God-Size Burden vs Empty Fulfillment!

In life we all are in pursuit of something. Many are in the pursuit of happiness. Many are in pursuit of the American Dream.  Many are in pursuit of nice home. Many are in pursuit of a nice car.  Many are in pursuit of financial freedom. Many are in pursuit of the perfect spouse or mate. Many are in pursuit of academic success.  Many are in pursuit of status.  None of these things are inherently wrong or bad.  However all of these things sends you on a chase of empty fulfillment.  The moment you get the car you realize it doesn't do it.  The moment you get the house you realize it doesn't do it.  The moment you reach the financial freedom you realize it doesn't do it etc.

The Apostle Paul had a God-size burden to advance the gospel.  This burden led to great hardship from lashings, to being shipwrecked, and even imprisonment.  However Paul had what many of us long for and that is fulfillment.  Paul rejoiced in his hardships and his sufferings and his imprisonments not because he knew brighter days were ahead but because he knew it was for the advancement of God's agenda.  He knew what he was enduring was bigger than his self and was God inspired, God designed, and God approved.  There is nothing more fulfilling in life than living out your God giving purpose!!

So here are some things to pursue that won't leave you hanging.  Pursue peace as the writers of Romans, and Hebrews suggest.  Pursue the good works Christ created us anew to do.  You ever notice that there is a small sense of fulfillment you feel when you reach out to the least of them in some act of compassion? Yeah?  Its because God-size burdens brings fulfillment.

What is your God-size burden?  What is that thing that is bigger than yourself that you are willing to give your life to? 

Scripture Reference: Phil., Romans, 1. Cor. 2, Cor.

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Beauty of God: Strength

The beauty of God's strength is it is only activated when we surrender.  The beauty of God's strength is it is made perfect in our weaknesses.  One of our greatest weaknesses is trust in our own strength.  However the true measure of strength in God's eyes is your ability to acknowledge your frailties.  In a world that promotes individualism and being a self-made individual.  God promotes trust in his Strength.  He wants to be your strength! 

If we truly understood the omnipotence of God we would delight in trusting in HIS strength.  God wants to be your refuge and very present help in your time of trouble.  So the moment you can't do God will do, but as long as you try to do God will let you do.  Look at the beauty of a God who wants do for you what you can't do for yourself!

Scripture Reference: 2 Cor. 12:9

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis

Beauty of God: Compassion

When many people think about the beauty of God they think of His creative handiwork.  How beautiful the sunset is or how beautiful a clear night sky is when you can see the millions and millions of stars.  No doubt the beauty of God is on display.

However I would like to suggest that the beauty of God is the fact we serve a God who won't prevent you from suffering but decides to suffer with you.  Not only will He suffer with you but He suffered for you.   The greatest act of compassion ever demonstrated was on Calvary's cross where Christ suffered to demonstrate His love for us.  Christ willingness to suffer then lets us know his willingness to suffer with us now. 

I don't know about you but that's beautiful to me. The beauty of God is seen in His willingness to suffer with you and I.  Compassion means to suffer with.  The compassion of God demonstrates the beauty of God more than any skyline, beach, etc. and can or ever will.  Remember HIS beauty today!

Scripture Reference: Roman 5:8

God bless,
Bondservant Hollis