February 26, 2008

Journal entry February 19, 2008

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Matthew 9:12-13

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 1 Peter 4:1

The "Righteous" don't need a savior- Lord that's why we can't hear you calling out to us because our hearts are bloated with pride and self-motivation through following rituals and laws. It was not through rituals and laws weighed by human standards did we finally hear the Lord and become free. Was it not through a glint of brokenness?  Lord, your broken flesh on the cross-the loss of a friend-a broken heart- a broken spirit that is sick of doing it her own way and getting nowhere…

I am rolling over in my mind that for the most part "Christianity" carries this dead portrayal of what it should look like, because we won't die to ourselves- the very essence of how our corner stone would have it. We must die to live. Bitter-sweet. The stench of our death is the sweet and joyful aroma of God.

Lord attract my heart to nations I know not-make me attractive to the nations who don't know me- may they not know me, but you- your love. Bring your bride back to the perspective to suffer for you- for love. May the purpose of true followers of you be for your name to be honored and revered in all nations.

How can the sanctified sit back with their mouths shut- No praise on their hearts or a glint in their eyes. While the prostitute, thief, and adulterous speak the praises of the Lord with hands lifted high?

Lord I repent of for keeping my mouth shut- for not giving you all the glory you deserve. Lord help me to have one thing in common with the prostitute and thief- that I remember that I am a sinner saved by grace. May your bride no longer be deceived into believing that a life for you doesn't involve hard things. Open our eyes to the realness of your sacrifice. May we not look past your sacrifice of love as common and not recognize-the sacrifice. May we be done with sin. In Jesus name.

I have a story for you:

In a church nearly every Sunday morning an older man would come to church and with his hands lifted high he would shout praises to the Lord- while many others stood or sat back silent or just going through the motions. There was also a single lady in her late years who frequently danced the aisles- clapped her hands- and shouted to the Lord to her own beat.

These very people are looked down upon by church goers- the man was considered to have drinking problems-a sinner- many shook their heads in embarrassment. Also their silent frowns directed themselves in the lady's direction. What sets this man and woman a part are not their sins- we all have faults- and know where we stand- but that their joy is not found in this world or disturbed by human standards and disapprovals for they delight in the hope of glory here and now and in eternity. They know that they are sinners. They do not boast in their sinfulness, but keep it in perspective. Because us saints look down on the sinners…. We stick our noses up because "we are the chosen of God with our rights and treasures in heaven"- As we walk right past the very ones Jesus not only stopped to talk to, but spent time with.