within the storm

14

From a birds' eye view, you would only see me. Standing on that rock.  

Rock, black, flash of gray, driving rain. That's all I see. What'sahead, I don't know. 

The rock is like an island–a pedestal would best describe it. Hard. Solid under my feet. 

My strong tower. 

I see nothing but darkness beyond the surrounding 6 ft radius of slippery, cracked wetness–like an abyss. It's raining–hard. Black clouds roll and swirl above. Lightning turns the world gray for a split second. I'm lonely. 

 …but never alone 

A gust of wind tugs me into its current. Thunder rumbles and I hear the rain calling. Reminding me of all the unanswered questions. Taunting. Whispering doubt. 

Your rod and Your staff comfort me

The driving rain beats down. I can't feel it. I'm not getting wet. I'm not scared. Giant arms encircle me and pull me close.

The shadow of the Almighty; a shield about me. 

My head rests against a muscular chest. Warmth radiates through my tired bones as I hear the heartbeat of my Abba. 

Peace. Perfect peace that surpasses understanding. 

The storm still rages yet inside it is calm. I know who goes before me. 

In Him I find my hope. 
I find my rest.
Confidence.
Trust.
Bittersweet joy.

Peace, perfect peace. 

Passion 2013

Jesus rocked the Georgia Dome over the past 4 days…

Jan 5, 2013

60,000 18-25 year olds gathered to make HIM famous 

Jan 5, 2013

And by combining worship with justice they stood together launch the END IT movement and shine a light on modern-day slavery. 

LightPhoto via the Passion 2013 app

Preetika used to be one of the 27million individuals enslaved today.  

Jan 5, 2013

The Diaddigos are in it to END IT. Are you? 

Jan 5, 2013

Together we are a force for good. Sign the pledge to join the END IT movement and put a stop to slavery in our lifetime. 

2013

May He plant dreams in you this year. May the desires of your heart match His desires for you. May you glimpse the vision of your tiny but important part in the big story and may He continue to guide your direction.
Know that only you are uniquely equipped to bring those dreams to fruition. Listen closely to His whispers. Follow the arrows He's laid out. Trust. Be present. Love without limits.  Be bold. Extend grace. Live in freedom. Speak truth. Recognize the opportunities in front of you. Cultivate faithfulness.
 
May you take "risks" of faith in the confidence that only His strength will bring it all together. From a posture of humility, may you wholeheartedly pursue the task at hand with joy knowing that where you are is where you should be. In realizing of the eternal significance of the moment may you leverage it for His glory. And in perseverance through trials may you develop determination that is fueled by hope. May Jesus shine through you. 
And may He draw you closer so that you feel Abba's embrace as never before.  
Happy new year, friends!
Surely He has done great things! Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and vine yield their riches. Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains because He is faithful…
…then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed. And afterward, I will pour our my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth,...Joel 2:20-23, 27-30

Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, bur our adequacy is from God, who made us adequate as servants of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills but the Spirit gives life. ~2 Corinthians 3:4-6

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived–the things God has prepared for those who love him–these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit teaches all things, even the deep things of God. ~ 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Top reads of 2012

Love_DoesLove Does by Bob Goff–This book rocked my socks. An easy read that's inspiring, engaging, and all around fun. Mr. Goff convicts us to put love into action by embracing whimsy and engaging the stories unfolding around us.

Freeman_Graceful-3DGraceful by Emily Freeman–Though written for teenage girls, my friends and I (all college grads) used this book as a weekly discussion starter. Mrs. Freeman speaks to the good girl in all of us and challenges us to live lives of grace in His abundant freedom.  

Revolution barnaRevolution by George Barna because it's encouraging to know the Church is radically alive among our generation even if we don't go to church. 

The-Beautiful-Side-of-Evil-Michaelsen-Johanna-9780890813225The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelson–Through Mrs. Michaelson's story of her journey of redemption from the occult, I gained a better understanding of how to engage in the spiritual warfare we often forget about. 

Adam 250Adam by Ted Dekker–a fast-paced story full of near death experiences, a little bit of romance, and lots of mystery, this thriller exposes the evil we are all capable of and the beautiful redemption of Love. 

Another good re-read [because the movie came out] this year was Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.

 

What did you read in 2012?