1 Peter 1 and 2 have been redirecting me this week. It’s so easy to not think clearly and exercise self-control and to fall into the trap of pretending to be good. Peter says that of all things it is the thought life that defiles us and to get rid of all evil behavior, deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. In regards to this, I spoke with a good friend of mine this week about how many Christians are “dancing” to whatever beat is thrown at them. The “religious dance”, the “all is well dance”, the “image dance”, the “financial dance”, the “party dance, the “popular dance, ”the “idle dance”, it’s endless. Then I heard a man speaking about how if we are in Christ we have license to rebel against anything that is not the will of God. I was reminded and encouraged because those who know Jesus have true freedom to stand still when the world’s dance or someone else’s dance is going on. As awkward as it might be it is ok to stand still!! I’m laughing right now because I’m envisioning the dance I do. You know the dance – just the little swaying back and forth with a snap of the finger and maybe a quick turn here and there. Ha! I’m asking for the character to stop dancing when I need to for the Lord simply to please and worship him. I’m also asking for the character to dance the “Real Dance” for the same reason- to simply praise and worship him. The challenges and temptation to do our own dance are great and it is concerning because many who are in the faith are just doing their own funny thing. In some way or another we’re all doing it. I pray that we will show the Lord that we are willing to rebel against the noisy beat of our hearts and of this world to stand still with him no matter what happens. What’s AWESOME is that the Lord knows how and when to do the REAL DANCE without pretending to be good, and pretty soon we’ll all be moving to that truly good and eternal beat. We’ll be in the “Real Dance.” I pray for all of us that we will begin that Real Dance with Jesus and each other now, but to always be ready to stand still with him even when it gets really awkward or lonely.

Being Close to Death

This journey in faith we’re on is incredible. It’s about abiding in Christ right now and His true rest is available right now. I’ve noticed that when a person dies those near to that person are closer to understanding what it really means to rest then at any other time. It’s because the people stop doing things and are forced to recognize that the important thing about life is that it can end. Even if the people are doing a good work for the Lord the magnificent reality of a soul entering into eternity eclipses everything and we are forced to stop. Being close to death both physically and spiritually ushers in the invitation and opportunity to rest. Since my sister died I have been living in the moment more then I have before and it has brought me more rest. I am trying not to go anywhere accept one place. Jesus’ daily life is so attractive because he was full of real rest even while he was working the kingdom into our lives and being doubted or shunned. I see words like surrender and trust being synonymous with the word death in terms of letting go of self. This is so challenging but it is the only place I feel the Lord wants me to go and to be focused on. I am silenced by Jesus because there are more mornings that I choose not to lay down on my cross and live in His resurrection life. I forfeit His awesome rest because of it but He keeps telling me it is the only worthy battle to keep fighting. I pray that we will abide with Jesus and rest with Him in the now moments of our lives. When you’re with your family or alone, when you’re being shunned or praised. At all times even when you’re not sure where He’s taking you. The wonderful truth that empowers us to live in this seemingly impossible way is that Jesus is on his throne right now as we read and write. He is alive and well!! beckoning us to sit down with him in His throne room. He’s knows the storms are raging around us and within us. How awesome was it that Jesus was resting in a raging storm? Please help us Lord to have faith now and to sit quietly with you