New Website!!!

Proud to announce the new website for the blog:

www.profoundemotions.com

Check out all the new posts there! Site is still somewhat under construction, but hope you follow the link and enjoy!

Thank you for reading and following.

"Christianity-LITE"

To look at the Christian life today...we have it made. Well most of us anyway. Comfort. Peace. Tolerance. AND... a washed out expectation of Faith.

I look around me and see so many who simply dont reach GREAT, because the effort is not necessary in order to be viewed as "good enough." We settle into our couch of complaisency and bury our heads and hearts in the sand and just show up enough to keep the "look" of Christian.

Well...let me tell you. I too have been guilty of this. However, today I read a quote that convicted me to the core.

Do I (you) "shine so brightly among the Gray of the spiritual pack" that we display an authentic walk with Christ? Or are we another "christian?"

Lobdell notices this and makes this statement casually as an observance, however, it should stir your spirit to think you may fit this description. Do you? Do I?

If so. I think the new version of Christianity is "Christianity-LITE." Where you can accept all the perks to the status...while leaving the hard stuff out. Not feeling convicted or compelled by what the TRUE Christian life calls you to.

So, in the words of Lobdell, are you living "Christian-LITE" - "a feel-good brand of faith that doesnt extend much past Sunday morning?" Or are you living the life God has called you to?

Losing my Religion

I went to the bookstore last night to pick up a replacement for my 12 year old Bible that I can't seem to part with. As a side note-I will forever treasure this particular Bible. (The old one) It holds some of the best moments, toughest lessons and the most desperate pleas written in its margins.



Anyway, while I was at the bookstore I was AMAZED by the number of people who treated the "religion" section with foreign curiosity. I heard statements like "these are Bibles." "What is this section?" "Inspiration? For what?" Obviously I wasn't at LifeWay. ha

I began to look around at the organization of the "religion" section. (Are you surprised?) Bibles...Inspiration...Daily Life...Fiction...Theology...and then various specific religions. I was caught off guard to see the section entitled "Atheism."

Honestly - and not at all disrespectfully - I am curious...Do you think those who don't believe in ANY God would resent being shelved in "Religion?"

As I pondered my attention was captivated. An eerie trail of smoke danced through the lettering of a black cover with a narrow crisp title: "Losing My Religion."

Those who know me- know why this title would entice me. (For those who don't, I think often times "religion" can deteriorate our relationship with God, it can destroy faith by the rules, deception, interpretation and separation. Faith is about GOD, not about the How to.) Anyway...Before I knew it, I was parked between Catholicism and Scientology sitting "cris-cross-applesauce" beginning Chapter 2.

My mind was intrigued - my heart was BROKEN to hear this man;s autobiography set up for the 300ish pages to follow. With Christianity today it is a wonder anyone wants God. I know-"God shaped holes," liefs troubles and living in the "Bible-belt...yadah yadah yadah. But take an long hard honest look at Christianity today. There is no SET APART, there is no loyal commitment. It is whitewashed and easy, take it or leave it. Why would any one want that??

We call it personal - but many seem to only practice it publicly (church)
We refer to the relationship - But some rarely talk to Him (Prayer)
We claim salvation - but so many live as slaves to their former life.
We state we love and yet bitter disregard saturates our daily interactions.

So...I bought the book. Not because I agree with the mans beliefs. I bought it because I have to know: Did this man lose his "religion" or did he lose his God?? And also because I want to be challenged to take an honest look at my own life and see if the way I choose to live would cause others to "lose their religion."

Hypocrisy is such a hard thing to watch. Such a sad destruction and a matter that distracts nonbelievers and believers the same. AND truly breaks the heart of our God!!

Who are you praying for...who is praying for you?

Ephesians 3:16-19

I pray that HE:

I [Paul, as an example for you] pray [request of my God] that out of HIS glorious riches [what would God consider were His glorious riches: GRACE, FAITH, HUMILITY, COURAGE?] He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. [which was/is a gift to you in salvation] So that Christ may dwell in your hearts [enrich your life, convict your flesh nurture your soul and increase your knowledge and wisdom] through Faith.

I pray that YOU:

I [Paul, as an example for you] pray that you [the vessle God intends to use] being rooted [grounded, intwined, deeply clung to] and established [belonging to] in love [GOD] may have power together with all the saints [other believers] to grasp [understand] how wide and long and high and deep [vast] is the love of Christ [for you, specifically!] and to know this love that surpassed knowledge [deeper than mentality] that you may be filled [overflowing] to the measure of all fullness of God.

Honestly, how many of us really take Paul's example and make it a priority to pray for those around us? What would it look like? How would our lives be different? And if we were prayed for by those around us, like Paul prayed for the people in Ephesus.

I hope this challenges you like it has me this week!

Perfection vs. Proximity

Ephesians 2: 13

"But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

This verse hits an area of how I truly feel about RELIGION. However, it is what I read between the lines. AND what religious forces between the lines.

(Please know, this is MY opinion, and if yours differs, I would love to hear your point of veiw. I in no way think I have it all figured out. I just write what is on my heart.)

Religion, was once a familiar thing in my life, until I discovered a RELATIONSHIP with my God. At that point the blinders came off and I was able to really see for the first time what so many people probably hate about "christianity." THE RELIGION THAT DRIVES IT.

Religion is the list of rules that can burden our relationship with God.
Religion can block our ministry and deteriorates our whitness.
Religion can and typically does form hypocrites and develope failure.

If Christianity is about KNOWING God, and God is about loving us where we are, then where does perfection fit in to that? God loves us in our filth and faults. God desires us no matter the past. God wants our devotion even if that devotion is soaked in our flesh. HE desires to help us change. He wont LEAVE us in our mess. He will be with us every turn of the Anvil! Ever moment of change. He desires to make us better but loves us as we are.

In verse 13, we are told as Christians, we were ONCE far away. But the blood of Christ has brought us near. So faith in Jesus Christ and our acceptance of His sacrifice does NOT mean we are to walk a perfect life. BIBLICALLY it means we walk closer to Him! (v.13) And in walking closer to Him, our thoughts mature, grow and improve until we begin to desire the things He desires for us. We begin to see the life in us that He saw/produced for us. And that desire flourishes into a renewed self.

Christians fail on a regular basis. And we also sin on a regular basis. The separation lies in conviction. Conviction is what gives you the desire for change. You are aware of your faults and make an effort to be better. Conviction is the heart of God with in us. And true conviction is when the things that break the heart of our God breaks ours and strengthens us to do something about it.

Conviction brings us to the feet of Christ with a realization of how lost and hopeless we are. Then conviction molds us to reflect His glory more with each lesson we learn.

The most amazing thing about out conviction, and a reason we should be VERY thankful for it, is that it is a true evidence of the God at work in us.

So...I hope you can ask yourself as I have this week and continue to ...what are my convictions for today? What am I doing that is breaking the heart of my God.

Life will happen, its not a straight away and its definitely a rought road at times, but remember, if you walk with God, He is with you to console you, comfort you and love and teach you every step of the way.

Embrace conviction.
Endure the change.
Enjoy the results of a life that reflects Christ!

Random thoughts on Suffering.

Knowing God in raw realistic form causes us to fall in Awe. Wisdom begins when we stand in humble adoration of a GREAT God, a God that doesnt cause our stuggles but rather offers a strong foundation when we go through them. Our wisdom gained in knowing Him in this form provides an expediated growth in hard times more so than in simple or blessed moments where God is, sadly enough, just a friendly aquaintance rather than the omniscient and sufficient Almighty God. Our God sees room for improvement when we wine and complain about current struggles and puts us in our rightful place, like He did with Job. (Job 42:5-6)

I have always been taught the story of Job from the view of Job as a humble strong man of God, but in true scripture, even Job got to the point where he cried out to God or rather just cried out in justifying himself and questioning the burden his life had amounted to. God's response to Job was harsh. It clearly revealed who GOD was and who JOB was and humbled Job's meek justifications and caused a man who Loved God to realize he was still under God's care and love. God's answer may have been harsh, but in all honesty - it isnt about why we suffer, how we suffer or why the particular time, it is about where our hope rests when we suffer! It is WHO holds us and sustains us.

A measure of glory, perspective of joy.

Picture/Feel this: Your arms held to either side (like a scale). The weight of all your trouble compiled on one side. Do you feel off kilter? Do your feel burdened? Does the though bring hopelessness?

Now picture this: A measure much more exceeding the weight of all life's problems, struggles and heartaches. A weight that makes life seem bearable. A weight that makes standing possible and joy probable!


2 Corinthians 4:17

For our light affliction, which is for but a moment, worketh for us far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

I have read this chapter countless numbers of times, but it was until recent that this particular verse took heavy to my heart! Heavy in the sense of knowledge, understanding and specifically a "light bulb" type of moment.

God saves us, not FROM our sin, but from the result of that sin. It seems as though at times we see people go to the "altar" that We as believers create for them. They go in order to have a burden lifted, or obstacle removed. They believe to be relieved. They accept in order to have a better life. However, after this "moment" the expectation is met with confusion and disappointment because God doesn't lift us out of our current situation when we accept Him as our savior. HE just joins us in our situation lighting the way. Showing us how to stand under it, shining for Him and living in his blessings, even if they are entangled with tough, hard to manage moments.

In 2 Corinthians, we see that God doesn't intend to lift us out of Pain. He just grants us a WEIGHT of Glory that FAR EXCEEDS our troubles! That my friends is where we find our smiles on miserable days, our joy in heartbreak and our thankful spirit when life goes anything BUT our way.

Tough situations are a blessing. Although, at first glance they seem impassable. Unbearable. However, it is in these circumstances "God gives [us] time to consider His glory and to grow stronger faith." (Paul Tripp) In Paul's words: "Waiting is not about what you are hoping for at the end of the wait, [hope] is what you will become as you wait!"

Focusing on the weight of your problems keeps you from experiencing the joy that is produced by the glory that outweighs it. It burdens you with worry, anger and possibly even envy. When you really stop to think WHY...often it is because what we want or what WE think is best is automatically thought to be "Good." But ... just because we are made to endure hard times or if the answer to a desire is no or not yet, that doesn't necessarily mean it is Bad. It means GOD has a time set aside to reveal Himself to you first, and somehow teach and shape you into a clearer reflection of Himself before granting you that desire.

Remember: Spiritual growth while waiting is very much dependent on perspective.

Those things that deteriorate your "spiritual muscles" will open your eyes to the obstacles in your present situation making motivation decrease and your perspective will turn negative.

The life of building faith while waiting will open your eyes to the road God has currently walking. Obstacles will still be present, but perspective is on the road and not the walls blocking "your path." Which in turn helps you to see the Road God intended in the first place. Perspective in this realm is positive.

His measure of Glory offsets the burden, grants you joy to carry you forward and guidance to bring you into His will. The Christian life is not a life of perfection, it is a joyful life splattered with challenges that break our stuburn human nature and makes us more Christlike, if we embrace it.

My question to you, as well as to myself is this: Is the time of burden or waiting a time that strengthens your faith or weakens it??

The WORD

So, as many of you who really know me, I pick a New Years Resolution every year, typically they are broken by mid year...but they always change my heart to some degree. So all is not lost.

This year. Having come through a somewhat difficult end to 2010, I realized I needed help getting my perspective back on the positive. So I was going to wait a month. I found a great christian radio station here in Memphis to listen to called KLove. I decided I was going to listen to NOTHING but Christian music for the month of January. (which for the most part I stuck with)I figured by doing this my outlook would become focused on the positives again and I could figure out my New Years Resolution the end of the month.

SO here we are ... February 1st!

First I would like to point out something really neat about KLove. The whole month of January they challenged the listeners to only listen to christian music to get the New Year off on the right start! It was like having a team of my very own encouragers! :) Made the commitment so much easier to stick with.

Then, second, I must say, I was ill prepared for the impact that it had on my life. All of a sudden I became incredibly convicted and terribly bothered by things in my life that had become "normal." Attitudes, lukewarm faith, self centered living, and lacking areas/actions of service. Among many others as well.

As the month went on, I found myself not just positive, I found myself stirred up! I longed deeply for my relationship with God to grow. And as the desire grew, He met me there and began to teach me areas in my life I needed to "give" Him.

It wasnt a matter of becoming perfect, its a matter of becoming aware. Growth cant happen unless we realize the need for it. So as I listened, I kept hearing the morning show talk about their "ONE WORD" of 2011.

The blog explaining this new concept talks of broken resolutions year after year (guilty) and expectations that cant be met on our terms (guilty again) and about how many of us not necessarily fail, we give up. (Very guilty) The one word concept allows you to simply just live with this WORD on your mind and in your prayers. And at the end of the year see how your year is "painted" by this single word.

I began to think, pray and ask myself what word would I want my life to be "painted" by. And man, I could have come up with a ton of words, but then conviction hit me hard. Its not about what I want. Its how I want to see my life change in order to have a deeper walk with the Lord. So I began to pray about it. (as suggested by the dj's on air.) Afterall I kept hearing amazing stories of people having words on their hearts after praying about it.

Last night, discouraged that I still was not settled with a word, and I really wanted to keep my Feb 1, 2011 deadline. I woke up this morning EARLY, too early in my opinion. However, as I lie there unable to go back to sleep, I figured I was up for a reason. I began my daily devo and throughout continued to desire a WORD. Then as I closed my books and lay on my bed, I FOUND ONE! :)

My word for 2011 is RESPOND!

I am learning so much lately and hope my year is a year full of deeper understanding of the God I serve. BUT what good is learning if I dont RESPOND??

I looked up the definition of Respond:

1. to say or write something in reply
I want to be good about writing out my response to what God lays on my heart. I love writing but my blog is shallow in comparison to the amount of thoughts, convictions and ideas God blesses me with. I hope this year to do better about sharing those things with others around me, and also allowing those lessons to be MUCH more than words on a page.

2. react, act in response, take action, counter, act, act on
In life I have always been a clone of my schedule. I hope to live more in response to the world around me this year. To be flexible to change and open to opportunity to serve.

3. to answer
I hope to be much more gracious to those around me. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (See NAS)

4. to respond to the life God calls me to
I am not sure how often you will hear me utter the words, but ... I am tired of planning! ha. I am ready and willing to be content where I am, open to where God intends to take me, and to act in a way that brings all glory and honor to HIM.

In my devotional this morning I came across a note in the margin of my Bible. It refered to the Moon reflecting the Sun. And how it is seen, but the light that it is known for is a reflection of the Sun. I hope that as my life resounds the affects of the Word: respond, I hope that my response is a reflection of the God I serve.


I just want to challenge all of you to find a word and think of how its affect on your life could be evident on the 31st of December.

If you do, Id love to hear your words and what you are hoping to see this year, feel free to comment! And to see the resounding response to this phenominon, check out the KLove blog and see all the comments of people who are living in the hope of their words for 2011!

http://www.klove.com/blog/post/2011/01/31/My-One-Word-for-2011-.aspx

A "book" too good to pass up!

In writing, descriptions are the strings that carry the story from the torn and withering pages of a book to the spaces between your mental ability and imaginative star-reaching capabilities. Descriptions are what takes the items, people and places in the chapters and lifts them in to life like form for a reader.

With description, we can see, visualize, know or feel that which is being spoken of.

Take this example for example by Jeremy Burden:

"My most valuable possession is an old, slightly warped blond guitar--the first instrument I taught myself how to play. It's nothing fancy, just a Madeira folk guitar, all scuffed and scratched and finger-printed. At the top is a bramble of copper-wound strings, each one hooked through the eye of a silver tuning key. The strings are stretched down a long, slim neck, its frets tarnished, the wood worn by years of fingers pressing chords and picking notes. The body of the Madeira is shaped like an enormous yellow pear, one that was slightly damaged in shipping. The blond wood has been chipped and gouged to gray, particularly where the pick guard fell off years ago. No, it's not a beautiful instrument, but it still lets me make music, and for that I will always treasure it."

After reading that one paragraph you can probably see the guitar sitting in the corner of your own room. How many times I have read a book and seen the movie years later and visualized a completely different person in the leading role.

NOW, that all being said, imagine if Jeremy would have described his guitar by saying it was "old." It just wouldnt give you the same feeling, or picture. For one, most of us would not pay any attention after reading/hearing a line like that. "My old guitar."

Think of describing a person. What if you heard a "dark-headed girl was sitting quiet in the crowd." Imagine the hesitation in picking that book up and taking it home. I, personally would be much more likely to grab a book with the following description: "Her hair was a rich shade of mahagony. It flowed in waves to adorn her glowing, porcelain-like skin. Her eyes, framed by long lashes, were a bright, emerald-green and seemed to brighten the world. A straight nose, full lips - she seemed the picture of perfection. Had she smiled, the world would sigh with contentment. Had she laughed, the world would laugh with her. And had she wept, the whole world would want to comfort her."

To simply state one word you miss out on the essence of that person, the item or place. You need to encompass the whole.

NOW...follow me with this...

Would you agree with me to say that to describe God as loving, is much the same?

Just as the girl had dark hair and the guitar was in fact old, God is a very loving God. But to describe Him as only loving hinders people from being able to fully visualize, know or feel the God which we speak of.

When we talk to others about God, we should remember all the qualities He has shown in our walk with him. Loving. Patient. Kind. Gracious. Generous. Merciful. And the list goes on and on and ON! TO miss out on describing the incredible God we serve creates a God people can pass up. God may mean so much to me personally for reasons applicable to me individually (grace, mercy, love, encouragement and suficiency) BUT to someone else, they may open their hearts to God for reasons of kindness, joy, ect. By boxing God into the attributes we have tapped into, belittles the amazing God we serve for those around us!

Don't box God in, allow Him to be who He is...the GREAT I AM! And watch as the people around you "pick HIM up and have a read."

Evidence of God's provision.

Today I was looking through my blog to see the over all growth of a year. I came across an entry from June. Amazing how God prepares us to weather the storm.

In order to understand the meaning of that statement, I need to take a minute and fill you in on the past 4-5 months of my life. How God took my world as though it was a snow globe and shook it up until everything landed in a new fashion and I had to adapt. Many of you may read this and think, "yeah Yeah, we all go through change and have to adapt." Which is true. However, I beg you to take into consideration that my personality is dangerously dependent on a planned systematic schedule, to a fault. So when my life resembled the restructuring of the aftermath of a tornado, I became very dependent on the lessons and faith God had grown in me previous to these months (at some points, unknowingly).

A previous work-a-holic, a homebody with a contentment with working 11+hour days, taking care of someone else's family and then going home to cook, clean and take care of myself. My schedule read like the schedule on a business trip itinerary. And to venture from that schedule was a rare moment. From April to October, my life had been frustrating to say the least. It seemed as though I had no time to myself, and although many blessings came from those months, I felt desperately used by a few people and I was neglecting the relationships of those who genuinely cared for me. My conscience was exauhsted and my nerves were shot. By Septemeber, if you asked, you got a brutally honest response, due to the fact that I could not even think far enough to filter my answer. It was a damaging path created by those who continuously took of my time, money, energy and effort, without investing in the return, at all. I was exauhsted, yes, but more so I was facing great the greatest defeat. I was allowing my circumstances to affect my very self. The character I resounded was trampled by the negativity of ever wanting or desiring to help anyone else.

I had a date to which, I was taking back control. A tangible moment I was taking my life back. (My first mistake, the need for control)October 3rd. I was going to learn to say no, not take on more responsibility than I could handle and life was back to the norm...right. Isnt it ironic how when you think life is "yours again" God quickly reminds you that it is HIS. :)

October 3rd began with an email that to most was not a surprise with the economy the place it was or the recession nosediving still. However, to a work-a-holic...an email on Sunday, reading "dont come to work Monday" shakes you to the core. So, I quickly go to defend my character and my identity. I try with all the effort left in me to disarm false accusations and hurt feelings. (which over the years I have grown acustomed to) I faced the realization that although the truth was finally discovered and reconcilliations were made and the relationships were saved, the job was over. I all of a sudden had 11+ hours to fill. And for a grieving person free time is NEVER GOOD!

In the weeks to come I moved to Memphis to look for work. Which God was absolutely involved in. I found work within a week of being here. BUT the Sunday I brought my belongings to town, I mistakenly thought I could regain my "system." And God, I'm sure while laughing, reminded me once more, IM NOT IN CONTROL, He is. That very day my purse, identity and every penny to my name was stolen.

So on Sunday, I found myself in Memphis away from home, without my job of 5years, Away from those who KNEW me, without any money, and no proof of being myself. It was the emptiest I had felt in a long time. I showed up to work Monday hoping they would just believe I was Lisa Henderson, since my Driving License and SSN were in the hands of a complete stranger no where to be found (whom I pray God convicts still today).

In the 2 months following, my transmission on my jeep went out, my laptop crashed, my home would not rent or sell, and even my flat iron broke! (I know that last one seems silly, but trust me, BIG deal! No pun intended, ha)

My core was shaken more every day, but while God stripped me of everything that gave me comfort and security he reminded me daily through reading, devotionals and people in my life, that those things that "shook" were not foundational in my life. My Foundation was strong and sturdy! And my Foundation embraced me with love, security and resounding affirmation that HE would provide and sustain me.

Currently, I am working in a job I LOVE. Surrounded by people that support and love me, and make me laugh on a daily basis. I am in a church that is impressing the Love of my God and the knowledge of Him. I am blessed beyond my greatest expectation. However looking back, I was blessed emensly the entire time I couldn't see through the storm. Blessed with work, blessed with family, blessed with transportation, blessed with a roof over my head and blessed with laughter and love.

God shook me to show me I could trust HIS support, lean on Him and know my feet treaded solid ground. He took me from "idols" I would have never broken from. Work, home, money, self. He broke my effort to control in order to gain perspective of the direction He designed my life to go. And when life seemed as difficult as it could get and my mouth uttered the words " enough is enough" my heart echoed "I am enough." God reminded me "HE is in control and that His presence is security in the greatest form!


SO...all that to say, when you think your time with God is unimportant or listening to your heart is a waste of time, I dare you to write it down and then months from now, see what he was showing you, preparing you for, teaching you. It will be evident and real! As was this entry when reading it today!



Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Digging your heals in.

I am more thankful than I can say how life has seemingly settled! Maybe it was true events of the past 10 years or maybe it was immaturity, but my life always seemed as though it were FULL of curve balls! I always felt as though I were on my toes or crashing fast! Life these days ... it is much more systematic. A home (so no moving around) a job (for the past 4 1/2 years) and a great church, great friends, incredible relationship...life is GOOD.

So, in reflecting I was reminded of a quote.

"God will shake everything surrounding you, in order to prove to you that HE has your feet on SOLID GROUND!"

This quote causes me to wonder. With life being so comfortable, does that mean I have learned to KNOW the unshaken ground I stand on...or does it mean I should dig my heals in and prepare? I remember clinging to this quote so many nights in order to find what little joy I could in circumstances of my past! I am so thankful that I was able to know what I stood on, in order to stand through the "curve balls" I put myself in line for.

As a side note: You know, I cant tell you how many times I was told, nor how many people told me do as I say not as I do" and now...I pray that one day at least one child will head that same advice. Mistakes are only mistakes until you learn from them...but the consequences and the pain is a journey to overcome. So ... all to say (in a rabbit-trail) When life leaves you uneasy or unsure, remember the ground you stand on! If your grounded in faith, you can trust that the core of who you are is left unshaken, simply molded to become more in line with the man or woman GOD desires you to be.

Knowing that I am no where near the woman God intends...and having much to learn and more to grow, I guess in the seasons of simplicity and ease...we prepare to ground ourselves for the next lesson we are going to learn!



The evidence of God's provision for me this day is this:

"God [shook] everything surrounding [me], in order to prove that HE ha[d] [my] feet on SOLID GROUND!"

What is he teaching you today to prepare you for tomorrow??

Accepting Grace reveals a deep knowledge of God

If I were to ask you “What is eternal life?” What would you answer?




Personally, I think my response would touch on heaven and hell, and the never-ending existence in one or the other. What would yours be?

After reading John 17:3 I realized I was WAY off. (Well depending how you look at it.) Spending a never-ending existence in the presence of my heavenly Father is part of eternal life for me. BUT - this is God’s description on eternal life:

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Eternal life is more than just Existing with God. Its REALLY knowing God. The use of the word existence in my definition was what made my interpretation so wrong. Never-ending existence is eternal. But eternal life is never-ending existence understanding and living in the knowledge and belief of God. Meaning, if you do not choose to Know him, eternal life is not yours. But that is NOT where I want to go today. After all, who wants to focus on the negative? It would sadden me to know someone came to “know” Christ out of fear of the negative. You can really only come to Know Christ when you know the positive and long for relationship with Him. Otherwise salvation becomes an escape route instead of a connection.

…OK, off that Soap Box before my title changes…

As it seems Grace is a topic that has consistently popped into my head off an on over the years. And again on the subject of Knowing God. After all, without the grace of God, we wouldn’t have been gifted with the opportunity to know Him! Living is not just understanding the grace we have been given, it is about recognizing that grace in our lives! As we learn to understand grace, we begin to see its affect in our lives, which opens our hearts, mind and eyes to a more extensive understanding of who God is.

This really causes me to realize that what many of us do is just come to Christ and believe He saved us. We may appreciate it, but we choose not to react to that gift of grace. If we did react we would have stronger relationships with Him, and we would have fruit from that relationship. So, think about it… will you know God when you stand before His throne one day? Will you have invested in the relationship to where He will embrace you as family? I don’t think God ever intended to “meet” us in salvation in order to be strangers when we stand before Him in glory! He longs for SO much more than that! Would you want to “meet” your son or daughter in the delivery room and then be strangers the day you say goodbye? Would you want to miss all the incredible moments in between where you learn their sweet personalities and bond? God is like that too. He wants to be a part of the journey in order to know you and be known by you!

God seems so vast at times. It is my struggle many times to wrap my mind around what the Lord tries to teach me of Himself. However, I have to remember that is why God desires to give us wisdom. Ephesians 1:17 tells us that with wisdom we grow in the knowledge of God. We cant figure Him out on our own, but lucky for us He wants desperately to reveal Himself to us. And in knowing Him, we know what a gift it is. And the more we know, the greater our desire becomes to know Him.

So, does knowing OF God give you’re the desire to KNOW Him?? And if not, take some time to get to know OF him, and see if that births the desire within you.

Bearing "Edible" Fruit.

The red gloss of the crisp skin, and the juice that awaited that first bite. A winding trail to the plump treasure of Welches’ goodness. Have you ever seen a basket full of ripe rich apples or a pile of luscious grapes and as you grabbed one, your mouth waters in anticipation of that first bite? Which upon biting, or attempting to bite, your pride falters to recover quite as quickly as your front teeth. Plastic fruit can be so deceiving. Yet why is it that it can deceive? Why do we at first glance think it represents a ripe nutrition?

Why is it that we too offer the same deception to our fellow peers?

Why do we go to church, read the right books, say the acceptable things and go to the suitable places in order to give off appearances? When all we offer is a hard, plastic experience? Is it fear? Is it a lazy nature? Or maybe shallow expectations? Or perhaps we have a false pretense of God’s calling deterred by societies interpretation of our purpose.

If you are living a life bearing deception of “plastic” fruit…you must take a hard look at what your reason is in order to mend it.

In John 15:4-5 we are given a simple and clear picture of what “bearing fruit” looks like to our Heavenly Father. Simple because its one response to two ingredients which produce the life necessary for fruit, and clear because the analogy is the perfect picture of its process. It may be the first example of K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid). It doesn’t get any simpler than this. However, as any other instructional guide it may be simple to understand, yet hard to put into action.

John states: “Abide in Me, and I in you.” First step is simply to have a relationship. Then he provides a reason: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” How simple can you get? Yet, he continues: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bear much fruit; for without me, you can do nothing.” So, in layman terms: Have a relationship with me, because without a relationship, the life designed for you cant happen.

And just as watching a vine give life to branches producing rich fruit, you cannot see the mystery of it, however you vividly see, and taste the effects of its process. Which brings us to the first ingredient to bearing fruit: FAITH.

Faith to believe in God and faith to “walk” daily with Him in a relationship. Faith that by doing so, HE can make something great of you! Faith that what HE says of you is true and possible. Faith that our weakness cannot hinder the great design He created for our lives.

The second ingredient brings you to a place where you realize your desire to step into a life with Christ. HUMILITY. The place you realize you cant. The moment you admit you are inadequate. Humility is the truth that reveals your realistic identity, which you never see until you understand who God is. You would never think the Smokey Mountains were small unless you moved them to the base of Mount Everest. Perspective. Once you have faith in the goodness of Christ, and believe in Him, you see yourself for who you are, rather than who you have convinced yourself you are. Humility says “I need help” Faith says “I can trust God for that help.” And together those ingredients produce this response: life lived by GRACE.

I have studied much on the subject of grace over the years, because frankly, I have used a great deal of grace and wanted to understand it more fully. I think the greatest tragedy in the Christian life is that when we hear the word grace, we tend to think it is God’s longsuffering kindness towards us, that it is merely a benevolent attitude. Although that is a small piece of what Grace offers us. Grace is so much more. It is active- a resource that transforms us from sinners to saved. In the words of a pastor I once heard speak: “grace is the active, powerful, moving and working resources of God working on us, in us and through us.” Grace is the kindness that lavishes us in mercy, but it is also what carries us to obedience and resounds God’s glory. It is what motivates our passions and reveals our soul to the world around us, not as plastic fruit, but as true soul quenching nutrition.

The amazing thing about the grace of God is that we do not deserve it, but He gives it freely. The most important thing to remember that I often forget is that the best part of the grace of God is that we cannot sustain it. When we walk humbly, admitting our need for God’s grace, and in faith, counting on Him, believing in Him, we will undoubtedly produce fruit without hindrance of our self.

Living by Grace is what produces testimonies; it births ministries, roots change and motivates passion. God tells us in Ephesians and again in 2 Corinthians that He designed our purpose and EVERY single good work we will accomplish before He ever created us. Which means He designed us to carry out those good works, specifically. By strategically creating weaknesses and strengths He made those moments possible. By living in Grace we choose to humbly accept ourselves as we are, faithfully walk with him and graciously bring Him glory by carrying out those great things He designed for us to do.

And when your will grows weary and your faith is weak, remember: the good works God planned for us to accomplish does not depend on our strength or resolve. It relies on HIM alone. Faith and Grace are empowered by our willingness not our ability.

Be cautious as you live in this fashion that at times you will falter and live half by grace and half by law. Believing you must work to do good. But remember the law cannot produce good works. It demands it, but grace is what provides it.

If you are like me, these thoughts are challenging and comforting in the same sense. However, although they charge me to want to do great things, there is a big difference wanting to do great things and doing great things. So as I begin to let these challenges take root in my life I pray that as God continues to grow my will, I pray He will also continue to work in me and bring those great things into reality thorough me, revealing His renown through my simple life. After all, I would love to have my expectations in this life to be blown out of the water by the design God had from the beginning! ☺

SO…

IF you are bearing deceptive fruit, why?

Is it fear? Are you timid of how God plans to use you? Are you anxious of where He will ask you to go? Because if so, remember, He designed you for the work He will do through you. You are more than capable when you rely on Him to produce fruit!

Is it a lazy nature? Are you just to weary to step into the uncertainty? Afraid you may have to labor to do God’s will? If so, know that God’s strength is all you need. Good works don’t depend on your own abilities!

If it is shallow expectations, all I can say is why not raise the bar and see what He sees your possibilities to be.

And if you have a false pretense of God’s calling because your view is skewed by societies interpretation of your purpose. Take your eyes and ears off what the world expects of you and allow yourself to focus only what God expects of you. Because the right places are not always the ones that need to see or can see the good works He intends to produce through you. And the acceptable words are not always what will stir the souls of others. Sometimes stepping out of the box will allow you to touch far more lives than when you live within the boundaries that the “right” people put around you.

Dare to live to the fullest by humbling yourself to a faith that lives by grace.

Humble Beginnings.

What about me reflects the image of Christ?

My God. A humble king, a fearless man. A tender ear, and outstretched arms. My God. A man who had everything and gave it all up in order to save ME. My God. A friend like no other. I think of all the things my God is to me, has been to me and will be in the future and it causes my heart to race. God far exceeds every expectation I have ever had for him. And until you reach an endless road of disappointment with an armload of unmet expectations, that will never resonate!

So that being said…or rather pondered, I ask. When I look at my life, where do I reflect this GOD I claim to be so moved by?

I wake up and focus on no one but myself each morning until 715 in which I get in my car, that I wanted and drive to work focusing again on myself. Keeping ME warm, listening to music I like, screening calls from people I don’t want to talk to. Taking the roads I want. Until reaching work, where I busy myself with faceless interaction until it is time to go home. When I leave I either spend time with Jimmy, Jimmy and Avery or I go home and go to bed. My diet is ridiculous, my time management is poor and my energy and involvement with others is embarrassing.

So, looking at that, I ask. IF God was to step into my shoes, what would He do differently? Tomorrow, I pray that will be on the forefront of my mind!

Lets see what happens when I take myself out of the spotlight and allow God to penetrate my perspective and reveal His plan for the direction of my day. ☺