I read an article yesterday on the "True Women Blog" that beautifully shared what my own prayer and desire for this year (and every year) is. It's a beautiful picture of what the words of John the Baptist should look like in our lives.
"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
The floor plans of my heart needs some modifications and some structures already built are in need of demolition or reconstruction....I know that it will bring pain and I know that it will not always be easy...but I so deeply want the cry of my heart to be that of David in Psalm 34:
"I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes it's boast in the Lord, let the humble hear and rejoice. Oh magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together."
Here is how Carrie Gaul shares her "Lessons From a Mountain Home":
My anticipation increased as I ascended the winding Georgia road. I was en route to a mountain home that, by all accounts, was marked by great southern hospitality and indescribable beauty.
The reality exceeded anything I could ever have imagined! I was not only embraced with a warm welcome and made to feel like royalty with the little kindnesses lavished upon me, but the magnitude and magnificence of the mountain that seemed to engulf me was breath-taking.
Yet neither of these are what stands out as I recall my time on the mountain. What has lingered in my mind is the design of the house—it was specifically and uniquely designed for one primary purpose: to showcase the mountain. And it did so brilliantly! Simply stepping through the front door provided an incredible panoramic view of the mountain’s grandeur. From the living room to the kitchen to the bedroom, every window had been strategically placed to magnify yet another aspect of the glorious mountain!
The result? The house itself faded quickly from my memory, but the mountain it so masterfully framed remains forever engraved on my mind.
The Lord’s been reminding me that our lives were created for the same purpose. We are each uniquely designed to magnify only one thing . . . Jesus, and His glory, power, love, and grace. Everything we say and do is to serve only as a frame through which others see a clear picture of Him.
So I’ve been asking myself, “When people encounter my life what do they see? What will they remember?” Does my life display more about me–my circumstances, trials, accomplishments or defeats—than it does about Jesus and His redeeming, transforming power? What’s the lingering thought in the minds of those I rub shoulders with each day?
As I’ve reflected on the lessons from that mountain home, I’m realizing a number of areas that need some major remodeling in my own life. Remodeling can be messy and often takes longer than planned, but the Master Carpenter knows exactly what is needed. Will you join me as I ask Him to do whatever it takes so that my life magnifies only one thing . . . Jesus!
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! (Psalm 34:3)
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