SURRENDER THAT...

I am looking at Philippians Chapter one and thinking about Paul. When I get stuck in frustration, when I find myself in a place that was not on my plan, I have two choices. The first choice is of the flesh...frustration, trying to get out, self pity of where I am, envying my neighbor and where they are. The second is of God and is illustrated to a tee with Paul's experience of prison. The second choice it to see your situation from God's perspective. How does God see you and what is the big picture. Paul situation was dire. The Lord Jesus brought Paul to Rome to complete the mission strategy that Jesus gave to his disciples just before his ascension into heaven. Paul was put under house arrest and imprisoned for two years. Paul might have been "in prison" but not "imprisoned". Although in captivity, Paul was able to continue the ministry. He was able to receive visitors, minister to those who came to him and care for the needs of the church by means of le...

Today is an meditation on sanctification. Being sanctified in Christ is when we are purified, made clean. The river if healing water wants to rush over us, cleansing us in the torrent of His majesty. This river is held up when we have sin. The healing is blocked with fear, shame, guilt worry. The fruit of fear and guilt and shame, anger frustration need for control. As we are purified in Christ we let down the need to control. We die to ourselves and hope to live in Christ's love. We hold onto fear guilt and shame with tightly clenched fists. Why do we cling to our obstacles, why do we cling to what prevents us from getting close to our purpose? Lent is the season of repentance and discipline. Repentance is turning 180° away from sin and the first step is recognizing what my sin is. God's commandments are set in place to protect us, keep us close to God by releasing the burden of sin. God is waiting to take theses, he wants to carry my burdens. I'm so happy to be clos...

Lent is the season of Repentance a change of thought to correct a wrong, gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged, confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to His will. It involved admitting and promising not to repeat the action, turning 180 degrees and walking in the opposite direction in order to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong. "Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth" (2 Timothy 2:25) Lent is also the season of Discipline , systematic instruction given to to train students to follow a particular code of conduct. "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness" (1Tm 4:7-8) . Stepping into the season of Lent we have confession, forgiveness and change on our mind. We are preparing our body, mind and spirit for the celebration of Easter. Before we get let go in the freedom of the ascension, we must get close to the Son of Go...