I use the phrase "I reckon" quite a bit. "I reckon we should go", "I reckon that's what he meant", "I reckon I've had enough coffee for today." I've always used it instead of saying "I think". Now whenever I say it as "I think", I pause. And laugh. Because it isn't always the most appropriate.
"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin." Romans 6:11a
I don't reckon it's enough just to think about this :P In fact, I know it's not. the fact that we are dead to sin is not something we just should think on. "Reckon" is an accounting term and we need to approach it as such. Too many Christians don't. They rejoice in being saved and having "a relationship" with Christ. But that's where it stops. For too long Christians have looked at the calls to be holy 1 Pet 1:16), to be perfect (Matt 5:8), to be slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:19), to be dead to sin (Romans 6:10-12), to be loving in a supernatural way (Luke 6:27-31), and to be dead to self (Matt 1:24) and have tried...and failed.
Why? Because we haven't reckoned. We rejoice that He's forgiven us that we will spend eternity with him and then turn to Romans 7 to explain away the fact that there's still sin in our lives. In the Bible, a lot of the time, when "flesh" is used, it does mean the body. But in Romans 6-12, the term "flesh" is referring to the "Old Man". The person who was born the first time. Read Romans 6-8 knowing that and they quickly become the triumphant chapters they were meant to be.
Read that passage from Romans 7 knowing that, and you realize you were meant for more than surrendering to sin. Romans 7:24-25 reveals the secret - Jesus Christ is your way out of that. Get IN HIM.
You - the Old Man you - was crucified with Him (Rom 6:6, Rom 6:3, Gal 2:20). you - the new you - was resurrected with Him (Rom 6:4-5, Gal 2:20, Romans 6:11, 2 Cor 5:17). You don't have to listen to the Old Man anymore. As my roommate puts it, it's like going to a graveyard and waiting to hear the people buried speak to you. And if they did..you'd run right? Exactly. Present and yield yourselves to Him alone (1 Cor 6:19-20, Rom 12:1). You are seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph 1:18-22, Eph 2:4-6).
What is under His feet is under yours. What He does, you do. Where He goes, you go. Only what can get to Him can get to you if you are IN Christ. And sin can't touch Him.
Romans 6:11 doesn't say we should be longing to be dead to sin. It doesn't say we should think about it in theory and think it's a lovely idea. We are to take hold of it, daily (1 Cor 15:31b).
Reckon it.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Search It Out
Luke 19:10 - For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Job 29:16 - I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
These verses were referenced in a class session after "Persecuted Church Night". They are two verses I can't stop contemplating. God is using them to stir something in my soul. Thankfully.
Most people, myself included, read Luke 19:10 and focus on Jesus saving the lost. But the fact that He seeks us first is catching my attention. I know it's only because of Him I have faith. But our God is not One to just wait for people to come to Him so He may save them. He searches for them, He seeks them out actively.
If we are in Christ, we go where He goes, we do as He does. Job understood this. He did as his God did. Job knew he had a calling. Even if he didn't know the specifics, he looked for them. Our life has to be like that. Jesus told us our calling. We all have a call to the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the lost. What God wants us specifically to do with each will vary. But that doesn't mean we should sit idly and wait til we feel like giving to the homeless, or like loving the widow, or til we feel like sharing the gospel with a lost soul. We are not ruled by feelings, but by His Spirit. We are to seek Him, search out the causes that are on His heart, and then ask the specifics of what are to do.
Job 29:16 - I was a father to the needy, and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
These verses were referenced in a class session after "Persecuted Church Night". They are two verses I can't stop contemplating. God is using them to stir something in my soul. Thankfully.
Most people, myself included, read Luke 19:10 and focus on Jesus saving the lost. But the fact that He seeks us first is catching my attention. I know it's only because of Him I have faith. But our God is not One to just wait for people to come to Him so He may save them. He searches for them, He seeks them out actively.
If we are in Christ, we go where He goes, we do as He does. Job understood this. He did as his God did. Job knew he had a calling. Even if he didn't know the specifics, he looked for them. Our life has to be like that. Jesus told us our calling. We all have a call to the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the lost. What God wants us specifically to do with each will vary. But that doesn't mean we should sit idly and wait til we feel like giving to the homeless, or like loving the widow, or til we feel like sharing the gospel with a lost soul. We are not ruled by feelings, but by His Spirit. We are to seek Him, search out the causes that are on His heart, and then ask the specifics of what are to do.
Men Being Men
I have wonderful guys in my life. And me writing this is not meant to say the guys in my life prior to coming to Ellerslie are not men. It's just taken me by beautiful surprise to see a group of more than 20 guys be men all at once and unashamedly. It's also a joy to see and know their manhood flows from a relationship with the One who defines what true masculinity is.
I began to notice it even before I got on campus. At the airport, waiting for the shuttle, I met a bunch of my classmates, including a few of the guys. When the shuttle came, the guys immediately came to us girls and started to take our luggage to load on the shuttle - leaving their own sitting there in the airport for last. At first, I tried to protest, saying I could get it (not because I was offended he wanted to help me but because I didn't want him to have to get my stuff). I quickly relented though, seeing his reaction to my protest which was a sense of joy to be able to help me out.
It's been a slightly difficult adjustment letting the guys be chivalrous. Especially with society whispering that their service is them saying women are weak in any way. I'm beginning to see we women are weak. But it's when we don't let them be men rather than when we do.
It only continued from there. Suddenly, I'm barely opening doors for myself. I rarely walk on grass because they clear the sidewalk first to give us more room. The cover sprinklers with their feet so we can walk across without getting wet. At the banquet, they escorted us in and even pulled out our chairs for us. They let us girls go first in the food lines before they go, at every meal. They get us water, they clear our dishes, and they do it all from love that flows through them from Jesus Christ.
I was walking with some girls to dinner the other night, and I got there first so i held the door open for them. I didn't realize there was a guy walking behind us, but I suddenly saw him sprinting to the door so he could hold it and I could walk in with the other ladies. The other day, each of us girls got a very sweet and encouraging note in our mailboxes from our brothers.
One of the most powerful and touching experiences was at the banquet. After dinner, Ben got up and spoke about how the enemy was already trying to attack us girls - with colds, sinus problems, headaches, etc. He said it was the guys' pleasure to stand in the gap for us. Their joy is being the first sufferers. Saying to the enemy that's he'll have to get through them to get to us. And they all made a circle around us and prayed for us girls...I don't reckon there were too many dry eyes in the chapel after that.
It has been difficult, and I'm not the only girl who has expressed the longing to do something more for them to show gratitude than just saying, "Thank you". But the most common response you'll hear to the question of how we can serve them is to let them serve us. To let them be the men God is calling them to be. And oh I'm so grateful to experience this. It's circular - letting them be men let's us be the women God is calling us to be. I've seen few more beautiful things.
I began to notice it even before I got on campus. At the airport, waiting for the shuttle, I met a bunch of my classmates, including a few of the guys. When the shuttle came, the guys immediately came to us girls and started to take our luggage to load on the shuttle - leaving their own sitting there in the airport for last. At first, I tried to protest, saying I could get it (not because I was offended he wanted to help me but because I didn't want him to have to get my stuff). I quickly relented though, seeing his reaction to my protest which was a sense of joy to be able to help me out.
It's been a slightly difficult adjustment letting the guys be chivalrous. Especially with society whispering that their service is them saying women are weak in any way. I'm beginning to see we women are weak. But it's when we don't let them be men rather than when we do.
It only continued from there. Suddenly, I'm barely opening doors for myself. I rarely walk on grass because they clear the sidewalk first to give us more room. The cover sprinklers with their feet so we can walk across without getting wet. At the banquet, they escorted us in and even pulled out our chairs for us. They let us girls go first in the food lines before they go, at every meal. They get us water, they clear our dishes, and they do it all from love that flows through them from Jesus Christ.
I was walking with some girls to dinner the other night, and I got there first so i held the door open for them. I didn't realize there was a guy walking behind us, but I suddenly saw him sprinting to the door so he could hold it and I could walk in with the other ladies. The other day, each of us girls got a very sweet and encouraging note in our mailboxes from our brothers.
One of the most powerful and touching experiences was at the banquet. After dinner, Ben got up and spoke about how the enemy was already trying to attack us girls - with colds, sinus problems, headaches, etc. He said it was the guys' pleasure to stand in the gap for us. Their joy is being the first sufferers. Saying to the enemy that's he'll have to get through them to get to us. And they all made a circle around us and prayed for us girls...I don't reckon there were too many dry eyes in the chapel after that.
It has been difficult, and I'm not the only girl who has expressed the longing to do something more for them to show gratitude than just saying, "Thank you". But the most common response you'll hear to the question of how we can serve them is to let them serve us. To let them be the men God is calling them to be. And oh I'm so grateful to experience this. It's circular - letting them be men let's us be the women God is calling us to be. I've seen few more beautiful things.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
10 in 2010
I've learned much more than 10 this year, but here are 10 of the big ones!
1) When you don't do what God asks, He doesn't want your reasons. They just sound like excuses. That being said, He doesn't want your excuses either.
2) He doesn't want your loopholes. You won’t be disobedient and get away with it on a technicality.
3) When it comes to your sin, He doesn't want your exceptions. There's no sin He can't care for, deal with and forgive. And believe it or not, your sin is not special - you are NOT the exception to the rule.
4) When He tells you to do something, He doesn't want your arguments. He's a perfect God. You will always lose.
5) He doesn't want your fears. Honestly, what is there to be afraid of?
6) Other than to care for them Himself, He doesn't want your worries. He knows everything about your life better than you do and He is STILL telling you to do something. Plus, worry is just a time waster anyway.
7) When He instructs you, He doesn't want your procrastination. There's a reason He tells you when He does.
8) When it comes to His truths, He doesn't want your feelings. (Not to say He doesn't care about feelings in other contexts) When it's your feelings, thoughts, opinions, etc. versus His Word...He'll always win.
9) He doesn't want your halfheartedness. He's not a Santa who you can call on when you want something. He's not a scapegoat to blame the wrongs on. He’s not simply the name of fire insurance for you to call on and then defile in any way. He’s perfection. He’s your God. Follow Him or not.
10) He wants your obedience. Unapologetic, unabashed, unashamed. What Oswald Chambers said is true...""When obedience is in the ascendant, He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist you with all His Almighty power."
1) When you don't do what God asks, He doesn't want your reasons. They just sound like excuses. That being said, He doesn't want your excuses either.
2) He doesn't want your loopholes. You won’t be disobedient and get away with it on a technicality.
3) When it comes to your sin, He doesn't want your exceptions. There's no sin He can't care for, deal with and forgive. And believe it or not, your sin is not special - you are NOT the exception to the rule.
4) When He tells you to do something, He doesn't want your arguments. He's a perfect God. You will always lose.
5) He doesn't want your fears. Honestly, what is there to be afraid of?
6) Other than to care for them Himself, He doesn't want your worries. He knows everything about your life better than you do and He is STILL telling you to do something. Plus, worry is just a time waster anyway.
7) When He instructs you, He doesn't want your procrastination. There's a reason He tells you when He does.
8) When it comes to His truths, He doesn't want your feelings. (Not to say He doesn't care about feelings in other contexts) When it's your feelings, thoughts, opinions, etc. versus His Word...He'll always win.
9) He doesn't want your halfheartedness. He's not a Santa who you can call on when you want something. He's not a scapegoat to blame the wrongs on. He’s not simply the name of fire insurance for you to call on and then defile in any way. He’s perfection. He’s your God. Follow Him or not.
10) He wants your obedience. Unapologetic, unabashed, unashamed. What Oswald Chambers said is true...""When obedience is in the ascendant, He will tax the remotest star and the last grain of sand to assist you with all His Almighty power."
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
I love the world?
1 John 2:15-16
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
I've read these verses so many times, and have figured that for the most part I don't love the world. After all, I don't look at things the way a lot of the world does, and I live my life differently than many. (Talk about pride, eh?) But, if I'm honest with myself, there are things from this world I have not let go of. Whether it's trying to gain approval from people or watching tv shows that are less than edifying.
About a year ago, I asked God what in my life was leading me to compromises. I asked Him to show me what things I needed to get rid of in order to get closer to Him. He led me to several changes that allowed me to be more free to pursue Him. Some of these things were tv shows and movies (not all, but certain types). I did well about avoiding them for quite a while. But then, I let myself get comfortable. I thought that since I was closer to God than I ever have been, that adding some of these shows that I liked back into my life wouldn't be that big of a deal.
So, I started watching different shows again. The one that comes to mind first is Supernatural...I loooove that show. Despite the fact that it terrifies me, they say Revelations instead of Revelation, and depict angels and God rather incorrectly, I find it quite entertaining. Since I've started up at watching this show again, I've heard God ask me to stop watching it. And of course, I've argued with Him about that.
I desperately look for a way to justify it. (Which is a compromise in itself. That's just what Satan wants me to do. Once I justify one small thing, I'll try to justify more and bigger things.) I tell God that I really want to see what happens next. And He asks me if it's worth it. I tell Him it's just entertainment. An enjoyable way to just relax, and He asks me why I relax by watching a show rather than spending time with Him. So, I tell Him that I'll watch the show and talk to Him about it, during it. (Literally - they'll say something about angels and I'll be like, "Lord, that's not exactly correct is it?")...I know, I'm completely reaching at this point.
It's not as though watching television is horrible. I've never been one for legalism and I'm not about to become someone who says that everyone should give up certain shows, movies, music, etc. But I've found that my own personal walk with Him is greatly affected by even these little things. It's not that Supernatural sways me against Him or anything - well unless you count that I choose to watch it when I could be spending time with Him. But it does affect my thinking. Just like what I eat affects my body, even if it's just a little piece of chocolate here and there, that adds up. What I eat mentally works the same way. And of course, once I compromise a little, it becomes all too easy to compromise more. I watch one episode of Supernatural, and it's just all too easy to sit there and watch another, or a different show.
As I'm thinking about all this, I'm wondering if my reluctance to let go is really me loving the world. Am I loving the desire of my eyes more than my God? I can't deny that's what my actions say. And yet, even realizing this, I am still hesitant about giving up certain things. I ask myself, "What will people think?" "What will they think when I tell them I am not going to watch something with them?" "Won't it make me seem like a crazy Christian?" And then I realize these questions are just more me holding on to the world - this time my need for people's approval.
Galations1:10
10Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Time to really ask myself who I am serving...Lord, please help my answer be You.
15Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.
I've read these verses so many times, and have figured that for the most part I don't love the world. After all, I don't look at things the way a lot of the world does, and I live my life differently than many. (Talk about pride, eh?) But, if I'm honest with myself, there are things from this world I have not let go of. Whether it's trying to gain approval from people or watching tv shows that are less than edifying.
About a year ago, I asked God what in my life was leading me to compromises. I asked Him to show me what things I needed to get rid of in order to get closer to Him. He led me to several changes that allowed me to be more free to pursue Him. Some of these things were tv shows and movies (not all, but certain types). I did well about avoiding them for quite a while. But then, I let myself get comfortable. I thought that since I was closer to God than I ever have been, that adding some of these shows that I liked back into my life wouldn't be that big of a deal.
So, I started watching different shows again. The one that comes to mind first is Supernatural...I loooove that show. Despite the fact that it terrifies me, they say Revelations instead of Revelation, and depict angels and God rather incorrectly, I find it quite entertaining. Since I've started up at watching this show again, I've heard God ask me to stop watching it. And of course, I've argued with Him about that.
I desperately look for a way to justify it. (Which is a compromise in itself. That's just what Satan wants me to do. Once I justify one small thing, I'll try to justify more and bigger things.) I tell God that I really want to see what happens next. And He asks me if it's worth it. I tell Him it's just entertainment. An enjoyable way to just relax, and He asks me why I relax by watching a show rather than spending time with Him. So, I tell Him that I'll watch the show and talk to Him about it, during it. (Literally - they'll say something about angels and I'll be like, "Lord, that's not exactly correct is it?")...I know, I'm completely reaching at this point.
It's not as though watching television is horrible. I've never been one for legalism and I'm not about to become someone who says that everyone should give up certain shows, movies, music, etc. But I've found that my own personal walk with Him is greatly affected by even these little things. It's not that Supernatural sways me against Him or anything - well unless you count that I choose to watch it when I could be spending time with Him. But it does affect my thinking. Just like what I eat affects my body, even if it's just a little piece of chocolate here and there, that adds up. What I eat mentally works the same way. And of course, once I compromise a little, it becomes all too easy to compromise more. I watch one episode of Supernatural, and it's just all too easy to sit there and watch another, or a different show.
As I'm thinking about all this, I'm wondering if my reluctance to let go is really me loving the world. Am I loving the desire of my eyes more than my God? I can't deny that's what my actions say. And yet, even realizing this, I am still hesitant about giving up certain things. I ask myself, "What will people think?" "What will they think when I tell them I am not going to watch something with them?" "Won't it make me seem like a crazy Christian?" And then I realize these questions are just more me holding on to the world - this time my need for people's approval.
Galations1:10
10Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Time to really ask myself who I am serving...Lord, please help my answer be You.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My Best Friend
I’ve read so many letters and such to/about loved ones over the years, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion. Each time I read one, I get teary at the beauty of it. So, today, being the most special anniversary of my heart, I figured I would join in on the sappiness. Not that words could ever do Him justice, but I thought I would celebrate meeting my Best Friend. So, here’s my ode to Him, if you will.
Five years ago today, I sat in my living room and pressed play on the cd. For a while, I was so lost in the sound of the voice coming out of the speakers, I didn’t even hear You come in and introduce Yourself. I didn’t acknowledge that You say down beside me. I ignored Your presence just like I had each day of my life before then. And You just sat, patiently, waiting for me to turn my head and see You sitting there. For several songs, You whispered to me – encouragement and love, invitations of a life-changing friendship. And still I ignored You. Yet, still, You sat next to me, already knowing me better than I do. You sat in patient love, waiting for the perfect moment to soften my heart in the way that only You possibly could. And then, the next song started, and You began to sing along. Your voice was unlike anything I had ever heard. The tone was strong, victorious, and mighty, yet gentle, loving and full of peace. I finally looked at You, still unsure if I was ready for a friendship with You. I knew once I got to know You nothing would be the same – I wouldn’t be the same. But Your voice was so pure, I knew You could be trusted. Questions for You came flooding out of my heart and mouth. You looked at me with love in Your eyes, listening intently to each. Some You answered; most You told me the answer would come if I was willing to let You answer it in the most beautiful way later on. You know me – that got me frustrated – and I started to cry. Once again, You knew exactly what I needed and You hugged me tight. You held me, not wanting to let go, but prepared to if I demanded. But I felt safe in Your arms, and I told you so. I never wanted You to let go, and being the loving friend You are, You never have.
Instead, You and I started on this wonderful journey. I went off to college and You became my home away from home. The darkness came and You were my light. Heartache and You were my Healer. I got lost and you made a path for me back to the road. You opened doors and took my hand while I walked through them. Sometimes, I couldn’t or wouldn’t walk through on my own, so You carried me. When I was unsure about something, You were there to be my Counselor who shut out the world with Your unmatchable wisdom. I fell and You were the hand of grace to pick me up again. And even when I would argue with You, You didn’t argue back. You simply listened and spoke to me with patience, truth and love, until I surrendered. You never threw anything back in my face, and when I finally would admit that You were right, You weren’t boastful. You would chuckle softly and hug me like You did the day we met.
So many times over the past five years, You’ve opened Your mouth to sing for me, and each time I was left astounded. I never get tired of it or used to its miraculous sound. Every time I hear a new (to me anyway) quality in Your melodies. The more I know You, the more I want to know You. The more I know You, the more I realize how much I still don’t know You yet. It leaves me desperate for the next singing lesson You have planned.
Jesus, thank You for being my song for the past five years. Here’s to an eternity more. I love You, too.
Five years ago today, I sat in my living room and pressed play on the cd. For a while, I was so lost in the sound of the voice coming out of the speakers, I didn’t even hear You come in and introduce Yourself. I didn’t acknowledge that You say down beside me. I ignored Your presence just like I had each day of my life before then. And You just sat, patiently, waiting for me to turn my head and see You sitting there. For several songs, You whispered to me – encouragement and love, invitations of a life-changing friendship. And still I ignored You. Yet, still, You sat next to me, already knowing me better than I do. You sat in patient love, waiting for the perfect moment to soften my heart in the way that only You possibly could. And then, the next song started, and You began to sing along. Your voice was unlike anything I had ever heard. The tone was strong, victorious, and mighty, yet gentle, loving and full of peace. I finally looked at You, still unsure if I was ready for a friendship with You. I knew once I got to know You nothing would be the same – I wouldn’t be the same. But Your voice was so pure, I knew You could be trusted. Questions for You came flooding out of my heart and mouth. You looked at me with love in Your eyes, listening intently to each. Some You answered; most You told me the answer would come if I was willing to let You answer it in the most beautiful way later on. You know me – that got me frustrated – and I started to cry. Once again, You knew exactly what I needed and You hugged me tight. You held me, not wanting to let go, but prepared to if I demanded. But I felt safe in Your arms, and I told you so. I never wanted You to let go, and being the loving friend You are, You never have.
Instead, You and I started on this wonderful journey. I went off to college and You became my home away from home. The darkness came and You were my light. Heartache and You were my Healer. I got lost and you made a path for me back to the road. You opened doors and took my hand while I walked through them. Sometimes, I couldn’t or wouldn’t walk through on my own, so You carried me. When I was unsure about something, You were there to be my Counselor who shut out the world with Your unmatchable wisdom. I fell and You were the hand of grace to pick me up again. And even when I would argue with You, You didn’t argue back. You simply listened and spoke to me with patience, truth and love, until I surrendered. You never threw anything back in my face, and when I finally would admit that You were right, You weren’t boastful. You would chuckle softly and hug me like You did the day we met.
So many times over the past five years, You’ve opened Your mouth to sing for me, and each time I was left astounded. I never get tired of it or used to its miraculous sound. Every time I hear a new (to me anyway) quality in Your melodies. The more I know You, the more I want to know You. The more I know You, the more I realize how much I still don’t know You yet. It leaves me desperate for the next singing lesson You have planned.
Jesus, thank You for being my song for the past five years. Here’s to an eternity more. I love You, too.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Jesus Boyfriend
"You are everything that I live for
Everything that I can't believe is happening
You're standing right in front of me
With arms wide open all I know is
Every day is filled with hope
'Cause You are everything that I breathe for
And I can't help but breathe You in, and breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart."
- You are Everything (Matthew West)
Sounds like a love song :)
There are a lot of songs that I listen to that sound like love songs, but are actually about God. I tend to get a lot of "Is this about Jesus or your boyfriend?" questions from brothers who hear the songs when they are with me. A lot of people are bringing up the strangeness of this "Jesus is my boyfriend" kind of attitude. I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and as I listened and sang along with this Matthew West song yesterday, I think it clicked.
Turn on the radio, and you'll hear someone asking "How can I live or breathe without you?" or declaring "I need you" and similar things. Watch a romance movie and you see couples declaring that they found that one person who makes everything make sense. Without this person nothing would matter -life wouldn't be worth living. It seems that romantic love has become the end all be all. Couples look for someone to complete them, to give them a hope, a purpose, a reason. Everyone is trying to find someone to be their everything.
People are not perfect. When we put that sort of expectation on someone else, we are bound to get disappointed. That's too much pressure to put on a person - and none of us were created to fulfill that role. And yet, too many people try to force others into it.
That's the problem. It's not that songs about God sound like romantic love songs. It's that romantic love songs sound like songs about God. It's not that we are trying to make Jesus our boyfriend. It's that we are trying to make our boyfriends (girlfriends, wives, husbands,etc) our Jesus.
So, yes, I do and will continue to say that I'm in love with my God. Why? Because people's understanding of what being in love with someone is - is how I am about my God. He's the One I can't breathe without. He's the One I need. He's the one who completes me, who gives me a hope, a purpose, a reason. Without Him, life wouldn't be worth living. He's my everything.
Everything that I can't believe is happening
You're standing right in front of me
With arms wide open all I know is
Every day is filled with hope
'Cause You are everything that I breathe for
And I can't help but breathe You in, and breathe again
Feeling all this life within
Every single beat of my heart."
- You are Everything (Matthew West)
Sounds like a love song :)
There are a lot of songs that I listen to that sound like love songs, but are actually about God. I tend to get a lot of "Is this about Jesus or your boyfriend?" questions from brothers who hear the songs when they are with me. A lot of people are bringing up the strangeness of this "Jesus is my boyfriend" kind of attitude. I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and as I listened and sang along with this Matthew West song yesterday, I think it clicked.
Turn on the radio, and you'll hear someone asking "How can I live or breathe without you?" or declaring "I need you" and similar things. Watch a romance movie and you see couples declaring that they found that one person who makes everything make sense. Without this person nothing would matter -life wouldn't be worth living. It seems that romantic love has become the end all be all. Couples look for someone to complete them, to give them a hope, a purpose, a reason. Everyone is trying to find someone to be their everything.
People are not perfect. When we put that sort of expectation on someone else, we are bound to get disappointed. That's too much pressure to put on a person - and none of us were created to fulfill that role. And yet, too many people try to force others into it.
That's the problem. It's not that songs about God sound like romantic love songs. It's that romantic love songs sound like songs about God. It's not that we are trying to make Jesus our boyfriend. It's that we are trying to make our boyfriends (girlfriends, wives, husbands,etc) our Jesus.
So, yes, I do and will continue to say that I'm in love with my God. Why? Because people's understanding of what being in love with someone is - is how I am about my God. He's the One I can't breathe without. He's the One I need. He's the one who completes me, who gives me a hope, a purpose, a reason. Without Him, life wouldn't be worth living. He's my everything.
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