Really Living for his Coming

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:6-10

From Francis Chan's Crazy Love

When Jeremiah voices his hesitation and fear , God- the God of the galaxies-reaches out and touches his mouth. It's a gentle and affectionate gesture, something a loving parent would do. This is the God we serve, the God who knew us before he made us.

As Pastor Peter shared yesterday, my taste of the Gospel was not only at this past retreat. Through God alone, Pastor Ray Causly was able to present the Gospel in a way that rebuked, pierced, and encouraged my own heart.

Putting aside all excuses and compromises, the truth is that there are more times

where I don't live as if he's coming tomorrow

where I don't live sharing his good news

I feel as if God turned my world upside down this past weekend. If this living, breathing GOSPEL was so important to me, I would be proclaiming this day in and day out despite my hesitations and worries about losing my job, looking socially out of place, or appearing downright crazy. This might not happen this instant, but I pray in faith that he'll give me the boldness to live a life awaiting his coming and not fearing what most of this world fears including myself: death.

Simply By His Grace

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked come to Thee for dress,
Helpless look to Thee for grace

I realize more and more that I am utterly helpless without Christ my savior. Working sixty+ hours can become an easy reason to complain, but I see how he leads me every step of the way, reminding me that it is he who provides and he who has been and will continue to be faithful in my life. The lyrics above have been resounding over and over as sometimes there's nothing to bring before him in my daily prayer except,"Here I am God..I feel ____,____, and ____. Please help me."

I am so far from saying that I consider the world rubbish as I find myself entangled with it daily.My last round of school is starting soon. Thoughts pervade my mind on the different responsibilities I will soon juggle and how to ask God for his grace and peace when it comes to this and familial matters. Yet, I rejoice in knowing that my savior is in control.

He is truly sufficient and each day I realize that this world is truly not my home.