Thanksgiving...
One thing that really hit me the last couple days, and was hit on again in this morning's service, is to not just be thankful for the good things in my life but also for the difficulties. God has taught me so much through the difficulties He has brought into my life over the last few months. I don't know what His plans are for me yet, but I am thankful that He has allowed the difficulties and is using them to grow me into the man that He desires. I am also thankful that He has been right alongside me during all of it helping me make it through. For all that He has done I will thank Him.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Tiredness at it's best
Why am I up at 1:09 a.m. ???
Oh well.
It never ceases to amaze me how God will remind me He is in control, especially from places I would not expect.
When I don't know what to do
I'll lift my hands
When I don't know what to say
I'll speak Your praise
When I don't know where to go
I'll run to Your throne
When I don't know what to think
I'll stand on Your truth
When I don't know what to do
Oh well.
It never ceases to amaze me how God will remind me He is in control, especially from places I would not expect.
When I don't know what to do
I'll lift my hands
When I don't know what to say
I'll speak Your praise
When I don't know where to go
I'll run to Your throne
When I don't know what to think
I'll stand on Your truth
When I don't know what to do
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Contemplative Confusion
I am always intrigued by how the human mind can change moods from one instance to the next. Take tonight for example. I am doing great, getting some homework done, playing some music, and having a great time. Then a certain topic came up and I could physically feel my mind starting to fog up. I could no longer concentrate and my heart began to beat faster, my temperature rose slightly, and I started to become discouraged, all in a matter of seconds.
I don't know what God has in store and, although often that actually brings me great joy, tonight it brought with it doubt and fear. My heart and mind is confused about what God is trying to teach me and what His will is for me right now. I believe that I am following His will, but how do I know? How can I separate the real, mental prodding of God from my heart screaming in my brain what it so desperately wants? I have come to realize that I don't know.
But yet I am here standing, waiting, hoping, seeking, praying, asking "God, what do I do now?" All that is left now is to trust. At times I don't know how I am able to, but I know that it is absolutely imperative that I do. "God, I put my trust in You every moment of every day. I have faith that Your will is greater than mine and Your plans are not yet finished in my life. Help me to cling to You with every ounce of strength I have until I have breathed my last breath. You alone provide the peace that I so desperately need."
I don't know what God has in store and, although often that actually brings me great joy, tonight it brought with it doubt and fear. My heart and mind is confused about what God is trying to teach me and what His will is for me right now. I believe that I am following His will, but how do I know? How can I separate the real, mental prodding of God from my heart screaming in my brain what it so desperately wants? I have come to realize that I don't know.
But yet I am here standing, waiting, hoping, seeking, praying, asking "God, what do I do now?" All that is left now is to trust. At times I don't know how I am able to, but I know that it is absolutely imperative that I do. "God, I put my trust in You every moment of every day. I have faith that Your will is greater than mine and Your plans are not yet finished in my life. Help me to cling to You with every ounce of strength I have until I have breathed my last breath. You alone provide the peace that I so desperately need."
Winter Wonderland
I woke up this morning to find two inches of snow on the ground, and unfortunately my car. I was really dreading the snow, I hate driving in it. However, no matter how much I was dreading it, it still took my breath away. God's beauty through nature never ceases to amaze me.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wonder and Excitement
I had the privilege of participating in three vastly different worship services today.
One was a traditional service, aside from the fact that my church had Robin Mark (a worship leader from Ireland - writer of many famous songs such as Days of Elijah, Shout to the North, Revival, Be Unto Your Name, and many others) leading worship for us. It was quite an experience, hearing and seeing the passion behind these powerful songs. Now, I don't personally enjoy the song Days of Elijah a whole lot, but today I found a much greater appreciation for it. Hearing the story behind it made me think much more about the words that were being sung. Regardless, it was truly a blessing to have Robin there this morning.
During the next service I was in a prayer group that prayed for our Pastor and church throughout the whole service. That as well was quite an amazing experience. I think I was the only person in the group under the age of 50 so it was definitely a little different atmosphere than I am used to. On the other hand, it was very moving to see people over twice, and in one case almost four times, as old as me worshiping, praising, and lifting up prayers to the same God who is Lord over all of our lives. I am very much looking forward with great anticipation to the next time I get to participate.
The third worship service today was a gospel praise service at a local church. It was a service filled with worship and praise of our savior. There were people from many different walks of life, joined together in worship to our King. Also incorporated into the service was one of my favorite forms of worship - dance. I am always so amazed when I see the beauty and splendor portrayed by dancers when in conjunction with a worship service. I can't even find the words to describe it.
Today was a good day.
One was a traditional service, aside from the fact that my church had Robin Mark (a worship leader from Ireland - writer of many famous songs such as Days of Elijah, Shout to the North, Revival, Be Unto Your Name, and many others) leading worship for us. It was quite an experience, hearing and seeing the passion behind these powerful songs. Now, I don't personally enjoy the song Days of Elijah a whole lot, but today I found a much greater appreciation for it. Hearing the story behind it made me think much more about the words that were being sung. Regardless, it was truly a blessing to have Robin there this morning.
During the next service I was in a prayer group that prayed for our Pastor and church throughout the whole service. That as well was quite an amazing experience. I think I was the only person in the group under the age of 50 so it was definitely a little different atmosphere than I am used to. On the other hand, it was very moving to see people over twice, and in one case almost four times, as old as me worshiping, praising, and lifting up prayers to the same God who is Lord over all of our lives. I am very much looking forward with great anticipation to the next time I get to participate.
The third worship service today was a gospel praise service at a local church. It was a service filled with worship and praise of our savior. There were people from many different walks of life, joined together in worship to our King. Also incorporated into the service was one of my favorite forms of worship - dance. I am always so amazed when I see the beauty and splendor portrayed by dancers when in conjunction with a worship service. I can't even find the words to describe it.
Today was a good day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
