somebody
May 27, 2012
somebody called a Name
they called for freedom
they called for laughter
they asked that joy and peace
and love might follow after
somebody called a Name
somebody listened long
they heard the thunder
they heard the song
they prayed that ears be open
and hearts would belong
somebody listened long
somebody believed in Life
they touched the sick
they touched the sky
they walked the streets
and brought the broken home
somebody believed in Life
somebody asked questions
they gave no answers
they gave no fight
they asked that in faith
their ways would be right
somebody asked questions
somebody shouted for joy
they painted forgiveness
they painted release
they wanted the truth to
be in action, not only speech
somebody shouted for joy
somebody reached out
they stood in the gap
they stood up tall
they created a bridge
and forgot they were small
somebody reached out
somebody called out loud
they called for freedom
they called for laughter
they hoped that joy and peace
and love would follow after
somebody called out loud
Grace: a great gift, my part, my questions.
May 10, 2012
The song "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath stirred up this blog post today. (It's been a while since a song-blog, eh?)
Shocked, this week I listened as a friend was socially ostracized for a horrific choice they made. The expression of anger I witnessed didn't resemble the grace I wished would be extended to my friend and made me cringe as I considered the ways I fail in stewarding God's grace to others. I confess, there are circumstances or situations or people that I have treated with a "doomed" mentality..... which is wrong and judgemental of me. It, also, is simply not my place.
As broken and imperfect human beings, I was struck by the power we have as Christians to reconcile people and welcome them to the beauty of God's gift of love. When we don't act as agents of reconciliation, we spread brokenness. In our depraved way of understanding we can act as blockers (dams, if you will) to the healing waters of God's grace and mercy. We taint or limit God's work of grace by closing our hearts to those we (consciously or unconsciously) deem 'outside' of God's reach or believe to be 'beyond' restoration.
Questions filled my mind as the tears filled my eyes and my heart grew heavy.
can/should love always hope? (1Cor13)
does grace ever ever ever run out? (Jn1:16, Rm3:24/5:20)
is there an end-point to love's reach? (Isaiah 59:1)
has Love ever failed me? (Deut 31:6, Josh 23:14)
as an agent of reconciliation through Jesus Christ, what action must i take? (2 Cor 5:18)
do i let fear beat out love's pull to relationship? (Jn 14:1)
how do we forget we were also forgiven in our condemning words? (1 Cor 6:20)
are we not also redeemed from the wreckage? (Isaiah 1:18)
i am dust just like my neighbour, right? (Ps 103:14)
for what purpose were you freed? (Eph 2)
today, and always, does love matter most? (1 Cor 13)
where have i blocked love from 'flowing through'? (2 Cor 4:1)
There is a precedent presented in Jesus where grace is honest and beautiful and messy and overflowing, and is for everyone. We want to be good stewards of God's grace, which I believe shouldn't be treated as a finite amount of precious perfume... but should be spilt and splashed liberally throughout the places and relationships we are welcomed into as we share the gifts we've been given (Eph 2:9). Are we not the 'aroma of Christ' (2 Cor 2:15)?
I think it's pretty important to decide how I'm going to live, apply, share, give, spread and thank God for the grace I've been given. Truth is, God can and will do what He wills without me. (But I'd rather be part of the amazing work He's actively doing.) God's in the business of restoring people to Himself... I want to only always be helpful in the process of reconciliation and, otherwise, I need to get out of the way!!
How will I build on the foundation or example of grace laid out for me? How can I excel in this 'act of grace' and align myself with what God is doing in people's lives so that grace can abound from God... through me... to the people I come in contact with?
1 Cor 3:10 - "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it."
2 Cor 8:7 - "But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — see that you excel in this act of grace also."
Shocked, this week I listened as a friend was socially ostracized for a horrific choice they made. The expression of anger I witnessed didn't resemble the grace I wished would be extended to my friend and made me cringe as I considered the ways I fail in stewarding God's grace to others. I confess, there are circumstances or situations or people that I have treated with a "doomed" mentality..... which is wrong and judgemental of me. It, also, is simply not my place.
As broken and imperfect human beings, I was struck by the power we have as Christians to reconcile people and welcome them to the beauty of God's gift of love. When we don't act as agents of reconciliation, we spread brokenness. In our depraved way of understanding we can act as blockers (dams, if you will) to the healing waters of God's grace and mercy. We taint or limit God's work of grace by closing our hearts to those we (consciously or unconsciously) deem 'outside' of God's reach or believe to be 'beyond' restoration.
Questions filled my mind as the tears filled my eyes and my heart grew heavy.
can/should love always hope? (1Cor13)
does grace ever ever ever run out? (Jn1:16, Rm3:24/5:20)
is there an end-point to love's reach? (Isaiah 59:1)
has Love ever failed me? (Deut 31:6, Josh 23:14)
as an agent of reconciliation through Jesus Christ, what action must i take? (2 Cor 5:18)
do i let fear beat out love's pull to relationship? (Jn 14:1)
how do we forget we were also forgiven in our condemning words? (1 Cor 6:20)
are we not also redeemed from the wreckage? (Isaiah 1:18)
i am dust just like my neighbour, right? (Ps 103:14)
for what purpose were you freed? (Eph 2)
today, and always, does love matter most? (1 Cor 13)
where have i blocked love from 'flowing through'? (2 Cor 4:1)
There is a precedent presented in Jesus where grace is honest and beautiful and messy and overflowing, and is for everyone. We want to be good stewards of God's grace, which I believe shouldn't be treated as a finite amount of precious perfume... but should be spilt and splashed liberally throughout the places and relationships we are welcomed into as we share the gifts we've been given (Eph 2:9). Are we not the 'aroma of Christ' (2 Cor 2:15)?
I think it's pretty important to decide how I'm going to live, apply, share, give, spread and thank God for the grace I've been given. Truth is, God can and will do what He wills without me. (But I'd rather be part of the amazing work He's actively doing.) God's in the business of restoring people to Himself... I want to only always be helpful in the process of reconciliation and, otherwise, I need to get out of the way!!
How will I build on the foundation or example of grace laid out for me? How can I excel in this 'act of grace' and align myself with what God is doing in people's lives so that grace can abound from God... through me... to the people I come in contact with?
1 Cor 3:10 - "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it."
2 Cor 8:7 - "But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — see that you excel in this act of grace also."
a prayer, in Jesus' name
February 26, 2012
when i forget You are holy, that Jesus the Holy One died, remind me
when i forget Jesus’ blood alone can make me clean, remind me
when i forget Jesus was broken for me, a sinner, remind me
when i believe i know what it means to suffer, humble me
when i live as though the cross i bear is outside Your understanding, humble me
when i give and complain as though i invented surrender, humble me
forgive me, for the ways i act like Peter and forsake you in my day
forgive me, for the ways i act like Judas and trade you for riches
forgive me, for the ways i act like Pilate and wash my hands of You
forgive me, for the ways i act like Herod and make a mockery of Jesus
forgive me, for the ways i act like the High Priest and reject You
forgive me, for the ways i act outside Your will, as if believing I own my life
thank you for Your work that cleanses me
thank you for Your work that humbles me
thank you for Your work that restores relationship
thank you for Your work that grants mercy
thank you for Your work that frees me
thank you for Your work that brings new life
John 15:13 - ‘greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends’
spring
January 20, 2012
Spring
when you breathe in and all you get is air
when life brings hope rather than despair
when you look around, finding things to share
when fear is real, but doesn’t keep you scared
when joy comes in and stops being rare
when truth sheds light and makes you aware
when steps lead you up, like taking the stairs
when caring matters and you can’t help but care
when winter’s gone and spring is everywhere
for a new day
December 31, 2011
written Dec31/2011
to watch a bird’s first flight
to laugh with sheer delight
to grasp measures of grace
to find a hiding place
to sing life’s quiet song
to live the whole day long
to rest in pastures green
to trust in the unseen
to run and, yes, to stumble
to know and greet the humble
to love and sacrifice
to pay an honest price
to wash each other’s feet
to bless each one we meet
to care for those who mourn
to take heed not to scorn
to share; to best provide
to walk side by side
to grasp all that we know
to give so we can grow
this is home
November 16, 2011
'this is home'
- written nov.15/2011
this is a call, cry, voice, plea
my petition and my decree
this is the voice in my head
and the heart on my sleeve
its the Love that i seek
and the way that i’m weak
and the ways i don’t know
and the tantrums i throw
this is a song, life, gift, dream
my path, my eyes, my fidelity
where my cup overflows
where a heart’s beauty shows
where the lost find a home
and a truth clearly shown
welcomed in, unprepared
you meet Love, aren’t scared
this is a fire, light, joy, fear
my hope, my heart, my darling, my dear.
this is the way we cry
this is to no goodbyes
this is for questioning why
this is the reasons we lie
this is a plan to be free
this is a joy, plain to see
this is home.
lamb talk
November 10, 2011
I want to be able to say "for eternity all my heart will give all the glory to Your name"... and I think eternity, for me, has to start now.
'you hold me now.' 'no hiding'.
My favourite new thought is not really a new thought but one as old as I am. My name, Rachel, means innocent lamb. If you've met me, initially, a gentle lamb may not be the first thing that comes to mind. I've said before, and it's true, if I'm dishonest enough with myself, I consider myself a pretty strong person. Ha. The truest, most honest part of me is as gentle and innocent as a lamb. This "Rachel" doesn't plan ahead, won't run ahead - is eager to listen, learn and be loved. I've been encouraged recently (and throughout my life) to embrace the 'heart' I've been given and "let theory fall away". Don't get clouded, don't plan in expectation of having things in control... be led.
"He gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them close to his heart" -- the closest I am to a lamb... the closer I am to His heart. The closer I am to His heart, the less I can hide of my own brokenness, the most honest I am.
'Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.' Let's think about this. How can what is happening on earth be "as it is" in heaven? Jesus made it possible. God's grace and surpassing goodness reached out. His nature is such that we are, in our brokenness, beautiful and able to be redeemed by Jesus' sacrifice.
Psalm 113:5-8
"Who is like the Lord our God, Who has His seat on high,
Who humbles Himself to regard the heavens and the earth!
[The Lord] raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap and the dung hill,
That He may seat them with princes, even with the princes of His people."
It is the majesty and compassion combo of God that baffles me. To truly believe that He is King and Lord of all, and then to also believe that He touched the brokenness in those who he met on the streets of Jerusalem, the bleeding, the blind, the beggar, the forgotten. He touched them. He restored heaven to them.
------------------------------------------------------------
You Hold Me Now - hillsong
on the day when I see
all that You have for me
when I see you face to face
there surrounded by Your grace
all my fears swept away
in the light of your embrace
where your love is all i need
and forever i am free
where the streets are made of gold
in your presence ...
let this song of heaven rise
to You alone
no weeping, no hurt or pain,
no suffering, you hold me now
you hold me now
no darkness, no sin or pain
no hiding, you hold me now
you hold me now
in this life i will stand
through my joy and my pain
knowing there's a greater day
there's a hope that never fails
where your name is lifted high
and forever praises rise
for the glory of Your name
where the wars and violence cease
all creation lives in peace
let this song of heaven rise
to you alone
for eternity all my heart
will give all the glory
to Your Name
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven
My favourite new thought is not really a new thought but one as old as I am. My name, Rachel, means innocent lamb. If you've met me, initially, a gentle lamb may not be the first thing that comes to mind. I've said before, and it's true, if I'm dishonest enough with myself, I consider myself a pretty strong person. Ha. The truest, most honest part of me is as gentle and innocent as a lamb. This "Rachel" doesn't plan ahead, won't run ahead - is eager to listen, learn and be loved. I've been encouraged recently (and throughout my life) to embrace the 'heart' I've been given and "let theory fall away". Don't get clouded, don't plan in expectation of having things in control... be led.
"He gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them close to his heart" -- the closest I am to a lamb... the closer I am to His heart. The closer I am to His heart, the less I can hide of my own brokenness, the most honest I am.
'Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.' Let's think about this. How can what is happening on earth be "as it is" in heaven? Jesus made it possible. God's grace and surpassing goodness reached out. His nature is such that we are, in our brokenness, beautiful and able to be redeemed by Jesus' sacrifice.
Psalm 113:5-8
"Who is like the Lord our God, Who has His seat on high,
Who humbles Himself to regard the heavens and the earth!
[The Lord] raises the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap and the dung hill,
That He may seat them with princes, even with the princes of His people."
It is the majesty and compassion combo of God that baffles me. To truly believe that He is King and Lord of all, and then to also believe that He touched the brokenness in those who he met on the streets of Jerusalem, the bleeding, the blind, the beggar, the forgotten. He touched them. He restored heaven to them.
------------------------------------------------------------
You Hold Me Now - hillsong
on the day when I see
all that You have for me
when I see you face to face
there surrounded by Your grace
all my fears swept away
in the light of your embrace
where your love is all i need
and forever i am free
where the streets are made of gold
in your presence ...
let this song of heaven rise
to You alone
no weeping, no hurt or pain,
no suffering, you hold me now
you hold me now
no darkness, no sin or pain
no hiding, you hold me now
you hold me now
in this life i will stand
through my joy and my pain
knowing there's a greater day
there's a hope that never fails
where your name is lifted high
and forever praises rise
for the glory of Your name
where the wars and violence cease
all creation lives in peace
let this song of heaven rise
to you alone
for eternity all my heart
will give all the glory
to Your Name
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven
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