Friends, I love Lysa TerKeurst, founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries, and her daily blog. I have it daily sent to my 'in box,' and I actually read it. Not like some of the other things I have daily in my 'in box.' No, this is good stuff, thought provoking stuff, stuff to grow with, to grow into. And that's the reason I am copying her blog from yesterday. I think it's appropriate for this time of year, and then some.......
And then some… Today is the beginning of lent. A time to take a reverent walk towards the reality of Easter. I want these days to count for something. More than just preparation of my heart for Easter, I want focus. I want application. I want to take the idea of lent and turn it into an activity.
One of the themes of my life these past couple of years has been, “If I want to grow closer to God, I have to distance myself from distractions.”
Mostly I’ve focused on what I need to give up. I’ve spent seasons giving up different things… TV, sugar, diet coke, and other life comforts. But this year for lent, my focus isn’t going to be on what I’m giving up. This year my reverent walk is going to have the theme of giving more. I’m calling it… “and then some.”
My Pastor preached an amazing message this weekend. Tucked inside this great message on “Honorology” was this statement, “and then some.” I can’t exactly remember why Pastor said this statement but I do know that God Himself started speaking to me.
The statement grabbed me.
It got all up in my business and interrupted me.
It challenged me past the typical and into the realm of atypical.
It pushed me out of what is common and into the zone of uncommon.
It made me want to release the propensity toward being normal and into being more like Jesus.
Jesus was the Master of “and then some.”
He came to save us but spent His first 30 years living in the trenches of everyday life. Can you imagine what patience and humility that took? To live for 30 years swallowing the reality that you are the King of Kings… doing chores, getting along with your brother, learning the art of carpentry, and figuring out what’s for dinner… it really is amazing.
He could have just appeared as an adult and started preaching His messages.
But He didn’t. He started at infancy identifying with us.
Then, He started at 30 inspiring us. Him identifying with us made His inspiration more real, more authentic, more touchable.That was just the first of His, “and then some” living.
He taught, don’t just forgive your enemies- love them.
He taught, don’t just feed the 5000- have left overs.
He taught, don’t just pray for the lepers- touch them.
And then some.
And then some.
And then some.
So, this is my lent proclamation, promise, and premise this year. Each day I will take a reverent step toward Easter by implementing an “and then some” activity in my life.
Do something…and then just to glorify God, I’ll add in a little more. Reach past what is possible in my strength and grab hold of God’s strength. That’s how we add “and then some” to our life.
Atypical. Uncommon. More like Jesus. Yes, that’s what I want… and then some.
For more of Lysa's thoughts and ponderings, go to http://lysaterkeurst.com/ and sign up for her daily email. You won't be disappointed.
One of the themes of my life these past couple of years has been, “If I want to grow closer to God, I have to distance myself from distractions.”
Mostly I’ve focused on what I need to give up. I’ve spent seasons giving up different things… TV, sugar, diet coke, and other life comforts. But this year for lent, my focus isn’t going to be on what I’m giving up. This year my reverent walk is going to have the theme of giving more. I’m calling it… “and then some.”
My Pastor preached an amazing message this weekend. Tucked inside this great message on “Honorology” was this statement, “and then some.” I can’t exactly remember why Pastor said this statement but I do know that God Himself started speaking to me.
The statement grabbed me.
It got all up in my business and interrupted me.
It challenged me past the typical and into the realm of atypical.
It pushed me out of what is common and into the zone of uncommon.
It made me want to release the propensity toward being normal and into being more like Jesus.
Jesus was the Master of “and then some.”
He came to save us but spent His first 30 years living in the trenches of everyday life. Can you imagine what patience and humility that took? To live for 30 years swallowing the reality that you are the King of Kings… doing chores, getting along with your brother, learning the art of carpentry, and figuring out what’s for dinner… it really is amazing.
He could have just appeared as an adult and started preaching His messages.
But He didn’t. He started at infancy identifying with us.
Then, He started at 30 inspiring us. Him identifying with us made His inspiration more real, more authentic, more touchable.That was just the first of His, “and then some” living.
He taught, don’t just forgive your enemies- love them.
He taught, don’t just feed the 5000- have left overs.
He taught, don’t just pray for the lepers- touch them.
And then some.
And then some.
And then some.
So, this is my lent proclamation, promise, and premise this year. Each day I will take a reverent step toward Easter by implementing an “and then some” activity in my life.
Do something…and then just to glorify God, I’ll add in a little more. Reach past what is possible in my strength and grab hold of God’s strength. That’s how we add “and then some” to our life.
Atypical. Uncommon. More like Jesus. Yes, that’s what I want… and then some.
For more of Lysa's thoughts and ponderings, go to http://lysaterkeurst.com/ and sign up for her daily email. You won't be disappointed.
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