I just wanted to reflect over a thought that my husband illuminated during a message he preached on Sunday. This message truly touched my heart. While it was passionately preached, it wasn't just the message in of itself that spoke to me, but the work with which has been wrought in our family working up to the message. Our family has had the opportunity to reflect on life... our life, and how truly sweet our Lord has been to us. While Phillip may travel much, Christ has allowed both him and I to truly see how trusting in Him (Christ) has blessed us in such simple yet profound ways. We realize more now than ever, that our life is not just a life "gotten through" but a life that is ABUNDANT! This is what scripture promises to the Christian. That a believer might not just muddle through living by the seat of your pants, hoping to just get through this situation or that, but that we can fully have peace, experience blessing, and a sense of hope. Not happiness - something deeper, truer. An overwhelming PEACE, JOY, and experience of BLESSINGS. Among some other things during the message, Phillip touched on relationships and how we perceive them to be - how are we expressing to those around us this life of abundance? Mmmm . . . not to over simplify, but allow me to say - my God is good.
Phillip's message spoke to my heart and illuminated the workings with which Christ had already been orchestrating. All around us is a world of chaos and unsurety, yet I rest safely within God's will and care, experiencing peace and joy while smiling at the beautiful blessings in my life. As we stand true to Christ's calling for us as believers - He provides for us a life that overflows with abundancy. Simple things that once reflected upon, bring true joy. The giggles of my children, a home with which to raise them in, a sweet note from my husband, etc. I hope you can reflect on the joys within your life and be able to stand firmly in Christ's promises as well. In so doing, realizing all the while that it isn't what the world offers but what Christ has already provided that allows for a full and abundant life.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Life ... More Abundant
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
It's funny you should post this because I feel like this is where I am trying to get right now with the situation our family is in. I struggle with trying not to just survive my days but really enjoy them. I have much work to do in this department! But I feel the bond of our marriage strengthening by the moment and for that I am so grateful. Now if only I could get there with my children! :)
Such very good thoughts. The message was such a blessing to both my husband and I. How quickly we forget to trully look and SEE all of our blessings and realize we have a life more abundant, so rich with blessings. That's what first inspired my blog title, "Our Many Blessings"... I wanted to share our family with others, but show it in a light of blessings...that truly from my heart, I feel more blessed than I could ever imagine or deserve. I struggled with it(the title), not wanting to sound prideful in ANY way, but realized that, NO. It's true, I am profoundly blessed and God did it all. I need to proclaim HIS goodness. So, I kept the title. :) I feel like I can see your overwhelming peace and joy in your life. Good example!
PS - Your friend Kelly seems like such a sweet gal, I would love to meet her someday!
Charissa, I loved the sermon Phil did as well. You could hear and see the passion througout the service. I glanced over at you numerous times during the service and saw you awe and love for the man that stood before us, giving us the "truth" I have been friends w/you guys for a long time, and have always admired the love and strength you both have for the Lord and each other. I am so happy that the Lord is blessing you with more children! You are a wonderfull mother and a great example to all of us, and I thank you, as well as God for that! love you!!!
Phil's message was surely a fruitful one. I can say I got this part of it but more for me what stuck out is the dying to self part. The fact that to have a life more abundant that you must die to self.....what hinders our relationships with God, family, and spouses....our selfishness and pride..so simple something I have heard many times but this dealt with me in a more personal way on a topic the Lord has been speaking to me on. Much of my issues stem from this selfishness and truly learning to die to self daily. I have so many blessing to reflect on and with Christ is definitely more abundant but I long to work harder at dying to self so that I can grow closer in ALL of my relationships. Thank you and Phillip both for allowing the Lord to use you.
oops worded wrong thank you for being WILLING to let the Lord use you. :)
Post a Comment