I gave up blogging for lent because I thought it would be great to take some extra time from the computer to pray. I've never actually done lent before. I've always thought it was a great idea...halfway through...and thought, "I'll do that next year".
I told God, "Help my faith". And did He ever.
I didn't realize how weak it was. I didn't realize how legalistic I still was.
I read this book and this one
But what I want to say is a bit of a challenge.
We say things. We sing songs. We read verses. We believe in God. But how often do we really pay attention to what is
said? Do we really live like we believe this?
I'm not talking about legalism. I'm talking about verses like:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with Thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ. - Philippians 4:6-7
How about this song? These words are chilling. How many times have we sung it and passed right by the meaning?
So many of us Christians (myself included) have misrepresented what Christ was about and why He did what He did, why He was willing to, why He was excited about it, and why it had to be done.
I can't at this time explain it myself. But I hope I am closer to living in true victory. I pray my life can be some resemblance to what Christ meant it to be.
I also challenge anyone who reads a verse or sings a song that doesn't add up with what they are living, that they would take the time to ask for wisdom, for their eyes to be opened. I know. For a fact. My God welcomes this request. He answered mine.
Wendi it's Dawn. What a great post/blog entry. It's good to take time to reflect and meditate. The song is one of my favorites, and it's like Pastor Gaylord says...the Easter bunny will not save you, only Christ can. The song reminds me of another song, written by Pete Episcopo. To give you a little background on the song: When I was living in Wisconsin, I attended an amazing church, Appleton Alliance Church. The pastor is Dennis Episcopo, and he is an Italian guy from New York City (imagine how he was first received in this heavily German area!!). He and his brother were raised Catholic, and his brother became saved first, then led Dennis there too. They were raised Catholic, and the prayers to saints and Mary, the creation and worship of religious relics, etc. found in the Catholic church were the backdrop for this song. God is all we need.
ReplyDeleteI miss that church, though I love Ebenfeld. Dennis is a terrific preacher and you can listen to the church's sermons here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons-appleton-alliance/id372227560.
Here is Pete's song:
I will bow to You
Lord I will bow to You
To no other god
But You alone
Lord I will worship You
Nothing hands have made
But You alone
I will lay down my idols
Thrones I have made
All that has taken my heart
Lord I will bow to You
To no other god
But You alone