Life Worth Living

I was reading Ecclesiastes today and in our terms it is pretty depressing.  Solomon says it is better to never have been born then to live in this evil world.  Everything that happens has happened before.  There is no point in gaining wisdom, wealth, or anything else because it will all wither away.

Keep in mind this arguably the wisest man to ever live saying these things.  When you really think about what he says, as depressing as it is, you have to admit he has a good point.  So I was thinking how this should affect us.  I think it clearly means that we were meant to be citizens of heaven and not of earth.  If we expect this life to be all joy then obviously we are wrong because it is such a depraved world. 

We get comfort in things that make us feel safe, such as wealth, but God told us that He would protect us.  God's greatest commandments show that we are to be compelled by love.  Love for Him and love for others.  These are the greatest commandments. I've been thinking about what truly brings me joy.  I love being around people that accept me as I am and let me be comfortable as the man God made me.  I surround myself with these people and I think its something everyone is looking for.  We want to find refuge from all of the things that make us feel insecure.  I love to laugh and goof off, but friendships can't be rooted in that.  Friendships are rooted in random conversations till 3 a.m. where you really get to know someones heart.  They are rooted in the times where a friend desperately needs you and you can be there for them.  They're rooted in seeing the ugly side of someone, but being patient enough to stick it out with them because you know you aren't perfect yourself.  They are rooted in love.  Love that is given to us by our Heavenly Father.  We worship the God who gave us this love.  We worship Him who gave us a way out of this wretched place we were born into.  Yet, we praise Him for allowing us to love while we are here. 

Its funny because I'm always afraid of disappointing people, especially my family and my friends.  It kills me when I make a mistake that hurts someone else.  Yet, I love it when people are vulnerable with me because I share in their suffering.  I don't want people to have it all together because I don't have it all together.  This just shows how we desperately need God.  It shows why we should be quick to forgive and dish out grace.  It shows why we should quit complaining about little things that others do, and focus on demonstrating love.  God's the righteous judge and will handle everything.  Our job is to lead people to Him, and we do this out of love.

Power Not From Us

We are once again having our ministry this summer called "The Refuge".  I have tried to explain to a lot of people what we will be doing, and frankly my attempt to communicate that vision is very weak.  It is simply because I want to have the freedom to allow the Lord to lead our hearts this summer.  And being away from everyone, I am not sure the specific needs.  I also have looked at my own life and every significant event in my life and every time God moved it happened in some way in which I did not expect.  We can't credit anything to ourselves because the Holy Spirit is where power comes from and lives are changed.  I completely believe that.  So does this mean I will sit around and do nothing?  Absolutely not.  We are witnesses and are called to do the work of the Lord.  I just want to be honest to the fact that this is not a well-oiled machine that has every detailed ironed out.  If you know me this should not come as a shock.

So why should people buy in?  Well here are things I am sure will happen.  The Word of God will be taught accurately and will then be applied to our current situation so we may grow closer to the Lord.  We will focus more on God and less on ourselves.  We will also seek out ways to serve the Lord, especially seeking out the lost and developing our mission.  I am not going to structure this, but through prayer and encouragement this will happen.  Lastly The Refuge will be just that.  We have a great community that accept people where they are and desire for people to better know the Lord.  So there will be great encouragement, love, and transparency among believers.  Relationship are crucial in ministry and I pray that we will allow God's power to be made known in the way we interact with one another.  There is power in gathering with believers who actively seek the Lord.

So we are going to seek the Lord together and see where He leads us, and He will lead us.  The Holy Spirit will move through this group.  I am going to lead the best I can, but my success or failure as a leader will not help or hinder God's plan.  He is sufficient on His own.  I just praise Him that I get to be a part of it all.  So I urge you to give your hearts and your prayers to Him, and trust Him to do mighty things.  As we seek out what He wants in our lives, I pray that we live in closer fellowship with Him.