Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Wind



The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit. (John 3:8).


Wind--you can hear it. Many times, we can see what it is doing or the effect it has on something. But, we have no idea where it starts or where it ends. We can talk about low pressure systems or high pressure systems. I think it is ok that we do not really understand much about the wind.

This passage explains how the actual spirit of God functions in the life of one that has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. The Holy Spirit, among other things, guides us, strengthens us, motivates us, convicts us, transforms us, and empowers us. Like the wind, we do not know where all of this comes from. But, we do see its effect. His power living inside of a believer is something to behold. Some examples include: the little whisper to reach out to a friend who really needed to talk at the moment you called; the small nudge to enter a moment of absolute worship; and the power to accomplish a task that is way beyond you.


There is a power inside of you--it is the actual spirit of the living Creator of this universe. Are you listening for the little whisper? Are you cognizant of that small nudge? It's there--it is so there--unmistakable, but still unexplainable. That power that allows us to do wonderful things. Does this power have you? I mean all of you. Every moment of every aspect of your day--does it have you? Our amazing God wants all of you. And in return, He promises to give all of Himself to you. What a promise?


Next time you hear the wind--think about how it touches everything around you--feel it on your face. And so, is the spirit of God.



"Father God, I want your filling Spirit to take over all of my
life. I surrender to you--I am dependent upon you. Empower me
through your Spirit that resides inside of me to listen to you and to always be
cognizant of your amazing presence in my life. I am all yours.
Guide me--use me--strengthen me."


Stay Strong.




Friday, September 4, 2009

We Just Played



And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like
little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."
(Matthew
18:3 NIV).

Our youngest child, Noah, started kindergarten this week. This has been a huge step in our life. A lot of time and preparation has brought us to this point--all the encouragement, the new school supplies packed neatly in his new back pack, the pictures at the school sign, and the nervous steps into his classroom. As I left to drive to work, an anxious feeling comes over me. I hope he will be alright. That morning, I thought about him a lot--what was he learning, how was he growing, what was he experiencing?


A couple of hours after we dropped him off, his first day was over. Later that day, I excitedly asked him "what did you do on your first day." His response was very matter of fact. He said, "[w]e just played." My first thought was c'mon, what do you mean, you just played. After all, it is kindergarten. What could that teacher be thinking. Let's get rolling with things--all kids have a lot to learn. Before I made an audible response, I believe the Holy Spirit grabbed my tongue.


Soon, I realized, after all, IT IS kindergarten. And, you play in kindergarten. That is what they do. Thinking about this for a bit, I realized how much I can learn from this.


Having an attitude that mirrors that of a child playing may be one of the most spiritual attitudes a Christian could have. Think about it--the child enjoys the moment. At that time, they are not worried about the future. They are not worried about their finances. Thoughts of challenges at work do not enter their mind. The weight of the world is nowhere to be found.


Children just play. And, they trust. Trusting in the fact that all he needs will be provided to him. Moment by moment, they are enjoying the moment they are in. God loves this attitude. He has given you and I the privilege to live as a child--His child. As His child, know that He has all the details already prepared and they are being worked out for your good and His glory.


Joyfully embrace each moment of your day with the knowledge that He wants to release you from the bondage many associate with life. He loves you and is waiting to just thrill you with that love.