Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Lenten Tuesday reflection- St. Paul and Switchfoot
Romans 7:15-25
I'm full of myself—after all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
17 -20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
21 -23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Lord, there are times when I don't do what I want, and when I do the opposite of what you desire. There are times I've made a mess of me. By your grace save me, shape me and lead me into your new life. Amen.
I'm full of myself—after all, I've spent a long time in sin's prison. What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
17 -20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
21 -23It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Lord, there are times when I don't do what I want, and when I do the opposite of what you desire. There are times I've made a mess of me. By your grace save me, shape me and lead me into your new life. Amen.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Kutless - "Carry Me To The Cross" (Official Lyric Slide)
Good morning folks,
It's been a long time since I've posted... too long...
I'm not here to give long excuses or reasons, but simply to say, as you know-- life in Chronic hope world is never predictable. Sometimes it gets overwhelming in this wilderness, and we try the best we can to keep our feet moving forward from day to day.
The past month has been a very dry wilderness testing time for me, for many reasons. I will reflect on this in the days and weeks to come here in Lent, but for today, I'm posting a song that may inspire and encourage you.
May this song bless you as it has me, and allow you to take just one more step forward.
Hugs and prayers to you all--
One more step,
Andrea
It's been a long time since I've posted... too long...
I'm not here to give long excuses or reasons, but simply to say, as you know-- life in Chronic hope world is never predictable. Sometimes it gets overwhelming in this wilderness, and we try the best we can to keep our feet moving forward from day to day.
The past month has been a very dry wilderness testing time for me, for many reasons. I will reflect on this in the days and weeks to come here in Lent, but for today, I'm posting a song that may inspire and encourage you.
May this song bless you as it has me, and allow you to take just one more step forward.
Hugs and prayers to you all--
One more step,
Andrea
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