In The Abiding

In my daily reading, I came across these words from Oswald Chambers:

"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." Matthew 28:18-20

"He (Christ) does not say the heathen will be lost if we do not go; He simply says - "Go ye therefore and teach all nations."
Go on the revelation of My sovereignty;
teach and preach out of a living experience of Me." OC

Love it, love it, love it!

It is a demanding text, and I love a challenge. In those words I read that I MUST be having a LIVING and ever-evolving daily experience of Christ to be able to teach, preach and especially LIVE powerfully & effectively for the Kingdom of God.

So what kind of living experience can I testify to?

I don't mind being real with y'all, my Christian life has been a series of seasons - ranging from a forward surge in passion, purpose and precision, followed/preceded by seasons of pause, leaning in more closely to the Divine and often times of "whoa. slow down Dad, I need to stop and take this all in."

I'm not ashamed or embarassed about that, it's been my process. It has been my relationship with the Eternal maturing over time as He shows Himself faithful, compassionate, no-nonsense and adventuresome.

I've been married coming up 5 years this May. Even though I knew Rob before we were in marriage covenant, I've discovered over the years - as the emotions of our wedding day fade -that there are depths to him, and to me and to the two of us together that were hidden to my understanding beforehand. That is to say that as we grow in knowing each other in the everyday, experiencing 'life together' I know him more, and come to know myself more as well.

I've been a Salvation Army Soldier coming up 8 years this June. Even though I knew God before we were in covenant, I've discovered over the years - as the emotions from the night I got saved fade - that there are depths to Him and to me and to the two of us together that were hidden to my understanding beforehand. That is to say that as I grow in knowing Him more, in the everyday circumstances, experiencing 'life together', I know Him more, and come to know myself more as well.

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you..." - that is the way to keep going in our personal lives." OC

When my husband and I spend time with one another in a quality way - giving one another our full attention, listening carefully, and making ourselves available to one another, it strengthens and safeguards our marriage relationship.

In the same way, when I am feeling 'far' from the Lord (plunk in whatever imagery you like - dry, lukewarm, stale, stalled) I take myself aside to a quiet place and firmly, earnestly ask the question, "am I abiding?"

Today, beloved of God, I am.

*quotes drawn from 'My Utmost for His Highest' Oswald Chambers, October 14th