Want to take five minutes with me and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Here’s how we do it:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my right side bar}
3. Go and tell the person who linked up before you what their words meant to you. Every writer longs to feel heard.
GO.There are times the welcome starts to swell in my heart.
When I sit down to do my quiet time and I just feel that He is right there, arms open wide, heart swelled with pride, eyes that communicate the deepest love of the Father.
But then...
I turn away. How can this be true? How could this purity pass between us? I am not worthy. I do not deserve. And I start asking for forgiveness for the many things I have done wrong instead of just accepting this passionate love that flows from Him into me.
And I think about the welcome for the prodigal son. And I think about the older brother and his jealousy. And after all of this, I think, which one am I?
But then...
I catch myself, for I have been trapped in distraction. The enemy has swooped in and I didn't even realize it. He spoke the lies that tore me from my Father's love, from that God-moment that was intended to fill me for my day, to strengthen my connection with Him, that was meant to nourish a parched soul. And why doesn't it matter if I am the wayward son or the steadfast servant when really the question is:
Will I accept my Father's love today? Will I allow Him to envelop me into His fold? Will go willingly and press into His welcome?
Yes.
STOP.
Find more 5 minute Friday entries about WELCOME here.
Thank you so much for these words! You are right, the Enemy is always trying to discourage us, make us feel unworthy and unwelcome in God's presence. Thank you for this encouragement to fight that temptation and let God embrace me.
ReplyDeleteGreat five minute writing Jen .... love your last thought.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jen. I agree with Beth. The Enemy is always trying to distract us from the truth of who we are in Christ! Great reminder.
ReplyDeleteSomeday I hope to see you write something really untamed in this space.
ReplyDeleteYes me too, so often distracted by lies instead of just pressing in. So busy worrying wether I'm welcome to enjoy the welcome.
ReplyDeleteLoved this. Who cares whether we are the prodigal son or the older brother. Absolutely. We need His grace and love no matter what. Sometimes I need to just get out of my head.
ReplyDeleteYes, to live in that love...I walked each part with you in this...we have been talking about Spiritual Warfare at our training and the Enemy is so real. He certainly does not want us to be focused on His love--that is the antithesis of what He wants and yet that love is greater...the greatest...ok, sending love and 'miss' you--time sharing in our blog world:)
ReplyDeleteYou said so much in just 5 minutes-loved this. So often I find myself down some random rabbit trail and realize that it is just a distraction from the intended.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this- it was a blessing to read.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Jen! I can't believe you are that fluent in five minutes.
ReplyDelete"And I start asking for forgiveness for the many things I have done wrong instead of just accepting this passionate love that flows from Him into me." I'm still "chewing" on these words Jen. What a powerful post my friend. Things I have been wrestling with lately. Thank you for linking up today.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful five minute post (I didn't do one this week). I could identify with the distractions, the lies... and I loved your reference to the welcome of the prodigal son. So much to think about here, in just a five minute write.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. I get this. I don't deserve His love and forgiveness. But, He asks me to accept it because of His love and grace. Great five minute post.
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