25 Years.... & Life at the Cross

Thoughts from Defining Moments (5) & Philippians 3.7-8

It's Monday morning and I am typing away while emotionally exhausted. (A virus that bombarded our home doesn't help the exhaustion meter!) What a weekend! We celebrated 25 years of this movement of God called Emmanuel and we had 3 challenging celebrations through the weekend. Scripting a few thoughts about this weekend is a daunting task.... we experienced the release of 'stuff' at the cross and the release of 'passion' at the anniversary celebration. Life is beautiful.... God is beautiful.

During our 3 Celebration Gatherings, I was invited to ask myself what I am known for.... what defines me. Wow, I do not want to miss the mark on this question. If I define myself poorly, I will mess up so many areas of my life. The running statement from the weekend was "I want to be known (defined) as a man who knows God." Really, I want to be known as a person who deeply and passionately pursues what it looks like to know God and to be known by Him. The image of the trash can beneath the cross was compelling. Maybe, my hearts cry is that I do not live my life for rubbish, but that I continue to rid myself of small dreams... small gods.... distractions... and that I live for one pure and holy passion, which is to know and follow hard after God. In the 10 AM celebration, Lee voiced a thought that owns me... he said, 'there is no rubbish... no trash... nothing too big for our God that cannot be brought to the cross. He asks us to bring it all to Him and He will take care of it." My heart beats in gratitude for God's grace. His grace... His love... His acceptance of me is overwhelming and I just don't have words to express. So, from man's genesis, we will battle to answer the question, "what are we known for" and to answer it well. Avoiding the putrid smell of being known for rubbish is a personal goal. Allowing the sweet aroma of being known for knowing Christ is a passion!

After our weekend celebration gatherings, God opened the heavens (no rain and it was a perfect day!!!) and gave the Emmanuel family an incredible day. Bands played... stories were shared... food was inhaled.... Bands played even more.... kids jumped on 'jumpy things'.... horseshoes were tossed... relationships were built.... relationships were deepened..... cookers did some serious cooking....a room of rich history was toured.... future dreams were shared..... It was a magnanimous day!

The closing of the day was too much for words. So, I'll let my words be few. The sun set behind the family of faith called Emmanuel and we made our way to the cross to tell our God of our deepest longings and our ever - increasing passion for His renown. As we laid rocks at the base of the cross... rocks that symbolized our hope and our passion for years to come, I think that the heavens felt free to join in the rejoicing. It was a sweet day..... Not to us, O Lord. Not to us, but to Your name be the glory. -- Ps 115.1.

Feel free to add your commentary about the weekend... about our God.... about passion for His name.... click on comments below. I love you guys and I love this family called Emmanuel.

Longing to be known for knowing Christ,

Mark