I’ll be honest friends…
You are worthy of more than what I have to offer you this day. I confess that I have few words to give to you. Not because they aren’t available, but rather because of the “pressing in’s” that are insisting their walk upon the soil of my 24/7. I’m feeling the frantic pull of many directions, and when my heart gets pressed with the chaos of the seemingly urgent, I have a hard time marshalling enough energy for any of it.
Thus, there is a simple phrase I want to give to you today based on God’s Word from the book of Deuteronomy and on a song that’s been running through the speakers of my mind and my stereo this day.
Choose life.
Choose Jesus. Choose the walk of a sacred pilgrim and find your rest.
What joy it must bring to our Father’s heart when we bow the knee and bend the will to a righteous journey that places his agenda at the helm. We have a choice in the matter. There are those who would argue to the contrary—that somehow, my choice in choosing to do life with Jesus is a mute point and an invalid reasoning because it’s already been chosen for me.
My heart tells me otherwise, but my thoughts aren’t designed to invite controversy. Not today. Instead, they are meant to be a word of witness to the powerful, life giving potential that exists when choosing to walk this journey with Jesus.
I’ve been walking it with him for as long as I can remember, and there is nothing—no person, no place, no accolade, no adventure, no memory—that exceeds the worth of walking this life with the Lover of my soul.
Everyday, in simple and sometimes profound ways. In and out, over and above. In the mundane and in the occasional extraordinary when he splits the skies and reminds me that his eyes are ever on me.
He takes my breath away; thus, today I choose life.
With him at the helm and with my family in tow, so that we can know the joy and promise of a sacred fastening that keeps us anchored to the faith of our spiritual ancestors and to the heart of our life-giving, promise-keeping God.
He, alone, stands worthy of all my love and all my choosing. Accordingly, I leave you with the song that’s been running its witness through my speakers and within my soul this day.
“So in Love” by Jeremy Camp. Choose life and find your peace!
As always…
PS: I feel like a give away… you guessed it–the new JCamp CD, Louder than Words. Leave a comment, and I will draw a winner later in the week. Shalom!
Elaine,
A beautiful song, and a beautiful post! Our days can sometimes seem quite overwhelming with the many tasks at hand. What a comfort it is to know that God is always with us…leading us, guiding us, and holding us.
Praying your schedule will ease up very soon…Rest in Him, my friend!
Love you
P.S. I got those end-of-year church reports completed and turned in to our district office. Woot! :o)
So much packed into the gift of the 24 hours God has given us. I am thankful that He gives you time, even if it has to be a little shorter than you like, to post your thoughts… your heart!
I love you friend!
K
Good thoughts … good words … good song.
Kathleen
Elaine, I don’t know how you do it (well, I do know how!), but every time I am dealing with a particular struggle, your posts speak exactly the words what I need!
Thanks for the reminder that during those times of chaos, we have someone who can calm us!
Thanks for another great message!!
Lori
oh….
this reminds me of another song i love to sing with our youth…
Madly…here are the words–
Madly
CHORUS 1:
I’m madly in love with You,and I’m madly in love with You
Let what we do in here, fill the streets out there
Let us dance for You, let us dance for You
All of my life and nothing less
offer to You my righteousness
I’m madly in love with You, I’m madly in love with You
Rest in His guidance….
Beautiful song, friend. I understand where you are, as I couldn’t string two words together on my blog today. However, what you came up with was lovely, and, well, just right.
Hugs,
Melinda
It’s interesting since I’m currently studying Hebrews. I’ve been focusing on entering His rest. For too long, I’ve tried to live as Debbie plus Jesus but it just doesn’t work. Too much of my self gets in the way. I want Him to live His life through me. Thanks for this timely post Elaine.
Elaine, sweet friend, I think you have struck a chord with many of us. There are days when we are pulled to and fro, and it’s a struggle to keep our focus on the One and Only. Even more to write about what’s on our heart. You’re human, and that’s one of the many reasons you are so loved! This post was wonderful, and I love the JC song! I was so blessed. Thanks as always!
Love ya,
Susan
BTW, the Bible study went great! Thanks for yoru prayers. Hugs!
Choose life and find your peace.
What better choice is there???
Thanks for sharing your face-washing story in my comments. God doesn’t miss a single opportunity to speak, does He?!
Oh, and I would love that JCamp CD. Pick me! Please pick me!
*grin*
This song and post are beautiful. Life can be so overwhelming at times. We need to be reminded of where our focus needs to be in the hustle and bustle of it all. He gives us time and we need to use it wisely. Bless you my friend as you take each day one moment at a time.
Mmmmm, choose life. Place his agenda at the helm. How I desire to do that. How often I fail, but praise Him, He stands ready to give me a second, third, four hundredth chance. I am so thankful for His faithfulness.
Leah
Amen girl!
He does still take my breath away–especially when I allow the reality of His love for me to really sink in.
And I am experiencing a little of the busy as my case gets really close to its court date.
But I am plugging away at my paper work…got to hand something into the judge. 🙂
“You are worthy of more than I have to offer you today.” How I know that feeling! (Seems like I could have spoken your line, at the least, to my children every day for the last 20 years) That’s the beauty of our humanity and of God’s grace. None of us has anything to offer save the Spirit of the Living God who dwells within us. Thankfully, whether we feel the import on any given day, He still speaks through us. Thank you for the honesty. We have all been there and undoubtedly will be again.
PS-“NightJohn” came yesterday-I am sooooo excited:) Many thanks!!!
That is an awesome song, Elaine. Sometimes you just need music to go with the heart’s cry.
In the 31 years that I have walked with the Lord I have heard many a sermon and many Sunday School lessons..I have preached some and taught a lot……. but the most life changing words have come in a one sentence that pieced my heart. Sometimes it is just acknowledgment of HIM…….. and the offer of HIM….. and if we think about it …. there is nothing more to say…. Life is so out of control and I am also feeling the pull of the day…. I wish I could divide my time better but I so struggle………
blessings girl…….
Choosing life and walking with you.
Right now I wish I could give life to some wearied friends. Praying that the One who came to bring life that we would live it to the full will soon be overflowing in their empty cups.
Praying for you too,
Joy
What a great song. The depth of His love is beyond my human understanding. Oh, how I want the depth of my love to grow!
Elaine….not long ago I was being pulled in all directions and every where I seemed to turn Psalm 46:10 would be front and center.
Choosing God/Jesus Christ/Holy Spirit!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Sometimes shorter is better when talking about a truth of God’s word. Today I will join you in choosing life.
For not having much to say–you always say it beautifully and deeply!
Please check out my comments on selfpublishing if you get a chance–not sure if it will help or not!
Good Morning, Elaine,
Oh, how I love that Scripture from Deuteronomy! Thank you for sharing it.
Thank you, too, for my copy of NIGHTJOHN! I was so excited to receive it, and we plan to watch it together as a family this weekend.
By the way, the last week in January, I will be in Greensboro chaperoning my daughter and a group of middle school and high school girls for the Revolve tour. We were living in Charlotte when Katy was born, so I look forward to being back in that corner of the world … at least for a little while! 🙂
Gorgeous, Elaine. Short, yes. Any less poignant? Uh-uh. Thank you for blessing me.
Elaine, you always bless me with your words, whether they be few or many. You are beautiful, lady!
:)Laura
Oh yes, indeed!
Our human frailty may make it impossible for us to comprehend the complexity of God’s sovereignty and man’s choice, but that doesn’t negate God’s clear command: “Choose!” He does not give his commands in vain.
The timing of this reminder is especially good because of “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday” coming up…not because we needed another reminder about abortion (though that’s hugely important), but because we desperately need another reminder that there’s more to choosing life than keeping a heart beating. The truth of choosing life is displayed in a moment-by-moment walk with the One who is Life itself.
Beautifully said!
wifeforthejourney:
Your text from Deut. has long been one of my favorites. It is good for us to be reminded today that if we allow everything in our lives to take the course of our emotions, life turns into a roller coaster ride.
Even when we don’t “feel” spiritual, or holy or blessed or highly favored, God says that we should still choose life. Thanks be to God, His offer is as real today as it was long ago. Even more, what we see here is the choice God offers us, He offers because He wants us to live and be blessed!
Thanks for being a big part of God’s offer!
Love,
Billy
Precious Elaine,
Your words, your heart for the Lord and for people is so beautiful.
I am praying for you and all that God has willed for your life. Walk in His wisdom and in His rest as you CHOOSE LIFE and choose to live it to the full in CHRIST.
I love you.
Elaine…thank you for speaking ‘life’ even when you feel depleted…just discovered an amazing new blog in the Philippines, Crown of Beauty.http://mla-crownofglory.blogspot.com/ Check it out when you have time, such life-giving words.
It is just amazing how God orchestrates our lives to bring out His glory. May He refresh you deeply and thank you for praying for me.
Love, Sita
Elaine, for someone who isn’t full of many words you sure can’t tell it. God never ceases to convict me and bring me to my knees begging for His forgiveness. I feel so selfish in my ways. However, many people tell me that they think I’m the most selfless person they know. How can that be? Maybe it’s because many people need to be brought to their knees to know?
Many blessings to you,
Kimberly
Elaine, you will never know how much I needed this today. This morning with the stuggles of my heart, driving kids to school I just looked to the Heavens and said, Lord Jesus I choose you today. With such a challenged heart there is no where to fall but into the arms of the One who I am most in love with. Thanks so much.
Hi Elaine!
I just had to pop over and tell you what a LOL I had at your book comment “If you could only see the stack currently residing bedside. . .” I could never remarry as it would mean giving up the half of my bed I use to hold books! Periodically, I have to purge the bed to get a little room to sleep:)
Disclaimer: I was headed over this way when I read this post in my reader, even before I saw the giveaway teaser! 😉
I love your conviction and humble passion!
Once again, I am blessed beyond words by yours.
Denise
I am so thankful that more than 30 years ago, I chose Life! Thank you Lord for holding my hand and never letting go.
Lord,
Be with Elaine the “pressing in’s” in her life. She is a mighty instrument for your Kingdom. I pray that you’ll bless her family, ministry and walk…each and every day, in every way. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
((hugs))
Concise! I’m with you, choose life… “I am the way and the truth and the LIFE”…