I love using songs to express what's in my heart. We sang this song in chapel a week ago and I love revisiting the message it conveys and the questions it makes me ask of myself. Look it up and listen to it. Here are the lyrics:
Time In Between
Francesca Battistelli
You were there when your Father said
Let there be light
You obeyed when He whispered
Son, You have to leave tonight
To spend nine months in a mothers womb
Three days in a borrowed tomb
(Chorus One)
But it’s the time in between
That brings me to my knees
Knowing you came for me
And all that I can't be
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank You for the time in between
Don't take much for this crazy world
To rob me of my peace
And the enemy of my soul
Says You’re holding out on me
So I stand here lifting empty hands
For you to fill me up again
(Chorus Two)
But it’s the time in between
That I fall down to my knees
Waiting on what You'll bring
And the things that I can't see
I know my song’s incomplete
Still I'll sing in the time in between
So many ways
Your love has saved the day
And I'm grateful for them all
(Chorus 3)
But it’s the time in between
The middle of two thieves
That says everything
It’s the reason I believe
I'm amazed, so amazed
And I thank you for the time in between
Oh Lord, I thank you for the time in between
Even though CHRISTmas is supposed to be celebrating Christ, often the world tugs our thoughts to other things. Gifts and time off from school can cause us to be lazy and covetous of all the things we wish we could have and jealous of the wealth others seem to have. So here's a reminder that Christ came so that we may have life--the time in between. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" John 10:10. Don't let the thief steal away your joy this Christmas season. Don't let him destroy your hope. Claim Christ; claim life. Now comes the question, "What will you do with the time in between?" Will you waste it? or will you thank God for every day that He gives? I am amazed thinking that Christ came for me; He came for each of us.
Blessings and enjoy the time off.
Witness the wonders of God in the world
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
God, Others, Self
Luke 22:36-39
" 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
Lately I have been looking at the priorities in my life. What comes first? What do I put my time and energy into? God, others, and then self is what it should look like. This order will change your life. Think about it. When I'm having a bad day, I think about all the things that I have to deal with and how tired I am or how I wish someone else would intentionally listen to and encourage ME. So stupid, I could complain all day and it wouldn't make things any better.
Now try the new order of thinking.
First: God. Pray, this is the most powerful solution and one that is often taken lightly. Instead of saying to yourself, "A good Christian would pray right about now," offering up a quick one and then expect God to make everything easy, talk to Him! Prayer means you are standing before the throne of the mighty God of the universe, your heavenly Father and friend. Pour out your heart. Admit you can't do it all and that you feel discouraged. God never says that life will be easy or that prayer is a magic spell that will fix everything. However, surrendering your cares and worries will be a relief and praying can give you a change of attitude. Dig into your Bible and look for insights from God. What is he trying to teach you in this tough time? You may have prayed, but have you taken time to listen for an answer?
Second: Others. Encouraging and serving others can lift your spirit. Making someone else's day better has an affect on your own. Little things go a long way. Even smiling and calling someone by name gives them attention and makes them feel good. Compliments or doing something for them is a nice surprise. This will all help you take your mind off yourself and your own struggles.
Thirdly, yourself: Know yourself. Figure out what you need to do to feel re-energized. For introverts, like me, this may mean quiet time by yourself relaxing. For extroverts this could mean doing something with friends or roommates. Sports, a walk, a book, music, friends, journaling or all of the above.
God loves you and wants a personal relationship, bring him into your life.
To God be glory
" 'Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "
Lately I have been looking at the priorities in my life. What comes first? What do I put my time and energy into? God, others, and then self is what it should look like. This order will change your life. Think about it. When I'm having a bad day, I think about all the things that I have to deal with and how tired I am or how I wish someone else would intentionally listen to and encourage ME. So stupid, I could complain all day and it wouldn't make things any better.
Now try the new order of thinking.
First: God. Pray, this is the most powerful solution and one that is often taken lightly. Instead of saying to yourself, "A good Christian would pray right about now," offering up a quick one and then expect God to make everything easy, talk to Him! Prayer means you are standing before the throne of the mighty God of the universe, your heavenly Father and friend. Pour out your heart. Admit you can't do it all and that you feel discouraged. God never says that life will be easy or that prayer is a magic spell that will fix everything. However, surrendering your cares and worries will be a relief and praying can give you a change of attitude. Dig into your Bible and look for insights from God. What is he trying to teach you in this tough time? You may have prayed, but have you taken time to listen for an answer?
Second: Others. Encouraging and serving others can lift your spirit. Making someone else's day better has an affect on your own. Little things go a long way. Even smiling and calling someone by name gives them attention and makes them feel good. Compliments or doing something for them is a nice surprise. This will all help you take your mind off yourself and your own struggles.
Thirdly, yourself: Know yourself. Figure out what you need to do to feel re-energized. For introverts, like me, this may mean quiet time by yourself relaxing. For extroverts this could mean doing something with friends or roommates. Sports, a walk, a book, music, friends, journaling or all of the above.
God loves you and wants a personal relationship, bring him into your life.
To God be glory
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