Tuesday, March 23, 2010

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
Ephesians 4:1
I mistyped as I wrote that verse. It read at first, "as a prisoner of the Lord". That's a pretty big difference really, although I've always thought of it that way. So what does it mean to be a prisoner for the Lord. "For" sounds much more voluntary. It sounds even like a joyous choice made to give honor to God. A choice to restrain yourself from the way you might otherwise live in order to celebrate a life in Him.
A life worthy of your calling. A life that honors He who called you. Paul gives hints at what that might look like; humble, gentle, patient, and loving. A portrait of the life of Jesus, a living image of He who issues the call.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.
Ephesians 5:14

The first warm day, of sunshine, soft breezes, and geese on the river. Couples walking friendly, bright-eyed dogs along the trail, while children take to the streets on wobbling, over sized bikes.

It feels like waking up, to soak in the sun again. It feels like the euphoria of summer in Alaska, when the oppressive darkness finally gives way to glorious unending light.

Wake up to spring, wake up to sunshine, wake up to the enduring promise of walking in the light of God.

Monday, March 1, 2010

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

In one more week, my boy will be gone. Off to start his life, to make his own way, a young airman with all his future before him.

I can say all the right things. It's time for him to make this leap, it's the right choice, it will be a good life. It makes it no easier to watch him go.

He's a strong young man, Godly and focused and centered. He longs for direction and a life of meaning. Through his quiet, steadfast faith, he'll find what he was created for, he'll enter the good works prepared for him. All I can do now is pray for him and let him go.