Encouragement

It started with the church service this morning...
The verse that hit me in our scripture reading was Luke 2:19. I had heard this verse plenty of times before, but today I had brought my Message paraphrase with me, and the words struck me in a special way. The verse read: "Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself."
I immediately identified with Mary. I thought of the refreshing times I have had to sit and think with God, and revel in what he's doing in my life. I thought of the times I long to be able to journal every single detail of what God is teaching me moment by moment in everyday, but I get overwhelmed and disappointed in myself for forgetting some things. Or maybe it's more-so the fact that I haven't "allowed myself" enough "date with God" time lately. And I mean a real date... one of those that you're reluctant to let end until you've exhausted every topic of conversation you're longing to share thoughts about. You wish it could go on forever simply because you enjoy being in the presence of the other so much. :) Yeah, there you have it, I've concluded that I'm thirsting for more dates with God...and I can't make up excuses to re-schedule.
But I haven't even expanded on the thought that hit me the most - it's that she kept them deep within herself, holding them dear. I desire to share and encourage others with what God is doing in my life, and that was one of my main reasons for starting this blog in the first place. While I still think that is a good and important goal, I can't forget that God is with me in the deepest core of who I am, and when I take even brief moments during the day to smile and thank God for the unique moments of beauty or fresh insight he blesses me with, it's almost like a quick text message to a friend, or a secret message or inside joke you share with a special someone. And it's these moments that enhance my beautiful love affair with Jesus, even when our exclusive dates happen less frequently for a time... Because no matter how hard I try to keep healthy habits, like journaling, a regular part of my life, it's not the amount of will power or determination I have that defines my relationship with Jesus, it's about surrendering every single part of my life into God's hands, and letting him dwell in me richly through each moment and circumstance.
God, I want YOU to be glorified through my life... and through my weaknesses, remind me that your strength shines through me. And through all that you've created me to be, use me and be with me for your pleasure and glory in my life. Thank you for all the moments that I remember your grace and truth poured out to me (and for the opportunities I've had to share them!). I thank you too for all the little details and moments that are less clear in my memory, and I know with confidence that you can and will bring them to mind for me whenever they may help further give glory to your name! :) I love you Lord!

Wow, that was just the first point of encouragement I wanted to share about from today. The second mix of thoughts came at the B.I.G. community youth event tonight. The topic was forgiveness. One of the main points was that forgiveness can often be most freeing for the forgiver. As the talk progressed, this eventually got me to thinking about the ultimate offer of forgiveness from the only ONE who will never need to be forgiven. If we can argue that harboring any sort of unforgiveness is hurtful to us, then OF COURSE God could never hold a grudge against us, right? Now, obviously, God would seem to have every right to do just that, since we have sinned and fail to meet the awesome standards of holiness required to have a pure, unblemished relationship with God, our perfect Creator. And yet God chooses to offer forgiveness through an incredible sacrfice. Wow... Of course God's forgiveness and grace has made my jaw drop in awe a number of times before, but now in yet another fresh perspective, I'm pondering the truth of this ultimate offering of forgiveness. :) God IS Love, and it would be against his very nature to offer us anything less than total forgiveness (which one beautiful definition we brought up for this word tonight was God won't throw our sins back in our face).

Hmm, we also had a great talk about how our own insecurities are what leads us to have struggles in our relationships here on earth, and how that keeps us from forgiving others. It was so good, and it reminded me of what we need to have to feel more secure - and that is our identity firmly rooted in Jesus Christ, and know the true depth of his awesome forgiveness. :) I could soooo go on, but, I'm going to get going for now. Until next time... I'll keep pondering all of these beautiful truths of God in my heart. ;)