Wild in love
Many people begin coming to God once they stop being religious, because there is only one master of the human heart—Jesus Christ, not religion. But "Woe is me" if after seeing Him I still will not obey (Isaiah 6:5, also see Isaiah 6:1). Jesus will never insist that I obey, but if I don’t, I have already begun to sign the death certificate of the Son of God in my soul. When I stand face to face with Jesus Christ and say, "I will not obey," He will never insist. But when I do this, I am backing away from the recreating power of His redemption. It makes no difference to God’s grace what an abomination I am, if I will only come to the light. But "Woe is me" if I refuse the light (see John 3:19-21).
—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (18 July, "The Mystery of Believing")
"Backing away from the recreating power of His redemption." That nailed me.
It's been a good morning, full of quiet that only comes early. Got more sleep than I have been on Saturday nights (or most nights) so that's a pretty huge blessing. I fight so hard against the few baby steps of discipline that would really bring me life: going to bed a bit earlier, leaving the television off more, eating a little less and a little more healthily, reading more often, being intentional about spending time with friends. It's encouraging to know there's not one of those things I can't do today.
The best thing about the quiet is His presence there. I sat and prayed at the bus stop, knowing that He was with me, listening, guiding, comforting, loving. I can live wildly in love. I'm free to do that, if only I will.
Today, I will.
—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (18 July, "The Mystery of Believing")
"Backing away from the recreating power of His redemption." That nailed me.
It's been a good morning, full of quiet that only comes early. Got more sleep than I have been on Saturday nights (or most nights) so that's a pretty huge blessing. I fight so hard against the few baby steps of discipline that would really bring me life: going to bed a bit earlier, leaving the television off more, eating a little less and a little more healthily, reading more often, being intentional about spending time with friends. It's encouraging to know there's not one of those things I can't do today.
The best thing about the quiet is His presence there. I sat and prayed at the bus stop, knowing that He was with me, listening, guiding, comforting, loving. I can live wildly in love. I'm free to do that, if only I will.
Today, I will.