The Pharmacist.

When we pursue God above all else he blesses us.

The ways in which he does so are often different than what we consider blessings. But they're better. The love of God is the best thing anyone can experience. And he shares that with us when we seek him. I think it's impossible to effectively word what it feels like to experience his love first hand. When you're feeling it you know that nothing else matters.

The only thing I want in my life is to follow Jesus, experience his love, and share it with others. I probably want to reword that to say share it with others first, as I think that's one of the best ways (if not the best way) to learn about the love of God.

Last week Rusty and I took our friend/Breakthrough guest Mike to the airport. Mike moved to Alaska.

I've been praying that God would show himself to me in clear ways and that I'd be aware of these. He's answered my prayers. It's a beautiful thing to see his hand at work. Mike showed me Jesus in how he was real with me. He didn't hesitate to tell me what he thought about things, whether I wanted to hear it or not. He was a great guy to have around and will be sincerely missed.

Paint it Black has a song called "The Pharmacist" about pointless distractions...

The medicine cabinet's empty, there's nothing for my head. Inside I'm made of concrete, my eyelids fucking feel like lead. I'm feeling for a pulse, but it's no use. My head was screwed on tight now it's coming loose. And I've been to the bottom of a bottle or two; that shit just kept me down. I'm sick of shortcuts leave me on the fucking ground.

Don't get hung up on the reference to alcohol consumption, take it abstractly. That last line's the real kicker. Anything that isn't Jesus will not fill us. I'm tired of wanting things that are outside of God's plan for my life. They'll only serve as distractions.

I was reading in Isaiah this past weekend..."Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their trength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Jesus, keep me from tripping over myself. Please don't let anything get in the way of me knowing and loving you.

Peace.