“God created us for this: to live our lives in a way that makes him look more like the greatness and the beauty and the infinite worth that he really is. This is what it means to be created in the image of God.”
― John Piper
PROVERBS 7-8
32“Now then, my children, listen to me;
blessed are those who keep my ways.
33Listen to my instruction and be wise;
do not disregard it.
34Blessed are those who listen to me,
watching daily at my doors,
waiting at my doorway.
35For those who find me find life
and receive favor from the Lord.
36But those who fail to find me harm themselves;
all who hate me love death.” (8:32-36)
This life is really short...no matter if it's 10 years or 100...life here ends and it's just a blip in the realm of time. Even with this known reality I hate endings, whether that's the end of vacation or the end of a life...endings suck, but it is the only way for beginnings to happen,,,things must end. The point of faith is relationship with God, its not about manipulating God to make life easier, rather it is about engaging with the creator of the universe so that my time here is fully lived and lived in ways that glorify God and this life that I am gifted to live. According to Paul this is the main reason for prophesy and the organization of the church. To care for each other and to be a beacon so that unbelievers will know that "God is really among you".JOURNAL
I know for me, there are times when I fantasize about how life could be easier, often that involves more money, more success, etc. Yet God is very clear in his word to us that this brief, blip of time that we get to live is best spent in gratitude and in relationship with him and the others that cross our paths. That is so much simpler than I often make it.
When I really look around I see how often I have missed it. I see how I get so consumed with my own doubts and questions and circumstances that I miss the opportunity to really love others and to be part of a community that demonstrates and lives out the spirit of God. I miss out on teaching this to my children. I miss out on encouraging other believers in their own walk and battle. I am grateful that my life is not over. I am grateful that I still have today to share God's love, to lead my boys, to love Marci and to encourage others.
31So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
MATTHEW 6:31-34
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