I love spring. I love to walk outside looking for signs of life. Tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, wheat fields all bring hope that winter is almost over and spring is coming. Newness always brings hope. Experiencing the renewed warmth of the sun sends me out to walk and breath in the fresh air.
God and I have had a few walks this week. We yuk it up about what's going on in my head. At times I am quiet enough to ask, "So what about You? What's going on in your heart Papa." Fun times...our conversations.
Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to walk with Jesus like the disciples did? Wonder what they talked about? What inside jokes did these 13 men have? Can you joke with the Son of God? Could He really have had a sense of humor? Absolutely. He was in relationship with these men. They were normal men living beside the Son of God.
We have made this relationship far too hard and legalistic. I believe He loves child like conversations and experiences. I believe He likes to play, create, run, walk, listen, cry, laugh, lay in the sun watching the clouds roll by, and roll up His sleeves working hard with purpose.
I am falling in love more each day with Papa, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Just being with them changes me. Read that sentence again. JUST BEING WITH THEM CHANGES ME. We don't have a formula or recipe. We are just living life together. It is an experience of relationship and love unlike anything in my past.
I came across the book "Surrender to Love" by David G. Benner. Benner writes, "Genuinly encountering love is not the same as inviting Jesus into your heart, joining or attending a church or doing what Jesus commands. It is the experience of love that is transformational. You simply cannot bask in divine love and not be affected." This is so true. We have reduced the relationship with God to disciplines and activity. PLEASE HEAR ME. I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT WE GIVE UP THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. I do believe however, there is a deeper place in relationship that is available.
A question came to me during my time away. I ask it of you. What do I know about God from direct personal experience? This stopped me in my tracks. I know many things about Him. I know some of the theology and doctrine. But that theology and doctrine isn't an intimate experience with God. I have had moments and experiences; the on/off again type. But sustaining, direction-altering changes have been few.
I am so hungry and desperate for the experience. It doesn't have to be mountaintop moments everyday. I want the day to day experience as well. God and me over lunch, laundry, other relationships, work, in it all. I want Him. I need His light, life, bread, water, way, word, healing, movement, breathe, heartbeat. Are you getting the picture? I am nothing. HE IS EVERYTHING.
He is Teacher, Comforter, Guide, Lover, Savior, Friend, Counselor, Redeemer, Prince of true Peace, Shield, Shelter, Refuge, Defender of my weakness, Strength, King of Kings, Lord of Lords...and best of all HE IS MINE. HE IS YOURS TOO! I just want to shout it out.
I watch the world pass Him up and long to say...You need to know my Savior. He can do for you what no one can. Please come, get to know My Jesus, My Papa, My Holy Spirit. Please let them have a chance and moment with you.
Now I must run along. God and I are headed to clean this house and pay bills. It will be a full day together. Hope yours is too.
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