Refresher Course

With all of the desires, demands and deceit that constantly pull at our hearts, we need continual refreshers, reminders as to life's purpose. With a flesh as stubborn and strong-willed as a two year old in full tantrum, I must re-train myself daily as to why I exist and why God has given us all that He has. And He has certainly given so much...


Blessings in the physical realm:
Born in America
Freedom
A Bible
Parents that love
A husband that adores
Children given by God
A home to live in
Food, clothes, cars
Health
The list could go on & on...

Blessings in the spiritual realm: (Ephesians1)
"Every spiritual blessing in Christ"-
Chosen
Made holy & blameless
Loved
Predestined
Grace
Redemption through blood
Forgiveness of sins
Given Holy Spirit to seal inheritance
The list could go on & on

BUT WHY? WHY has God blessed us in these countless ways? This is where my reminder lies... tucked away in Ephesians 1:12

"...in order that we...might be (exist) for the praise of his glory."

Lord remind me that I exist for the praise of your glory. All that we are, all that you have given us is for that very reason. For the praise of your glorious Name. Without this truth and perspective daily guiding us, life makes no sense. I become central & that is a far cry from the design we live safest by. May we keep eyes fixed upon the One who's praise & glory we were created for.

Come Awake

This song reminds me of a scripture the Lord impressed upon me years ago. Psalm 88:12 says "Are your wonders known in the place of darkness or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?"

The Lord has called us to wake up and see His wonders. To behold His glory. If we don't hear from the Lord, feel His presence, sense His work, see His hand moving in our lives... Could it be that we are in the land of oblivion? He IS near. He Is here. It's time to awaken from the land of oblivion and behold our God. We are created to stand in awe at the wonders of our God... the righteous deeds of our Savior and GIVE HIM GLORY FOR IT.

Awaken my heart Lord to see. Come awake and praise your God.

The Secret of Burning

"It's the secret place that lights our fire, that sets us burning. God's word is fire (Jeremiah 23:29), and His presence is totally engulfed in fire (Ezekiel 1:4, 27). When you approach God, you are drawing near to the great blazing inferno of the ages. To be set on fire, you must get close to God. When you feel cold, distant, and 'out of it spiritually', it's time to retreat to the closet, place yourself before the fireplace of His word, and allow the intensity of His face to restore your fervency.

The secret to staying ablaze for Jesus is not responding to altar calls (as good as those are); it's not in having someone lay hands on you and pray for you (as valid as that is ); it's not in listening to a good teaching tape of the latest worship CD; the only sure source for staying white-hot is devoting yourself consistently to the place-of-the-shut door. It's the place where 'the spirit of burning' (Isaiah 4:4) ignites your soul as you gaze upon His glory with an unveiled face (2 Cor. 3:18).

Do you desire greater compulsion for the secret place? Invite the Burning One, the Holy Spirit, to ignite the eternal flame of His fiery jealousy in your life."

Secrets of the Secret Place - Bob Sorge