10 October 2008
I love You more
Today I felt my life change in a movie theatre.
God was there, and He met me in a radical, powerful way.
The words that changed my life, my worldview, were written on a card, leaning against a vase of roses. A computer had previously occupied that space.
I had heard the words before. I have spoken, and likely written the words before. They are not scripture, although the thought is scriptural.
The card? It read simply: "I love you more"
The implication? More than boats or thrills or pornography or relationships; more than the esteem of men, or money or security (real or perceived) or religion or lustful pleasures; more than fortune or fame or life itself.
I love you more.
Jesus, I love You more.
This means I admit to loving the things of the world, but I love You more, and trust my love of these will fade as I love You more.
This means I acknowledge that You have demonstrated Your own love for me in that though I was a sinner, You loved me! You gave Your life for me! (Romans 5:8)
This means I acknowledge I've been trying to do it on my own.
No more.
NO MORE. I love You more!
An hour later, writing this at the Chic-Fil-A, I love You more.
Three hours later, typing this onto my blog, I love You more!
Fantasy creeps into the periphery of my mind. My lust for simple pleasures or complex experiences pale in comparison to You.
No more buying people's friendships.
No more gawking after Your creations, Your creatures, Your image-bearers.
I will bear Your image better.
I love You more.
Labels: acknowledge, admit, fantasy, fireproof, i love you more, Jesus, Romans, sin
31 July 2008
Thoughts from A New Day
Well I've been threatening, and it's time to start making due. I'm trying to settle on which compilation of CD's/mp3's to get of the Exodus International Freedom Conf, and my plan is to listen again, and comment on each (Main Session at least). But for now let's take a running leap into general thoughts:
Wow. I can hardly wait to listen to this again. I'm sure there'll be more.
Hmmmm. I think I'll stop with that for this particular post! Perhaps I'll be able to refine the way I enter these as time goes on, but I really wanted to get this ball rolling!
Look out!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Registration: actually went quite smoothly. It was disappointing to not be able to get a shuttle service as part of the package, but we got a Great service from Ashville to Ridgecrest. We were met by a 500 year old (OK, 91?) volunteer with just the most humble, helpful spirit, to show us where to go!
Alan Chambers: Led the first Main Session. I can easily declare w/o hesitation that this was by far the best session I have ever heard him give. What a blessing! Here are a few notes from his talk.
GOD LOVES YOU! -- This was awesome b/c I've been saved for years and years and just in the past 6 months I've began to accept that Jesus Loves me, Jesus likes me, God the Father likes and loves me, God the Holy Spirit loves me and likes me! Me! Inconceivable! But true.
I Cor 6:11, reminds me that God is not 'wringing his hands, wondering what to do with you" now that you've accepted His offer of Salvation! He's not surprised by sexual sin!
...How can I judge someone who's just trying to survive? Someone that's so hungry (emotionally/ relationally starved) they'll eat out of the garbage can.
God wants to meet those needs, too! He's the real thing.
How awesome to be able to live the BULK of our lives with believers in church, not 20 years in support groups.
And finally, the prayer that God will 'help me deny what comes naturally to me (Sin comes naturally!)!
Wow. I can hardly wait to listen to this again. I'm sure there'll be more.
Hmmmm. I think I'll stop with that for this particular post! Perhaps I'll be able to refine the way I enter these as time goes on, but I really wanted to get this ball rolling!
Look out!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Alan Chambers, Exodus, Exodus Freedom Conf, God, prayer, sin
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