that in his concerts, his audience always reaches their hands out to God during the end of the song when he sings "I can do all things, through Christ who gives me strength." He believes people can relate to the song in the own personal struggles they are facing.

And it is comforting to know that we don't have to be strong enough... and to remember that Christ is strong enough. As Paul attested, our faith in Christ Jesus enables us to boast in our weakness and praise God for His strength!

Free to Be New

In fact, as I sit here listening to K-Love this morning, I'm reminded that our whole faith is about being free. We are free from our past mistakes... free to be given a new name and be defined by Christ.

In another of my favorite songs by Jason Gray called "I am New".

It is this kind of freedom that opens us up to love completely... and to love unconditionally, not only certain people in certain circumstances when they do certain things or belong to certain groups or look/act a certain way. No... we are called to love all our brothers and sisters... just as Christ loved us.

So Long Self

So Long Self

Love One Another

Today's scripture reading was a familiar one, but one that begs to challenge us to be more loving, compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient... to be more for others and less for ourselves.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)

It may seem at first glance that the first part of this scripture reading really does speak a lot about ourselves. But really, this is a depiction of how we should prepare ourselves in order to interact lovingly with each other. And the reason for that is that we are "God's chosen people" (v. 12) and we are to love and forgive "as the Lord forgave [us]" (v. 14).

From verse 15 onwards, it more clearly explains that this change in wardrobe is a change from the inside out. Instead of our own desires lying in our hearts, "the peace of Christ [should] rule in [our] hearts". Not only that, but the message of Christ should "dwell among [us] richly". The word should be in our hearts and on our lips and in our homes and everywhere we are... like another roommate... dwelling where you are. And finally, it should be in our actions... whatever we do, "do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus". This picture of our lives is less about us and more about Christ in our hearts, our home, our actions, our words, our songs.

A new song that I really appreciate by 'MercyMe' has a rather interesting title, but it does describe that to make room for this new wardrobe, this change in words, thoughts, actions, we must say 'So long self.' Humorously, the song sounds like a 'break-up'.

-But, in a way, we do have to break our ties with our own selfish desires in order to make room for Christ to rule in our hearts.
-We must let go of our own thoughts for those of God in order to have Christ dwell among us richly.
-And we must let go of our own ambition in order to do everything in the name of Christ.

So have you said "So long, Self"? As they say it in the song?

Well if I come across a little bit distant
It's just because I am
Things just seem to feel a little bit different
You understand
Believe it or not but life is not apparently
About me anyways
But I have met the One who really is worthy
So let me say

So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self (MercyMe)

Today we pray for God to enter our lives and rule our hearts and guide us in the ways to love each other more and more... helping us as we put on the clothes of compassion, gentleness, humility, kindness, patience and love.

Be a Thermostat - Not a Thermometer

Be a Thermostat - Not a Thermometer

Love One Another

This metaphor is borrowed from a speaker I once heard a long time ago at Creation... when I was in high school... yes that was quite a while ago now. But, it made quite an impression on me.

At first, you may think that thermostats and thermometers have a lot in common... measures of temperature, having something to do with the climate in a given environment. However, with a closer look... they are significantly different. While a thermometer tells you how warm it is in a given environment, usually your body temperature, a thermostat changes the temperature in that environment.

When you get home and your husband is frazzled after a hard day of work, or your mom is ranting about socks on the floor, or your children are screaming as you walk in the door, it's easy to be a thermometer... you get a cross expression on your face and join the yelling (right where the temperature was set). But it's harder to re-set that temperature. And yes, it does take a while... and happen gradually. But instead of jumping into the shouting match, a thermostat would speak softly, sweetly, offer hugs, smiles and encourage everyone to sit down together... call a family meeting.

I am admittedly bad at being a themostat, but I hope to learn to be better. After all, attitude makes such a difference. And I bet that you know at least a few thermostats... and they are amazing. After a minute of talking with them, life seems so much more sunny... things seem absolutely positive. I remember my friend Kammy, in response to my question, "How are you?" she would answer, "You know Katie? God is so good!" with a huge smile on her face. That is what we are called to be... to all those in our lives.

Today I was reading in Romans about this very challenge:

⁹ Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:9-21)

We may not have too many 'enemies' who do 'evil' to us... at least I hope you don't. But even responding to negativity with negativity is what is expected. Instead, our loving response should be one that lifts up that person and puts them at peace.

We are asked to be joyful, patient, faithful, sharing, zealous, and hospitable. This calls for action, not just reactions to others. We must embody the loving attitude God calls us to in order to show His light to the world... in every word, in every response, in every thought, in every action. Love must be sincere.

Set the thermostat to

joy patience love faith

hope generosity hospitality

The Spirit will help you find those settings and hold to them, when you pray that the Holy Spirit guide you.

Practicing the Presence of God in a Material World

Practicing the Presence of God in a Material World

Staying Close to God

"How much is enough?" is one a question that has been swimming in my mind lately. The sliding scale of 'enough' is ever evident by people's perceptions of when they are 'hard-pressed' for money. When I was in Brazil, I had my housing/food paid for, and then I had a spending budget of $60/month. Now, Brad and I have a combined income of around $27,000 a year. To me, that seems like enough... much more than what I had before, but to many, that's not 'enough'. But to many in the world, my BVS budget would've been cause for calling me 'rich'. It seems that a feeling of financial security is not determined by dollar amount, but by the society around us. What do others of my class, my position, my family believe is 'enough'?

While I was home, I took a look at the book "Fearless" by Max Lucado which my father was reading. It's interesting that in today's world with such advanced technology and understanding, it seems that we suffer from heightened anxiety and fear. And perhaps in part it's due to our society's focus on individualism. If we have to do it all on our own, that's a lot of pressure. Other cultures of the world handle this situation much differently. They live interconnected lives, where they can borrow/lend/help/give to one another. I realized this most vividly when I told someone about the wonderful joy Brad and I have had to get to watch our neighbor's awesome little 2-year-old boy during the week. We no longer live in a society where it's customary to help one another.

But, can we imagine such a world?

Perhaps it would be a world where we practice the presence of God in our every moment, in all we do... focusing not on the things that we can gain, but the interconnectedness that we all have in being children of the one true God.

"Think of the number of people who have been encouraged in this way by the simple writings and profound life of Brother Lawrence. How vastly enriched we are that he was finally persuaded, almost against his will, to write down how he had learned The Practice of the Presence of God. His famous words still throb with life and joy, 'The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament'" ~From Freedom of Simplicity by Richard J. Foster

Many individuals have read this classic book by Brother Lawrence and been inspired by the ability to experience and 'possess' God through even times of 'business.' And there is good reason to believe that we should be able to practice the presence of God... such as we find in the scripture below:

¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— ²³ if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

²⁴ Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

This scripture speaks of so many things- God is in all things. In Him all things were created; in Him all things held together. But it is more than that, the Lord entered into us and came to earth so that we would no longer be alienated from Him but able to know and experience the great mystery that Christ is in us now!

However, we may lose our soul if we do not serve the Lord only. In order for Christ to dwells within us and work powerfully in us, as He did in Paul, He must be the only master... just like the scripture from yesterday. 'Here O Israel, the Lord is one.'

'Lose My Soul' by Toby Mac speaks of this struggle, and let it be our prayer today... that we welcome Christ and only Christ into our hearts... so that we do not gain the whole material world at the cost of our souls:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coHKdhAZ9hU

Inside Out- He is Within Us

Inside Out- He is Within Us

Staying Close to God

What do you picture when I say "burn-out"?

There's a couple definitions in this day and age. 'Burn-out' may be used to describe a type of person who uses illegal drugs with reckless abandon. But it may also be used to describe the feeling of a physical or mental collapse after overwork or stress.

And though these two appear to be polar opposites, they have more in common than you may think. While it may be 'easy' to identify a "burn-out" of the first kind by their eyes, their clothes, their habits... it is more difficult to identify someone whose signs of "burn-out" are marked only on the inside, in their soul and their mind.

I have to admit that after this semester, I am feeling a "burn-out" that pushes me to ask... as I have been asking all year- Is this for me? Should I be in a PhD program? Is this where God wants me? Is this just the burn-out speaking, or should I really be somewhere else? I'm still praying for discernment on that one.

But the feeling reminds me people I have heard who have been burnt out in religion, burnt out with God. And then that makes me wonder... were they drawing upon the right source? For our faith to be really really, the outside must match the inside.

Outside

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ~James 1:19-26

This is a strong passage, filled with the passion and spirit that makes me want to study James more in-depth. And James is famous for his 'faith in action' position which firmly reminded people that 'faith without works is dead'. As the brother of Jesus, I'm sure he understood his brother fairly well... and perhaps was even frustrated by all these people who said they were following Him, yet not really doing what Jesus had said.

He uses the image of a mirror. The outside of the actual person must reflect what was inside that mirror, and so James reminds individuals not to "forget" but "to continue in" the perfect law that Jesus described.

However, although James is always seen as an action guy, we see the spirit in verse 21... "humbly accept the word of God planted in you that can save you." Two important aspects are seen here. If we are to act as Christians, we must draw our strength from the word of God. Secondly, the word of God cannot be outward only (heard, listened to, read), it must be in our hearts and in our spirit... which happens when we ask Jesus and the Holy Spirit to come into our heart. So, it must not only be outward ... but "inside out"

Inside

I know that I often forget that God is not only near to me, but now that I have asked Christ into my heart... the Holy Spirit dwells in me. And although many people feel uncomfortable with the Quaker terminology of 'inner light', I feel that the 'inner light' described in so many Quaker books is the Holy Spirit that I know... Christ within us. For instance, here is a passage that captures the idea of Christ (the inner light) within us, which helps us to live out His perfect law

Meister Eckhart wrote, 'As thou art in church or cell, that same frame of mind carry out into the world into its turmoil and fitfulness.' Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking voice, to which we may continuously return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-torn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself . Yielding to these persuasions, gladly committing ourselves in body and soul, utterly and completely to the Light Within , is the beginning of true life. It is the dynamic center, a creative Life that presses to birth within us. It is a Light Within which illumines the face of God and casts new shadows and glories upon the face of [humanity]. It is a seed stirring to life if we do not choke it. It is the Shekinah of the soul, the Presence in the midst. here is the Slumbering Christ, stirring to be awakened, to become the soul we clothe in early form and action. And He is within us all. ~From A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly

So, when you face burn-out in our faith... and every day... ask the Holy Spirit every day to help and guide and teach you to be more like Christ in all you do, in all you say.

Because that word, that Spirit within us gives us the strength to continue our walk without burn-out.

God is the ultimate renewal resource! In fact, more than that... He is the renewing resource!

There is a Place of Quiet Rest

There is a Place of Quiet Rest:

Staying Close to God

This week's theme in my guided reading book is "Staying Close to God", and it is seems to fit my life... as I wonder and seek out answers to how I can remain close to God at all times. While I was home, I was blessed to go to Chris & Nancy's wedding celebration. And there, Ken reminded us that when we spend time with the Lord and remain close to Him, then we are better able to love and be close to our spouses. I'd propose that it's not even unique to marriage... that it's essential for our relationships with our family, friends, co-workers. We are only able to live out God's love in all our relationships when our hearts are filled with His love... which happens when we stay close to Him.

What does it mean to be close to God?

A quote by Gordon MacDonald describes it this way:

"There is a place of quiet rest," the poet Cleland McAfee wrote, "near to the heart of God. A place where sin cannot molest." It can be a place to meet the One whom Helmut Thielike called 'The Waiting Father'. No one can live well without such places; but many try. ~From "Restoring Your Spiritual Passion"

Lord, this morning we ask your forgiveness for the times that we try to live without you, far from you. We ask that you would enter and fill our hearts, our minds, our souls, our being with Your love.

Who can be close to God?

In fact, that's what I was reading this morning in my scripture passage...

²⁸ One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

²⁹ “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

³² “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. ³³ To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

³⁴ When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. ~Mark 12:28-34

There are two very important aspects to this passage that stand out to me this morning. And, perhaps surprisingly, it's not the two most important commandments.

#1-

This morning, it's interesting to see that this 'man'... actually a pharisee or teacher of the law is right! After all the criticism of those 'white washed tombs', someone has answered wisely. And this teacher of the law gets it... he gets exactly what so many do not... it's not about the burnt offerings and sacrifices... it's about the love and glory we give to God, because He is one... and He is holy... and He is love.

#2-

Jesus tells the teacher of the law that he is "not far from the kingdom of God". Not far... that means near or close. By paying more attention to the spirit of the law (love for our God) than the letter of the law (the burnt offerings), we are closer to God. The usual bad guy in the story is not in this case. So no matter who we are, we can be close to God, but understanding, obeying, and living out these 2 commandments.

Where/when can we be close to God?

Similarly, Psalm 34 (which I have been reading every day this week... it is soo uplifting!) reminds us that these places/spaces/times where we can be close to God are not just when all is right we the world. Although times are sometimes difficult, God is close to us in those times... and He is faithful.. and He is near. Even if at a certain moment things are not perfect, it is comforting to know that... "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth."

¹ I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
² I will glory in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
³ Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

⁴ I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
⁵ Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.
⁶ This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.
⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
⁹ Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
¹⁰ The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
¹¹ Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
¹² Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
¹³ keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
¹⁴ Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

¹⁵ The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry;
¹⁶ but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to blot out their name from the earth.

¹⁷ The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
²⁰ he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.

²¹ Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
²² The LORD will rescue his servants;
no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. ~Psalm 34

Praise be to the Lord who desires closeness with us!

"Taste and see that the Lord is good!" Seek to be close to Him today... and every day... and all day... and love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength! Amen!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8mr839-TVs

A Heart Like His

The True Shepherd
A Heart Like His

Today I am particularly touched by reading in my Guided Prayer Devotional by John Baille, especially since it reminds me of my cousin Amanda. To me, it embodies her hunger and thirst for righteousness. She would not stand idly by when she saw something injust, but instead she stood up for and worked for the good. That is something I learned from my older cousin... and today we'll remember her and thank her in our own way for all she did and all she taught us- in the concert this evening, but also in our hearts today.

"Let me stand to-day-
for whatever is pure and true and just and good:
for the advancement of science and education and true learning:
for the redemption of daily business from the blight of self-seeking:
for the rights of the weak and the oppressed:
for industrial co-operation and mutual help:
for the conservation of the rich traditions of the past:
for the recognition of new workings of Thy Spirit in the minds of the [people] of my own time:
for the hope of yet more glorious days to come.

To-day, O Lord-
let me put right before interest:
let me put others before self:
let me put the things of the spirit before the things of the body:
let me put the attainment of noble ends above the enjoyment of present pleasures:
let me put principle above reputation:
let me put Thee before all else.

O Thou the reflection of whose transcendent glory did once appear unbroken in the face of Jesus Christ, give me to-day a heart like His- a brave heart, a true heart, a tender heart, a heart with great room in it, a heart fixed on Thyself; for His name's sake. Amen."
(from 'A Diary of Private Prayer' by John Baillie)

In fact, this should be my prayer every day... for a heart like His... that would put others before myself, that would stand for justice. In a way, this prayer is a prayer that our lives would not be only our own... that we would not be serving ourselves only, but seeking to serve the Lord and others through our work, our actions, our love, our words, our prayers, our lives.

Paul was like this. Although people were plotting against him, although there were threats that he could be thrown in prison, although he would face hardships, he followed the will of God.

"And now, compelled by the spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prisons and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying the good news of God's grace." (Acts 20:22-24)

A week ago, I considered the importance of having a singularity of purpose. And in this scripture, I see Paul embodying that mentality. Paul's heart and purpose was in line with the task that Jesus had given to Him. Perhaps if we pray more that the Holy Spirit guides us, we too will find our way to serve our ultimate purpose (to glorify, obey and serve God) through the task He has given us... be that teaching in a godly manner, spreading Christ's love to our colleagues and friends, being a godly wife, husband, mother, father, cousin, sister or friend.

And certainly all of the tasks the God has given us have Christ at their center, not ourselves.

"Today Lord...
let us put right before interest,
let us put others before self..."

just as Amanda taught to do us so well.