A Good Friday: Not Because of What I've Done.

I hope this post finds you well on Good Friday, or whenever it is you're reading this.

Spending more time at the newly discovered Ron's Reflections blog has taught me about quenching the Spirit and about the ministry of Casting Crowns. What a cool video testimony from the band. It's refreshing to see how they see themselves first as ministry, then secondly as a band. Ron's blog has also helped me learn more about myself. And more confirmation that it's Christ's work, not my own; that not because of what I've done, but because of who He is.

Some of the Casting Crown's lyrics from the YouTube video above:

Who am I that the Lord of all the earth… would care to know my name? Would care to feel my hurt?” “Who am I that the one who calmed the seas… would call out through the rain and calm the storm in me?” “Not because of what I’ve done… but because of who you are… Not because of who I am… but because of what you’ve done…”

Chorus:
“I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I’m calling, Lord you catch me when I’m falling, And you told me who I am. I am yours. I am yours.

( Thank you Ron )

Hey God. Remember Me?

Came across this from Ben Workman's blog and it made me think. Just how often do you wonder what part you play in God's kingdom? Are you even important to him? Ben says we aren't part of His plan, rather, we are His plan. Heavy thought on a heavy subject. Thanks Ben for your thoughts and for sharing. Nice timing too.

Ben says...

You know, I think it comes down to that. No matter what we ask Him, no matter how diverse our prayers can sound, no matter what- it comes down to one underlying question we as humans have. We in essence say "Look! Look over here God! It's me!" and like a child we follow that with a softer voice--"Remember me?" I think that's what David realized when he prayed and sang for God to remember His people. But God does not forget. God does not put things aside for later, only to have them buried under paperwork. He does not give gifts and somehow *forget* to turn them on- nor does He place people in situations and forget His servants need His strength. Our lives are not games to God- we are His plans, and He never lets His plans go off track. Never.

(via Ben-nish)

God is Leading, Not Me

Shannon's not the only one experiencing life's storms and feeling inadequate. But as a result, and through his decision to share this difficult time and a devotional he discovered in his garage, he has been an encouragement to me. I post here because I believe you might also be encouraged by this. The rest of his blog, Divulgence, is equally as thoughtful. An excellent reminder of who is in control.

John Piper: A Loving Tribute to Dad

Hello, My Father Just Died