On the Edge of What's Next

I need to be honest with you. I have to come clean. Sometimes my posts are ... for me. I'm thrilled you're eavesdropping, of course, and please stay and invite your friends. I love to share with you, always. But writers will write even if no one will read their musings. And sometimes I post what I need to read and see and hear.

This is one of those times. Yes, I admit it, without shame. There!

It's just that, every so often, you're gripped with this sense of rightness. Of being exactly where God wants you. Of standing at the very edge of where He's taking you. And that place, that point in time, will very often take your breath away.

And I'm there. I'm right there. On the very edge of my tomorrow.

It's exhilarating to know you've been faithful, obedient, and patient. And years after His very words were spoken over you, you've taken that next step. And the next one.

Which brings you to that last step before what's next.

I'm so grateful to be there. To recognize it. And to continue to walk with the One who took me by the hand years ago and invited me into His blessed life.

His name is Jesus. He is my Savior. My Lord. My all. To Him I said yes long ago. And last month. And yesterday. And this very moment.

And for Him I long to shine. To reflect His light unto the piercing darkness.

So here's the song I need to hear. To remember. For I know not what tomorrow will bring.

And I want my answer, tomorrow, to still be yes.

Yes, Lord! I want to shine for You!

Thank you for eavesdropping. And for helping me continue to say yes, even as I help you do the same.

Shine!
Dr Mari

They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Isaiah 61:3

For a bit more sharing with flare, check out My Mission Statement: To Shine. 

 * Photo courtesy of Manuel Díaz Photography. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved.

He Is Risen! So What Does That Mean to You and Me?

These words from Hillsong United's song The Stand summarize the response of a heart touched by God's grace, 

"So what can I say, what can I do, 

but offer this heart, O God, 

completely to You."

When Jesus died on the cross, eternal life was made available to all. His sacrifice was perfect. His self-giving love unmatched. 2 Timothy 1:10 tells us that, on the cross, Jesus "destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." In 1 Corinthians 15:26, the apostle Paul calls death "the last enemy to be destroyed." What Jesus did for you and me on the cross impacts everything. His unequaled sacrifice deserves a response.

As I reflect on the depth of Christ's love,  Paul's prayer to the believers in Ephesus intrigues me,

"I pray that out of His glorious riches 

He may strengthen you with power 

through His Spirit in your inner being, 

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 

may have power, 

together with all the saints, 

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep 

is the love of Christ, 

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

(Ephesians 3:16-19)

According to Paul, we need power to grasp Christ's love for us! Perhaps he means that, if we grasped it fully, it would blow us away. We couldn't take it. If we could assimilate the magnitude of Christ's love, it would surpass every experience we've ever had and all the knowledge an eternity of books could hold.

Christ's love is a river of mercy and grace - precisely what we need most! Because of His sacrifice on that lonely cross two thousand years ago we can live free from the grip of sin and safe from the power of death. Christ's love is stronger than death itself. And His love endures. His love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). His love never ends (Psalm 106:1).

So what can I say to that? And what can I do? I can give Him this thankful heart - completely, surrendering all to the One who is trustworthy and good.

When I open my heart to Christ's river of mercy and grace - by the Spirit - His enduring love pours in like a flood. When I say yes, He moves in. Even death could not hold Him and, since He now lives in me, that means death cannot hold me. That means sin has lost its grip on me. That means I have a new life.

Indeed, when I say yes to Him, I am born again!

Jesus is risen! With Him and because of Him, we can rise and walk out of every grave unto new life. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Because of what He has done, I am a new creation! Alive. Made new. Loved.

And so are you.

He is Risen, that we may have life! Hallelujah!

May we all have a blessed and meaningful Easter celebrating our Savior and our Lord!
Dr Mari

For more Holy Week reflections, read What's So Good About Good Friday?

Covenant Prayer by John Wesley

I was reminded of this powerful prayer of surrender today while learning from Adam Hamilton's book and video journey, 24 Hours That Changed the World. During this season of Lent, I invite you to pray these words of John Wesley every day.

Covenant Prayer by John Wesley

I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt;
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by Thee or laid aside for Thee,
exalted for Thee or brought low by Thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to Thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 

Thou art mine, and I am Thine. 

So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.  

Amen.