Family Sacrifice

When I think of the fact that I'm to present myself as a sacrifice to God, sometimes I wonder how far that should go. And how much does it involve my family? The great thing about being married to a Godly lady is that she is just as much about that sacrifice as am I. The Bible says that when two people are married, they become "one flesh;" essentially one person. And I'm to lead my children in the way that I know will most glorify God and lead them to a relationship with Him.

What seems to have happened is that in our pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, we put the quest for happiness rather high up on the scale of priorities. Personal and family happiness is good, as long as it doesn't become the end as well as the means to that end. That's being consumed with something other than Christ.

So, in sacrificing my life for Christ, the sacrifice must include my family (sort of by definition). This is what we regularly see in the lives of foreign missionaries (our friends, Phillip and his family, come to mind). But is it what we regularly see in the lives of Christians around us -- and in ourselves?

How far should we go with our sacrifice? Should we stop short of what we know that God wants us to do because it would be inconveniencing our family? Even putting them at risk somehow? If I believe in and honestly trust the God described in Psalm 91, then why would I be worried about what happens to me or my family as a result of obedience?

Have you and I held out on completely surrendering to uncomfortable obedience and servitude to God because that discomfort might impact your family? Is that an excuse that we're allowed to use?

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Have a Happy Day

As an adult, I've always been somewhat restrained in showing emotion. At least, that's the case with the "happy" emotions. I seem to have little problem communicating the negative ones.

I suppose that's because I feel like the good ones can have a tendency to make me look stupid; like going around being really happy -- if I do that for no apparent reason, people might think I'm crazy, right? But the way I suppose I've seen it, if I go around showing only the negative emotions, people will think I'm grumpy. That's normal, eh? Happy is crazy...

I was listening to Matt Redman's song "Dancing Generation" (lyrics below) yesterday and realized that while my heart may occasionally "dance," there ought to be more outward rejoicing in the Lord with abandon. I want to smile, to laugh, and to visibly enjoy my relationship with the Creator. (This post is not to extol the virtues of dancing; I'm speaking directly about attitudes of the heart today.)

Your mercy taught us how to dance;

To celebrate with all we have,

And we'll dance to thank You for mercy.

Your glory taught us how to shout,

To lift Your name in all the earth,

And we'll shout to the praise of Your glory.

It's the overflow Of a forgiven soul,

And now we've seen You, God

Our hearts cannot stay silent!

And we'll be a dancing generation,

Dancing because of Your great mercy, Lord;

Your great mercy, Lord!

And we'll be a shouting generation;

Shouting because of Your great glory, Lord;

Your great glory, Lord!

"Dancing Generation" by Matt Redman, (c) 2004 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing),

CCLI Song# 4329428

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)

UPDATE! Now I'm positive that there is some message for someone in this post today! As soon as I'd hit the "Publish Post" button, I got an e-mail from Christy with a link to this video. It helps to illustrate, I believe. If nothing else, it will give your Saturday a smile (if nothing else, a smile that says, "No way...").

RE-UPDATE!!! Unbelievably, the YouTube video I'd posted was removed (okay, well, it's back now, so I've reposted it). I also offer a gander the one below. It should spark its own stream of comments, if my guess is correct. Whew! The total unbelievability kicks in around 1:35.

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Crushing Peace

Talk about unusual-sounding statements...

"And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." - Romans 16:20 (NKJV) (emphasis mine) You need to read the preceding passages to see when and why God will do this.

I love that verse! This is completely weird, I think, but the promise contained in it makes me think of the following song. I am not making light of the verse in the slightest -- it gives me a great feeling and a great outlook. A virtual kewpie doll and a grand prize (I'll make a special "Ode to This Person" post) go to the one who identifies it first. I'm going from memory here, so you may also correct me on mis-remembered lyrics.

It's a good feeling to know you're alive;
It's such a happy feeling -- you're growing inside
And when you wake up happy to say,
"I think I'll make a snappy new day,"
It's such a good feeling, a very good feeling.
The feeling you know that...
I'll be back... when the day is new...
And I'll have more ideas for you...
And you'll have things you want to talk about.
I...
will...
too.

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