And the things of earth will grow strangely dim...

How did I get here? I'm not talking about Philadelphia. I'm not even talking about the US. I mean to say...how did anything get here? This earth. The air we breathe. The ground we walk on. For those who believe God to be the Father, the Beginning/End, and the Creator of the universe know that everything exists because He made it so. Hebrews 11:3 says,

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."

In the same way that I don't question that God is powerful enough to speak light, earth, and creation into existence with His breath, I want to have this faith in things "unseen" about my day to day life also.

Recently, I've really been feeling the "tug of war" going on in my heart as I consider the rewards and treasures of being of this world versus setting my mind on the eternal. It's all too clear to me that idols have taken their place on the throne of my heart. Though that realization is discouraging, I guess it's the first step in dethroning them. When I consider what it's going to take for me to live out this faith, I think of 1 Peter 4:7 which says,

"The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."

If I want to have this faith that cannot be shaken, this "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see," it's going to take a lot of prayer and time at His feet. I'm convinced that it is impossible to look into Jesus' eyes, feel the heat and fire of His perfect love, and then desire the world. I think of those lyrics...

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

Father, I commit to seeking my portion in You through prayer. Through my sacrifice of praise, would you align the desires of my heart with yours? Help me to have faith, that is, CONFIDENCE and ASSURANCE in being your child and that You alone know how to give good gifts to your children. 

Song of the moment - Confidence in Love by Jon Thurlow...this live version is my soaking jam right now