It seems like ages since I had anything to write about, then it all comes along at once! The last couple of months have been one long lesson from God, here's the highlights...
I've left music college, finally!! As much as I have enjoyed and learned alot from being there, I decided that it wasn't where God wanted me to be. The next thing is finding out where He does want me...watch this space! It has been a test of faith...I don't have a clue what is around the corner, each day I face more situations that look ridiculous and hopeless but at the same time there's still that quiet voice saying "I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish." (Isaiah 41:9-11)
I have been struggling a lot recently with various issues; relationships, esteem etc. But that same passage keeps going through my head reminding me and reassuring me that we serve a mighty, awesome, powerful, faithful God who promises to be everything that we need.
God has been teaching me about worship too, it's something I've been thinking about a lot. I see worship as being anything which enables us to bring praise and glory to the Almighty in whatever ways we are able, using the gifts we have been given. Paul writes;
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1Peter 4:10-11)
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1Corinthians 10:31)
Mother Theresa was once asked how she went about each day; she replied "Each morning I meditate on Jesus. I then go and look for him in disguise". This is how we should worship. We first look to Jesus, and then we look to love him among the poor and the broken. Our love for others and desire to serve has to come from our overwhelming love for Jesus. True worship means that (as the passage above mentions) in everything we do, we do it for Jesus.
Recently I've been spending a lot more time than usual at my church, and it has opened my eyes so much to the life and work that God has called me to. I never guessed that as a result of saying "yes" to God I would be cleaning up bodily fluids, taking abuse from angry residents, and all manner of exciting things. But the more time I spend here, in the community that once scared me, the more I love it. The Bible says that perfect love drives out all fear (1John 4:18), and I'm excited that God has given me an amazing love for the place and for being His hands and feet here. I don't want a passive faith, I don't want to know exactly what I'll be doing for the next few years and where I'll be and where my money will come from...I like doing it the Jesus way, it's exciting!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment