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The most important thing...ever.

written June 18, 2008


So, the Lighthouse Wednesday night group is continuing a study on Hebrews. I dove in with them last week for the first time on chapter 4 and learned of many things. Salvation has three parts: Justification that occurs upon accepting Jesus, sanctification that is basically the post-Jesus life aimed at becoming more godly, and glorification that we receive when we meet Christ face to face in Heaven. Rest is talked about many times in early Hebrews and takes on many different meanings including the Sabbath, our assurance that our lives are important to God, and our eternal rest void of suffering. The writer of Hebrews speaks of several warnings of which we talked about drifting away and unbelief. This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as Hebrews is concerned and I can't wait to continue the study!

It's amazing how many instances in my life I can see myself having drifted away from the Lord. I've also walked the line of unbelief and of hardening my heart to God, especially when things just didn't work out the way that I wanted them to. It is sometimes a real chore to set aside my aspirations as a musician and as a man to uncover the real purpose of my life: to live for Jesus Christ.

One verse in chapter 4 stuck out in my mind, verse 12:

For the word of God is living and active. Shaper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

How awesome is that?! The word of God is ALIVE! It is actively penetrating to the deepest reaches of our souls in order to show us how our attitudes should reflect Jesus Christ. If there was ever a better argument for reading scripture, I don't know of one. The writer goes on to tell us how we must all give account of our lives before God so we must be ready! This urgent message really struck me. The time is now. There may not be another chance to commit everything to the Lord.

Thank God that Jesus became man to die for my sins. His grace is the only thing I cling to because I know that without it, I am a dead man. Instead of the eternal absence of God that I deserve, I have a life of eternal joy and praise to look forward to. I'm just in awe of this more and more every day.

I was almost back to the barracks tonight, wanting to head straight to bed because it's been a long day, when God put it on my heart to write this blog. As I left Lighthouse tonight, I started crying. This has happened a few times lately. It has nothing to do with sadness or anger or even joy at it's root. It has everything to do with the realization that Jesus Christ is the love of my life. There is no more searching for the answers. Only Christ. There is no feeling like the assurance that the Lord provides! Nothing can come close and nothing ever will.

With this understanding, I (re)dedicate my life to Jesus. May every day that I live not be me living, but Christ living through me for the Glory of God! I can do nothing on my own but His word says that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is my dream. It has flooded my life and cannot be denied. To God be the glory. Amen.

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