Conversations with God

It’s interesting to me how skewed our views of God can get. We grow up singing “Jesus Loves Me” and reciting the “Our Father,” but then wonder if He’s going to get mad and strike us with lightening when we make a mistake. Somehow God’s become the great taskmaster in the sky. Rather than enjoying the journey of learning to hear His voice, we become afraid to act in case we heard wrong. Instead of telling the world about the love of God, we’re paralyzed by our fear. The reasons I believe things have gotten so messed up are too many to discuss here. However, I would like to share a story that might shed some light on things. I teach preschool special education. I have had several students with what’s called a developmental delay. Basically, a 5-year old in this situation may speak, think, and act more like a 2 or 3-year old. So, one day, all the students are gathered together to learn about letters and numbers. I ask a question and one of my kiddos answers, “Babble babble babble b...

I’ve been pondering two distinct trains of thought I’ve heard lately regarding how God wants to interact with His people. First, I’ve heard an emphasis on God calling people deeper into relationship with Him, relating to Him as Father, on a personal basis. Second, I’ve heard the vital need for a generation with a martyr mentality, willing to do anything and go anywhere for the cause of Christ. At first, the two viewpoints seemed almost contradictory. How does a Father’s love mesh with martyrdom? And I’ve realized the real problem is trying to keep them separate, not together. Let me explain. Think for a minute of the person or people you love most in the world. If you were at the gas station with them and someone pulled out a gun, you wouldn’t hesitate in putting yourself in harm’s way to protect them. It’s not because you’re super spiritual. It’s because you have such a depth of relationship with them that the value of your own life pales before the value of theirs....

You revealed Your face, Then showed me theirs. You first gave me faith, Then said, "Repair." I yield all control; Let justice roll- Through me let Your will be done. I fall to my knees, Fire release- Through me let Your Kingdom come. The fire in Your eyes Set my heart free. The sound of their cries Was my decree. I yield all control; Let justice roll- Through me let Your will be done. I fall to my knees, Fire release- Through me let Your Kingdom come. My heart is open; I've chosen Your choice. Simple devotion- I use my voice I yield all control; Let justice roll- Through me let Your will be done. I fall to my knees, Fire release- Through me let Your Kingdom come.