Jesus last words, remind me…
I dont blog much. I used too, but lately have not felt the need or call to speak in this space. But today, as I am reading through the Easter events and soaking in what this weekend means, I feel the need to write out some thoughts.
Ive read some incredible posts about what this weekend. Here are just a few…
Stuck In Saturday - Pete Wilson
Silent Saturday - Alece Ronzino
A Holy Week Prayer - Scott Hodge
But this morning as I read through the accounts of Jesus death and resurrection, one thing stood out to me. The Great Commission. Both Matthew (Matthew 28:18-20) and Mark (Mark 16:15-18) give an account. I love to read both their perspectives on what exactly Jesus said or at least, what they heard. But the one thing they both say is this…
“Go and make disciples of all the nations. Baptizing them”
Jesus chose this call to action as His final words on earth. He had spent the last years of His life teaching, healing, loving. Then was brutally beaten and mocked. Placed on a cross to die. And then rose from the grave. And what he wanted everyone to focus on at that moment was… Spread the good news!
As I read these passages today, I am reminded that I am redeemed to live and serve a gracious God.
As I continue to serve God and His church, I am reminded daily of my need to love Him and share His gospel, by loving people. I
Im reminded of how much hope and freedom I have been given in Him, and I can either sit on it or share it.
Im reminded that in the midst of all my doubt and unknown, I already know who Jesus.
I am reminded that I have no excuse, I have been called to a great commission!
It Doesnt Matter…
I went to the gym this morning. It was my usual routine, which ends up with some time on a cardio machine. Its such a great place to zone out and think. I think about family, work, life, future, dreams, failures. You name it.
As I was thinking this morning, I found myself evaluating where I am. What I do. How well I do it. After many of these thoughts, I came to conclusions. Ideas of how to move forward. I found myself continually making the statement, “it doesnt matter”. It could have been better…it doesnt matter. I need to try harder…it doesnt matter. Im not succeeding…it doesnt matter. Now, dont get me wrong. I want to live life to its fullest potential. I want to be an ultimate pleasure to the God that created me and I serve. But, I realize now, I too often relate simple or easy to enough.
How many times as leaders, do we walk away from an event or project and we think, there were lots of mistakes and I could improve on this, but God showed up in a powerful way, so…it doesnt matter. For me, I find It way too easy to do this.
Ive been saying it doesnt matter, too much. So much, that its become a way I look at things. Its easy to fall back on. I use, “God showing up” as a chance for me to slack off. For me to say things dont matter, is to place a lower value on those things. My life, and how I live it, should have the utmost value placed on every commitment, thought, process, decision, and step.
Everything matters. Not some things. Not just what I prioritize. Everything. In my weakness, God is strong. If life is easy or simple for me, am I even giving God room to show up my life? I dont want to live life walking down a sidewalk, just to get to my car. I want to experience the power of God in every facet of my life. From the small and the big. Everything Matters.
Audrey Assad | “Everything Is Yours”
I picked up the new Audrey Assad album yesterday. Its good.
When I listen to music, I tend to critique. I tend to pick a part lyrics, chord structure and most of all production/performance. Its easy to do. Most music today is thrown together or rehashed production from another album.
I love to listen to music that makes me think less about the production and more about the heart. I love it when the elements disappears and I just “hear” it.
Audrey’s songs do this.
In light of so many hurts right now (In friends and family), I was struck by one song immediately.
“Everything Is Yours”
When all the world is blossoming
When everything around is bursting into life
And I dont have to strain to hear the beat of Your heart
When all the world is under fire
The skies are threatening to thunder and rain
And I am overcome by fears that I cant see
If everything is Yours
Everything is Yours
If everything is Yours
Im letting it go
It was never mine to hold…
Who could command the stars to sing
Or hold the ranging seas from breaking through the doors
And tend the fragile roses with the very same hands
If everything is Yours
Everything is Yours
If everything is Yours
Im letting it go
Cause everything is Yours
Let it go
It was never mine to hold…
