“Christ-Exalting”

Thursday 1-1-15

There hasn’t been too much ‘celebrating’ around here today.  It hasn’t been an especially sad day, just a regular day of missing Warren and thinking about what we might be doing if our family were still in tact.

Like everyone else, we have thought about what 2015 will hold for our family.  The one difference might be, however, is that it is actually too painful to look that far ahead.  When I try and think about the days and months ahead, I feel overcome with fear.  It’s too much.  So I began to pray last night and this morning that God would just give me a special word of encouragement for today!

The other day I picked up a book that we had sitting around the house titled, Pierced By The Word, by John Piper.  The theme I identified within the first few chapters was ‘how to make much of Christ’.  How to make much of Christ in everything.  Since the first day of our journey, I have been desperate for what the Word says and how I am to use it to live the rest of my days.  I have read and studied the Bible in the past, but to be honest, this is just different.  I cannot take one breath without completely trusting that God has has a plan for me, Bill and Grace.

I am so grateful that God watches over us in such a way that nothing happens without His knowing it.  It brings much comfort knowing that every little thing that comes into my life works together that I might enjoy more of Him forever. (Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans I have for you…  Therefore, I ‘will make much of Christ’ even in (especially in) my suffering.

While reading a post from http://www.desiringgod.org , I came across the phrase, “Christ-Exalting” that seemed to strike a chord with me.  The Bible says that our highest purpose is to exalt Christ in all we think, feel, and do.  (2 Thess. 1:11-12 ) If I am to do everything for the glory of Christ, then it really doesn’t matter what my ‘New Year’s Resolution’ is, as long as it will bring Him Glory.  Whether I want to start eating healthy, exercise more, or pursue a deeper more meaningful relationship with Jesus, I want to do it ALL for His glory.    Simple…

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Since Warren went to Heaven, I have begun to pray passionately.  I think there have been times in my life that I have prayed with passion…but since that day I have been desperate to hear from God.  I recently read an article about passionate praying and John Piper says that praying passionately means we step back, look forward, and pray big.  I want to pray prayers that bring me face to face with the floor.  I want to need Him that much.  I DO need Him that much.

So, as our family walks this new journey and enters 2015, I want to live a Christ-Exalting life and pray passionately.  I can’t think about tomorrow, and boy am I glad I serve a God that already has that covered.  I will just trust Him with each moment and will enjoy making much of Him forever!