Thursday, May 28, 2009
Every Moment an Offering
We're really enjoying our time in Japan. And I feel God speaking to me so much. There is a huge world out there with so many people. 12 million in Tokyo alone. So many lives. I begin to think of all the moments that can be wasted.
How do you waste your life?
I believe that any minute not lived unto God is for naught. Evaporated time. This isn't legalism, it's just an awareness that the only life worth living is one that is bathed in God's spirit. When I iron my shirt I want to worship. When I'm pumping gas, when I sing a song, holding my wife's hand, flying in a plane, preaching, writing, laughing with my family, changing a diaper. I believe it's possible for all of this to be wrapped in the simplicity of God's presence.
Jesus did it. He was normal and not normal all at once. He had sweat glands and a belly button just like you and me. He was tempted and attacked. He had to do things that required money and lived in a material society. There was major potential for stress in His life. All of these things were just opportunities for Him to surrender more and more to His Father.
Why don't you try giving every moment as an offering to God? Don't make it another law to live by... just realize that it can become like breathing. I breathe naturally because it's second nature. This is where grace comes in. It has changed our nature. Adam excluded God in the small things, but through the life of Jesus we can now live to INCLUDE God in everything. We can make every moment an offering.
-jack
Tokyo, Japan
Hey Leeland bloggers. Here's a few pix from our day in Japan. The people are just amazing here. There is a very strong but small group of believers here, that are so hungry to see their nation come to God. They have the love Jesus written all over their faces. It's so cool. I can't wait for the concert tomorrow. Right in the heart of Shibuya-Tokyo. We're praying for God to move in a HUGE way! The Christians here need a lot of encouragement and support and the unbelievers need to hear an amazing message. Tomorrow we'll post a video from our time here. Then off to Cambodia! Going to sleep now. -jack
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Are u alive?
Hey Leeland bloggers! Hope everyone is doing well. Hope this encourages you...
"In Him was life and that life was the light of men." St. John (Speaking of Jesus)
Is it just me, or does it seem like we're the walking dead sometimes? I mean, come one people... we serve Jesus! : ) Not only do we serve Him, but when we got saved, His life and nature were poured into us without measure.
This means that the same life and light that burst forth from Jesus, now dwells inside of us. Because HE lives in us!
When we really grasp this truth, everything changes. Like a ripple effect, His love begins to alter everything about us. But the choice is yours. The ball is in your court.
Will you allow the life, love, and light of God to transform your life? It's a choice I have to make every morning with my coffee... and every afternoon when I get cut off in traffic... and every time I get a middle seat on a plane at 5am. : )
I remind myself that I'm no ordinary person, drudging through some ordinary life. I'm extraordinary because someone exceptional has taken residence in my heart. God himself!
Please share your thoughts. How do we practically walk this out?
much love
jack