These days I’ve been learning how important it is to preach the Gospel to myself on a daily basis. My relationship with Jesus and how I see Him and myself is foundational in what I do, what I say, how I do it, and so on. It affects every aspect of my life, and so I must learn to give myself grace. His GRACE is sufficient! Do I really believe this? And do I really believe that His love covers all of my sins? Yes, but it is something that I grapple with often, knowing my sinful nature.
I’ve been listening to the Prodigal God, by Tim Keller, and am wrestling with my heart and how I relate with the older brother/ Pharisees. I’ve never thought of myself in this way, but when it comes down to it, I do sometimes serve others and God out of a selfish heart and can have this “self-entitlement”, that I deserve things due to my faithfulness. This becomes evident when things don’t turn out the way that I would like them to and I become depressed. Tim Keller pointed out that the older brother was very obedient, only so that he would get what he wanted. He didn’t care about his relationship with his father, but instead focused on worldly possessions and waited for his inheritance. Keller said that this kind of heart’s mentality is “being your own savior”; wanting to take control of the situation or “earning” your way to salvation. Wow, talk about convicting! Father, forgive me for my heart/motive for why I have done things with intent of selfish gain/ approval! Would I desire You above all things; seek out You, the giver, rather than Your gifts! Would I learn to love You for who You are and to receive Your love. Would I be rooted and established in your love, that I might “know” and “comprehend” the depth, length, height, and width of your love and to experience the fullness of you (Eph. 3:17b-19), Jesus? I pray that for all of us (His current and future Adopted Children)! Also, may I not lose sight of my NEED for you, Jesus, nor lose sight of your unconditional and never-ending love! Thank you for ACTING on our behalf and coming down to become like us, but being our perfect and spotless lamb, to be our ultimate sacrifice so that we may be in a right relationship to the Father! And thank You, for providing us with Your Holy Spirit to lead us in all truth and to be our teacher, helper, and companion.
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AuthorI'm a Jesus lover, cool TCK, global trotter, dance lover, mountain hiker, life adventurer, ministry worker, goof ball, and daughter of the King. Archives
May 2021
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