Wow, it has certainly been a long time since I have contributed to my blog. I feel distant from my writing, but I should long to write more, because it gave much relief throughout my day. Reflecting on life and the things God has been doing is never a bad thing.
I just listened to an amazing podcast by a Pastor in L.A., Erwin McManus. This is great man of God. I really enjoy listening to his messages, because his words are well thought out. His messages are profound and speak life into me. He is a firey man and I encourage you to listen to his sermons.
The message I listened to this evening was about joy and how to find joy. God created this life to be enjoyed and sometimes in our walk with God we lost the sense of enjoyment or almost feel guilty for feeling enjoyment. Yes, trials and tribulations will come and out of those times joy will be found. But do not let your circumstances create joy or think, "well if this happens then I will be joyful." Let joy create your circumstances. And I am not talking about superficial or fake joy, because that is sickening. Real joy is sought after. In Psalms it talks about seeking God as if he was a hidden treasure. The joy of the Lord is what I need to be seeking. Because it will energize life in a way I have never experienced. Faith should be lived out in excitement; Erwin proposed the question, "When was the sacredness of God mixed with despair and guilt?" Yes, the sin within us brings sorrow and hurt, but great joy should come out of knowing God looks past that and sees the wonderful person He created us to be.
Authentic love, joy, and happiness are hard to find in this world. But they can be seeked out of a true intimacy with God. It is easy for us to relate with despair, hopelessness, and loneliness, because those feelings are easily attainable in this life. It is much easier for us to connect with these; instead of seeking greatness from the God of great abundance.
Trust me I know the word of God is a double edge sword and I am speaking right to myself. I am longing to know God's heart. He has really spoke to me to abandon the things of this world and seek Him.
"Seek first the Kingdom of the Lord and all things shall be added to you."
Good to be back.
your boy,
elbow
About Me
- Elbow
- I have recently given my life over to the Lord. It has been the greatest joy I have ever felt in my life. I finally have accountability in my life, that I have desperately needed. Through Christ I have the strength to push through anything life throws at me. I love my family and my friends. They are truly such a blessing. I am a southern boy from raising, but I have bounced around the country to stretch myself into the person I am today. I graduated from the University of Florida, so that makes me a proud Gator fan, Go Gators! My brother and I share an apartment in downtown Denver and we are learning how we are so different, but as God says, "We are fearfully and wonderfully created." Psalm 119. I feel that God is leading me to do His work. By helping others who are less fortunate and those suffering with the trials/tribulations of this world. This has just been shown to me over the last few months, as God has been the light of my life! He has truly shown me that no prayer goes unanswered, but it is in His timing. My love for others has taken a whole new level and I look forward to what God has to offer. *2 Corinthians 12:9-10*