For the Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ
I think some of our greatest battles are self-made. Because instead of simply obeying…we ask “what if.”
With one hesitation that leads to another hesitation, one fear that starts small and grows bigger, a simple task of obedience becomes a mess of tears and sacrifice.
And it all starts with one question, one sliver of doubt instead of immediate obedience, one, sly whisper peeking through the blinds of trust.
A letter on outsiders, to outsiders, from an outsider…
I almost never do guest posts on my blog, but today I am sharing a letter written by a disciple of Christ who I dearly admire and appreciate. These aren’t my words, but they are full of far more experience and lots of wisdom.
So, read this letter. Trust me. You will be blessed by the words.
Do you hear the heartbeat of creation’s song? Do you hear the anthem of His people’s praise? Shh…listen. It is all around you. It is filling the air, it is blessing this ground.
The saints are singing a new song unto their worthy God!
Are you singing?
God’s blessing to us are the offerings of a sacred testimony – a fragrant sacrifice which declares the knowledge of Him to craving souls. Our response to these blessings reveals a great deal about our heart.
May my heart delight in rendering praise to His throne, from whence all blessings flow. May I know the utter Beauty of His testimony which He weaves into every gracious gift He bestows.
May my anthem be that I am filled to be emptied again.
As the first missionaries were sent unto the uttermost – as Jesus beckoned, “come and die” – He gave them a glimpse of hope. He gave them a comfort for the lonely nights on their long journeys. He gave them a reason to smile in the seasons of deepest despair.
From the first breath of their calling, Jesus directed them onward, upward.
He beckoned them “follow Me.” And in the weight of those words lies the beauty of a fleeting life redeemed with overflowing fullness.
Because we trust the Shepherd who guides us unto death.
If I really love those around me, their salvation should be ever on my mind. Because no matter how kind I am or how loving I am or how many people consider me a “safe place” …I can’t save them.
So I have to speak of the good.
I have to tell of the One who came to redeem and restore.
In a world where hell keeps laughing…I must speak life.
The world isn’t only changing through people with powerful voices and sharp minds. The world is changing by people, genuinely disturbed by the lack of hope and the world’s craving to be seen, known, and loved.
There is beauty in disturbance when it draws us nearer to God’s heart.
I am thankful for the “heart connections” I have around the world simply by being a part of God’s family. The church is a precious gift to each of us as believers. It is a form of accountability and support as those striving for the same goal, this “upward call of our God in Christ Jesus.”
We are created to ask questions, seek answers, and desire knowledge. However, in this post, I am going to suggest something that might sound a bit crude but is meant entirely as a basic observation.
What is it, you ask?
Well, quite simply…perhaps this generation doesn’t value knowledge as it should.
Christmas is certainly a time to celebrate God’s breathtaking gift to mankind…this beautiful love-offering to humanity. But it is also a call to sacrifice. If the King of Heaven could step down from His glorious throne, shouldn’t we be willing…eager, even…to step away from our already humble and chaotic lives?
Friend, this earth is not your home.