2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Have you noticed in your spiritual life that if you haven't been in the Word or in prayer that there is a greater struggle to reflect the Lord's glory? Sometimes I spend a little too much time reading books or devotionals ABOUT God, but don't spend the time WITH God - listening for the Spirit's voice as I read Scripture or talking with Him in prayer. KNOWING ABOUT God is vastly different than KNOWING God!
For example, Joel Rosenberg, the novelist, and I are friends. I might read someone's interview of Joel, but if I'm not interacting with Joel he has very little influence over me. It ia also be like looking at a photo album. You may sit in your friend's living room and look at their family pictures, which may tell you something about your friend, but you are not being transformed by perusing the photo album. You are changed by being in relationship.
An active interplay between two people - you and God, is the ONLY way to have growth and power. Sometimes I get caught up thinking ABOUT God, but I don't spend the time interacting with Him. It's no wonder we're lacking at these times.
I encourage you today to spend time WITH God. Thursday night as a storm rolled through at sunset I was amazed at the fierceness and beauty displayed in the sky. I was standing on my front porch waiting for the dog to do his "thing" and I started singing "I Love You, Lord" aloud. The dog ignored me, thank goodness. I then just stopped singing mid-chorus and said a few things to Him as I watched His majesty pass by. Spending time with the Lord doesn't have to be a formal quiet time (although I'm a big fan of that too), but I've had life-changing interaction with the Father at many different times, even while folding laundry.
He's always available and eager to spend time with you. Why not seek Him out today!
2 Chronicles 15:2
He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.
2 comments:
Very good thoughts! And you're right. We can be so focused on reading this book or that devotional that it takes time away from being with Him, either in prayer or in the Word. I think we can get caught up in man's opinion of scripture through books rather than reading the scriptures for ourselves and letting the Holy Spirit do His job in us...leading and guiding us into all truth.
Happy weekend to ya!
Sometimes, heck, most of the time it is hard to be still before Him. When you mentioned worshiping Him in song, it struck a chord with me (no pun intended) as I am musical. Thank you!
Joel C. Rosenberg? I can't tell you how many times I have recommended his books and blog. If you think of it, please mention to him that his writing has changed my life. Thanks!
Post a Comment