Today I watched the movie, "What If?" It was similar to "It's a Wonderful Life," but with one twist. The main character, Ben, was visited by an angel who took him from his high-powered executive life to his purposed life of being a preacher and family man. In his experience of visiting his purposed life, he was recognized by people in that life, but he did not recognize them. When trying to return to his life as an executive, he recognized those he had worked with, but they did not know him. He not only had two lives to choose from, but he was a different man in each reality.
In one scene of the movie, Ben is talking to his wife. He wants his exciting life back, but he does not know how. His wife asks why the Ben Walker he is talking about is doing here with her. He says he has to figure that out for himself.
This movie seemed to bring together some seemingly random thoughts I had over the last few days. It was a great movie to watch after Pastor John's Sunday sermon. Ben Walker had not found his "Sweet spot," as John would say. He worked hard and seemed to be successful, but was not honoring God in his work. He was meant to be a preacher and family man. That was were his sweet spot was. There was a greater purpose for him. He needed to find that purpose for himself (with the help of God's messenger.)
I also read a letter from James Robison. In his letter, he used the phrase, "Dangerously awake." That was a phrase to ponder. In a way Ben became dangerously awake to the truth of the life he was living and the life he should be living. The thoughts of "what ifs," "sweet spots," and being "dangerously awake" make me aware that the strengths God put into me are precious life-satisfying, God-glorifying tools.
The strengths we observe in one another are the expression of God's DNA passed on to us through our creation. Our weaknesses exist so that we yield to God in relationship to fulfill the assignments we are given. Learning to live with both is an adventure of loving God, ourselves and others.
Creator God, You have proven that You desire a connection with Your creation. You have given us strengths that show the world a part of You. You have allowed us to be weak so that we will seek after You and rely on You to make a difference. Please forgive us when in our pride we strive to erase our weakness or hide it away. Forgive us also when we think our strengths belong to us alone. Thank You for being strong and sharing your strength with us whenever we ask. We ask now to be filled with the truth of who You are in our lives! We need You!
Showing posts with label John Hampton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Hampton. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, December 20, 2010
Finding the Lamb of God
During church yesterday I took notes. I always do, but yesterday was a bit different. Pastor John Hampton had a wonderful sermon. Shepherds: Choosing Spiritual Reality Over Temporary Treasure was the title. His words made me think, and so I not only wrote down what he said, but also my thoughts and rabbit trails! I think the Holy Spirit was in on the conversation too!
John spoke about the shepherds leaving behind their jobs to find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. They left their comfort zone, and their experience changed their lives.
My thoughts ran down a trail as I imagined the shepherds standing guard that night over the Lamb of God! Their job was to take care of the lambs sometimes used in sacrifices. What greater job could they be given than being watchful over the one and only sacrificial Lamb?
The Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. He asked His followers who would not leave the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost. The night Jesus was born, the shepherds were called to find the Lamb of God who had left His heavenly home. Jesus, the Lamb of God, might not have been lost, but He was found. The shepherds left their flocks to find the one who would save them from being lost! It was the shepherds that were found that night. Their faith lead them to the place where they were found. Their trip to the stable was their act of faith that something miraculous had taken place.
The bible does not tell us much about the shepherds visit to the stable. It does tell us that the Lord sent angels to tell them about Jesus. They knew He was special because the angels said of Jesus' birth: Glory to God in the Highest and peace to His people on earth.! I imagine they asked Mary and Joseph questions, just like we do when we visit a new Mom or Dad. We ask about the birth and what they know of the child. The shepherds left, maybe with not all the answers, but knowing Gods' presence in their lives.
Lord Jesus, I love the thought that the shepherds might have come to find a lost lamb, but they found their Savior instead! I, too, have been looking for something in my life. Instead I have found a closer walk with You, a greater understanding of who You are. Thank You for finding me. Thank You for showing me Your light so that I might follow You through the darkness of this world to a home with You forever! You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us!
John spoke about the shepherds leaving behind their jobs to find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. They left their comfort zone, and their experience changed their lives.
My thoughts ran down a trail as I imagined the shepherds standing guard that night over the Lamb of God! Their job was to take care of the lambs sometimes used in sacrifices. What greater job could they be given than being watchful over the one and only sacrificial Lamb?
The Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. He asked His followers who would not leave the 99 sheep to find the one that was lost. The night Jesus was born, the shepherds were called to find the Lamb of God who had left His heavenly home. Jesus, the Lamb of God, might not have been lost, but He was found. The shepherds left their flocks to find the one who would save them from being lost! It was the shepherds that were found that night. Their faith lead them to the place where they were found. Their trip to the stable was their act of faith that something miraculous had taken place.
The bible does not tell us much about the shepherds visit to the stable. It does tell us that the Lord sent angels to tell them about Jesus. They knew He was special because the angels said of Jesus' birth: Glory to God in the Highest and peace to His people on earth.! I imagine they asked Mary and Joseph questions, just like we do when we visit a new Mom or Dad. We ask about the birth and what they know of the child. The shepherds left, maybe with not all the answers, but knowing Gods' presence in their lives.
Lord Jesus, I love the thought that the shepherds might have come to find a lost lamb, but they found their Savior instead! I, too, have been looking for something in my life. Instead I have found a closer walk with You, a greater understanding of who You are. Thank You for finding me. Thank You for showing me Your light so that I might follow You through the darkness of this world to a home with You forever! You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us!
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