The Abundance of my heart

A community is a social, religious, occupational, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the  larger society within which it exists. For the last few weeks I have been reflecting on some interesting thoughts which I thought would help someone else reflect and learn as well... Spiritual muscles are often developed in the context of a community. People who remain connected with their brothers and sisters in the local church almost invariably grow in self-understanding, and they mature in their ability to relate in healthy ways to God and to their fellow Christians. This is especially the case for those who are courageous and stick it out through the often messy process of interpersonal discord and conflict resolution. People who stay grow, People who leave do not grow and if they grow, not much. We all might know people who are consumed with spiritual wanderlust, but you never get to know th...

There is strength within the sorrow, There is beauty in our tears You meet us in our mourning, With a love that casts out fear You are working in our waiting, Sanctifying us When beyond our understanding, You're teaching us to trust Your plans are still to prosper, You have not forgotten us You're with us in the fire and the flood Faithful forever, Perfect in love You are sovereign over us You are wisdom unimagined, Who could understand your ways Reigning high above the heavens, Reaching down in endless grace Youʼre the Lifter of the lowly, Compassionate and kind You surround and You uphold me, Your promises are my delight Even what the enemy means for evil You turn it for our good, You turn it for our good and for your glory Even in the valley You are faithful Youʼre working for our good, Youʼre working for our good and for your glory This is part of the story of a very close friend of mine... ....24 years ago when the mother( who was an Internationa...

Worship is close to my heart, it's a lifestyle worthy striving for everyday, it's a language I have come to love, expressing myself through it brings an indescribable experience. Expressing self to a God who is all knowing, who searches the hearts of men, who tests the mind even to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings, can only be possible and fulfilling from a place of nakedness and brokenness. By being naked I am telling God, I am hiding nothing from you, my heart lies open before you, the wickedness of my heart is known to you, nothing you do not know about me, not even the slightest offensive thought I had...and I ask that you would search me, cleanse me and bring me back to you. I believe that God values and honors a pure heart; Psalm 51...."for without holiness no one shall see God" ; Hebrews 12:14 Brokenness is a continuous lifestyle of agreeing with God about the state of my heart and life as He alone can ...