It’s been a bit since I last wrote here. Have not been so inspired or feeling it. Life, our feelings, ebbs and flows back and forth. It’s real hard to be consistent over a long period of time. Yet we must stay the course for the long run.

Faith is no different.

Marriage and parenting too.

So tonight I want to talk about how I believe the L-rd is speaking to me in hopes that you will pray for me (and please send your prayers as well) as over the last few weeks I have been blessed to have taken one of the most awe-inspiring trips I have ever been on to Alaska. From nature, to friendship, hospitality and general circumstances – G-d was on full display with His love and care everywhere.

And I get home and more blessings abound. Being able to catch a sunrise. Catch a wedding of some close friends and taking photographs of their happy day. Spending time with my family and narrowly escaping a round of work layoffs.

I should be overwhelmed with awe and gratitude.

And some aspects I am as He never ceases to amaze me and His love overall for all of us.

Yet at the same time I am spoiled. Life seems to be about me a lot. Sure He is a good good Father who gives His children way more goodness than we deserve.

Problem is that we need to be better givers than receivers. To give. To love. To help. Remember that this is right behind loving G-d first and foremost.

For this is where I struggle and where I believe He is allowing a weightier heart.

I need to give back more. But where? And how?

These are the questions that have been wrestling around in my heart and head for the past couple weeks.

A few weeks ago, probably more like a month and a half I wrote down this phrase:

“The 3 S’s: Service through sacrifice and submission.”

Hmm. Exactly. I need to go back and submit to Him and He alone and allow Him to expect me to serve Him through sacrifice.

Now that’s scary (is that a fourth S). What does the L-rd want for my life (and yours). What are we really willing to do for Him if He asks us.

The first step is that submission (really surrender comes even more before) so that He can be Savior and my L-rd. He then can be in charge of when, where, how and more of what’s next.

This is my challenge and I am a bit scared. Yet my life can’t be about me. Sure I can enjoy His gifts and opportunities but these CAN’T be what I have my heart pulled towards and away from Him.

My heart needs to be focused on the Giver and not the gifts. I need that hyper-focused horse blinders and electronic-prodded push to follow after Him no matter what the cost is.

He is worth our service.

He gave us His to the point of death.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)

So whether we step up to the line and shout “put me in coach” or get on our knees and cry out for mercy and help me love you L-rd – the fact is we need to serve.

Please pray with me for how we all can do a bit more service by starting to yield to our Savior.

And if you are willing to share what He is working out in your heart and life or how you believe He is leading you – please do share in the comments.

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ (‭ESV‬‬):

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

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