This Easter season I decided to focus on the power of the resurrected Christ. I am getting ready to preach a series on power at church and I want to experience more of His power in my life, particularly in the areas of patience, self-discipline and anxiety. So, as I read and studied for Easter services and spent time with the Lord focused on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, I was intentional about focusing on power. But my plan did not work (how many times have I said that!). The more I tried to focus on God's power in the resurrection, the more I was struck with His love for me.
He took on the form and limitations of flesh ... for me.
He felt the pain of rejection, denial and betrayal... for me.
He endured false accusations and the pain of being completely misunderstood... for me.
He experienced the depths of human loneliness... for me.
He was the object of humiliation and verbal abuse... for me.
He suffered physical abuse beyond anythinig I can imagine... for me.
He modelled humility, mercy and grace throughout the whole process... for me.
He gave up life... for me.
I approached Him during this season for a greater sense of His resurrection power and walked away from every encounter with Him feeling more cherished, more loved and more in awe that He did it all for me. Strangely, this new experience with His love has strengthened the connection between us. I feel closer to Him, I lean more into Him, I trust Him more. Just today, it dawned on me, I found His power... in His love.
Will you just let Him love you this Easter?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Silence and the Voice of God
The Psalmist encourages us to be still and KNOW that He is God. This was actually written as a part of a worship song. I think most true worshippers would agree that sometimes, even with the best of lyrics, instruments and voices... there are moments when there is nothing like ... silence... to usher us into the holy presence of the Father.
I just spent a week in retreat at Selah Ranch in East Texas. A 12oo acre Ranch, a small group of 6 Pastors from various denominations (and a few spouses) got away for a "Sabbath Rest". The only program was to get alone with God. The beauty of the ranch and the golf cart provided for each Pastor made it easy to get alone with the Father in the great expanse of His creation (I took the picture of the tree in my "thot of the day" in the early morning mist). Each room was equipped with a whole library of books on spiritual formation, a guide for the week suggesting various passages of Scripture and ... solitude. I read from the Bible and from some of the most gifted and spiritual writers of our day. But, the highlight of the retreat... silence.
You know me, I am a people person, I not only like noise, I make alot of it myself. The first day of silence is uncomfortable, the second... unnerving. Having done this before, I knew what to expect, I cried the whole second day... like detox... like cleansing of the many emotions that have built up in me... like crawling up in the Father's lap and having Him hold me and say... Bob... it is okay... you can let it all go... you don't have to perform for me... you don't have to succeed... you don't have to be anyone but you... my son... my boy... my man... my voice to those who will listen.
I cannot begin to describe to you how He has loved me this past week... how He has spoken to me (His voice is clear when others are stilled)... how He calmed me. None of my cares have really been resolved but... but the truth is... I have no cares.
A week without voices, a week without media, a week without music... the psalmist knows... be still and know that He is God. I know... I was finally still. Nothing that we "do" is so important that we cannot take time for this. Jesus only had 3 years to minister physically on this planet and to prepare a group of men to launch the church... but He took time for silence... I want to be like Him... He KNEW God... I do too. Do you?
I just spent a week in retreat at Selah Ranch in East Texas. A 12oo acre Ranch, a small group of 6 Pastors from various denominations (and a few spouses) got away for a "Sabbath Rest". The only program was to get alone with God. The beauty of the ranch and the golf cart provided for each Pastor made it easy to get alone with the Father in the great expanse of His creation (I took the picture of the tree in my "thot of the day" in the early morning mist). Each room was equipped with a whole library of books on spiritual formation, a guide for the week suggesting various passages of Scripture and ... solitude. I read from the Bible and from some of the most gifted and spiritual writers of our day. But, the highlight of the retreat... silence.
You know me, I am a people person, I not only like noise, I make alot of it myself. The first day of silence is uncomfortable, the second... unnerving. Having done this before, I knew what to expect, I cried the whole second day... like detox... like cleansing of the many emotions that have built up in me... like crawling up in the Father's lap and having Him hold me and say... Bob... it is okay... you can let it all go... you don't have to perform for me... you don't have to succeed... you don't have to be anyone but you... my son... my boy... my man... my voice to those who will listen.
I cannot begin to describe to you how He has loved me this past week... how He has spoken to me (His voice is clear when others are stilled)... how He calmed me. None of my cares have really been resolved but... but the truth is... I have no cares.
A week without voices, a week without media, a week without music... the psalmist knows... be still and know that He is God. I know... I was finally still. Nothing that we "do" is so important that we cannot take time for this. Jesus only had 3 years to minister physically on this planet and to prepare a group of men to launch the church... but He took time for silence... I want to be like Him... He KNEW God... I do too. Do you?
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