February 8, 2006
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Some different stuff has been on my heart lately and I’m going to try and put some of it into words…
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) begins with something eternal, praise to our God: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” We will forever proclaim this.
But the next part is the hinge to the rest of the prayer… “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
You see, what follows are all prayers based on a fallen world. We have to cry out for God to feed us. We have to repent of our sins and also forgive those who have sinned against us. We have to ask for protection from the enemy and the temptations around us. We will always have to cry out for help, always have to fight sin, always have to repent and also forgive others… until His kingdom comes.
Once He returns, this war will end. We will be able to worship Him completely, with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. There will be no more struggles or anger or fear or shame.
I’m tired of this world. Forgive me for not being happy with this fallen world. Just look around you, travel to some poor countries, visit the intensive care unit in the hospital and you will understand why I long for Christ to return. I rejoice in Christ in me and Christ in those around me, but I know there is something better coming. I long for it. I’m living for it. I ask for God’s will for my life to be accomplished. I want to be used in quickening Christ’s return. His love needs to be shared to all. His love is the only true hope.
I long for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to pray with me for His return. For them to understand that He is so much better than anything of this world, and it is Him we should be striving for. Jesus tells us to pray these prayers, not just as the best advice in the world but also as a command (“This, then, is how you should pray…”).
Pray for His return. He is listening.
Come, Lord Jesus
Matthew West – A Few More Days
Comments (4)
Hey JM. i've been faithfully reading your entries.. to see all the little ones and stuff.. they are cute =). But your entry is challenging. I admit, being in this job hunting process.. you can get so caught up, and when i was reading your entry i had to ask myself when the last time i felt the stirring and aching in my heart was for His kingdom to come. Whether i groan along with creation, anticipating His return... i admit, alot of times i dont... but thanks for the reminder. Anyway, i'll keep u in prayer... and i'll join you. Pray for us as well, im leading CCF retreat.. i think the speaker may be steven chon... also i may be going to india missions this summer.. Take care bro. With love, Wooj
holla!
Hey Jm,
I understand where you’re coming from. In our present world, its hard to see goodness sometimes. I pray that God will be your strength to conquer each new day, with a hope and joy in Him.
Isaiah 60:2-3
“See, Darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”
I guess our mission while still here on Earth, is to enjoy the gifts of beauty/nature/love that God’s given us, and to spread His love as much as we can.
1Peter 4:7-10
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
If we’re still here, there’s a reason. Hang in there Jm, fight the good fight.
I watched your videos of the precious little ones you get to see everyday
And I love the stories of how they won't give up in seeking and finding you. Yes, may you continue on with that kind of childlike heart that won't give up in seeking and finding God.
And yes, I often wondered why God waits so long to return. Doesn't He see the pain of His children? Doesn't He see the corruptness spreading. Doesn't He want to return and bring His justice and redemption? And of course the answer is yes, He sees all of it and His heart is pained. He desires for us to intercede....for us to bring His Kingdom here on earth by sharing the Good News and His love. He desires us to cry out to Him to come. And I know that He also sees His goodness spreading....More children coming to Him. I will never fully understand God, but I just trust that He knows what's best and that His timing is perfect. Until then, like you said...and like Christ said...until His Kingdom comes, may we live as children of light - pointing everyone to Him. GOD Bless you JM!
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