Worship His Holy Name

Having returned from the states for an extended holiday, I am reminded of just how blessed we are in a very practical way. I cannot remember a time when I was appreciative of clean water, a soft bed, warmth, ease of transportation, clean food, abundance of everything, not to mention family and friends.
Yet for all we have and as grateful as I am, I reflect on the vast difference in the way people live in other parts of the world and their walk with Christ.

What I see where I am currently, is a lack of physical needs, provisions and what I would call basic necessities, yet I also see an abundance of family, working together, helping each other, gratitude for the simplest of things, an outward expression of faith whether it be Christian, Hindu, Jew, Muslim etc. An acceptance and tolerance of each other without government mandates.

My question then goes to me. How do I choose to live in light of my observations? Do I need to live in a state of deprivation to have my hope and trust in God real? Do I have to do without to appreciate all that I have?

I think my experience has indeed been life changing for me and I hope by extension for others that I have shared, but what do I do with that? Where do I go next? How do I use the information I now have to live more intentional, keeping Christ center in a world of abundance? Thought provoking questions for me that I pray guide me into 2014 and beyond. What about you?

I pray 2014 is a year of reflection and intentional living for all of us as we run the race God has set before each of us. May we all live intentionally, deliberate and reflective in all we do each day!

I love Psalm 56-57, "A Prayer for Deliverance." During times of calamities, injustice and perhaps persecution we can have a confidence in God for deliverance, trusting in a living God that hears our cry. May we be strengthened and encouraged in our walk today as we read his word and may he speak to our hearts and encourage us in all our circumstances of abundance or lack and bring us closer to him and by extension each other in our own country and or around the world.

May God's peace that passes understanding keep our hearts and minds on him, the one true God, and may his love be reflected in all we think say and do each day!

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWJLy3-iRQo