Sunday, February 6, 2011

Passion for Christ


Recently, I was sitting somewhere listening to a speaker. He was obviously intelligent and well versed but I found my mind wandering—yet again. No matter how hard I tried to stay focused, it felt like the words were all strung together in one long stream of monotone.

Why?

I looked around me and glassy stares confirmed my suspicion... I wasn't the only one having difficulties embracing this opportunity to learn. As I mulled over the situation, I suddenly thought about the Super Bowl that millions will watch in a few hours. For those who enjoy football, I bet there will not be one pair of sleepy eyes fixed on the screen, no feelings of wanting to be anywhere else, no trouble sitting still. Rather the room will feel like it's charged with expectancy, hope, and frustration when distractions arise. The difference you ask? Passion... passion for the game, your favorite players, for the sense of competition.

Here's another example for those who may not be football fans; have you ever had the chance to watch someone play a musical instrument—someone who had the ability, but no love or inner glow that shines when they play? It's so different that watching someone caress an instrument with their fingers and play from their heart. And you know what... even if they are playing the exact same music, after a bit of time has passed, I find my interest in the first musician will quickly wane, where as I could listen to the second one all day.

That made me think about my relationship with Jesus. Am I still as passionate about Him as I once was...as passionate as those millions of sports spectators today that will spend their precious time watching the Super Bowl or that talented musician that desires to spend countless hours in practice? Have I nurtured my spirit by sitting at His feet, basking in His love, and enjoying His fellowship? Or have I slipped into walking around like a spiritual zombie—living on auto-pilot rather than having a living, vibrant faith born out of a love for Christ.

If I have any hopes of making a difference in this world and reaching others for Christ, I need to rekindle my first love. It's out of my love for Him that other's lives can be impacted with the gospel. If not, I will only be like a clanging cymbal or sounding brass. Sure, I can make lots of noise, but no one will want hear me.

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. Let' s make sure we take the time to remember the special love that God has for us and in return, lets respond with a rekindled passion for Him and the world around us.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Seeking Hearts




I love nature. The smells, the sounds, the feel. I’m more alive when I’m outside, and so enjoy seeking God in His creation. I picture myself in a heavenly garden someday.

Have you ever found hearts in nature? The heart shape jumps out at me. Oftentimes I don’t have my camera. I’ve seen hearts in the clouds, hearts in rocks, hearts in trees, hearts in fruits and vegetables. You’ve all seen a pair of spooning swans create a heart between their beaks and necks. The Internet is swamped with such pictures, but heart images surround us if our eyes (and hearts) are open.

This time of year, we are inundated by hearts. They’re everywhere we look. Romance writers know all about hearts. Heart words and stories have been told since the beginning of time.

I do have a picture of a pair of hearts that remains a mystery. This photo was taken at the end of our driveway.

Countless sermons have been preached on the topic of the heart. God knows our hearts because He created hearts. Have you ever taken the time to do a heart word study? Or searched for the word, seek? Our Bibles are packed with such verses. We must prepare our hearts as we seek the Lord God (2 Chronicles 30:19, Isaiah 55:6). The best hearts of all creation are the hearts of His people.

I hope you find hearts in nature as you seek Him with a prepared heart. I wish you a happy heart month. Oops, Happy Valentine’s month.