The Give

We all have a longing in our hearts to love and to be loved. I think it's pretty safe to conclude that every person ever born has this longing. I believe it’s because we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). God is love (1 John 4:8) and so He designed us for love. Love is a relational concept, so for love to be fully realized there needs to be a relationship in place. But because we have all sinned and fallen from grace the way we love has become distorted where the natural inclination of our hearts is bent towards a selfish and self-serving love. That's what I see when watching this video: the results of a distorted love that ended in heartache and betrayal.

françois vautier: ANTS in my scanner > a five years time-lapse!

I really enjoy time lapse photography. This one is particularly interesting in that François Vautier, installed an ant colony inside his scanner and scanned the nest each week for five years. It's interesting to see how decay and corrosion slowly, but steadily begins to literally overrun the scanner. I can't help but to think about times where I've allowed anger or bitterness or unforgiveness to fester within my heart and mind. I imagine my soul began to look much like this growing ant colony within this scanner. The more I just left my anger, bitterness and unforgiveness to stew, the more it corroded and suffocated my soul. Are you allowing anger, bitterness or unforgiveness corrode and suffocate your soul?

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back" (Luke 6:37, 38 NLT) 

John Mark McMillan: death in his grave

Recently, a friend played this song for me and I instantly became a fan. Thank you Jesus for being who You said You are and for accomplishing what You said You would accomplish. You truly have earned all praise, honor and glory! "In a loud voice they sang: 'Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'" Revelation 5:12 (NIV).

On Friday a thief

On Sunday a King

Laid down in grief

But awoke with the keys

To Hell on that day

The first born of the slain

The Man Jesus Christ

Laid death in his grave

Hillsong United: YOU

When the battle rages around me, this song helps remind me of Jesus' faithfulness. That no matter how dark my life may get or how great the difficulties, I will always be able to turn to Jesus for strength and love. That no matter what, He will always watch over me through the thick of it all.