Listen to the message

Lousy Loving

“In this world, I walk alone. With no place, to call my home. But there’s one who holds my hand, the rugged road, through barren lands. The way is dark, the road is steep.”

Allison Kraus, A Living Prayer

Lousy loving is, well, lousy. The consequences are painful. The answers seem absent. Hopelessness abounds. As you listen to Dan and Kitty’s lousy loving story, what parts do you relate to?

Where’s the hope?

“But He’s become my eyes to see. Strength to climb, my grief to bear, the Savior lives, inside me there. In your love, I find release, a haven from my unbelief.”

Allison Kraus, A Living Prayer

“Go to your private room, and when you shut your door, pray to the Father who is in that secret place.” Matthew 6:6 “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24, Jerusalem Bible While we’re busy running around looking for a circumstance, a person, or even a passion to place our hope in – we will be without hope. Often it is in the solitude of despair, the cessation of running so hard after measurable hope, that we find our hope. “In these times of life I find, another voice inside my mind. He comforts me and bids live, inside the love the Father gives. In your love, I find release, a heaven from my unbelief.”

Allison Kraus, A Living Prayer

And it is in this place, and this place alone, that we find our peace. When found, this peace compels us to become active partners with God in bringing peace to others, rather than demanding that others provide it for us. “Take my life, and let me be, a living prayer, my God to thee. In these times of life I find, another voice inside my mind. Take my life, and let me be, a living prayer, my God to thee.”

Allison Kraus, A Living Prayer

Lucky at Love

I’ve heard people say they desperately want to feel lucky at love. Usually they mean a big old ring, signifying the undying devotion of another mere mortal. They think undying love is found in a happy home – you know, one with a lot of square footage and granite counter tops. The amazing thing about God to me is how he allows us to run hard after these things, and sometimes even catch them. But what we find is that jewels and square footage do not come with a guarantee of peace and contentment.

“How hard it is…to enter the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:23 Jerusalem Bible I know we’ve all set our hearts on things – and eventually, usually, we grow up enough to realize they don’t satisfy. Like trying to satisfy a parching thirst with a sticky sweet soda, when only water will do – we may run hard after the sweet treat, but there’s only one way that truly quenches. I wonder if you’re ready to be done with the sweet drinks of dissatisfaction, and turn instead to the small, gentle voice of God. Setting your heart on something requires serious aspiration and strong determination. But heck, you know how to do that, don’t you? Haven’t you set your heart on big rigs and big rings, square footage and leather interior, pretty outsides and external status? You know how to set your heart – I’m just suggesting that you let go of the sticky sweet drinks, and decide today, instead, to pursue the living waters that spring from a decision to listen for the Spirit of God, praying in us. It is my prayer today, that you will come closer this week to finding God’s big dream for you.

Blessings, Teresa