Yes, I'm still here...

It's spring break at our house.  That means my usual schedule is out the window!  That's a good thing...except my blogging time has gone with it.

Last week was a great time with my oldest who was the only kid not at camp.  This week, I'm looking forward to more time with the other kids.  We've already been to the beach two days in a row.  I'm still praying about how to re-vamp our school schedule so that everyone gets their stuff done, and we still have time for fun!  I know, I know, school is supposed to be fun.  But there is only so much you can do with algebra...



I've been reading a great book.  It's called The God You Can Know, by Dan Dehaan.  So many great truths in it.  Here's a thought I'll share with you.  It is so appropriate during the Lenten season.

Jesus did not come to make bad men good, but to make dead men live.  The church should demand that men be alive in Christ, opposed to being simply good.  What is a Christian?  He is an ordinary person with an extraordinary love.  A love that consistently "lays ourselves down" for the sake of seeing God exaluted.  It is love that motivates us, that clings to nothing that God gives save Himself.  So many today have a "handle" on the ministry when the ministry should have a handle on them.

Are you in Christ?  Is there a definite divine motivation and confidence in your soul?  Are you really in love with the Lord Himself?  Can you honestly say that the experience you have had with Christ has made you alive and not just good?  If you cannot, I would ask that God would break your heart even now - that, first, you would see your sin; that, second, you would see the righteousness and the blood of the Lamb that can cleanse it all; and that, third, you would cast your sin and self on the cross of Christ.  Then your old nature will be curicified, and you will join those who have their confidence in Christ, not those who have only a knowledge of how to work for Him.  (p. 141)

So many years, I have lived with knowledge only.  Now I find myself longing for Christ, Himself.  Our God is a faithful God.  He is so willing and eager to reveal Himself.  If only I could take it all in. 

Ephesians 3:14-21 (New Living Translation)

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth

 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,  the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.  Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

May your journey to the heart of Christ be sweet this week.  Aloha!