Extravagant Dimensions

Good Morning Loved Ones,

Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)

My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

Today I give thanks for those who have helped me to experience the breadth, length, depth and heights of full life.

For John Reist, my theology professor in seminary who wedded great poetry and literature with theology in his teaching. He sparked my imagination in his teaching and brought more out of me than any other teacher. The expression of poets. authors, playwrights and artists of every stripe add to the fullness of life in God and the deep and gentle movement of the Spirit.

For singer/songwriter, Bruce Cockburn, whose poetic lyrics and phenomenal musicianship with the guitar has brought me joy and hope for 30 years. Cockburn's Christian witness comes through not as propaganda songwriting, but as genuine expression of life's complexities and beauty and the struggles of faithful response to injustice throughout the world.

For the pastors who have influenced me and pushed me toward a full life, including Pastor Tom, Pastor Terry and Pastor Alfonso.

For teachers like Mrs. Kile who encouraged me to read and memorize Shakespeare and Mr. Smith who encouraged me to audition for a play.

For that fellow seminarian (don't even remember his name) who introduced me to the 'beautiful game' 27 years ago, a game that has provided me many moments of enjoyment in playing, coaching and watching. For all people who share their passionate interests with others and invite them into the 'game.'

What kind of hope is gratitude carving out in your soul today? Gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com