More of You and Less of Me

Acts 3: 11-16

May we echo the testimony of John the Baptist in John 3 when he says; “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Let us defer to what Peter proclaimed in Acts 3 regarding his healing of the cripple man; “It is Jesus’ name and faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him…”

As the years so quickly race by we learn many things. We grow through pain and adversity. The experiences we have, both positive and negative develop our character.

 John Ortberg, an author, speaker and senior pastor in Menlo Park, California shares great insights about life and obedience to God. As I listened to him speak on the radio the other day, many times he stated: “The main thing God and you get out of life is the person you become.”

It doesn’t necessarily matter if you are in a position of power or quietly doing your job in the back kitchen of a tiny restaurant. It is about obedience to God and putting Him first. Life may be trying and downright impossible some days, but remembering IT IS NOT ABOUT US will lighten our load.

Acknowledge Him in all you do as Proverbs 3:6 tells us, “He will direct your path.”

Colton Dixon, a young contestant on American Idol has reached many young people through his music. Singing with kind of a rock feel and what some might say a wild look, Dixon incorporates true, honest life and scripture into is lyrics. I am in my late 50’s and truly enjoy his music from my heart. Some of the lyrics to More of You:

"I want you and no one else. Empty me of myself.

Until the only thing that's left is...

More of you and less of me, Make me who I’m meant to be.You’re all I want, all I need you're everything. Take it all, I surrender be my king. 

God I choose more of you and less of me."

When we look away from the mirror and gaze upward, we discover great meaning for our lives.

Lord, I pray that as we absorb your will into our beings we become the blessings for others you intend us to be. May we always remember the beauty that lies in letting go of ourselves and focusing on YOU.  

Read/Listen to Acts 3:11-16

Genesis 39: 1-12

Joseph Tempted

We are all tempted on a regular basis. Allured by things that are appealing to the eye, heart, and body we are in a constant battle making moral and spiritual decisions. Through repeated enticement, Joseph resisted and remained sinless. How was he able to withstand the pressure? He was human.

“The Lord was with Joseph, and he prospered…” Genesis 39:2. He had God, and because his Egyptian master recognized this he made Joseph his attendant and entrusted everything into his care. (People recognize those who have God directing their life.)

As we have learned, with power comes responsibility. Joseph took that obligation seriously.  Even after repeated propositions from the master’s wife, Joseph resisted. He likely could not have done so without the Spirit of the Lord being with him. Joseph kept God front and center.

We too, are limited with our ability to make decisions that are pleasing to God when left on our own. The Spirit is always near as Jesus promised, yet we often ignore this presence and take matters into our own hands. The regrets I have in life are numerous, and I would be forever grateful for a couple of "do-overs." Perhaps you feel the same. It makes me feel slightly better knowing that in Romans 3:10 it is written “There is no one righteous, no not even one.” Yet it doesn't change the past.

The song; Through All of It by Colton Dixon (An American Idol finalist in 2011) reminds us of our challenges, inconsistencies and need for Him. One verse reads; “I have won, and I have lost. I got it right sometimes, but sometimes I did not. Life’s been a journey, I’ve seen joy, I’ve seen regret.

Oh but you have been my God through all of it.” 

Thank you Lord, that you are a loving and forgiving God no matter how human we are.

Read/Listen to Genesis39:1-12

Galatians 5:16-26

  ^"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."  (Galatians 5:25 (NIV) 

 How does one keep in step with the Spirit?  We live in a world which is contrary to the Kingdom of God.  Our world is inhabited by the Prince of Darkness who will stop at nothing to influence us to join him.  The puzzled question, "What is this world coming to?" is raised by young and old alike.

I am a fan of American Idol and I enjoy watching the young people sing their hearts out each week.  Every season there seems to be one or two contestants who openly claim their Christianity and this season is no different.  Colton Dixon gave the glory to God following his performance this past week.  That could hurt him in the competition but he says being true to himself is more important than winning.

That is called, is keeping in step with the Spirit.  There are many other celebrities, like NFL Quarterback, Tim Tebow, who also publicly practices keeping in step with the Spirit.  We are called to do the same.  As everyday folks who lack celebrity status we can impact in a more subtle way, those with whom we live, work and play.

^" Jesus said, "You're not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation—the 'wind hovering over the water' creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life—it's not possible to enter God's kingdom." John 3:5-6 (MSG)

The Holy Spirit, the 'wind hovering over the water' creation, is here to help us live like this.  The Holy Spirit is that niggling voice that speaks in our hearts words of warning or encouragement.  The Holy Spirit offers us wisdom to do the right thing and is ours for the asking, "Come Holy Spirit."

Read Galatians 5:16-26 here

Listen to Galatians 5:16-26 here