Open Door: Don't define it

All matters have an explanation

All matters have an explanation, but the issues are so complex that you could never fully grasp their significance. God’s plan for each and every individual is so vast, so interwoven with so many lives, all that is past and present and with so many options and alternatives, that no computer in the universe could track the eternal dimensions of what happens in time.When tragic things happen to people because of the evil or fallen nature of this world, their family and friends have the choice of succumbing to bitterness or growing in grace. Ultimately, the issue is not what you can understand and explain even to yourself, but your capacity to believe in the sovereignty of our heavenly Father.

Remember not to measure events by your standards of justice, but leave the consequences to be tried by grace.

The Third MillenniumPaul Meier

God Works in the Dark

"The Lord caused the sea to go back ... all that night.''

In this verse there is a comforting message showing how God works in the dark. The real work of God for the children of Israel, was not when they awakened and found that they could get over the Red Sea; but it was ''all that night.''

So there may be a great working in your life when it all seems dark and you cannot see or trace, but yet God is working. Just as truly did He work ''all that night,'' as all that day. The next day simply manifested what God had done during the night. Is there anyone reading these lines who may have gotten to a place where it seems dark? You believe to see, but you are not seeing. In your life-progress there is not constant victory; the daily, undisturbed communion is not there, and all seems dark.

''The Lord caused the sea to go back . . . all that night.'' Do not forget that it was ''all that night.'' God works all the night, until the light comes. You may not see it, but all that ''night'' in your life, as you believe God. He works.

Edna Cowan

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Don't define it

Community that is.

Christmas Eve. Fellowship with friends at Cheddars. The talk turns to relationship words. Words of appreciation to each other for how much the other means. One is amazed at the changes in himself and his approach to life - to people.

But I say he's in the flow of what God is doing in this season. Community.... relationship.

Change on the outside requires change on the inside.

Transformation.

It is God who transforms us by His Spirit.

Driving home Larry and I are talking about community. And I have that revelatory moment.

Don't define it!!! Don't nail it down!!! Don't do anything that would give IT form and structure.

The natural human tendency is to do that very thing. And we must not. As Larry, reading this over my shoulder just said, it is defined by the moment. The present moment. Not for us to control. Not for us to contrive. Detriech Bonhoffer said "Those who live with/for the dream of community will destroy it". (Not an exact quote. That's me quoting Larry quoting Detriech.) But that's the point and the challenge before us in this season. Can we just "be" relationship with each other or do we have to do something to try to make an earthly show of a heavenly reality.

Thank you Jesus for that little reminder in my spirit last night. Back to my benchmark --- Am I being lifegiving to those you have connected me to - to the one in front of me, unkown? Am I just caring about them, not trying to fix them or to bring them "up to" something that I think is the standard that all should follow? Arrogance. Lord, it is not in my power to do this but it is in my power to choose to allow you the expression you choose at that moment. It is in my power to choose to love and to care and to respect and honor and if I will choose it you will empower me. It may not be in my power to knit my heart with others but it is in your power to do that knitting if I will but choose to allow you to demolish my defences.

Transformation.

A new place in the kingdom. "Come, follow me", Jesus said over and over to his disciples.

1 comment:

manny rodriguezDecember 26, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Ann,

I read your thoughts on community and it resonnated with my spirit.
I think you're onto something. Oh, to have know this 5 years ago.
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Thursday, December 25, 2008

Don't define it

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