Heaven-Focused

"But our citizenship is in heaven. 

And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ"

Philippians 3:20

I have been feeling spiritually drained this morning. I long for more of Jesus in my life. There is so much filth and evil in this world. My heart aches for those who are lost and broken. It's days like this that I get a little selfish, and honestly just want to go *home* and meet my Maker. My heart longs for more of His presence. I cannot wait for the day that I can fall at His feet and worship Him.

In this world, sometimes I feel so discouraged. When the Bible refers to followers of Jesus as strangers to this world, I am starting to understand it more fully. I am not "at home" here. The world does not understand me, and I do not understand it. People love their sin. They love their own gods. They refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. I want so badly for them to be transformed, by the love of Christ. But I know they will not see unless God opens their eyes. 
Oh how I pray that God would be revealed!

I am so thankful for a regenerated heart. Why God chose to reveal Himself to me, I'll never know. But I am so thankful that He has. And that I can know the power of His love in my life.

I am nothing without Jesus. I was created to bring Him glory.

How can I go on without Him? 

How can I breathe if He does not give me breath?

How can I move forward if He does not go before me?

How can the created have purpose in life without the direction of the Creator?

How can I praise if He does not give me the knowledge of His goodness?

Lord, thank you for your amazing love. Help me live my life in a way that would draw people to your throne of grace. Reveal yourself, open the eyes of the blind, let them see your glory and be transformed by your love. Continue to transform me. 
Lord. I long for more of you, and less of me. 
Be glorified in me. I am satisfied in You.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. 

To Him be the glory forever.

 Amen."

A Tearful Reminder

"The Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away,

May the name of the Lord be praised"

Job 1:21

Today my heart was completely overwhelmed with sorrow. A woman in our church lost her husband this week in a car accident... She has two young children. As they stood in the front row, only a few rows in front of me, holding each other, my heart completely broke for them. The son looked to be about 9 or 10 and the daughter likely around the age of 3. The mom looked so strong. An amazing peace seemed to be with her. Yet, how difficult it must have been to come to church on Father's Day, knowing she had just lost the father of her sweet children. After worship, the pastor explained the situation, and reminded the family that they are not alone; for when one part of the church family grieves, we as the church grieve with them. Then we surrounded the family, praying and weeping, laying our hands on them. 

The rest of the service carried on, with a beautiful message about Fathers and their vital role in the home. Still, my heart was breaking for the family. I cannot imagine being in her position. After the message, there were a few more songs, during which I watched the mother and oldest child raise their hands in worship to God. That was when I truly broke. I began to weep as I watched them. How beautiful it was to see their faithful worship to God even in the midst of such tragedy. It reminded me of how I have responded to the "tragedies" I've experienced in the past (which seem like nothing in comparison). My heart was filled with conviction as I recalled running from God during my darkest hours. Rebelling against Him for his supposed lack of goodness. How foolish I have been! And how often have I taken my husband for granted. 

If you are reading this, please pray for this family. 

And remember to count each day as a blessing.