WHAT A LOVE STORY
I cannot escape the fairytale. I was born into a little girl's world of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. As I got older, I would read the teen romances and dream of the man (prince) that would take me away from my wretched life. If you were a boy, I imagine there's a similar, yet different story. You we told tales of the mighty kings, the handsome princes, and you knew that you wanted to be the man (prince) who slayed the dragon.
So, where are we now? I for one have never tried on a glass slipper, and my husband, while slaying many deer, has never had to kill for my rescue.
But, millions of women flock to the theater to see the same story told in a couple of different ways. Even though today's story is a single mother with four kids who is rescued by her prince, and the rescuing doesn't even necessarily look like the traditional story, it is the same. For the men's movie, they rescue planets, countries, and women. Premise, still the same.
And, what are we looking for at the end of the movie? Well, for my eight bucks, I want to see the boy get the girl and the proverbial ride off into the sunset. For my husband, he relishes the war movie where the good guys sustain less damage and the town is rescued from the evil warlords. We want to see love (good) triumph.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
My point is this...Imagine for a moment that you're God. Don't worry, this isn't a creepy Master of the Universe thing. But the thing that I never realized when I was off chasing love and laughing at Christians was that the Bible is the ultimate love story. No lie. I thought Christians were this bunch of puritanical backward folk. Well, maybe some are, but to each his own interpretation. To others of us, there's this unbelievable romance that unfolds between, get this, God and His people!
I'll be honest. The first time someone suggested God as a lover (hats off and compliments to John Eldredge) I got squirmy. But then I read it for myself. Look:
"God says, 'If a husband divorces his wife and she goes from him and belongs to another man, Will he still return to her? Will not that land be completely polluted? (Jer. 3.1)
"Return...Declares the Lord; I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious, declares the Lord; I will not be angry forever..."(Jer 3.12)
"Surely, as a woman treacherously departs from her lover, So you have dealt treacherously with Me," (Jer 3.20)
"And you, O desolate one, what will you do? Although you dress in scarlet, Although you decorate yourself with ornaments of gold, Although you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you make yourself beautiful. Your lovers despise you; They seek your life." (Jer 4.30)
And on and on it goes. Back and forth; anger and misery. God. I can't imagine my husband doing the same thing for me, nor I for him. Cheating again and again on the One who gave you everything, and His Heart, and going with another. Especially going with another you know is bad for you.
What a true love story. My heart aches for the One who allowed the truth to be written down for all to see. To read about a Heart broken and bleeding for the ones He called His own.
And, to make the greatest true story told even better, He does it again!!!!!!!! This time, He sends His own Son to die, in order to have His love returned to Him. Could you imagine for one instant allowing that to happen to your son? Oh, to only dream of such a love.
But then... I realize that I am that heartless, thoughtless lover.
TO BE ..CONTINUED...
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Friday, September 02, 2005
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH PART 2
Of course I was overjoyed! This diamond was my solid, concrete proof that God was and is actively working in my life. It also signified a covenant with my husband. I think it was no coincidence that God used my diamond for this lesson. My relationship with my husband went through many 'lost' times when it looked like there was no hope. But God had kept us together according to His purposes, and He means for us to stay together for all time.
Ironically, I have not found a new career yet. I know that God has a plan, and I am trying to be patient. When I misplace my faith, all I have to do is look down at my ring and I know that He won't let me down.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt." Jeremiah 31.3-4
God truly loves everyone that could possibly be reading this right now. He loves you. I am confident that God knew exactly where and when I would find my diamond. And, He knew it before the world began. How? Ha-Ha. I have no idea, and it hurts to even try to think about that.
Stop and think about occurrences that happen in your life that have no explanation. It's not karma, trust me. God does all kinds of things to get our attention. Sometimes, like in my case, we come to a rock bottom in our lives and find that He is there to pick us up. He is constantly trying to draw us into Him. It says in scripture that He wishes none shall perish. But He is a gentleman. He doesn't force Himself upon us, that would be brainwashing, not a relationship. He desires a relationship with us. To me, that's the best part. Where's the joy in being forced to worship something?
What might He be doing to attract your gaze? It's hard at this point in the world to get anyone's attention. Everything vies for a chance, and everybody seems to be focused on themselves. Maybe He needs to keep trying. Look around you. Check out an incredible sunset, or the birds flying South together. Or look at the stars in the midnight sky. Don't they look just like diamonds...
Think about it.
Of course I was overjoyed! This diamond was my solid, concrete proof that God was and is actively working in my life. It also signified a covenant with my husband. I think it was no coincidence that God used my diamond for this lesson. My relationship with my husband went through many 'lost' times when it looked like there was no hope. But God had kept us together according to His purposes, and He means for us to stay together for all time.
Ironically, I have not found a new career yet. I know that God has a plan, and I am trying to be patient. When I misplace my faith, all I have to do is look down at my ring and I know that He won't let me down.
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness. Again I will build you and you will be rebuilt." Jeremiah 31.3-4
God truly loves everyone that could possibly be reading this right now. He loves you. I am confident that God knew exactly where and when I would find my diamond. And, He knew it before the world began. How? Ha-Ha. I have no idea, and it hurts to even try to think about that.
Stop and think about occurrences that happen in your life that have no explanation. It's not karma, trust me. God does all kinds of things to get our attention. Sometimes, like in my case, we come to a rock bottom in our lives and find that He is there to pick us up. He is constantly trying to draw us into Him. It says in scripture that He wishes none shall perish. But He is a gentleman. He doesn't force Himself upon us, that would be brainwashing, not a relationship. He desires a relationship with us. To me, that's the best part. Where's the joy in being forced to worship something?
What might He be doing to attract your gaze? It's hard at this point in the world to get anyone's attention. Everything vies for a chance, and everybody seems to be focused on themselves. Maybe He needs to keep trying. Look around you. Check out an incredible sunset, or the birds flying South together. Or look at the stars in the midnight sky. Don't they look just like diamonds...
Think about it.
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
I have a tale to tell today. It's a true story, and it happened to me. I want to tell it because I don't think people hear enough about what God does in the average, ordinary life, and how He loves His children so very much. Maybe in the wake of catastrophic events a story like this one can be read to know that God is very capable of rebuilding and restoring.
My boyfriend and I got engaged sometime between the birth of our first and second child. I wish I could say I remember the date, but I wasn't coherent or responsible back then. In between getting drunk or high, I used to fantasize about getting married to him. Oh sure, I wanted the house and the husband and all that, I just wanted to be in a stupor about the whole thing.
Anyway, if he and I were on the outs, which we often were, I would slip my ring off when I went to the bar. I needed to know if I was still attractive and if I still had 'it.' I did.
I also gave it back to him a time or twenty when I had enough of him and wanted to end the relationship. I tried to bail out of our relationship on a consistent basis. Looking back, that was probably one of the more consistent things about me.
The last time I tried to bail was the worst. I went house shopping with another man, planned to move out on my fiance and take the kids. There was going to be no turning back this time. However, God had a much, much bigger plan. My fiance really begged me to stay, but I said no.
But then, to make matters worse, he lost his job. How could I kick a man when he's down? I told the other man I would stay with my fiance until he got a job, then I was out of there. God had an incredibly different plan. In the meantime, He saved me, sobered me up, sent me to college and my fiance and I were married.
So, I was more than devastated when the diamond out of my ring was lost April of this year. I lost it when my company relocated offices and we were assembling shelving. It was in a warehouse-type setting, so I knew I would never find it again. Funny thing, something told me I would lose it. The weeks before I would catch myself looking at it and thinking how much I would miss it. So when it finally fell out, it was almost anticlimactic.
I made an intense effort to find it, as did my employees. My husband and I discussed our options; our deductible on the house insurance was too high and we couldn't afford to replace it. I kept buying inexpensive bands with an attempt to make up the loss, but they never lasted. I had resigned myself to no more ring. The worst, most ironic thing about the loss was that I hated looking unmarried. Finally, God restores our lives and now I had no proof I was happily married.
About a month ago I was praying when the thought came into my mind, 'When you find the diamond, you can go.' See, I really dislike my job. I would like to write for a living, and counsel people with addictions. My job depresses me. When I heard that thought in my mind, I dismissed it as wishful thinking. As the week went on, I kept thinking about that, and keeping my eyes peeled for the diamond, but to no avail.
Friday rolls around, and I'm supposed to have a meeting with a Christian counselor regarding my future. I was seeking advice for my future pursuits. I was all excited, but at the last minute, she was unable to meet me. I was extremely upset. I called my husband and told him I had enough, and I had given up trying to figure out what to do next with my life. I was angry with God, and I told Him about it.
I was looking around the warehouse, thinking I was stuck there forever when I happen to glance at the dust mop. I thought to myself that I was going to give God a hand at finding that diamond. I swept (for the hundredth time) under all the shelves. Nothing. In angry desperation, I fell to my knees by one of the shelving racks. For no reason whatsoever, I put my head to the ground, and under the shelf I saw a glimmer. With the strength of Samson, I pulled the 250 pound shelf out of the way. There it was, in a crevice on the cement floor. I don't exaggerate when I write that we had looked there dozens of times. But there it was.
MY POINT TOMORROW...
I have a tale to tell today. It's a true story, and it happened to me. I want to tell it because I don't think people hear enough about what God does in the average, ordinary life, and how He loves His children so very much. Maybe in the wake of catastrophic events a story like this one can be read to know that God is very capable of rebuilding and restoring.
My boyfriend and I got engaged sometime between the birth of our first and second child. I wish I could say I remember the date, but I wasn't coherent or responsible back then. In between getting drunk or high, I used to fantasize about getting married to him. Oh sure, I wanted the house and the husband and all that, I just wanted to be in a stupor about the whole thing.
Anyway, if he and I were on the outs, which we often were, I would slip my ring off when I went to the bar. I needed to know if I was still attractive and if I still had 'it.' I did.
I also gave it back to him a time or twenty when I had enough of him and wanted to end the relationship. I tried to bail out of our relationship on a consistent basis. Looking back, that was probably one of the more consistent things about me.
The last time I tried to bail was the worst. I went house shopping with another man, planned to move out on my fiance and take the kids. There was going to be no turning back this time. However, God had a much, much bigger plan. My fiance really begged me to stay, but I said no.
But then, to make matters worse, he lost his job. How could I kick a man when he's down? I told the other man I would stay with my fiance until he got a job, then I was out of there. God had an incredibly different plan. In the meantime, He saved me, sobered me up, sent me to college and my fiance and I were married.
So, I was more than devastated when the diamond out of my ring was lost April of this year. I lost it when my company relocated offices and we were assembling shelving. It was in a warehouse-type setting, so I knew I would never find it again. Funny thing, something told me I would lose it. The weeks before I would catch myself looking at it and thinking how much I would miss it. So when it finally fell out, it was almost anticlimactic.
I made an intense effort to find it, as did my employees. My husband and I discussed our options; our deductible on the house insurance was too high and we couldn't afford to replace it. I kept buying inexpensive bands with an attempt to make up the loss, but they never lasted. I had resigned myself to no more ring. The worst, most ironic thing about the loss was that I hated looking unmarried. Finally, God restores our lives and now I had no proof I was happily married.
About a month ago I was praying when the thought came into my mind, 'When you find the diamond, you can go.' See, I really dislike my job. I would like to write for a living, and counsel people with addictions. My job depresses me. When I heard that thought in my mind, I dismissed it as wishful thinking. As the week went on, I kept thinking about that, and keeping my eyes peeled for the diamond, but to no avail.
Friday rolls around, and I'm supposed to have a meeting with a Christian counselor regarding my future. I was seeking advice for my future pursuits. I was all excited, but at the last minute, she was unable to meet me. I was extremely upset. I called my husband and told him I had enough, and I had given up trying to figure out what to do next with my life. I was angry with God, and I told Him about it.
I was looking around the warehouse, thinking I was stuck there forever when I happen to glance at the dust mop. I thought to myself that I was going to give God a hand at finding that diamond. I swept (for the hundredth time) under all the shelves. Nothing. In angry desperation, I fell to my knees by one of the shelving racks. For no reason whatsoever, I put my head to the ground, and under the shelf I saw a glimmer. With the strength of Samson, I pulled the 250 pound shelf out of the way. There it was, in a crevice on the cement floor. I don't exaggerate when I write that we had looked there dozens of times. But there it was.
MY POINT TOMORROW...
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
WHAT MAKES NEWS
I want to stay away from politics on this blog. I don't want things that distract from the essential messages in the bible. I want to stay away from the hot points in the news that come and go. God's message is timeless, and that is where I want to be.
That being said, I am however compelled to write about Hurricane Katrina. You can't escape coverage on the nightly news, both local and world. This is bigger than a story that comes and goes in a week. This will be with us for a long time.
The book of Jeremiah in the bible accounts the reasons that Israel is going through horrible times. God tells the people outright that He is punishing them for a number of things including worshipping false gods.
That is not where I want to go with this tonight. I am not God, and I am not a prophet like Jeremiah was. I have been given no message from the Lord indicating that the hurricane was an indictment from Him for sins of the people. I also won't believe it if I see anyone else proclaim that message.
So then, why did this happen? Or, more accurately, why did God allow this to happen? Well, I'm not a theologian, but I'll tell you what I believe.
God created a perfect world. No sin, not even any rain. Then that whole thing happened with the apple in the garden. That changed everything. Now, sin reigns on the earth. Is God in ultimate control of everything? Of course He is. But humans started out on earth as immortal. Now, unless you make a choice, you have no chance of eternal life.
So, to sum up the last paragraph, events happen. Funny though, what makes news.
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all you mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12.30-31
When I watch the news coverage about the hurricane, I pray. A lot. For the people who have lost everything, for the missing families, for the rescue people. I pray that the looting and the police efforts don't get too violent. But the other part of the news coverage really makes me notice something.
The things that really make the great stories with the high ratings are the stories of the ordinary heroes. Of the men and women who put their own lives and safety on the line to help another. Of the people who unconsciously act in the face of danger. There are whole segments dedicated to these people. Of course it is a wonderful thing that these people do, I could never deny that. But take another look at those words above that are in red. That is Jesus' answer when asked what commandment is the greatest. Which means that in His eyes, those stories should be commonplace, right? In Jesus' eyes, our neighbors are everyone around us.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
My point is simply this: the last few days I have had a hard time living life as usual. I look around at my house, husband and children, and I feel like I have too much. This isn't the first time this has happened to me either. The famine in Niger causes me much sorrow. Our family is doing one of those World Vision adoption of a child there. If my husband wouldn't stop me, I would drive down to the coastal area and start helping somewhere. But I can find something to do. When something is wrong in my life, my first response should be prayer. I go to the great I AM, my Father, for help. I cry to Him about my situation, and cry and plead to Him for assistance. So, if I am to treat my neighbor as myself, then I pray for the hurricane victims. Then, I should make sure there are some sort of resources of my hand that goes to them. If I have money, that's what I give. If I don't, then I give of my time, or my service.
Those stories on the news are news because they make people feel good, and I think, they let some people off the hook. They are designed to make you feel good, and thus be reassured that there are people in a crisis to solve problems.
Jesus, however, expects more. Think about it...
I want to stay away from politics on this blog. I don't want things that distract from the essential messages in the bible. I want to stay away from the hot points in the news that come and go. God's message is timeless, and that is where I want to be.
That being said, I am however compelled to write about Hurricane Katrina. You can't escape coverage on the nightly news, both local and world. This is bigger than a story that comes and goes in a week. This will be with us for a long time.
The book of Jeremiah in the bible accounts the reasons that Israel is going through horrible times. God tells the people outright that He is punishing them for a number of things including worshipping false gods.
That is not where I want to go with this tonight. I am not God, and I am not a prophet like Jeremiah was. I have been given no message from the Lord indicating that the hurricane was an indictment from Him for sins of the people. I also won't believe it if I see anyone else proclaim that message.
So then, why did this happen? Or, more accurately, why did God allow this to happen? Well, I'm not a theologian, but I'll tell you what I believe.
God created a perfect world. No sin, not even any rain. Then that whole thing happened with the apple in the garden. That changed everything. Now, sin reigns on the earth. Is God in ultimate control of everything? Of course He is. But humans started out on earth as immortal. Now, unless you make a choice, you have no chance of eternal life.
So, to sum up the last paragraph, events happen. Funny though, what makes news.
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all you mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12.30-31
When I watch the news coverage about the hurricane, I pray. A lot. For the people who have lost everything, for the missing families, for the rescue people. I pray that the looting and the police efforts don't get too violent. But the other part of the news coverage really makes me notice something.
The things that really make the great stories with the high ratings are the stories of the ordinary heroes. Of the men and women who put their own lives and safety on the line to help another. Of the people who unconsciously act in the face of danger. There are whole segments dedicated to these people. Of course it is a wonderful thing that these people do, I could never deny that. But take another look at those words above that are in red. That is Jesus' answer when asked what commandment is the greatest. Which means that in His eyes, those stories should be commonplace, right? In Jesus' eyes, our neighbors are everyone around us.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
My point is simply this: the last few days I have had a hard time living life as usual. I look around at my house, husband and children, and I feel like I have too much. This isn't the first time this has happened to me either. The famine in Niger causes me much sorrow. Our family is doing one of those World Vision adoption of a child there. If my husband wouldn't stop me, I would drive down to the coastal area and start helping somewhere. But I can find something to do. When something is wrong in my life, my first response should be prayer. I go to the great I AM, my Father, for help. I cry to Him about my situation, and cry and plead to Him for assistance. So, if I am to treat my neighbor as myself, then I pray for the hurricane victims. Then, I should make sure there are some sort of resources of my hand that goes to them. If I have money, that's what I give. If I don't, then I give of my time, or my service.
Those stories on the news are news because they make people feel good, and I think, they let some people off the hook. They are designed to make you feel good, and thus be reassured that there are people in a crisis to solve problems.
Jesus, however, expects more. Think about it...
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
EVEN WHEN I DON'T FEEL LIKE IT
There are times that I think this whole thing is a crazy fantasy. Am I delusional; convincing myself that there's a God and He cares about me? I have read that children who come from dysfunctional homes (wow, that could be a lot of us) have trouble establishing Christian roots. Our roots will attempt to reach for living water, but when we bump into a 'rock,' we recoil. Recoil, I suppose from fear, from the unknown, from desertion.
As one would imagine, that fear can make our relationship with God struggle. I like to use the messed-up analogy of a 'magic-trick' God. If I perform correctly, of if I don't sin (ha) then He will smile down upon me and grant my wishes and desires.
My personal habit is to have a fight with my husband, or start feeling a little inferior, and stomp away from God like an insolent school girl. Depending on the severity of God's alleged wrongdoing, my pout can last from a day to two weeks. Then, I reach my breaking point, where I realize that He's the only one who can truly save me, and I'm back on my knees, reaching upward like a wayward daughter begging for forgiveness. Of course, the truth is, one apology and all is forgiven. That's the beauty of having God as my Father.
This is an old story of struggling with faith, I know. However, for the person who has yet to reach for and accept a relationship with God, this can seem like an insurmountable task. For the independent types who don't want to fellowship with other people, who can they talk to? Establishing trust and dependence is getting harder and harder in this dog eat dog world.
In Jeremiah 17.9, God asks, "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" To that I say Amen! I have a deceitful heart, and I know that now.
AND MY POINT IS...
Only God knows my heart. Only when I rely on Him can I find true peace, regardless of the circumstances. Life doesn't become rosy and trouble-free for the saved, it just gets a dramatic facelift. Instead of looking at life with all its ups and downs alone and head on, we look up to the heavens, and He gives us the strength, love and encouragement to get through life.
I don't have to feel anything, I just have to go through life knowing that God has my back. We humans have a habit of living life through our feelings. If you need an example, look at your local liquor store, the meth labs that are taking over America, or the television. If it feels good, do it, right? Well, no actually. Who gave us the right to run rampant doing whatever we feel like? If that's the way you live, that's cool. I just wonder how long the rollercoaster ride will last before you want to get off. I needed to get off when the hangovers outweighed the good times.
Enough with the lecture. I'll let God answer His own question, from Jeremiah 17.10, "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds."
So, to hear God tell it, He knows our hearts. He's the one who understands our motives, desires, and grieves. He tells us that if we seek Him first, and do things His way, than we will be rewarded. Maybe not here, not now. But I know I need to trust Him and keep my eyes focused on Him. My heart will follow. Think about it.
There are times that I think this whole thing is a crazy fantasy. Am I delusional; convincing myself that there's a God and He cares about me? I have read that children who come from dysfunctional homes (wow, that could be a lot of us) have trouble establishing Christian roots. Our roots will attempt to reach for living water, but when we bump into a 'rock,' we recoil. Recoil, I suppose from fear, from the unknown, from desertion.
As one would imagine, that fear can make our relationship with God struggle. I like to use the messed-up analogy of a 'magic-trick' God. If I perform correctly, of if I don't sin (ha) then He will smile down upon me and grant my wishes and desires.
My personal habit is to have a fight with my husband, or start feeling a little inferior, and stomp away from God like an insolent school girl. Depending on the severity of God's alleged wrongdoing, my pout can last from a day to two weeks. Then, I reach my breaking point, where I realize that He's the only one who can truly save me, and I'm back on my knees, reaching upward like a wayward daughter begging for forgiveness. Of course, the truth is, one apology and all is forgiven. That's the beauty of having God as my Father.
This is an old story of struggling with faith, I know. However, for the person who has yet to reach for and accept a relationship with God, this can seem like an insurmountable task. For the independent types who don't want to fellowship with other people, who can they talk to? Establishing trust and dependence is getting harder and harder in this dog eat dog world.
In Jeremiah 17.9, God asks, "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" To that I say Amen! I have a deceitful heart, and I know that now.
AND MY POINT IS...
Only God knows my heart. Only when I rely on Him can I find true peace, regardless of the circumstances. Life doesn't become rosy and trouble-free for the saved, it just gets a dramatic facelift. Instead of looking at life with all its ups and downs alone and head on, we look up to the heavens, and He gives us the strength, love and encouragement to get through life.
I don't have to feel anything, I just have to go through life knowing that God has my back. We humans have a habit of living life through our feelings. If you need an example, look at your local liquor store, the meth labs that are taking over America, or the television. If it feels good, do it, right? Well, no actually. Who gave us the right to run rampant doing whatever we feel like? If that's the way you live, that's cool. I just wonder how long the rollercoaster ride will last before you want to get off. I needed to get off when the hangovers outweighed the good times.
Enough with the lecture. I'll let God answer His own question, from Jeremiah 17.10, "I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds."
So, to hear God tell it, He knows our hearts. He's the one who understands our motives, desires, and grieves. He tells us that if we seek Him first, and do things His way, than we will be rewarded. Maybe not here, not now. But I know I need to trust Him and keep my eyes focused on Him. My heart will follow. Think about it.
Monday, August 29, 2005
WHAT'S IN A NAME
I like my name. I grew up in a very large city, and my ethnicity was something I carried as a banner to proclaim who I was. My maiden name was of a Mexican origin, and I was very proud of it. When I moved to Minnesota, I was still proud of it, however, most people had a hard time pronouncing it. I never planned to change my name. I used my race to explain my anger, my defensiveness.
But then, things changed, as both my fiance and my two children had a different last name than me, and I felt like I had to explain something to everyone. I felt like an outsider.
Now I'm married, and the first time I heard someone call me 'Mrs. XXXXX,' I had to stop and think about it. About how far Mr. XXXXX and I had come, and how blessed I am that he stayed with me through it all. I realized that I was clinging to the wrong name for so long because of fear. Now I have the right name, and a new outlook on life.
AND YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME...JESUS, PRINCE OF PEACE, MIGHTY GOD, WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, HOLY ONE, LAMB OF GOD, PRINCE OF LIFE, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, ROOT OF DAVID, WORD OF LIFE, AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH, ADVOCATE, THE WAY, DAYSPRING, LORD OF ALL, I AM, SON OF GOD, SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF SOULS, MESSIAH, THE TRUTH, SAVIOR, CHIEF CORNERSTONE, KING OF KINGS, RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, LIGHT OF THE WORLD, HEAD OF THE CHURCH, MORNING STAR, SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, LORD JESUS CHRIST, CHIEF SHEPHERD, RESURRECTION AND LIFE, HORN OF SALVATION, GOVERNOR, THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, ANCIENT OF DAYS.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
When I first became the Lord's, I knew I had some baggage that shouldn't be coming with on the journey any longer, so I starting seeing a Christian counselor. He was a great counselor, and he helped me to forgive myself and others, and begin down the road of forgiveness. However, he suggested that I start picturing God as my father. For me, and I suspect many, this is a bad choice. I haven't seen my father since I was eight. Fathers just don't have the same reputation that they once had. So, once that association was in my head, I had a tough time disassociating God from my earthly father. I pictured a God that was a violent, punishing god. He would be there for me sometimes, and not be there others.
My counselor made one more mistake. Not knowing my past, he also suggested when things got tough, many people like to picture God holding them on His lap. Since I had been sexually abused as a young teen, that image did all kinds of poor things for God.
None of this was the counselor's fault. These images work for some; but for others, it does not.
But take a look at that list of names. When I saw that list the first time, three of these became my favorite, and they draw me so close to God, that I can cling to Him and worship Him. I am, Ancient of Days, and the Alpha and the Omega. Those names are so packed with power and awesomeness. They command reverence and sovereignty. Those are names that signify my God. Who else can call themselves 'I AM' and need no other explaination? Or try and wrap your mind around 'Ancient of Days.' I love that one because it is so timeless. God cannot be captured in time. He does not have an age. Finally, picture 'The Alpha and the Omega.' The beginning and the ending of all things. They take my breath away.
So, if you cannot connect with God because of some reason or another, or if you have been rejecting Him, try to see Him in a different light. Look at Him through one of those names and just take the time to picture it in your mind. He's worth that, isn't He? We try and picture different races and put ourselves in their shoes in order to show tolerance and to seek understanding. Give God the same consideration. Look at how many different things He can be for you. He truly is your All in All.
Think about it...
I like my name. I grew up in a very large city, and my ethnicity was something I carried as a banner to proclaim who I was. My maiden name was of a Mexican origin, and I was very proud of it. When I moved to Minnesota, I was still proud of it, however, most people had a hard time pronouncing it. I never planned to change my name. I used my race to explain my anger, my defensiveness.
But then, things changed, as both my fiance and my two children had a different last name than me, and I felt like I had to explain something to everyone. I felt like an outsider.
Now I'm married, and the first time I heard someone call me 'Mrs. XXXXX,' I had to stop and think about it. About how far Mr. XXXXX and I had come, and how blessed I am that he stayed with me through it all. I realized that I was clinging to the wrong name for so long because of fear. Now I have the right name, and a new outlook on life.
AND YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME...JESUS, PRINCE OF PEACE, MIGHTY GOD, WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, HOLY ONE, LAMB OF GOD, PRINCE OF LIFE, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH, ROOT OF DAVID, WORD OF LIFE, AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH, ADVOCATE, THE WAY, DAYSPRING, LORD OF ALL, I AM, SON OF GOD, SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF SOULS, MESSIAH, THE TRUTH, SAVIOR, CHIEF CORNERSTONE, KING OF KINGS, RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, LIGHT OF THE WORLD, HEAD OF THE CHURCH, MORNING STAR, SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, LORD JESUS CHRIST, CHIEF SHEPHERD, RESURRECTION AND LIFE, HORN OF SALVATION, GOVERNOR, THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, ANCIENT OF DAYS.
WHAT'S THE POINT?
When I first became the Lord's, I knew I had some baggage that shouldn't be coming with on the journey any longer, so I starting seeing a Christian counselor. He was a great counselor, and he helped me to forgive myself and others, and begin down the road of forgiveness. However, he suggested that I start picturing God as my father. For me, and I suspect many, this is a bad choice. I haven't seen my father since I was eight. Fathers just don't have the same reputation that they once had. So, once that association was in my head, I had a tough time disassociating God from my earthly father. I pictured a God that was a violent, punishing god. He would be there for me sometimes, and not be there others.
My counselor made one more mistake. Not knowing my past, he also suggested when things got tough, many people like to picture God holding them on His lap. Since I had been sexually abused as a young teen, that image did all kinds of poor things for God.
None of this was the counselor's fault. These images work for some; but for others, it does not.
But take a look at that list of names. When I saw that list the first time, three of these became my favorite, and they draw me so close to God, that I can cling to Him and worship Him. I am, Ancient of Days, and the Alpha and the Omega. Those names are so packed with power and awesomeness. They command reverence and sovereignty. Those are names that signify my God. Who else can call themselves 'I AM' and need no other explaination? Or try and wrap your mind around 'Ancient of Days.' I love that one because it is so timeless. God cannot be captured in time. He does not have an age. Finally, picture 'The Alpha and the Omega.' The beginning and the ending of all things. They take my breath away.
So, if you cannot connect with God because of some reason or another, or if you have been rejecting Him, try to see Him in a different light. Look at Him through one of those names and just take the time to picture it in your mind. He's worth that, isn't He? We try and picture different races and put ourselves in their shoes in order to show tolerance and to seek understanding. Give God the same consideration. Look at how many different things He can be for you. He truly is your All in All.
Think about it...
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