I've Been With Jesus
I love what you said Brian. I've never heard/read/thought of this before. I feel less inclined to take for granted that I am the dwelling place of the Almighty God; more honored and privileged now that I know my history (as a temple).
I had the incredible blessing of meeting a man yesterday in whom Christ was vividly visible. His name is Charles Harvey and he is a missionary in Thailand who Andy, Steve, and Josh met (Steve has written about him on his blog - "Faces at the Feast," March 2, and I think Josh and Andy have too.) Carly, Steve, and Andy also had the privilege of hearing him share with our Thailand team last night. The Spirit was in his words, in his prayers, in the way he interacted with us.
He stayed in our home so I was able to spend a little one on one time with him as well as some time with just he, Andy, and I (no kids, ie. Uninterrupted conversation!). I am not exaggerating when I say this: I feel I have been with Jesus. He was so gracious, so generous in the things he said and the way he said them, so affirming, encouraging, and life-giving. I am more in love with Jesus after being with him. I feel compelled to spend more time with my Lord because of this glimpse I got of Him through this (self-proclaimed) ordinary Irishman.
I long to be like Charles - to be that intimate with Jesus, to bring that much glory to the Father, to have the constant Spirit-giving discernment and energy to minister to so many people. To say "yes" to something always requires that we say "no" to something else. So the question that naturally follows is: What am I willing to sacrifice, to say "no" to, in order to say "yes" to more of Jesus?
I had the incredible blessing of meeting a man yesterday in whom Christ was vividly visible. His name is Charles Harvey and he is a missionary in Thailand who Andy, Steve, and Josh met (Steve has written about him on his blog - "Faces at the Feast," March 2, and I think Josh and Andy have too.) Carly, Steve, and Andy also had the privilege of hearing him share with our Thailand team last night. The Spirit was in his words, in his prayers, in the way he interacted with us.
He stayed in our home so I was able to spend a little one on one time with him as well as some time with just he, Andy, and I (no kids, ie. Uninterrupted conversation!). I am not exaggerating when I say this: I feel I have been with Jesus. He was so gracious, so generous in the things he said and the way he said them, so affirming, encouraging, and life-giving. I am more in love with Jesus after being with him. I feel compelled to spend more time with my Lord because of this glimpse I got of Him through this (self-proclaimed) ordinary Irishman.
I long to be like Charles - to be that intimate with Jesus, to bring that much glory to the Father, to have the constant Spirit-giving discernment and energy to minister to so many people. To say "yes" to something always requires that we say "no" to something else. So the question that naturally follows is: What am I willing to sacrifice, to say "no" to, in order to say "yes" to more of Jesus?
posted by Marta at 10:48 PM
5 Comments:
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Wow! He is truly living the prescribed life of The Church...to make Jesus visible! What an ispiration to be around. May we all be more like that!
In case someone left a thoughtful comment, I just wanted to say I didn't delete the first comment. Unless I did so by accident and I don't know how that's possible.
Thanks for your post Marta.
I wanted so badly to meet him while he was here, but my schedule didn't allow it. I to am deeply inspired by people who really embody the life of Jesus. People you clearly see the evidence of the Spirit in their lives.
I think it is worthy to forsake all to become more like Jesus. It is only sad that more of us don't.
Mart,
I your words capture my thoughts. Charles' visit for me was a shot in the arm so to speak. I needed to be reminded that it is all about Jesus as I am feeling swamped and "all about Steve" at times. Charles' life is much like Jesus and I am challenged as I was a few months ago to seek that kind of closeness. As I met with Jesus this morning I felt a relief, a closeness I have I longed for...where have I been?
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