Longing

Earlier this afternoon, I came across a blog entry that I saved last month, I thought, for a friend. Now just a few weeks later, God has used it to speak to me. Though I have felt a bit lost these last few weeks, I know there exists in me a desire for more. A longing to see God's glory again, to feel His presence in my life and in my relationships. I have found much encouragement in the following statements:

"Even if your inner motions are presently sluggish, lethargic, and barren, are they nevertheless not there?--namely, displeasure about your condition, and a desire to be lively in all spiritual exercises... Is not your deadness your greatest burden? Wherever there is feeling there is life. Since you are therefore sensitive to your spiritual deadness, is not this then an indication that you have life?"

Today, I am thankful that God promises to renew us, to fill us with His spirit. I am encouraged knowing He is still at work in my life, even when I don't feel it or understand how. I am also increasingly burdened for the friend I originally saved this blog for. Realizing now how grateful I am to be uncomfortable in my current level of deadness, I feel called to intercede at greater levels for this individual. For far too long, I have seen him struggling to find any desire to draw near to God. So this afternoon, I renew my commitment to pray for an outpouring of God's spirit in both of our lives, a restored connection with God, and a revived understanding of Christ's power.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
You hide Your face, they are dismayed; You take away their spirit, they expire And return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the ground. Psalm 104:29-30
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31
(You can read the inspiring post here.)

Campfire Conversations

"Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another." -- Eustace Budgell (1711)

One of the highlights of this past weekend was sitting outside around the fire with friends, just chatting about random things. Our conversation did turn to dating (no surprise, as all of those who stayed late were single girls). It had been some time since I'd had one of those types of discussions. For the most part, I am enjoying where God has me right now. I love my friends- they keep me grounded and we rarely have a dull moment. I am serving in my local church-where I am both encouraged and challenged. I adore my family- they love me unconditionally and don't pressure me to live up to culture's standards. So it's healthier for me to not dwell on when/if I will marry or what he may or may not be like. But there is something relaxing, dare I say inherently magical about gathering around a fire. Naturally, we began to speak of our hopes and desires for the future. Things we were not willing to compromise on, and secret ways we hoped our husbands would add to our lives. Coming at the end of weekend full of friends and family, I began to realize some previously unknown expectations I have for my future husband. I'm not sure yet if God used this weekend to bring this to my attention in order to affirm them or modify them. But now they are out in the open and can be dealt with and prayed about. I am also starting to understand how amazing these women are that God has put in my life. It is freeing to know how much they love me and that we are all looking out for each others best interests in this area.

Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends. -- Czech. Proverb

"Two are better than one; because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend cam help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Quotes to Consider...

"Let me tell you what will end those $100 million churches: when some "visitor" to a megachurch, with a big bulky sweater, pushes a button. There is only ONE place left in culture where thousands of people can gather without any security. I can't get megachurch pastors or architects to take this seriously." (Leonard Sweet)

Interesting. I had heard this same prediction by a CUI professor in a Perspectives class a year or two ago. Scary thought, yet it makes sense that this would be a logical course of action. How grateful this makes me for my cell group church! I can only pray this would allow us to survive outside the boundaries of our church building.

"This 'turn the other cheek' business is all well and good but it's not what Jesus fought and died for. What we need to do is take the battle to the Muslim heathens and do unto them before they do unto us." (Jerry Falwell)

I am a little afraid of this thought process. Not entirely sure what he is implying, but it seems to be the opposite of Christ's teachings (In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you- Matt. 7:12). Is not this "turn the other cheek" business exactly part of what He died for as explained in the sermon on the mount (Matt. 5:39)? How does Falwell's attitude differ from Muslims who want to impose their law by force on the western world?

"Don't tell your problems to people: eighty percent don't care; and the other twenty percent are glad you have them." (Lou Holtz)

Being a Carolina Girl, I had to laugh at this quote. Further incentive not to gossip and complain, perhaps?