No Excuses

A Tree and Its Fruit
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

So, to be honest I really just wanted to put the end of verse 45 in here, but then I struggle with not putting things in context....which these two truths bear so much for us to truly look at ourselves and ask.....what is everything my life is about built on? Is what I want to be about what I truly am about? Is what my heart knows is true how I am living? Am I living out a life that Jesus would be proud of? Would Jesus consider me someone worthy to fellowship with? These are hard questions....questions that have taken over my heart as I read these verses. The challenge here in this all......is to read and ask more questions and demand more biblical answers for living this life He has given you. I am one who likes to take a little here and a little there but not seriously applying it with the intention of glorifying Jesus more. My prayer is to continue to fall more in love with Jesus as I get to know Him more completely in the context of the way He intended us to (in other words not taking one verse and running with it...but truly praying that the Lord reveal the meaning in the context of how He intended it to be taken).
So with all of that said....this has been an unbelievable few months in my heart, mind, and soul. I can not pen the emotions as this is being typed. There have been so many to try to describe in words would pail in comparison. I know we have all had those seasons. I am grateful that this season has been one full of Jesus in the middle of it all. It sounds strange, but this month the Lord has revealed Himself in ways as if to remind me "I am more than enough". The situations, trials, confusions of this world pail in comparison to what I have to offer you. This does not mean I have not gone to Him confused and frustrated...it is to say that I know beyond every fiber of my being He was there in every moment as if to say.......rest.....rest in my promises.....I have not left you and I will not forsake you, that is my promise.
My beautiful Aunt Nan passed away Thursday morning April 2nd after heroically fighting cancer for a year and a half. We watched her fight this disease that made her hurt in ways we could not imagine, but through it her faith remained in Jesus. Although we all prayed for her to be healed....we rest in the fact that she is at peace in the place she called "home". We rejoice in the fact that the pain we wanted to take from her has been taken away and that she is with Jesus in all His glory. For the sake of space....I would suggest reading Revelation 4.....this passage makes me think how much more there is to this life then what we tend to make of it.....it has nothing to do with us....and all to do with Jesus....my Aunt Nan is enjoying all things wonderful in heaven where she is declaring..."You are worthy O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." She is seeing what true beauty is. Oh, may we get a taste of Jesus and only want more of Him!
My heart of course, like all others, has gone through so much since then. I am so glad the Lord created us with the ability to store things in our hearts and minds! We all have precious memories of the times we were able to spend with her while she was here. I thank the Lord for the ability to grieve and the gift of friends and family to share in that with. For the sake of space again, I will not continue....but I hope you have gotten a small glimpse of this time in our lives in regards to the Lord calling her to come home.
It seems so hard to transition from this topic....which is why I will stop here for today...
Chris and I talked last night about the blog...or lack there of of posts...and I am making a commitment to blog at least once a week from here on out...unless we are out of town....so accountability is necessary. Call me out....you know who you are....make sure I follow through with this.
I end with the Chris Tomlin song that has made our hearts overflow....I hope they encourage and strengthen your soul.....

"I Will Rise"

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"

[Chorus:]
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise