Today I will express my faith

This week I had the privilege of doing a workshop at the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches National Conference (wow, that's a mouthful!). Their theme was Authentic Church and my workshop was from Galatians 5:1-6:10 and titled, "Called to Freedom". There is plenty in that passage to unpack but the gist really is that we are CALLED (chosen, picked out) to express our FAITH (act out our belief that God is who He says and will do what He says) in LOVE (what is best for the other person, rather than my comfort). At the end of the session I read a piece that I have adapted from a Max Lucado writing entitled, On the Anvil. Several have asked me for a copy and I thought it might be a good idea to post it as a reminder to all of us, a statement of resolve, as we interact with the other "parts" of our "body". I hope it is your personal statement as well as mine.

Today I will express my faith.  I will begin with recognizing my freedom as a way to show love to those God has placed around me.  I do not have to earn God’s favor, in fact, I can’t, but through faith I can express God’s grace to me by serving others.  I refuse to allow the philosophy of “me first” rule my lifestyle. I will not use my freedom selfishly—that will only lead to the destruction of “us”.   

Today I will express my faith. I will be grateful for the opportunities that come my way today—both hard, and comfortable.  Life is too short to chase down everyone else’s philosophy I would rather live by truth.  Each day brings with it new choices to be made—new ways to show others God’s grace.  Making right choices does not come naturally.  It is a conscious effort.  If I do not pay attention wrong choices will have domain.  I will be an active participant in my own life—paying attention to what I am thinking, feeling, seeing, and hearing, …and interacting with it all.

Today I will walk humbly and responsibly.  There will be some I will need to help and others whose help I will need to receive.  I will be a part of the body—willingly helping, restoring and caring in tangible ways.  Today I will show love by listening, touching, serving, affirming, giving or just being.  I choose to live knowing God is watching and that my actions and deeds will produce fruit that is God’s.

I will do good despite hardships, despite a lack of visible results.  Life does not always produce results as quickly as we would like.  There will be some who will not accept or understand my good will but I will persevere for it is God who will reward me.  This body is not mine.  It is made up of His people.  I am only a part, but I can make a difference as I follow His leading.
Today I will express my faith.  Today I will live free. Today I will love.

Resting With My Eyes Open

I have been known to sleep (so I’m told) with my eyes partially open. It certainly doesn’t bother me at all, but those around me who are not napping at the time tend to have an aversion to this. I am usually awakened ever so gently and asked to close my eyes.

Certainly there is no advantage to sleeping with your eyes open. You can’t nap AND still be a participant in what is going on around you, but it IS possible to do the opposite--keep your eyes open and rest. Perhaps that sounds a bit obvious, but I really don’t think it is.

There are many times when we are awake, and perhaps resting, but our eyes are “closed”—we are running in neutral, shut down and just going through the motions. This can be a dangerous thing and can allow us to drop our guard. When we have our eyes “closed” we stop looking for God, learning from Him and of Him. We are not participating in His plan. We are not engaged in His work. Our minds and hearts take a break from reality and in the “land of imagination” we usually become the main attraction. Nothing good happens when I become the center of my world. I have proven that too many times. Keeping my eyes open helps me keep perspective. Rest is good. Missing God’s action is not.

Its summer time and I certainly am ready for a little rest, but make no mistake, when I rest God will continue to work…to reveal Himself and I want to be sure I learn what I can about my God.

I think I’ll take a nap…with my eyes open.