sonship

when i am weak, He is strong.
nothing reminds me of this like running.
i hate it.
but i do it.
and it is one of many ways to worship
and God meets our sacrifices
with His strength.
[running] is when i think the most clearly, the most graciously, the most optimistically.
this is when i forgive people, when i pray for people, when i find joy in life -
this abundant life that He has set before me.
this is when i ask for forgiveness and when i ask God to change me.
lately
i've been asking for three things
greater discernment, that i may live a life of holiness because of His Spirit in me.
steadfast obedience, to Him alone.
and a greater capacity to hide His Word in my heart
:: john 15 :: philippians 3 :: romans 8 ::
walking and talking with c last night and also talking with j today
i am reminded that when we pray,
we must pray in Jesus' name, according to His will,
and we must believe that we have what we have asked for if we have asked according to His will and with a pure heart.
believing it is the battle
and our natural tendency is to lose this fight
but in the same way that He draws us to Himself, He gives us the faith to believe Him
if we ask.
ben pasley talks about this in his book [orphan slave son]. i recommend it.
God's heart for his children is as a perfect Father towards His highly imperfect children.
He will discipline and teach, guide and correct.
He delights in spending time with His sons and daughters.
He prizes us and is active in teaching us about Himself. because this is where life is rooted. in our knowledge of Him.
and our knowledge of the freedom and acceptance that we have with Him.
i am praying that you and i and our community will rest in Him because we recognize our complete dependence on His presence, patience, and grace.
may He bless you and keep you.