The Power of Love

I have been processing where I am this year compared to this time last year. I know that today I am in a place where I continue to grow in my love and journey with God and with those around me. As I thought about this, I started thinking what's the difference? What has changed between today and 12 months ago. The difference and the reason I am still on the journey and looking forward is the power of love. 12 months ago I was in a place that I was questioning everything about my life. Where was my life going, what was I doing and what did I really believe about God. Now I know that it's not very "churchy" to say this, but I was even wondering if I wanted to continue this journey with God. The power of love has transformed my life and renewed my desire to pursue this journey with great passion and desire. I have been so blessed to find myself in a place where I know the unconditional, extravagant love that God designed his kingdom to reflect. For so long I believed that love was never unconditional. There was always a catch to receiving that kind of love. "I will love you when....." "I will love you if...." or "I will love you after....". But what I have discovered with my friends at DC, Awakening Community Church, Olathe Life Fellowship, and some amazing friends is that I am valued, loved, and accepted just as I am. They didn't offer me guilt, shame, and condemnation but instead offered me a love that can only come from God. They have brought the kingdom of God in my life. The power of love is something that we can never underestimate. It is a power that transforms life's and empowers us to continue in our journey. The power of love is what God gives to us and in turn asks us to give to others. It is this kind of love that scripture says is the true mark of a Christ follower. To quote a line from an old hymn "love lifted me, love lifted me, when nothing else could help, love lifted me..." So I ask you today, what are you doing with the lavish love that has been given to you. Are you squandering it on things that don't have any long lasting impact or are you giving it away to others who are lost, alone, desperate, and searching? For me, I am sick and tired of playing it safe and holding my love close to the vest. I want to be a vessel of God's love ready to pour out on dry and thirsty hearts. Look around you today, allow your eyes to see things how God sees them. As you do, you will see broken hearts all around you. People who are just longing for a kind word, a loving touch, a listening ear. I know that there are so many other things calling to us to be done. But in the scope of eternity, is that thing so important that you can not touch others with the power of love? Can I let you in on a little secret? When you share that love with others, you will be transformed as well. Love is contagious, once you start giving it away you will find it hard to stop. There is a world of people that you pass every day that could care less about your church's latest program or how much you think you know. They are longing for the good news of God's unconditional, extravagant love. So what are you waiting for????? Begin to practice the power of love.

Peace
Ralph

Who Stole 2007

Is it just me or did 2007 fly by? I don't know about you, but for me 2007 was a whole lot of ups, downs, celebrations, sorrows, and challenges. As I look back over the year I have to ask myself whether I am where I had hoped and prepared to be? Was I able to reach all of the goals that I set for myself professionally, personally and spiritually. Now I wish I could tell you that I hit every one of my goals and I am right on track going int? 2008. But the fact of the matter is I can not say that. There have been several areas that I was able to hit with God's help. For one, I have been able to make progress on this road of healing and useful service. I continue to find trusted people in my life (Mike, Galen, Brad, Timmy, all my BT friends) and groups like DC and OLF to keep me challenged for God and continuing to explore His unconditional love. Another great target hit in 2007 was my job situation. I started a great new job in September that I completely love. If you would have asked me to paint a picture of the perfect job for me this would be it. I love working at Tallgrass Creek, it is one of the best things I have ever been a part of. It was truly a gift from God. Of course I have also been serving at Olathe Life Fellowship since October. What a great place! I love Timmy's heart and his message of radical love for the people of Olathe. It is an extreme challenge and reward to work with a church that is expressing God's love in some non-traditional ways. It has both stretched and challenged me in great ways. On the down side, I am still wrestling with some hard personal issues in my life. It has been a great challenge for me to try to stand back and let God make the changes for me. I am still trying to fix everything and let God know about it. However, at this point in my life there are things that I have no control over and there is nothing I can do to fix it. This has made for a very difficult year for me in so many ways. However I know that God is still on the throne and he has surrounded me with trusted advisers that I can lean on. I have no idea what God has in store for 2008 but I know that with His wisdom and direction we will continue the journey together. I want to thank all of you who have been an encouragement to me in 2007. Words can never express my gratitude toward you. There have been times that I needed your arms to hold me up and you were faithful to do so. You have cried with me, laughed with me, listened to me but never once did you judge me. Your unconditional love and support is what makes being part of this community all worth it. I look forward to the coming year.

Peace
Ralph