Out for a Drive?

I rather enjoyed this article (and please excuse me for writing from an extremely prejudiced angle, but I am fairly certain that I would agree with this even if I hadn't experienced certain things in my life).

It may be a little male-bashing, but don't you worry, women... I'll be looking for articles that swing a little responsibility your way, too. Meanwhile, ponder this:

1. God initiates something out of love for you.
2. You respond (obey) out of obedience.
3. A relationship is formed and furthered.
4. Repeat steps 1-4. Forever.

Pressing On

Let us know & acknowledge Him; let us press on to know the LORD; as surely as the sun rises, He will appear. He will come to us like the showers, like the spring rains that water the earth.
-Hosea 6:3

I awoke thinking about the beach today, but everything appeared overcast. I checked the forecast and it assured me that it was going to be a perfect partly cloudy, 74 degrees. So I trusted.

I spent time packing a cooler, my journal, a book, and a change of clothes, then drove an hour west in my car, expending gas all the way ($3.19/gallon!) and all without KNOWING what the conditions truly were. I had faith that the weatherman posted something true enough that the trip would be worth it.

I noticed something as I made my way west on M-43: the clouds were getting smaller. Patches of blue started to appear, and quickly began to dominate the sky so that the only patches were the light, whispy grey clouds. I pondered as I drove on.

What is this lovely illustration You've given me, Lord? This is how faith works - you are given or called to something, you trust Jesus' word as truth, and you GO. You set out, knowing neither what you'll encounter along the way nor what it will all actually be like when you "arrive," but your faith draws you on. More than that, the promise of His presence drives you on.

Rejoice! Joy again!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
-Philippians 4:4

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
-Psalm 40:6

Okay, so maybe I praise. Maybe I even worship in song- this is a holy God we are talking about here- but do I REJOICE? Am I deeply gladdened at the thought of Him? Do I delight in Him, and not just His handiwork? Am I ecstatic with joy at the knowledge of the Lord abiding in me?

I hate these questions.

I fall short, but by His Holy Spirit convicting me and empowering me, I am given the opportunity to let His joy rest in me. From my obedience to Jesus comes peace, and space in my heart enough for His joy to fill to overflowing. Here is the life of abundance, deep in the spirit and flowing out from center to circumference.

Again, I leave you with early U2 lyrics to ponder. :) You know you love 'em, too.

Surrender, by U2
My love for you
It's in the things I do and say
If I wanna live I gotta
Die to myself someday
Papa sing my sing my sing my song
Papa sing my sing my sing my song...