DEFIANT LIGHT

Sometimes the thought of pursuing God or spending time in His presence makes me feel hypocritical because of the sin in my life that I seem unable or unwilling to let go of. I find myself waiting for some magical moment when I can guarantee a significant period of sinlessness before I approach Him. As I reflect on this, I find the thought rather flawed.

What are the properties of light? A burning candle doesn't glow in the dead of night because the darkness has volunteered to retreat. Rather, the flame does only what it knows to do, and the darkness must surrender it's grip. Never before in the history of this world has the smallest candle been extinguished by the darkest night. Similarly, Christ's light in my life doesn't shine because the grip of sin has relinquished it's hold. The light of Christ shines regardless, and the sin is overwhelmed. The emphasis is not on the weakness or power of sin, but instead completely on the omnipotent power of God. A candle shines because of the properties of light, not because of the nature of dark. It is in positioning myself in close proximity to the radiant presence of Jesus, however dark my heart may be, that I find myself reflecting his glory, goodness and greatness. I don't gain control of my sin before approaching a Holy God. It is in approaching a holy God that my sin increasingly loses control.

• The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it.
• Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
• Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

CONNECTING...

Happy New Year everybody! OK...so traditionally, I'm not into the whole new year's resolution thing. However, I do sense a need in my life to inject focus, intent, effort, discipline, passion and stewardship into a number of areas that for so long have been neglected and ignored. Procrastination and laziness aren't exactly the mothers of a sense of self worth, achievement and purpose. I also sense, as I have for some time now, that genuine sustained progress in any of these areas will be more of a testament to the grace of God at work in my life than my own diligence and self-discipline. So, perhaps the most important thing I can do is commit to aligning my heart with God's will for me, and draw close to His heart for me as best I can...to allow Him (as incredible a concept as that is) to infuse into the gifts He's committed to me, His energy...His creativity...His self-control. Oh...that I may see the image of who He's created me to be increasingly revealed as the Master sculptor ever gently, yet persistently, chips from the rough block of Grant all the selfish and destructive things that cloak my true identity. That I may truly find myself in the mystery of losing myself in Him. By His grace...songwriting, writing, musicianship, health, godly stewardship, teaching, self-control...here I come!

Dear Lord...for the glory of your Name and your Will, grant me the wits to discern it...the grace to accept it...and the strength to pursue it. I'm in dire need of connecting with You. You are, and always will be...my Way.