How Deep the Father's Love For Us

How humbling it is to sit under the preaching of God's word and for God to grip your soul and bring you to a quiet place of awe to his unfathomable love. How wretched we are apart from Jesus. But, OH how GLORIOUS is our heavenly Father! Jesus accomplished the greatest act of love to EVER be shown. He died for me and for you. He absorbed the fullness of Gods wrath in our place. Oh Jesus how limitless is your love, how unfathomable your mercy toward disobedient and vile sinners. How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure! That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Worthless Words

Something that never ceases to frustrate and perplex me is how useless our words can often be. Sometimes they can bring healing, once in a while a bit of encouragement, but the most often they bring confusion, misunderstanding, and division. Why oh WHY can our words not be used as they were meant to be? I long for the days when our human hearts will be pure and our intensions; innocent and beneficial to others.

Today I spent an hour pondering what to say to someone or if I should say anything at all... but I couldn't overcome the thought of "am I playing into the idolatry of fear of man or am I pursuing a holy obedience?" Finally I couldn't come to an answer to that question so I didn’t' talk to them at all... It was really frustrating... I wish my intentions and words always matched what pleases the Lord and they were not mistaken by others perspectives.

So, as I meditate on this endless dilemma I can only come up with a few conclusions. First of all I am most certainly a fallen creature. The things I want to do I don't, and the things I think are in good intentions can be so easily masked by sin. Secondly I know my wife someday is going to have to be a very understanding and gracious woman, because I can be so foolish sometimes. Thirdly I must ultimately rest upon the continual prayer that the Lord would relentlessly purify my heart, guard my tongue, and allow his Holy Spirit to dwell upon me. Only then will the worthlessness of my heart and tongue apart of Jesus be made into something beautiful. Create in me a pure heart Oh Lord and renew a right spirit within me!

Small Morsels of Praise

Can you believe next week is already Thanksgiving? This season of Fall is flying by! So many things have changed for me in the past few months. So many new lessons learned, blessings recieved, and friendships gained. Indeed I have been abundantly blessed. Thank you Father with words that I cannot seek to speak of your wonderous blessings! You are a GLORIOUS Father! FULL of love, grace, and wonder! I draw before you with my eyes upon your goodness and take this time to offer up some small morsel of praise from the feast of abundance you have bestowed upon me.

Thank you Father for :

- Brothers and Sisters in Christ that encourage me with their laughter, love, and joy

- My pastors who seek to magnify you in the hearts and lives of their sheep

- The necessities of life: Food, shelter, oxygen, water, and this beautiful earth

- Your continuing pursuing of my heart. For even while I was yet a sinner Jesus first loved me.

- Community so deep and so authentic that it comforts parts of my soul never before reached by the love of the body of Christ. As well as their love in meeting others where they are and sharing their joys / burdens with prayer and tears.

- Beauty so pure and precious in my sisters in Christ

- Autumn and the magnificent display of color and peacefulness

- Your nearness to me Father. You hear my prayers. You bless me beyond what I even ask for. You are a majestic and loving father. May these small morsals of imperfect words bring you a degree of glory as I seek to praise you with thanksgiving. Thank you Father.