One thing I have desire of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.
This verse is so deep!!! There are so many things to draw from it!
Every prayer in the book of Psalms is directly linked with this "one desire".
This is how to trust in the Lord, like David says in Psalm 31:1, "In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness." In setting his life-orientation around this one desire, he was trusting everything in the Lord.
This is what it means to trust in the Lord with all your heart, and to not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. To acknowledge, in that context, means to know intimately. How do we do know God intimately like that? "To dwell in the house of the Lord... behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple." To remain in His presence, to study Him and to seek Him out. To ask Him questions.
Awesome. :D
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
My ears are open, Holy
Charles sat on the edge of the small shriveled cot and looked up.
No words flowed from his lips, but his face soon showed a smile in the low light of the silent, candle-lit room.
There was not a sound but the chirping of crickets in the evening air.
Charles' breaths came slowly in and steadily out.
Angels watched in wonder as the sea-tossed old man simply closed his eyes and stared into Heaven.
His eyes were open to see them, but even in all of their glory, his glance never shifted from the Man before him.
As heavenly bodies of light bowed down on their faces, the risen Man Christ Jesus sat down in front of Charles with a peaceful smile on his face.
They spoke softly, though no noise was made.
They looked into each others' heart, though no eye could see a thing.
The fragrant smell of worship filled the room, though no nose of man could touch it.
Six hours passed, Charles never growing weary, never choosing something else over this time with the Lover.
Every day they met. Some days they laughed. Others, they wept and mourned for the lost and the broken. Sometimes Charles could not see or touch the presence of the Lord, and his heart grew tired and felt lonely, longing for the day when all barriers between heaven and earth would be stripped away. But through all the problems and assaults of life they met, and every time was different, though the Lover stayed the same.
Charles opened his eyes and laid back upon the old tattered cot. "I love you, my God."
And Deep within his heart, he felt the stirring of the Holy Spirit respond back.
"I love you too, my son."
No words flowed from his lips, but his face soon showed a smile in the low light of the silent, candle-lit room.
There was not a sound but the chirping of crickets in the evening air.
Charles' breaths came slowly in and steadily out.
Angels watched in wonder as the sea-tossed old man simply closed his eyes and stared into Heaven.
His eyes were open to see them, but even in all of their glory, his glance never shifted from the Man before him.
As heavenly bodies of light bowed down on their faces, the risen Man Christ Jesus sat down in front of Charles with a peaceful smile on his face.
They spoke softly, though no noise was made.
They looked into each others' heart, though no eye could see a thing.
The fragrant smell of worship filled the room, though no nose of man could touch it.
Six hours passed, Charles never growing weary, never choosing something else over this time with the Lover.
Every day they met. Some days they laughed. Others, they wept and mourned for the lost and the broken. Sometimes Charles could not see or touch the presence of the Lord, and his heart grew tired and felt lonely, longing for the day when all barriers between heaven and earth would be stripped away. But through all the problems and assaults of life they met, and every time was different, though the Lover stayed the same.
Charles opened his eyes and laid back upon the old tattered cot. "I love you, my God."
And Deep within his heart, he felt the stirring of the Holy Spirit respond back.
"I love you too, my son."
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Wonder of Delight
What a miracle and wonder it is to watch humans in everyday life, and know they are are the prize of Heaven. That these funny little beings would be the desired resting place of God Almighty. And the truth that He loves us more than literally everything. It makes me happy to just watch the local neighborhood boys playing basketball in the driveway barefoot and shirtless, and just connect with the heart of the Father as He delights in His children.
And to think that you and I are the best that God could give Jesus.
What a mystery!
And to think that you and I are the best that God could give Jesus.
What a mystery!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Intimately designed
In the beginning God spoke the world and the universe into existence. Each day he commanded, and there was. He threw large brushstrokes across creation and existence happened in response. And God said it was good. But when God made mankind, he stepped down into the dirt, and sculpted a figure in his own likeness. This figure, much like the earth before God spoke, was just void of life. A blob of something with no use.
But then God did something different.
Instead of simply commanding, "let there be man", he breathed life into DIRT. He put his lips to man's nostrils and let his own precious breath become ours. He placed his own life inside us, giving us soul, passion, dreams, foresight, intelligence, beauty, creativity and love.
I guess I never really thought about it till now, but Adam, though he had all of the genes, had one personality. He was created specifically to be a personal friend of God, and he was made only once.
So are you.
You are made to receive love better in some ways than others, because God placed those desires inside your p e r s o n a l i t y. He gave you those dreams so that he could satisfy and fulfill them all.
God Almighty is not too high and mighty that he won't let you lean on his chest at the supper table. He is not above picking up his sons and daughters, but let's all the little children come to him! He is not arrogant, he is the most humble, and he is proud of you!! He has the greatest joy and happiness! He gives the greatest peace, because he is unshakable!
He is not too big to be intimate. To know everything about you, and to make himself known to you is the reason you exist, and will exist for eternity.
You are made for love.
Intimately
Specifically
Uniquely
Creatively
Lovingly
made.
Because He is love.
Intimate
Specific
Holy
Creative
Love
always.
A L W A Y S.
But then God did something different.
Instead of simply commanding, "let there be man", he breathed life into DIRT. He put his lips to man's nostrils and let his own precious breath become ours. He placed his own life inside us, giving us soul, passion, dreams, foresight, intelligence, beauty, creativity and love.
I guess I never really thought about it till now, but Adam, though he had all of the genes, had one personality. He was created specifically to be a personal friend of God, and he was made only once.
So are you.
You are made to receive love better in some ways than others, because God placed those desires inside your p e r s o n a l i t y. He gave you those dreams so that he could satisfy and fulfill them all.
God Almighty is not too high and mighty that he won't let you lean on his chest at the supper table. He is not above picking up his sons and daughters, but let's all the little children come to him! He is not arrogant, he is the most humble, and he is proud of you!! He has the greatest joy and happiness! He gives the greatest peace, because he is unshakable!
He is not too big to be intimate. To know everything about you, and to make himself known to you is the reason you exist, and will exist for eternity.
You are made for love.
Intimately
Specifically
Uniquely
Creatively
Lovingly
made.
Because He is love.
Intimate
Specific
Holy
Creative
Love
always.
A L W A Y S.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Jesus my Friend
I talk a lot about trials, don't I?
Well I have something greater than trials. I have something more prevalent than any storm that can possibly come into your life. I know someone who, despite all odds and all obstacles, always comes running after me. He is madly, head-over-heals in love with each one of his children.
Jesus!!! Haha! He is so amazing! Like, seriously, He is soooo much better than any good thing, and soo much greater than any pain!!
His love is best!!!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Sweetly Broken
I sit in front of my computer, my phone resting silently on the desk. Let me process to you. In preparation for leading worship, I have been going over the list of necessary tasks before 9 o'clock tomorrow morning. With the shadow of my upcoming graduation party looming over me, I feel... like a storm is about to hit, or I'm about to cross over onto an unseen plateau where sweet waters fall and pool around giant mossy rocks, and the sun strikes with a tender warmth, as if it is smiling.
Yet the past few months have been the craziest and most difficult season of my life.
Coming from a place where everything was secure, taken for granted, even boring at times, to a place where literally everything I love is being taken or shaken. Yet this one thing remains;
His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me. It says steadfast and faithful to the end. He comes when I least expect him, and allows things to happen that I never knew were possible. He gives, and He takes away. And in the confusion and the trials and the AAAARRRRGGGGG times of life, I choose to love Him, because He loves me first, always, FOREVER.
The winds and waves of life feel terrible, no doubt. They shake us. They test us. They change who we are, and bring out the gold that is and always has been inside of us. They are necessary to the growth of a Christian, and should be embraced as part of Daddy's beautiful process of refining our hearts. It's one thing to say that as I used to; when I thought a storm was having a tough week. It's a totally different thing to say that when everything you know is going away, and only Jesus Christ is staying with you through it all. And as the waves get taller, His still voice draws me nearer. He pulls me to a friendship deeper than I thought was possible. And He delights in me.
He is my love!
He is my passion!
He is what I live for!
He is what I long for!
He is the fire that burns inside!
He is my EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yet the past few months have been the craziest and most difficult season of my life.
Coming from a place where everything was secure, taken for granted, even boring at times, to a place where literally everything I love is being taken or shaken. Yet this one thing remains;
His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me. It says steadfast and faithful to the end. He comes when I least expect him, and allows things to happen that I never knew were possible. He gives, and He takes away. And in the confusion and the trials and the AAAARRRRGGGGG times of life, I choose to love Him, because He loves me first, always, FOREVER.
The winds and waves of life feel terrible, no doubt. They shake us. They test us. They change who we are, and bring out the gold that is and always has been inside of us. They are necessary to the growth of a Christian, and should be embraced as part of Daddy's beautiful process of refining our hearts. It's one thing to say that as I used to; when I thought a storm was having a tough week. It's a totally different thing to say that when everything you know is going away, and only Jesus Christ is staying with you through it all. And as the waves get taller, His still voice draws me nearer. He pulls me to a friendship deeper than I thought was possible. And He delights in me.
He is my love!
He is my passion!
He is what I live for!
He is what I long for!
He is the fire that burns inside!
He is my EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Father!!!
To:
My Daddy, Almighty God
Where should I start? You know I've failed, but you don't see me as a failure. I know I stumble, but you look at me and see me. You don't see me for what I've done, or even for what I try to do.
Yet you see all of me, and know my every move, every thought, every motive, ache, pain, joy and desire.
But as I think about who you are, and who you've made me to be, I catch a glimpse of your eyes. And I stop. Like the break in a telegram, my life comes to a pause. And then I see your smile. So pure, so real, more than happy to see me.
The sound of your voice shakes the mountains, and gently stirs my heart. I hear the sound, is it an echo? Or are you really calling me closer... closer to your extravagant love?
What can I say when I feel your embrace close me in safe and sound? When the cold waves come seeping between your arms, and you squeeze me tight, when the harsh north wind awakens a pain and a groaning in my heart, and tears won't stop, my heart cry is and forever will be:
I LOVE YOU ABBA!!!!!!!!!!
My Daddy, Almighty God
Where should I start? You know I've failed, but you don't see me as a failure. I know I stumble, but you look at me and see me. You don't see me for what I've done, or even for what I try to do.
Yet you see all of me, and know my every move, every thought, every motive, ache, pain, joy and desire.
But as I think about who you are, and who you've made me to be, I catch a glimpse of your eyes. And I stop. Like the break in a telegram, my life comes to a pause. And then I see your smile. So pure, so real, more than happy to see me.
The sound of your voice shakes the mountains, and gently stirs my heart. I hear the sound, is it an echo? Or are you really calling me closer... closer to your extravagant love?
What can I say when I feel your embrace close me in safe and sound? When the cold waves come seeping between your arms, and you squeeze me tight, when the harsh north wind awakens a pain and a groaning in my heart, and tears won't stop, my heart cry is and forever will be:
I LOVE YOU ABBA!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
My hunger is for You
Oh Father, my hunger is for You.
My heart is broken for the lost. My heart is healed by your love for me. My heart is transformed by your word. My heart is lost in your endless love. My heart has found it's home in You.
My life is changed by your calling. My life is undone by your free gift. My life is seasoned with seasons. My life is made complete in You.
My love is for You. My love is from You. My love is pure because of You. My love is You.
You make me come alive!
My heart is broken for the lost. My heart is healed by your love for me. My heart is transformed by your word. My heart is lost in your endless love. My heart has found it's home in You.
My life is changed by your calling. My life is undone by your free gift. My life is seasoned with seasons. My life is made complete in You.
My love is for You. My love is from You. My love is pure because of You. My love is You.
You make me come alive!
Hey, guess what? NO LIMITS!!!!!
Today I got to take a friend of mine up to a school at o'dark-thirty in the morning. Father told me to stay and love people, so I did. I got to pray over many, bless others, speak life to people in need, and just overall be the hands and feet of Jesus! There is no end to His affection!!! At the end of the trip, I was about to leave, and I felt like there was one more person I needed to talk to. So I looked around and saw two elderly people getting out of a car. I asked them if they had any back or hip pain, and they said no. I asked them if they had any problems in their bodies at all, and the lady asked why I was so interested. I told her that it's because God loves people and wants them to be healed, and so I reach out to try and find those who need healing.
She seemed skeptical, but asked about my background.
So I shared my testimony.
She nodded and he smoked, and I talked about how amazing my Best Friend is. Then, unexpectedly, at the end of my story, she surprised me and said: "Well I definitely agree with your mission, and I'm proud of you for standing up for what you believe. Don't stop. There are many people who need it, and when we don't stand up is when we get in trouble. So keep going!"
I was like, WOW! Jesus knew exactly what I need! Every moment He knows, and cares, and shows his love, because He's awesome like that. :D
There are no limits to how He will love you. None. There are no limits to who you can love with the story of his love. None at all. So go across the street when you see the man with the limp. Pray for him. Jesus loves him. That man is amazing, and he is made because of the love of the Father. There is hope. You have it. Don't talk about it. Give it.
Father, move our hearts with compassion.
She seemed skeptical, but asked about my background.
So I shared my testimony.
She nodded and he smoked, and I talked about how amazing my Best Friend is. Then, unexpectedly, at the end of my story, she surprised me and said: "Well I definitely agree with your mission, and I'm proud of you for standing up for what you believe. Don't stop. There are many people who need it, and when we don't stand up is when we get in trouble. So keep going!"
I was like, WOW! Jesus knew exactly what I need! Every moment He knows, and cares, and shows his love, because He's awesome like that. :D
There are no limits to how He will love you. None. There are no limits to who you can love with the story of his love. None at all. So go across the street when you see the man with the limp. Pray for him. Jesus loves him. That man is amazing, and he is made because of the love of the Father. There is hope. You have it. Don't talk about it. Give it.
Father, move our hearts with compassion.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Purity of Heart
Waaaay back when, (like, less than 2 months ago) I thought that I was more spiritual than some others because I spent my time praying and seeking the heart of God, and reading my Bible, and listening to Christian music only. But then I would look at a friend of mine, who approves of secular music, who goes to public school, and who loves the Lord with all their heart. At first I thought this a contradiction, and couldn't understand how that worked. Then just today, the Father showed me something I had "known", but never really understood.
He doesn't want me to have purity of heart just because. If I am not okay with what the rest of the world calls "normal", there has got to be a reason for it.
When I was younger, that's just how I was raised, and that's how I thought. If you listen to worldly music, you are of the world. If you use bad words, you are of the world. But the Father spoke to me and said simply: "When you are spending your time and making your choices, are you really making them for Me? Or are you making them to uphold your opinion, your way of thinking? I love them just as much as I love Jesus, because they are covered in His righteousness. Are you going to be the judge? Or are you going to be the forgiven?"
In the words of the Bible: "I desire obedience rather than sacrifice."
I guess what I'm saying is, we need to ask ourselves why we do what we do. If we are choosing to stay away from certain things, or to do others, it must be for the sake of simply loving Him. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength."
I'm very sorry now. I was doing it because I thought it was the right thing to do, not because it was for the One who declares what is right and wrong. It's not about being perfect, you can't get any more perfect than you are now. It's about loving the One who made you perfect by His own righteousness and love.
So if you want to be closer to Him, talk to Him. Ask Him what you can do to get even closer to His heart. He longs to know you more! He is undone by your affection for Him!
He loves you. What will you change about your life so that you can love Him more?
God bless y'all!
Joey
He doesn't want me to have purity of heart just because. If I am not okay with what the rest of the world calls "normal", there has got to be a reason for it.
When I was younger, that's just how I was raised, and that's how I thought. If you listen to worldly music, you are of the world. If you use bad words, you are of the world. But the Father spoke to me and said simply: "When you are spending your time and making your choices, are you really making them for Me? Or are you making them to uphold your opinion, your way of thinking? I love them just as much as I love Jesus, because they are covered in His righteousness. Are you going to be the judge? Or are you going to be the forgiven?"
In the words of the Bible: "I desire obedience rather than sacrifice."
I guess what I'm saying is, we need to ask ourselves why we do what we do. If we are choosing to stay away from certain things, or to do others, it must be for the sake of simply loving Him. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength."
I'm very sorry now. I was doing it because I thought it was the right thing to do, not because it was for the One who declares what is right and wrong. It's not about being perfect, you can't get any more perfect than you are now. It's about loving the One who made you perfect by His own righteousness and love.
So if you want to be closer to Him, talk to Him. Ask Him what you can do to get even closer to His heart. He longs to know you more! He is undone by your affection for Him!
He loves you. What will you change about your life so that you can love Him more?
God bless y'all!
Joey
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Overwhelming Joy
Jesus died to
set me free from brokenness and depression. His blood is enough to break EVERY chain. I have been redeemed; I have been
delivered. His love is so sweet,
so merciful. His love radically
changes the hardest of hearts. He
loves me. He loves me. He loves me. This love is so much better, so much sweeter, than anything
this world has to offer. The
incredible thing is that He heard my cry and came and rescued me. He lifted me out of the valley and put
me in His arms. He took me out of
despair and put a new song on my lips.
His love is enough for me.
He is so incredibly faithful.
I can’t even begin to explain it.
His love is beyond comprehension.
He knows exactly what I need, and He provides for all of my needs.
HE IS SO GOOD!!!!
I am overwhelmed,
overwhelmed by the love and grace that He so freely gives. He is so worthy, so holy, so true. He is truth. He is life. He
is love. In Him is unending joy,
unspeakable joy. I can’t explain
the love that has overtaken my heart.
There is no greater love.
There is no greater joy.
There is no greater peace.
There is nothing more beautiful.
I have been lost in love.
He is my love. He is my
healer. He is my peace. He is my Savior. He is my everything. I am FREE!!!!!
I
have been wrecked by the heart of
MY
FATHER!!!
Old things
have passed away. All things
have been made new! He
deserves all the glory, all my love, all my affection, all my praise. He is worthy of it all. EVERYTHING! He is worthy. I
am a new creation because He has washed me with His blood. Brokenness is gone; I have been made WHOLE. Fear is gone; I am His BELOVED. Death is gone; I have been given NEW
LIFE.
Depression is gone; I have been given JOY. Confusion is gone; I have been given PEACE
and WISDOM! The chains are gone; I have been set FREE! Rejection is gone; I am HIS
CHILD! Pain
has been beaten; I have been HEALED! Lies are gone; I have been given the TRUTH! I am no longer lost, I have been FOUND! I am LOVED,
ACCEPTED, CHOSEN, BLESSED, DELIVERED, SAVED, RESCUED, REDEEMED BY THE BLOOD OF
THE LAMB!!
HE
IS
THE
WAY!!!!
JESUS!!!!!!!
Based off of: Psalm138:3,
Psalm13:5-6, Psalm 18:16, Isaiah 43:1-3, Psalm 28:6-9, Psalm 34:18-19, Psalm
16:8-9
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
View of the King - Deliverer
I am now 18 years old. Kind of a weird experience, being brought to the next level of maturity, but still, I have gleaned much wisdom from this time already, and am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me in the future years.
One of the things that has been brought to my attention is our perspective toward God. Our view of him makes a huge difference in our view of life.
The one I came across this morning comes from Psalm 34:17-20.
So. We know that God is for us, that his thoughts toward us are uncountable, and full of life and hope. Yet now we know that we will go through many afflictions.
The life of a Christian should not be easy. Paul says in 2 Tim. 3:12 that "... all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
If we love Jesus and desire to follow him, there will be many trials, numerous times of testing, wilderness seasons, and persecution. He doesn't keep us from these painful things, but he delivers us out of them. My dad once told me: "Rule of the Kingdom. Never process in a storm." And thus I would suggest that when the storms come, our calling is to sleep in the boat like Jesus did. When our emotions are flying up in our face, and shame and guilt and loneliness and fear come swirling around us, r e s t in him.
Let it go. You will not die.
"I would have lost heart, unless i had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 "Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
-Psalm 27:13-14
One of the things that has been brought to my attention is our perspective toward God. Our view of him makes a huge difference in our view of life.
The one I came across this morning comes from Psalm 34:17-20.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken."
So. We know that God is for us, that his thoughts toward us are uncountable, and full of life and hope. Yet now we know that we will go through many afflictions.
The life of a Christian should not be easy. Paul says in 2 Tim. 3:12 that "... all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
If we love Jesus and desire to follow him, there will be many trials, numerous times of testing, wilderness seasons, and persecution. He doesn't keep us from these painful things, but he delivers us out of them. My dad once told me: "Rule of the Kingdom. Never process in a storm." And thus I would suggest that when the storms come, our calling is to sleep in the boat like Jesus did. When our emotions are flying up in our face, and shame and guilt and loneliness and fear come swirling around us, r e s t in him.
Let it go. You will not die.
"I would have lost heart, unless i had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 "Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!"
-Psalm 27:13-14
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