Passionate, but Frail.....

Thoughts from a beautiful weekend at Emmanuel.

Make the path to God so very clear....

I woke up this morning and I immediately began reflecting on the thoughts from yesterday. The idea of leveraging everything for the glory of God seemed very distant. The question I wrestled with was "how"... How can I really allow this day to be a day lived for God's glory, name, and renown? I feel helpless, at times, to really be a difference-maker. I felt pretty fragile as I consider that I could share a similar role as John the Baptist. Yikes! It is a challenge to ask of God that I might actually herald His glory with the strength and substance of Elijah.

So, with all those feelings of frailty, I opened and read a prayer journey thought for the day. This devotional was beautiful! So much so, that I wanted to cut and paste for your enjoyment.

Sometimes I wonder how much confidence God really has in me...in us. Don't get me wrong, I know He loves us immensely and has called us to greatness. But He also knows how short our memories are. And how frail our frames. So, once again we come to Sabbath. To rest. To remember. Sure, just six fleeting days ago we were here remembering--determining to walk with the confidence that He is I AM. But, we didn't really fully get it, did we? Nor have we made the six-day journey with confidence. Confidence, not in what we can do, but in what He can do in us.Thus, we stressed, we worried, we carried heavy loads alone... we doubted if it was possible after all. We settled for less. We settled for us.So, again today He says "stop." He says you can't. But I can.Look up. Count the stars. The Maker of all is at your disposal, residing in you through Jesus Christ. Have no doubt...He can live this day well in you.I lift my eyes up to You, Jesus. You are my daily bread. Give me the grace to rest in knowing You are God. Be glorified in me as I surrender my little strength to Yours, and wait on You to flex Your might in me. "I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." You are my I AM. Amen."For He Himself knows our frame, He is mindful that we are dust." Psalm 103:14

I love you guys. I love our God. May we live with such abandon to Him and experience His life through us. May others find delight in our birth! It might be a great week to sit down into Luke 1.15 - 16 and ask God to birth and grow within you the character qualities of John. Enjoy the week. Merry Christmas.

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For the Glory,
Mark