TRANSFORMATION FORUM

Becoming Less… We live in a world where" becoming more than we are" is a measure of success.  We strive for personal improvement, for labor that reflects achievement.  Every aspect of life is filled with a drive to "increase."  Now let us add to that the issue of sustainability.  How long do I remain relevant and useful?  How do I compete with a generation right behind me, nipping at my heels for my position?  We define success on prestige, accomplishment and gain. But is there ever a time we intentionally become less in order that another may become more.  This is the very situation John, the Baptist is realizing as Jesus ministers in the same region, preaching, teaching and baptizing people.  John's disciples are becoming desperate; their leader has competition in in the person of Jesus.  As the one called to "prepare the way of the Lord", John experience great popularity, John was very successful in his ministry.  John was faith...

Who is this God who loves me so much?  Why do I think I know Him yet His vastness escapes my comprehension?  With each day of living, I experience so much of His love only to discover how little I know of him.  My love for Him is so minimal in contrast to His love for me.  If love is about shared lives, I am receiving so much more than my God receives from me.  I struggle to love Him and He pours love, His love into my spirit.  I love through worship and adoration; in contrast, this is so much less than how He loves me.  When I contemplate how He loves me, I am humbled.  To be His created, to be the desire of His heart, even as a man, God’s intimacy captures me as if I was still a child.  He encourages me, how do I encourage Him; He strengthens me, how do I strengthen Him; He expends even unto death for my sake, what can give of value to Him; He speaks to me and life is transformed, what can I say to Him that transforms His being? ...

... How do I love you when I consider the generosity of your love towards me. I find myself at a lost with my capacity to express the joy and comfort you are to me. I also struggle trying to see value in my life the same way you value me. Am ... I comforted knowing you love me so greatly? Truth be knowing, not everyday...Your love is inspiring, you motivate, it is often causative. But in those moments when I chose myself over you, my spirit, my mind is struck by my denial of your love. Your love is haunting, always pursuing, even chasing me down. Do you know how this makes me feel, knowing I did not choose you, that in the moment I chose self? Yet, there you are, as one who will not be denied my love and devotion. Why do you hunger for me, me of all people? So confused, so unworthy of your devotion am I. Some would say I am experiencing condemnation, I beg to differ! I am deeply humbled by this love that transcends me and my demands. I am humbled in those mome...