Living Life

In Stand Against the Wind Erwin McManus says:

You cannot follow Jesus and remain the same. The journey itself will change you forever -- not only your priorities but your passions. It alters not only your direction but your desires. It transforms not only your actions but your values. It makes you just like Christ and unlike anyone else. It is nothing less than leaving the fake for the real. (Author's emphases)

In another place he says this:

God formed us in His image and then breathes life into us. God's life in us is sustained by character. When we lose the character of God, we lose the life of God in us. But to have His character, we must first die to ourselves, because TO BECOME LIKE HIM IS WHAT IT MEANS TO REALLY LIVE. (Again, author's emphases)

I'm chewing on these thoughts today. I went and worked out and then spent a few minutes in the sauna connecting with God. I needed that quiet, burning hot place as somewhat of an escape to gather my thoughts. I just sat there feeling sort of listening...calling out like a ship lost in the fog..."is there anybody out there?!"

No, I'm not lost...no need for evangelistic emails. But at times I experience what McManus is talking about. Because of letting go of God's character for awhile...winging it...doing it on my own, I get all my wires crossed and start acting like...well, I start acting like myself instead of acting like Christ. Father, forgive me for that.

I've written further about 10 times and each time erased. I think there's something to that. So, I'll stop now, close here and just let the Holy Spirit finish this conversation in all of us as I know we all struggle with living life.

Blessed Thursday!