Indescribable, undeniable, and unspeakable are the words that come to mind when I think of the majestic nature of our God. What words come to mind when you think of our God--the God that created heaven and earth in perfect symmetry and harmony? This is the same God that shaped our form, like malleable clay in the palm of his hands. He is an artist, a poet, a judge, a king, our Father, our Savior, the Holiest of holies. When I meditate upon His greatness, I feel a piercing joy of electricity through my veins, a shock wave of emotion that ebbs and flows upon the shores of my heart. Then a hush, a calming peace, sweeps over me and it is here where I find myself in my Father's hands. I feel once again like a child who clings to her father's burly arms and feels safe in the comfort of them. I breathe in the sweet-smelling aroma of grace. I know that as much as I might have shamed and grieved Him through the years of maturation, He has looked upon me with unfailing love. I am His portion and He is mine. He keeps me as the apple of His eye and hides me under the shadow of His wings (para Psalm 17:8).
When I read through the book of Psalms, I realize how great David's understanding of God was. Throughout the Old Testament, you can sense a great fear looming over the hearts of the Jews, a fear that results from disobedience and neglect of the statutes and commandments set place under the Mosaic law. But, as for David, he knew the Lord, not only as he was instructed, to fear and revere Him, but he also deeply loved and honored Him. The words he sung from his lips, which we know read through ink pen and paper, were filled with passion. If you didn't know any better, you would think he was wooing the heart of a love interest. But, how beautiful it is that far greater than this, he was wooing the heart of His God. In Psalm 63:1 he states, "O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water."
The book of Psalms in the Old Testament is to me like a tall glass of cold lemonade on a hot summer's day. It is refreshing to read about a man who truly seeks and knows God's heart in a climate of legalism. In Psalm 86:15 he states, "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth." This compels me to think about how I view my God. Yes, we all know God is good and worthy of our praise because we are told this through scripture. However, how much do we believe this? I pose this question in hopes to stir us up into action, particularly those of us who have adopted a legalistic belief system. I don't want to go through life as if going through the motions, accepting God for who He is based upon what I am told to think of Him. I want to engage with Him in a deep and meaningful relationship, just as I would with a significant other. I don't want to just place Him upon a shelf and refer to Him when I need Him. I want Him to walk with me hand-in-hand in my coming and going.
Sometimes what helps us through this process is when we reflect upon who God is to us. I previously referred to God as "my God". I do this to connote and stress the importance of personalizing our relationship with Him. He is not some being that floats upon the earth, judging us and ruling earthly domains from the high heavens. He is very much a part of our daily existence and desires that we adopt Him into our daily living. I refer to God as my Heavenly Father and sometimes imagine being that little girl residing in the confines of His secure arms. But, He is not only my Father, He is also my King, which makes me royalty in His eyes.
Sometimes, we negate who we are in God's eyes. If we would start viewing ourselves the way that God sees us, we might believe that we are worthy of love and affection. We might consider ourselves worthy of standing in the shower of God's blessings, not in a prideful way, but in a confident way. But, this all begins with knowing who God is to us and on the same token, who we are to Him; which in turn makes us secure in our relationship with Christ, no longer second-guessing ourselves, waiting for the door to slam on us or our hearts to be broken as due punishment for any wrongs committed in our lives. We no longer walk with a looming cloud of death. Christ died so that we would be given life--eternal life. Do not take for granted this gift. In so doing, let us seek God's face. When He reveals Himself, etch Him in your heart and in your mind. Safeguard it. Meditate on it. Just as David meditated on God's law daily, he also meditated on His goodness. If that wasn't enough, he depicted God through lyric and painted His image in his own understanding. How much more can we, who are now enlightened and are given the gift of renewed vision, see and know who God is to us?
I don't know about you, but it is not enough for me to read God's word without meditating on it. It is not enough for me to pray without being still, awaiting His response. It is not enough for me to view illustrations, created at the hands of fellow man, depicting Jesus with piercing blue eyes, and wooly brown hair and allow my mind to manufacture replicas of this. I want to read God's word and know that it breathes. I want to pray, expecting a response. I want to paint God's image in my mind the way that I see Him, running my fingertips through the seams of His design. I want to press my palm in His and know that it is here that I am safe. "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand" (Psalm 84:10).
I encourage you, readers, that we can not fully know our identity until we have discovered our identity through Christ. That begins with our understanding of Him followed by our understanding of who we are in His eyes. Wherever you are in this journey of life, you are never too far away to receive Him. God doesn't measure distance. He only measures our hearts. The more we seek Him, the more He reveals Himself to us, letting us in on the marvelous and indescribable truths of His majestic existence.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Child-Like Faith
"He is so fluffy, soft, and cuddly". These were the words spoken after a young girl, roughly the age of eight, wrapped her arms around her new best friend--a pink stuffed bunny. Her excitement could be felt as she forcefully spit out each word like flavorless chewing gum as her lisp clung on to every other syllable. Her shrieks and shrills made it known what she was feeling on the inside. Her pig tails, neatly wrapped in pink bows, swung to and fro as her head jilted back and forth repititiously as she cuddled her face up against the bunny's plastic whiskers. I imagine she brought her inanimate pet in for show-and-tell. I witnessed this glorious occasion as I was dropping my son off to school one morning. It perpetuated a series of thoughts about how God blesses us with children (biologically, through adoption, or spiritually) and how much we learn from them as a result.
The gift of a child touches the lives of all those he/she comes in contact with--parents, family, and friends. Not only do they bring joy, but they also deposit priceless nuggets of wisdom into our lives. In scripture, Jesus reminds us that we are to come to Him with child-like faith. Imagine if we had the same enthusiasm for Him as that young girl had for her pink bunny. Imagine if we had the same zeal for life as she did. The tidal wave rush of genuine emotion that exuded from her tiny body is what God requires from us. We are not to be a shy or silenced generation, concerned with what our neighbors think of our passion and excitement for Christ. We are called to be bold in faith, in our convictions, and in truths as they pertain to the gospel. God desires us to come to Him like children with our requests, with our petitions, and with a pure interest in seeking His counsel. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus states, "'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven'". In this scripture, Jesus calls a young child to stand in the midst of His presence as He states further, "'Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven'" (Matthew 18:4).
Jesus exemplifies a child so that we can comprehend humility. A child's ignorance in terms of life experience leaves him/her blemish-free, pure from the tainted world. A child does not yet understand pride, which is evident in their interactions with others. They are not afraid to ask for what they want and in so doing they are expectant to receive. How much could we learn from children in this manner? If we let down our pride, silence the deceit of our hearts that have a tendency to remind us of our previous failures, and turn to God with child-like faith, we would be prosperous in our prayer life. God knows our hearts. He even knows the desires of our hearts. It is during our fellowship with Him that we make known our faith. When we come to Him humbled and expectant to receive, God does not hesitate to release blessings into our lives as He wills it.
In addition to humility, children can be brutally honest. I have a six year-old son who has no qualms about expressing his dislike for something. He often reminds me that the barbecue chicken I prepare for dinner is too dry. From time to time, he lets me know when I look like I have just rolled out of bed. As I watch my confidence level deplete, I can't help but love his honesty (provided it does not extend beyond the walls of this household)! In all seriousness though, it is the same honesty in his character that God seeks in us. He asks for honesty, not because he doesn't know us inside and out, but because He wants us to trust Him with every detail of our lives. He is not looking for the counterfeit you, a replica of whom you think He wants you to be. He is looking for the real you, flaws and all!
We are like children in God's eyes regardless of age, regardless of our past, and regardless of our social standing. Mark 10:15 states, "'Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom as a little child will by no means enter it'". Let us receive the good news with gratefulness, joy, and honesty as we come before God and as we bear witness to others. Let us put aside our pride, and put on child-like faith. In a healthy familial dynamic, the children depend on their parents. So too, we should humble ourselves, relying on nothing or no one but our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Do not underestimate what we can learn from our youth. If you are not a parent, observe your nieces or nephews, or any child that has been left in your care. During that span of time, listen to their candid remarks, their passion for life, and their demonstrations of humility. There is much to be learned than what meets the eye! We are all God's children in His eyes! Here we get a free pass to start acting like it!
The gift of a child touches the lives of all those he/she comes in contact with--parents, family, and friends. Not only do they bring joy, but they also deposit priceless nuggets of wisdom into our lives. In scripture, Jesus reminds us that we are to come to Him with child-like faith. Imagine if we had the same enthusiasm for Him as that young girl had for her pink bunny. Imagine if we had the same zeal for life as she did. The tidal wave rush of genuine emotion that exuded from her tiny body is what God requires from us. We are not to be a shy or silenced generation, concerned with what our neighbors think of our passion and excitement for Christ. We are called to be bold in faith, in our convictions, and in truths as they pertain to the gospel. God desires us to come to Him like children with our requests, with our petitions, and with a pure interest in seeking His counsel. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus states, "'Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven'". In this scripture, Jesus calls a young child to stand in the midst of His presence as He states further, "'Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven'" (Matthew 18:4).
Jesus exemplifies a child so that we can comprehend humility. A child's ignorance in terms of life experience leaves him/her blemish-free, pure from the tainted world. A child does not yet understand pride, which is evident in their interactions with others. They are not afraid to ask for what they want and in so doing they are expectant to receive. How much could we learn from children in this manner? If we let down our pride, silence the deceit of our hearts that have a tendency to remind us of our previous failures, and turn to God with child-like faith, we would be prosperous in our prayer life. God knows our hearts. He even knows the desires of our hearts. It is during our fellowship with Him that we make known our faith. When we come to Him humbled and expectant to receive, God does not hesitate to release blessings into our lives as He wills it.
In addition to humility, children can be brutally honest. I have a six year-old son who has no qualms about expressing his dislike for something. He often reminds me that the barbecue chicken I prepare for dinner is too dry. From time to time, he lets me know when I look like I have just rolled out of bed. As I watch my confidence level deplete, I can't help but love his honesty (provided it does not extend beyond the walls of this household)! In all seriousness though, it is the same honesty in his character that God seeks in us. He asks for honesty, not because he doesn't know us inside and out, but because He wants us to trust Him with every detail of our lives. He is not looking for the counterfeit you, a replica of whom you think He wants you to be. He is looking for the real you, flaws and all!
We are like children in God's eyes regardless of age, regardless of our past, and regardless of our social standing. Mark 10:15 states, "'Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom as a little child will by no means enter it'". Let us receive the good news with gratefulness, joy, and honesty as we come before God and as we bear witness to others. Let us put aside our pride, and put on child-like faith. In a healthy familial dynamic, the children depend on their parents. So too, we should humble ourselves, relying on nothing or no one but our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Do not underestimate what we can learn from our youth. If you are not a parent, observe your nieces or nephews, or any child that has been left in your care. During that span of time, listen to their candid remarks, their passion for life, and their demonstrations of humility. There is much to be learned than what meets the eye! We are all God's children in His eyes! Here we get a free pass to start acting like it!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Obedience Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
We are bombarded by ads that read such slogans as "Obey your thirst" and are unaware that skillful advertisers are speaking to the great need we all have as human beings to submit to and obey to something greater than us. We are inherently driven by a passion to quench some form of inner-longing, to fill a void, and to silence the voice within that cries out desperately to be heard. In a physiological stance, we can hear the gurgling of our stomach, or feel the arid dryness of our mouth as our tongue sticks to our palette, reminding us that it is time to eat or drink. So much so as we are aware of our physical needs, we should acknowledge our spiritual needs. If we can "obey our thirst", how much more can God give us than just a drink of water if we would obey Him?
If you have followed my blogs through the past three years, you more than likely have some knowledge of the journey I set out on, uprooting my son and I from Maryland in search of new beginnings in Los Angeles, California. Back then, you met the 23 year-old young woman who challenged life face-on, daring and enthralled by all it had to offer. I chased a dream of standing on the streets of Hollywood boulevard with my keyboard in tow, knocking on record label doors and instantly handed recording contracts marked with an x, awaiting my signature. Now, here I sit, attempting to hold back tears as I relive the days I spent running the rat race, trying to validate myself by measuring my talents up against other hollywood-bound hopefuls. But, these are not tears of regret or sadness. They are tears of gratitude as I wave farewell to Sunset strip and head back east, equipped for the new journey that lies ahead. No, I am not returning with a recording contract. However, what I have left LA with is far greater than anything this world could offer. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole word, and loses his own soul?" (Mark 9:36) I have laid down my selfish ambitions and raised up one simple question: "Lord, how might I serve You?" In that instance, a transformation took place, not over night, but through daily acts of obedience. See, I once obeyed the desires of my heart, hoping to see my name in the lime light. But, God pulled the spotlight off of me and showed me that in all things we must center it back on Him. God reminds us in scripture that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) This is where obedience steps in. All God wants is all of us--our time, our devotion, our thoughts, our hearts!
Oftentimes, we do not know what God's will is for our lives, but I assure you that with acts of obedience, He will align the desires of our hearts with His. As I opened this posting with the slogan for Sprite's soft drinks, you might have envisioned the tv commercial of a man or woman drenched in sweat, seemingly dying of thirst, reaching out for the sprite bottle as beads of water droplets condense around it. Our physical thirst can be quenched by a cold drink. But what about the thirst of our souls? We can dance in circles all day long around what God has waiting for us on the other side of our commitment to Him. However, at the end of the day, our souls will still desire something more. I promise you that nothing of this world can quench that! Jesus reminds His disciples, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 9:34-35). When we lift up our hands and surrender our lives to God, this proves a submission of our wills. It is a beautiful progression of events that take place, but the initial step begins in the heart. There is a quote that is widely used: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder". However, I would like to pitch out to you a little food for thought using the same idea but changing one word: "Obedience makes the heart grow fonder". If we neglect a relationship with God, we are neglecting our souls. We can't physically live without food and water. On the same token, spiritually, we can't live without Him! We enter into a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding when we say "YES"!
I am living proof that obedience makes the heart grow fonder as God has showed me how to turn a cheek towards strained relationships. In addition, He has fueled in me a desire to serve others. He gives us a heart to love on one another, hands to help, and eyes to see the need. We are instruments and tools He uses daily as we re-enact a piece of heaven here on earth. He will breathe on our gifts and play out the desires of our hearts as they align with His just because we made ourselves available to listen and adhere to His instruction. This in turn pleases the soul. When we break into the shoes God made for us as we endure our walk with Him, our hearts will grow light, knowing that we are exactly where God calls us to be. We are standing in the center of His will for our lives. We will no longer be a victim to the deceits of the heart, but instead be victors over matters of the heart.
All because we chose to obey, take up our cross, and follow HIM!
Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, do not grow weary in well-doing. He recognizes your dedication to Him. He will grant the desires of your heart (according to His will) in His timing, and in due season.
God bless you, readers! Until next time, be encouraged!
If you have followed my blogs through the past three years, you more than likely have some knowledge of the journey I set out on, uprooting my son and I from Maryland in search of new beginnings in Los Angeles, California. Back then, you met the 23 year-old young woman who challenged life face-on, daring and enthralled by all it had to offer. I chased a dream of standing on the streets of Hollywood boulevard with my keyboard in tow, knocking on record label doors and instantly handed recording contracts marked with an x, awaiting my signature. Now, here I sit, attempting to hold back tears as I relive the days I spent running the rat race, trying to validate myself by measuring my talents up against other hollywood-bound hopefuls. But, these are not tears of regret or sadness. They are tears of gratitude as I wave farewell to Sunset strip and head back east, equipped for the new journey that lies ahead. No, I am not returning with a recording contract. However, what I have left LA with is far greater than anything this world could offer. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole word, and loses his own soul?" (Mark 9:36) I have laid down my selfish ambitions and raised up one simple question: "Lord, how might I serve You?" In that instance, a transformation took place, not over night, but through daily acts of obedience. See, I once obeyed the desires of my heart, hoping to see my name in the lime light. But, God pulled the spotlight off of me and showed me that in all things we must center it back on Him. God reminds us in scripture that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) This is where obedience steps in. All God wants is all of us--our time, our devotion, our thoughts, our hearts!
Oftentimes, we do not know what God's will is for our lives, but I assure you that with acts of obedience, He will align the desires of our hearts with His. As I opened this posting with the slogan for Sprite's soft drinks, you might have envisioned the tv commercial of a man or woman drenched in sweat, seemingly dying of thirst, reaching out for the sprite bottle as beads of water droplets condense around it. Our physical thirst can be quenched by a cold drink. But what about the thirst of our souls? We can dance in circles all day long around what God has waiting for us on the other side of our commitment to Him. However, at the end of the day, our souls will still desire something more. I promise you that nothing of this world can quench that! Jesus reminds His disciples, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it" (Mark 9:34-35). When we lift up our hands and surrender our lives to God, this proves a submission of our wills. It is a beautiful progression of events that take place, but the initial step begins in the heart. There is a quote that is widely used: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder". However, I would like to pitch out to you a little food for thought using the same idea but changing one word: "Obedience makes the heart grow fonder". If we neglect a relationship with God, we are neglecting our souls. We can't physically live without food and water. On the same token, spiritually, we can't live without Him! We enter into a joy and peace that surpasses all understanding when we say "YES"!
I am living proof that obedience makes the heart grow fonder as God has showed me how to turn a cheek towards strained relationships. In addition, He has fueled in me a desire to serve others. He gives us a heart to love on one another, hands to help, and eyes to see the need. We are instruments and tools He uses daily as we re-enact a piece of heaven here on earth. He will breathe on our gifts and play out the desires of our hearts as they align with His just because we made ourselves available to listen and adhere to His instruction. This in turn pleases the soul. When we break into the shoes God made for us as we endure our walk with Him, our hearts will grow light, knowing that we are exactly where God calls us to be. We are standing in the center of His will for our lives. We will no longer be a victim to the deceits of the heart, but instead be victors over matters of the heart.
All because we chose to obey, take up our cross, and follow HIM!
Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, do not grow weary in well-doing. He recognizes your dedication to Him. He will grant the desires of your heart (according to His will) in His timing, and in due season.
God bless you, readers! Until next time, be encouraged!
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