One of the repeating themes of our junior retreat program is: Do you know who you are?
Yes, I know. Today I know. I can forget sometimes when my childhood memories threaten my peace of mind. But even when I am deep in the pit, I can sense, deep down inside ... a presence ... a peace ... that cannot be denied.
But just in case I was wavering on that answer too much, the Lord made sure I got the message.
When I came home from the retreat, I caught up on some of my email and visited some of the blogs I follow. One of them was entitled, You're Mine.
No, really! Do you know who you are? Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? Do your know some of your virtues and some of your vices?
The companion question is: Do you know WHOSE you are?
This question struck me on our last retreat. Do I know WHOSE I am?
I know the answer. I know I belong to God. I know I am the son of the Father. At least in my head I do. But what about my heart?
Do I live like I know I am His beloved son? Do I know I am a child of God?It is a good question. Do I have an idea that I have a Father who loves me? I am sure in my heart I know whose son I really am.
Do I know in my heart who my true Father is?
Yes, I know. Today I know. I can forget sometimes when my childhood memories threaten my peace of mind. But even when I am deep in the pit, I can sense, deep down inside ... a presence ... a peace ... that cannot be denied.
But just in case I was wavering on that answer too much, the Lord made sure I got the message.
When I came home from the retreat, I caught up on some of my email and visited some of the blogs I follow. One of them was entitled, You're Mine.
You say I belong to You?
Me?
Even when I neglect You? ignore You? Think just maybe I may be in control? You still want me? Love me?
Me?
Even when I neglect You? ignore You? Think just maybe I may be in control? You still want me? Love me?
Lord, You overwhelm me.
I read these verses and to be honest, deep inside, I wonder what you see in me. You’re mine
I am not just some nameless object You created and check in on from time to time.
You don’t neglect me.
You don’t ignore me.
You know my name.
You stay with me.
You want a personal, moment by moment relationship with me.
I don’t understand You at all, Lord. But thank You for knowing me, for naming me, for claiming me as Your own.
I read these verses and to be honest, deep inside, I wonder what you see in me. You’re mine
I am not just some nameless object You created and check in on from time to time.
You don’t neglect me.
You don’t ignore me.
You know my name.
You stay with me.
You want a personal, moment by moment relationship with me.
I don’t understand You at all, Lord. But thank You for knowing me, for naming me, for claiming me as Your own.
"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.I give Egypt as your
ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you. (Isaiah 43: 1-4)
ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you. (Isaiah 43: 1-4)
