"...whom the son sets free is free indeed..." John 8:36

Working in a friend's yard today when my son and I noticed the neighbors tree. Gnarled and twisted, with major scaring and bumps it had amazingly grown around and into a fence. Now, for those who do not know, I love trees. I find such beauty in their sprawling branches and the unique way they grow. This possessed me with a special interest. When faced with the fence, it integrated and struggled through the growing process in order to attain its stature. I don't think this tree had achieved the fullness of the way it was created to grow. It looks like the years of adapting to the fence was a painful process.

I think this is true for us as humans....when faced with an obstacle. In most cases, we are become complacent and lazy and don't fight the obstacles that present themselves, "It's just part of life." "I'll just make the best of it." and so on. This is not part of abundant life in the spirit. John 10:10 says that the thief (the devil) comes to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come to bring abundant life. We must be enabled with the divine revelation of our Heavenly Father, who has given us ALL THINGS, in Christ. And it's through a spirit of wisdom and revelation that we move from captivity, bondage, fear, neglect and "living with the way things have been" to living as ones set free.

Yes Lord! AMEN!

Dark but Lovely

http://youtu.be/QyojhQjTt0M

"I cant understand this work of grace,
How a perfect God, would come and take my place!

Stars, they don't move You,
Waves, can't undo You,
Mountains, in their splendor, they cannot steal Your heart!

This God who is holy,
Perfect in Beauty!
Awesome in Glory!
Is ravished by my heart!

Though I'm poor, You say, "I am lovely."
Though I'm dark, You say, "I am beautiful."

Somehow my weak glance has overwhelmed You
And somehow my weak love has stolen away Your heart."

Words by Sarah Edwards.

I have been awed and struck by the words of these words, once again. I feels like I come with such broken, selfish and immature love to the Lord. It's all I have! And even the moments when I feel on top of the mountain (though few and far between), somehow pale in comparison when Jesus starts loving on me.

I am simply stilled and quieted with the amazing love of the Father, as He says over me. "Graham, even the weak glance, of your tear-stained face overwhelms me. Your love for me, although small and weak has stolen away my heart. You are beautiful to me...I love you!"