Taste And See That The Lord Is Good

When I was a kid, my best friend was a girl named Krystal. We spent every moment together, walking the neighborhood, watching movies, going to the races, the beach, or going camping. One day in particular, we got together to watch movies. (Most likely just Dream A Little Dream on repeat.)

At some point, we started getting hungry and so we found ourselves in the kitchen raiding the cabinets. It seemed like there was nothing that was either already or quickly prepared. As we turned to leave the kitchen, Krystal spied a crock pot on the counter.  She yelled "Mom made boiled peanuts!"

If you're not from the south, you might not know that people in the south really do boil peanuts. In fact, where I come from, boiled peanuts can be found at just about every farm stand or corner in town. They come in two flavors, plain or spicy. Many people also make their own, like my friend's mom did.

Before this moment, I didn't know any of the above either. They didn't really sound appealing but I was willing to try them. We each got a cup of peanuts and an extra bowl to discard shells.  I picked up my first wet, soft peanut and bit into the shell. Juice oozed out as I bit in. Once removing the shell, I bit into the meat of the nut.  I am pretty sure that I spit it out immediately. It was wet and slimy and soft and totally unlike any idea that I had about a peanut.

Krystal said "Maybe it was it a bad one. Try another one." So I did. Same process. Except this time I think that I chewed it up. It was definitely more firm then the last one and it wasn't quite as slimy. I thought to myself; "Where was the crunch? Is it supposed to taste this way? I finally said out loud, "Why on earth would someone eat these?"

Of course, she had probably finished half of her cup by then. As I tried to form my opinion of them, I decided to go back to the kitchen and look at the pantry one more time. I looked through everything again but found nothing. I finally retreated to the living room. I sat back down on the floor and forced myself to finish the rest of my cup of peanuts. When I was done, I got back up and got another cup, even though I was pretty sure that I didn't like them.

I am not sure at what point I developed a LOVE for boiled peanuts, but it happened. It even became my favorite snack. It just took a little practice to change my mind.

Here lately I've been thinking about how that compares to aspects of our spiritual life. Going to church, learning to rely on something that our eyes might not see, and particularly how it compares to reading the word.

Jeremiah 15:16 ESV says Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

Not only does this passage reference eating the word but also notice that it says he delighted in them AFTER he ate them. The words became a source of joy. Maybe not at first and maybe not even during but he 'delighted' after he consumed them.

How many times have I picked up my Bible and thought "OK God, I will get serious. I am going to read a chapter every day until..." or I would commit to completing a whole book of the Bible within a particular period of time. Yet the moment that I would try to read, I'd pick up and endless genealogy in Chronicles. I was lost with who was who before I ever got to a passage that didn't list a name.

I'd come across passages, like the ones in Revelations that talk about beasts, bowls, scrolls and trumpets. I was so confused. Should I read this literally or is this a metaphor? Then I would read Mathew, Mark, Luke and John and it was like reading the same thing over and over. I was so discouraged every time. How do some people seem to have so much faith? And how come I don't get it? It just doesn't make sense to me.

But then-

I was attending a study with some friends about 5 years ago. It was a good mixed group. Some of us were raised to believe in God but we were young in our own faith. Others in the group were well seasoned. It seemed that every time I had a question about a passage, a friend would not only try to answer the question but he would also read from the commentary in his Bible. I'd scramble through pages trying to figure out what he was reading from. It was like a light bulb going off every single time but I could never find the answers in my own Bible.

Finally, I asked him what kind of Bible he had. It was a Life Application Bible. It had interpretation of what was happening in each passage. It cross referenced other passages to give you more details to the story. It had so many in depth biographies about characters in the Bible. I had to buy one. It was one of the best investments that I ever made. And now, even when I understand a passage, I look for the commentary because it is so powerful.

You might ask how reading the Bible applies to eating something new. In both scenarios, it was awkward and seemingly unnatural for me to want or even like either. But trying it again, and again, and again is what made each of them become something that I loved.

Psalms 34:8 says to Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

How do you taste something that you're reading with your eyes?  You profess it with your mouth. Proverbs 18:21 says that there is LIFE in the power of the tongue. You chant it to yourself in that moment of need. You share it with your friends when you've made a connection. You pray his word right back to God when you don't know what else to do. "Your word says 'X' and... 'I need it" or "I believe it" or "I have found it to be true..."

You have to apply it to your eyes, to your thoughts, to your lips, and to your life. You can't apply it if you do not read it and know what it is. And if you're doing neither of those, how do you know that God is good?

At some point a regular study wasn't enough. A situation would arise and I would use a concordance or Google to look up passages and interpretations of verses until I found one that either satisfied or convicted my heart.  I wonder what God says about this...

His word became so much more personal when I started trying to apply it. When I found it to be true; I did delight, not only in God but in his word. Then my desire changed and I began to enjoy reading the Bible in every other method.

If you're still trying to figure out how to like the Bible, I encourage you to ask God to make you like it. I'd also like to recommend that you pick out a Bible that you like. The one that I mentioned is a great one but there are other study Bibles. Also consider the translation. If you can't understand KJV, try NAS or NIV translations. Make it personal. If it's something that makes sense to you and if it's something that YOU picked out, you'll be more inclined to read it.

I'd also like to recommend that you pick out or even go to a Bible study. You can read on your own. You don't have to go to church or meet with a group. However, when you're in a group, you can discuss ideas and different interpretations and learn about tools. All of which might help you grow your own faith.

I know that I am on a church kick these days but I've really been surprised by how much I've grown to love it. I have recently missed 3 weeks between family visiting and sickness in our house. By that third week, I was literally grieving not being at church. If I go too long without reading his word or spending time with him, I find myself grieving there too. What is most interesting though, is that I crave all of it now; church, my Bible and time with God. But it first came, by the practice of....

The last thought that I'd like to leave you with is how the Bible compares to that crock pot. The crock pot was in the same room with us the whole time. We stood so close to it and yet kept searching and searching for something to satisfy our hunger. We didn't even notice it until after we had finally exhausted all of our other options. The only reason that I became aware of its satisfying contents was because someone else had been satisfied by it before and knew to open it up.

Matthew 4:4 (NIV) Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Have a blessed day y'all!! :D

101 ways to train your mind to be on the things of the Lord

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." - Philippians 4:8.

Some of these ideas might seem a little silly but truthfully, we all just need a lot of reminders. The more we start looking for ways to include God; the more that we will actually start including him. I went from being a woman who could never remember to pray to becoming a woman who prays all of the time. Don't make any part of this list your law. :) Ask God to help you or reveal where to start and give yourself time to practice.

1. Memorize a bible verse (or two). Repetition leads to new habits.
2. Write affirmations of biblical promises, your goals, new habits etc. Repeat them every day as part of your morning routine.
3. Change one or all of your passwords to scripture passages or spiritual words/phrases.
4. Slap some yellow sticky notes with words that you find encouraging, EVERYWHERE YOU GO. (Or for you private types, write them in the fog on the mirror or hide them in other places.)
5. Or wear jewelry, temporary tattoos, clothing, etc. for the same purpose as number 4. If you pick one thing and always use or wear it, then it will serve as a great reminder, not only to keep you on task but it can also become an invitation to talk about God when someone inquires about the item. 
6. When you commute in the car, trade that music for quiet time, a Christian worship hour, audio teaching, or even listen to the audio bible.
7. Pray with your children (and spouse). And to break up the monotony, you can incorporate lessons from school like if your preschooler is learning ABC's, pray for someone or something that starts with A and then the next night B.  OR Find something that you're thankful for that starts with that letter or pray for 'x' number of things.
8. When someone or something upsets you, take that as an opportunity to think of a positive about the situation or person, pray to God or reference a verse that might adjust your attitude. Pray also about what you can DO. Perhaps there is a need that you can meet to restore your peace.
9. Develop personal goals. If you don't know where you're going, how do you know where you're headed?
10. Develop Spiritual Goals, not just for yourself but as a family.
11. Don't be impulsive. Especially with large purchases or decisions. Consider biblical principles or even your personal/spiritual goals. How will your decision line up with those items?
12. Fast from food, a thing or activity. Then every time that you think about that thing, offer up a prayer or word of thanks to God.
13. Pray with a friend that asks for advice. This is twofold. Not only are you putting your advice on the shelf but you're bringing God's hand into the situation.  Plus, the more that you pray out loud, the better that you will become at praying out loud.
14. Stop saying your "lucky" and give God the thanks for your blessing(s).
15. There are devotion books for children, include one in your bed time reading with the kids at night. (There is also a teen edition)
16. Better yet, get an adult edition for you.
17. Go outside; touch nature and something that God has made. There is life in it.
18. Commit to something at your church or in service to God.  By committing you will form new habit(s).
19. Give God part of your day. Every day.
20. Ask God what he wants you to think about.
21. Then wait and listen for his reply.
22. Re-prioritze your life so that "love" comes first.  The more you look for things to love, the more that you will find things to love. This is the greatest commandment.
23. Turn off the electronics. There are plenty of verses that refer to peace of mind, being quiet and not being restless. You don't continuously need to touch that gadget.
24. If your kids find something that they like at church, incorporate it at home. Example: My kids LOVED candlelight service at Christmas. So, we bought candles for the house and so, once a month or when they ask, we light candles and sit on the porch at night. There are no rules (except for the ones that apply to fire safety and well everyone must come and be present). Then each person takes a turn (but only if they feel led to). When it's your turn, you can sing, pray, talk and worship the Lord anyway that you feel led. 
25. Try to find God in everything. (Sometimes you just need to ask him- God what would you like me to know about this? What do you want to teach me?)
26. If you want to know about something biblical, take the time to look it up.
27. If you start a study, even if you don't like the subject, tell yourself that God can still teach you something from it. Then complete it.
28. Expect to be successful at keeping your mind on the things of God.
29. Expect God to show you new ways to incorporate this.
30. Everything that you do, do the best that you can do to give him honor. (Col 3:23)
31. Start journaling. When you pray about something, document your answers, it will keep you listening. Don't limit the journal to prayers that only ask God for things. It can be a record of blessings, goals, plans, etc.
32. Start setting standards on movies and books that you read. Don't watch them if they break commandments or make you feel awful. Turn them off then and find something better to watch or listen to.
33. Download a bible app,  podcast or book on your smart phone or tablet.
34. Decorate your home with little reminders that mean something to you and your relationship with God.
35. Say the blessing before each meal.
36. Subscribe to a blog or daily devotion.
37. Your body is a temple. Start treating it that way and think about what you're doing to it and putting in it.
38. Select spiritual screen savers.
39. Put something on your ceiling so that you see it first thing when you wake up (or by the bed, if the ceiling thought just freaked you out. haha).
40. Look for someone that you could share God with each day.
41. Unfortunately we all have to reprimand our kids occasionally. When this happens, try and think of scripture that references the behavior that want them to correct.
42. Do the above, when you need to correct yourself.
43. Then forgive yourself.
44. Then try to love yourself like God loves you.
45. Try to love others like God loves them.
46. During family time each day, instead of asking what your high/low was ask, "How did you see/feel/hear God today?"
47. If you like games, look for Christian or Biblical trivia online or other board games.
48. If you enjoy baking, make it an opportunity to tell a story like with Hot Crossed buns or Resurrection Rolls.
49. Do something nice and unexpected for someone else. Then make it an opportunity to discuss and/or reflect on God's love with the recipient.
50. Pay tithes.  Everyone cringes at this but if you give it to him first, you're putting him before everything else.
51. Volunteer or help someone when you see or hear of the need. (Golden Rule)
52. Encourage fellowship in your home. Invite friends. Not just yours but also your children's friends.
53. At dinner or on the way home everyone should take a turn to name something that they are thankful for.
54. Attend church. Take as many people with you as you can.
55. Monitor what comes in your home and what goes out.
56. GET REST, it's easier to keep a mind in line, when it is fully rested.
57. Start practicing what you are learning. Caring for the earth by not littering, returning things when they are out of place, helping others and animals, like turtles crossing the road.
58. See where God is working and join him. (reference from Experiencing God study.)
59. Nothing is coincidence. Believe in divine intervention.
60. Read the bible. The more that you put in your mind, the more that will stick around. This is easier to do when you find one that you like. The Life Application Bible is awesome!
61. Do crafts with your kids like resurrection tombs or something else. You can google Christian crafts.
62. Did someone say snacks?
63. Put this Romans 13:8 somewhere visible in your wallet and consider it before spending. 
64. Find an accountability partner and then discuss that list weekly.
65. During the Holidays, find ways to make them about God instead of just the traditional holiday garb.
66. Name a pet after someone in the bible. Every time that you call him/her...
67. Set an alarm clock or ringer to an encouraging song or phrase.
68. If you're going to take a class or go to counseling, search and register for a Christian version.
69. Plan ahead so that it's easier for you to stay in line. (You'll know where/when you might need to be planning in your own life.)
70. When selecting a vacation, schedule it around a mission opportunity, retreat or conference.
71. When you have nothing to say and nothing to think, sing a song to God.
72. When you have too much to say and too much to think, sing a song to God instead.
73. Be sober minded, not just concerning the effects of alcohol but in all things that you consume, and lack of sleep. (1 Peter 1:13)
74. When writing letters and cards for friends, include encouraging verses.
75. Live like someone is watching your every move. He sees. So do others.
76. Surround yourself with positive people. Iron sharpens iron.
77. Don't be afraid of discipline. Look for it. Accept it and consider it.
78. Avoid sin as much as possible. I know that sounds too general but seriously, think about your actions.
79. Apologize to any person and/or to God as soon as you are aware of an offense.
80. Guard your time with God. Turn the phone off, put the dogs outside, get up before the kids...
81. Remember WWJD? In your every decision, consider and apply "What Would Jesus Do in this situation?"
82. When passion for something over takes you (whether good or bad) ask God what he wants you to do with that.  It might be your sign to act on his behalf. If it happens enough in the same kind of situation, you might have a hint at your calling.
83. Simplify your life. Less things, less money, less tasks = less distractions = more peace.
84. Be social. He made us for fellowship, with him and with others.
85. Consider what your values are or apply biblical principles to your life.
86. Actually accept the help when it's offered.  (Better yet, don't wait, ask for it.) It might free up some time to reflect more on God.
87. Be affectionate to God. If you don't feel it, act as though you do. Your desire will grow.
88. Change your self-talk. Don't meditate on things that aren't biblical like worry, shame, regret, insecurity. When the thought comes, correct it, rebuke it, look up a verse and practice that instead, every time the thought comes back.
89. When you think that you can't give or if you start to feel stingy with something, remind yourself of verses Matthew 25:40 or Proverbs 21:26 or that God fed thousands with just 2 fish and five loaves.
90. Use your gift in service to the Lord. If you like to sew, make something for residents of nursing homes or hospitals. If you like to cook, do it for shut ins or invite needy over. If you love time with kids, foster or be a Big Brother/Sister or a lunch buddy at a local school.
91. Care for the things that you've been given. This is easier if you see them all as gifts or things that don't belong to you.
92. Don't gossip. Build each other up or say nothing.
93. If you're dating, make sure that prospects are not only believers but active in their faith.
94. Don't complain. If you're going to say it, you were already thinking it. Get that mind right.
95. Don't be idle.  Be ACTIVE, in your life, in your faith, and in self. Ever heard the expression "An idle mind is the devils playground." If you're lolly gagging along, the devil will derail you.
96. Don't be so focused on the finish line that you can't enjoy your place now but Stick it out with God.
97. When you feel like saying "Why God why?" Hold that thought and just put your trust in him.
98. Obedience. When you do what you feel like God has been asking you to do, it's easier to feel closer to him.
99. Don't compartmentalize God. It will be easier to keep your mind on God, if you don't put him back in the box after Sunday. 
100. Talk about Christ with your family.  Not just in stories or what happened at church but how he is working in your own life.
101. Give your heart to God. Ask him in, let him lead, then follow.

I've Never Seen That Before

About two weeks ago, I had some work done to my 4 Runner. The valve cover gaskets needed to be replaced. The work had needed to be done for a while but it took forever to diagnose. I picked it up on a Saturday. The truck seemed to be running fine until the following Tuesday morning.

I am not sure if you are familiar with the Piankitank River Bridge but it has been under construction for some time now. The two lane bridge has only one lane open to traffic. The other lane is completely undriveable. There is no emergency lane or shoulder. The only room to move is in the one lane that you are traveling in. If you've been over it, you might remember it more because instead of road workers directing traffic, you will find a stop light that determines which side of traffic can cross.

Anyway, on Tuesday morning, I was first in line and when the light turned green, my oil light came on and the engine cut off. I quickly prayed, "Oh please God, the truck can break but please don't let me be the disabled vehicle that stops traffic -both ways- on a busy one lane bridge first thing in the morning."

I turned the key and it started up again.  I made it across the bridge and about a mile (Thank you God) before the oil light came back on and it cut off for good. I was able to coast into a subdivision.

I heard some crazy sounds. I smelled some good smells. I looked under my truck and sure enough, oil was dripping from underneath. "This isn't good." I popped the hood and the pulley for my timing belt was broken. It had busted through the plastic cover and was revealing itself to me. "Oh no, this isn't good either."

A man stops by and offers to help. He looks under the hood and says "I've never seen that before." A fleck of awareness strikes me as if this is my queue to tune in to what God is doing. Just that morning, I said a prayer and asked God to show me something new. I chuckle a little; this man's words cannot be a coincidence. I feel myself accept some kind of challenge. "OK God. I'm yours. Yes, I meant what I prayed, even if it is this. Reveal your power."

Of course I also prayed that God would make me satisfied only with what he gave instead of what I want. The situation before me is definitely not what I want. I want a running vehicle. Heck, a new car is just fine. I boldly ask for it. Why not? Colin and I have been talking cars for sometime and just have not been in a position to buy another one. Neither of us saw this coming though. This truck was our better vehicle.

I get my phone to make calls and ironically my cousin's boyfriend, Steve just took over his family's towing business and they live immediately behind me. How convenient. (Thank you God).

I'm out in the country and so it will be a while before he gets to me. I pop the hatch in the back of the truck and I sit there making calls. Within minutes, I have three cars that I can borrow if necessary, offers for a ride into work, and other 'willing to help' offers. (Thanks again).

Then I notice the day. It is beautiful! We've had some super hot streaks lately but it's not hot this day. I comment a lot that I want to live somewhere that is in the 70's year round with a slight breeze.  The weather is EXACTLY that. I giggle a little and lift up another (Thanks).

Finally the tow truck arrives and the Steve looks under the hood. Again I hear, "I've never seen that before." (of course I will hear it about 5 more times before the day is over). I tell him my prayer. We share funny smiles and talk about where to take the truck.

In the ride back to Gloucester, I try to make a mental list of things at I am thankful for about this situation. I didn't get tires or other work done to the truck that was needed yet. -Not because I was waiting for something. I just couldn't seem to get our schedules right to make it happen. This must be why. (Thank you God). I didn't even fill it up with gas. I was on E. (Thanks again). I wasn't in a wreck. We were all OK and the kids weren't with me. (Thanks some more)

I know that the issue with my truck is major but I just have so much peace and I just can't stop laughing.  You know what- that is truly something new, for me. I do laugh a lot. I try to be positive but there was a season in my life where the back of my mind was a dark room filled with worry. Not just worry but sometimes obsession. There is plenty of opportunity for that here. But I feel different. Instead of my freaking out about the problem, or the expense or the inconvenience; the peace of God sustains me (Philippians 4:7) and I know that it's a gift from him. -Not just Peace but Joy. (Romans 15:13). (Thank you God)

I stop by to see my regular mechanic to have him take a look at the truck before I return it to who did the work. I just want to confirm whether or not what has happened, is or is not related to what was done. My motor is gone. The cam has completely snapped. The mechanic said "It looks like a freak thing". He even follows it with the magic words.

I don't think it's a freak thing. I am not blaming God or even trying to blame anything one else. Life happens. Things happen. But God provides. (Philippians 4:19). Before I had even made it to this point of my day, I had 3 offers for a loaner car for an indefinite period of time. I didn't even have to ask.

I started to refuse them because that wasn't the solution that I wanted. It wounded my pride to need something from someone else. How much do we doubt God's power when he doesn't answer prayers the way that we think that he should answer them? -As if our plans are so much better?

My heart might want a new engine. My flesh might want a new car. We tell God that he can answer prayers with a (fill in the blank). While we can and should be specific in our prayers, we need to be sure to leave enough room for God to be God. How many times do we think that he's not answering simply because his (fill in the blank) is different than ours. We don't even recognize that we already have a solution. Or maybe he can't do what needs to be done because we didn't give him enough room to work. A loaner wasn't what I wanted but he provides.

I'll say it again- He provides.

And again, HE PROVIDES.

He sees the whole picture. There are a lot of things going on in my life right now. Car payments are not what I need. Truthfully, there are a lot of other things I need to take care of before I even consider this motor. God knows this and I now agree with him that the very best solution is the loaner car at least for a bit. Without my having to ask one person, he provided 3.

I don't know how the rest of this story will end yet.  -But I remind myself not to put faith in things. I  also note that I really like the person that I am growing up (in Christ) to be. (Thanks again)

****

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18 NASB)

Start Your Fire (down at the PBC)

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post called "Fire Starters". I don't usually share my blog posts on our church Facebook page but I felt led to share that one. Afterwards, I started beating myself up because I spoke about some things that  happened in church. I was worried that someone might interpret that as a negative message about what they would find inside. I might have even given the devil an opportunity to have a field day with it; by keeping new people from wanting to come and by upsetting the people that currently attend.

In the time since that post, I have thought more and more about how easy it is to be offended. We don't like what someone says, or a particular message that was given, the way the choir sings, the uncomfortable pews, the temperature of the building or blah blah blah...  There is just too much stuff to not like, if we stop to think about it.

I might have gotten upset when someone made a comment to me (refer to the other post). In hindsight, it was such a catalyst for me to get real about my faith. I took it straight to God and he really put me in my place. "Are you coming to church for the people or for me?" In so many ways, I can't help but be thankful for that one moment. (And countless other moments in my life that initially made me uncomfortable).

I didn't like it. It didn't stroke my ego. If I had given that one spark the room to ignite; I might have never settled down at any church. If I didn't let God convict me and then make a decision to commit no matter how I felt, then I would have missed out on meeting some pretty incredible people inside it.

If I got mad enough to walk away, I might not have seen 2 of my 3 children baptized so early in life or I would've missed the blessing of hearing my preacher sing from the pit of his soul, the opportunity to be a part of some mission opportunities right here in my own community, and the gift of belonging to a purpose.

I pray to be a strong woman of faith and to have a big, strong family right there with me. I pray to have good Christian friends and that somehow I can make a difference in the life of another.  When I first started praying those prayers, I was not where I am now. Although I am not perfect by any means, God has been able to answer some of those prayers, simply by my willingness to be obedient.  -Even when it hurt. How many times in life do we allow offenses to cheat us from the glory that awaits us, if we would just push through?

And no, you don't need to come to church to prove that you believe in God or even to find him. But at some point, doesn't faith require us to get over ourselves? True worship is selfless. It's not what a church can do for us, or what we think that we can do for God but a recognition of who we are called to be in Christ and coming forward to find our position.

Church is one of the greatest spiritual weapons that you can have.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12  says Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV)

and

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

No matter where you are in your faith, I encourage you to cultivate your desire to know God and to discover the power of church.  Don't stop once you hit the doors.  If sitting in the back is getting comfortable then move a little closer to the front, or come again on another day, or even sign up for an activity inside.  The closer that you get to the heart of it, the more you will realize how much it is exactly what you have been looking for.

You might not be able to come to Providence but there is a church somewhere that is has been waiting for you. Choose one and then keep coming back. If you'd like to come to Providence, we'd love to have you. Our services are at 9:00 and 10:30.

Revelations 2:10 Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

1 John 3:2 | Prayer

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2

"For we shall see him as he is." That last line has been on my mind since I read it Sunday. The more I know about you, results in the more that I want to know about you. If I doubled my knowledge every day until death, it wouldn't compare to what I would find, when I finally meet you face to face.

What would it be like to fully know you? Who is this God that I can't fathom? I look at mountains and I am in awe of their might and their stillness. -Their mere greatness in comparison to me. I couldn't cover one in a day or even a week. Yet they tremble at your name. (Nahum 1:5). I want to know what makes them tremble. What is it that they see or hear that I do not?

I look at the sun and the stars and how they are suspended in the sky. -How they hang only on your every word. (Isaiah 40:26). How much more brilliant, powerful must you be to awe the stars?

Do even the trees hear your whisper and rise up to touch you? Do even the birds follow your commands? What is it that you would say to them? And do they see...

Everything in your creation has layer upon layer to it's making. Each so detailed and carefully crafted. How many more layers must there be to your infiniteness. If a mountain can steal my breath, the creation of life mystify me and your grace alone humble me. How much more will each of those reactions be magnified in your presence? Show me who it is that I haven't seen. Unfold another layer to your greatness.

If it's my rules that destroy my visibility, take me back to infancy. When I was so fresh from you, that I was not aware of my own desire. Did I then know, where I came from? Reduce me to tears and no other form of words. To be satisfied with what you give instead of what I want. -When I had no choice but to see what only you set before me. Even then, I am sure that I could not retain all of you but would I be able to see more?

Prepare my heart God so that I can see, then show me at least one new thing that I miss in my every other day. Make this day new. Find me worthy of your secrets. My heart so longs to know more.