Why is it that so many people make God out to be this passive quiet fluffy bunny or genie? God isn’t a fluffy bunny. He isnt our pet, He isn’t up in Heaven focused SOLELY on ME! or YOU! He isn’t tame, or under our control. He isn’t willing to compromise with us, who are we that God is even MINDFUL of us? We are grass that fades in the evening, and chaff on the wind. We pass from this life in the blink of an eye. God, is eternal, He is HOLY and JUST. He is powerful beyond measure. HE will not be mocked.
I have (as i mentioned before) been going through a really tough time over here. So tough, because it deals with someone hurting my three year old, and my church, which I loved. I started out on this painful journey optimistic, and hopeful, putting my trust in the God of justice and peace (I still trust Him implicitely but boy there was a time there when I was quite bitter about it all). I believed that He would make things right, and that He would serve my family by vindicating us. You know, perhaps He will. We have left our church now, and wont be returning. Perhaps in time God will see fit to cause repentance in those who have sinned against us. But you know what I have learned through this?
God isn’t there for ME. (No i dont mean to imply He isnt reliable or trustworthy, no not at all..) Let me clarify. God isnt in heaven serving me, He isnt up there going “hmm how can I bless Meg today?” Oh dont get me wrong God does bless me, everyday. But He does so to bring HIMSELF Glory, not to make me happy, neither to make me feel good, nor to satisfy my lusts. God does what He does for His own purposes. He has an eternal perspective that I cannot fathom. And He is totally worthy of all the praise and glory that He brings Himself.
Who am I that God is mindful of me? I am no one. God is mindful of me because it brings Him glory! Not because I am special, not because I am wonderful, not because I seek to serve Him. But because it brings Him glory. The beginning of all things and the end of all things are for God’s glory.
Whether I suffer and die, or just suffer forever is to bring Him glory. Whether I am living in abundance or proverty is to bring Him glory. Neither one is better than the other. Both can be sinful.
If I am not doing according to His Spirit’s direction, it is sin! My life at that moment is sinful and I am an enemy of God… “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the spirit of God is life and peace…” Romans 8:6 it goes on to say “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile towards God; for it does not subject itself to the Law of God for it is not even ABLE to do so;” and here is the best part “for those who are in the flesh CANNOT please God”! (Romans 8:7-8).
Can you believe that? Even if I do something wonderfully good (seeming) to another person, if I did it of my own flesh, and not unto the glory of God or by His directive, it is a SIN and does not please God. Not only that but though it may seem good to me, it is not good! It is bad!God defines good and bad as what comes from HIM… not what comes from me, for all works of the flesh are dead and count as nothing but rags.
God is not a fluffy bunny, neither is he a pet dog, He does not come when called, He cannot be manipulated into serving you… He fulfills His promises because it brings Himself glory, not because it makes me happy.
If God does not vindicate my family, nor bring the offender to repentance, it is for His own purposes and His own glory.
Am I willing to suffer for Him? To suffer and never see the fruit of my suffering? Am I willing to allow my children to suffer for Him? Yes and Amen, for it is far better than being ignorant of sin, far better than not knowing Him. The glory of the Lord is awesome, and I cannot wait until the day when I live in perpetual obesience to Him and bask in His glory, then all the day will be only for Him and nothing will be focused upon me.
for more on this topic check out aformofsoundwords and check out the first sermon by Paul Washer (on the left column).
Peace and Blessings,
Mrs. Meg Logan
Thanks for the mention Meg.
I also wanted to remind you that the sermon you enjoyed is actually part 1 of a series of six sermons he preached near Atlanta, Georgia. I’m up to part 3, and I plan to listen (and post) part 4 tonight. So far, all the sermons are GREAT! Hope you and your readers take the time to listen… these sermons are high quality. They have truly blessed me.
Take care,
Rand
Amen!
Your BiC,
El Gee
http://www.mistergeek.com
Thank you for that reminder– it truly is not about us but is totally about Him. It’s so easy for us to get invloved with this world and lose focus on what we are truly here to do.