Thursday, May 31, 2012

THANKFUL THURSDAY...passion

Recently, I was looking over some travel brochures trying to plan our family vacation. I came across some information about Eureka Springs which is well known not only for camping but also for the passion play that they offer. Many people travel from afar just to visit this passion play production.

What I love about this tourist attraction is that the passion play is not just something they offer at Easter time, but year round. Isn't that the way it should be? I wonder what kind of impact we could have if our passion for Christ was not seasonal but a daily intention.

I have alot of things in my life that I am passionate about. Writing and my family would be at the top of my list. But just how passionate am I about Christ and sharing His love with others? Do I ever feel inconvenienced with needy people? Or do I respond like Jesus would respond?

These are loaded questions and certainly challenging ones to us today. I am reminded of a quote that I recently read from D.L. Moody. Evangelist Henry Varley said to  him, "Moody, the world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him." Moody responded, "I aim to be that man."

That right there is having an intention to pursue a purpose that will shake the world. That kind of drive, or passion cannot exist as a Easter Sunday only Christian. It takes dedication. Faithfulness. And Passion!

"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." -Acts 1:8 NKJV

Having a passionate heart for the lost is awesome for those across the seas, but the same kind of passion needs to be seen right here in our own land, in our own towns. I have been on numerous missions trips and I am all for supporting missions, but my passion for the lost cannot stop with a 5 day trip overseas or dropping a check in the offering plate for the visiting missionary. My hearts passion must be like D.L. Moody and I must choose to be the one that can make a difference for the cause of Christ.

Today is THANKFUL THURSDAY and I do not take for granted the freedoms that we have here in the US of A to freely worship God and read His Word. I do not take my salvation for granted or His sacrifice. It is my prayer that a passion for the lost will be churning inside each of us and each of us will rise up and be witnesses for Christ in such a manner that it will shake our world!

I am so thankful for the passion of Christ. A passion that is not seasonal, but if invited, can live in each of us day to day.

What are you thankful for today? Please share your grateful heart with us by linking up below. I have enjoyed hosting TT this month, next week we will hop over to Iris's for the month of June. Hope to see all of you there! :)

8 comments:

It Feels Like Chaos said...

I really enjoyed your post. The topic of having a daily passion for Christ is one I have been dwelling on a lot and even relates to what I wrote about for my Thankful Thursday post today! Thank you for hosting Thankful Thursday this month!

Rocks said...

Hi! It's been a while :)I'm glad I was able to participate this week. Blessings to you!!

Jocelyn said...

I want that passionate heart! Thanks for hosting :)

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

Laurie,

I love this post, because my one of my passions is the building relationships and community with the unchurched. As a public school teacher and counselor, nothing makes my heart sing more than being in a school with children and families from every walk of life. Among the unchurched, I find an authenticity that is sometimes lacking with traditional church goers. And yet I also find a hunger for truth in life that is real, authentic, something followers of Christ can offer them. Thanks for your honest post on this topic!

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

Laurie,

I love this post, because my one of my passions is the building relationships and community with the unchurched. As a public school teacher and counselor, nothing makes my heart sing more than being in a school with children and families from every walk of life. Among the unchurched, I find an authenticity that is sometimes lacking with traditional church goers. And yet I also find a hunger for truth in life that is real, authentic, something followers of Christ can offer them. Thanks for your honest post on this topic!

Laurie Collett said...

Praise God that the passion of His Son gave all who trust in Him eternal life.
God bless,
Laurie

Tiffany @ DontWastetheCrumbs said...

I posted to a series I'm doing next month: Joyful June. I'm challenging myself to 30 daysof gratitude without complaining. I'd love to come back and share my progress!

lorig said...

Thank you for the challenging thoughts on passion and living each day with the passion for Christ.