The Pursuit of God

I'm reading a variety of books right now including "Les Miserables", Shepherding a Child's Heart", "Who Switched Off My Brain," and "The Pursuit of God."  Quite a hodgepodge, right? Read on.

Firstly, I saw the recent movie adaptation of "Les Mis" in (the musical--not to be confused with the book). Loved it. Watched it twice in the theaters, and would have gladly gone again. It was AMAZING. Second, I am a parent, hence the parenting book. And lastly, I share a Kindle account with my parents, and was exposed to a couple of books by Caroline Leaf that my Dad is reading. One of which is "Who Switched Off My Brain?" Very interesting reading (see my post from Feb. 23rd). http://amclife2009.blogspot.com/2013/02/jesus-calling-feb-21.html

The other book-- "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer is a classic "Christian" book. I've read it in the past, but it's the type of book you want to absorb--to soak it in, seep into your heart and soul. It is a book about hungering and thirsting after God. It is NOT a theology book highlighting doctrine. It does not contain formulas, fundamentals of Christianity, nor deep spiritual wisdom. The insight and words of Tozer, however, are quite heart-stirring. The language is beautifully written. His words are about Worship of God. True, honest, real, desperate, outpouring devotion and adoration. But it's also about the journey--the pursuit. How do we achieve that type of worship? Knowing God. That's it. And not passively. Aggressively, emotionally, passionately hungering and thirsting for more of Him-- knowing Him, experiencing Him, being with Him. In the preface, Tozer says this:

"This book is a modest attempt to aid God's hungry children so to find Him. Nothing here is new except in the sense that it is a discovery which my own heart has made of spiritual realities most delightful and wonderful to me."
 

I read his words, as well as the words of others such as Sarah Young ("Jesus Calling"). I read God's Word. My heart and mind are so attacted to this personal, real knowledge of God. And I think, "Why can't I be consumed with a thirst for Him?" But for most of us, this is not as simple as turning a light switch on. I spend time being frustrated that I'm not "there" already. But really, I'm on the journey. I'm in pursuit. Step by step. The goal is each day to desire Him more. To walk closer and deeper in His presence. My response will naturally be more passionate with each step.

Jesus Calling - February 24th

"BE STILL IN the light of My Presence, while I communicate Love to you. There is no force in the universe as powerful as My Love. You are constantly aware of limitations: your own and others'. But there is no limit to My Love; it fills all of space, time, and eternity. Now you see through a glass, darkly, but someday you will see Me face to Face. Then you will be able to experience fully how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. If you were to experience that now, you would be overwhelmed to the point of feeling crushed. But you have . . . eternity . . . you can enjoy My Presence in unrestricted ecstasy. For now, the knowledge of My (love) is sufficient fo carry you through each day." The woman that 'wrote' this has an amazing way with words. But it's so much more than that. She speaks of a lifetime of walking with God, looking to him for guidance. She has taken the time in her life to truly "be still ... in (His) presence". And she has made it a habit to seek that time out, as well as finding the right place to do such. She desired to hear from God. She speaks of a "quest", a "search for truth". She says "it was God's glorious creation that helped me open my heart to Him." She desired to receive personal messages from God. Now, I know that sounds a little weird, presumptuous, arrogant--and she has received much criticism for her book. But I truly believe this is what God has for each of us. And if we are walking with Him, seeking Him, making time for Him; I think this is exactly what He will do--speak to us PERSONALLY. I believe her words are from God, for her. But based on her testimony, and the measurement of these "messages" next to scripture, I see such value in sharing them with others. We just need to keep in mind the context of her words. To me, this book drives me to scripture (which she references with every entry). Here's what she says about her purpose in sharing: "This practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the messages I have received." She goes on to say, "The Bible is, of course, the only inerrant Word of God; my writings must be consistent with that unchanging standard." She finishes the intro of her book by reminding the reader that "Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us." When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:14-19

Jesus Calling - February 22nd

"YOU NEED ME EVERY MOMENT. Your awareness of your constant need for Me is your greatest strength." Um, I've failed miserably at living in this truth. Sometimes I wonder if I will EVER reach the point in my relationship wih God where turning to Him is more automatic than relying on myself. "EVERY MOMENT." "Pitfalls . . . self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up. Your inadequacy presents you with a continual choice--deep dependence on Me, or despair." So I either choose--every moment, continually, constantly-- to dwell in Him, to look to Him for everything; OR I live in a pit. Doesn't seem like a hard choice. So how do I do that?? Well, for someone like me who is so good at seeing only my failures, I must choose to keep trying, keep moving--one moment, one choice at a time. Failing once does not equal permanent failure and it doesn't define me as such. "Praying continually . . prayers flowing out of the present moment." This is the sweetest part of knowing Christ. I think back on days, moments where I did this, and the peace is indescribeable. It is like a conversation with someone right there with you throughout your entire day. And it can seem a little "weird" at first, but it just takes practice. Try it! Tell him what's on your mind. Ask him questions. Express your feelings. Seek His guidance. Ask for His strength. "Never stop praying." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)

Jesus Calling - Feb 21

TRUST and THANKFULNESS. "Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing. Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining." Well isn't that the truth? Thankfulness is so effective, and I find that when my attitude is such, it has a great impact on others around me. I'm just pleasant to be around. :) "(Trust) is a free choice that you must make thousands of times daily. The more you choose to trust Me, the easier it becomes. Thought patterns of trust become etched into your brain." Wow. "THOUSANDS of times daily." No wonder the Bible warns and cautions us to be on our guard. If we are not it's just too easy for worry and control to take over. I am reading a book right now by Caroline Leaf called "Who Switched Off My Brain". It addresses this very issues of thought patterns, and specifically 'toxic' thoughts creating pathways in our brain. And the other side of the coin is that patterns of trusting God can create healthy pathways. And what happens in our thought life, our brain, affects every other part of our body, right? And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)

Jesus Calling, February 18th

(For the last month or so I've been going through the yearly devotional "Jesus Calling". It is a very introspective, personal and reflective book. The author shares things she feels God has personally said to her, for her. She also includes scripture. My pattern has been to read the devotion, highlight portions, look at the scripture, and then journal on what spoke to me). For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) "I AM WITH YOU. These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair. . . The promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go." So often I (we) are in the 'pit of despair' when we call on God. What a great thought that he is our 'safety net' and protects (prevents) us from falling into despair in the first place. We don't have to get to that point. IF we find ourselves there, maybe we bypassed the 'safety net'. Something to think about. "Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free fall . . . Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically." This can be SO true. I am so good at letting circumstances, emotions, people affect me negatively to the point where I feel completely 'out of control'--like free falling. BUT, when I stop (or God puts a reminder in my path) my perspective DOES change radically. The feeling of falling just stops. So . . . how do we get that perspective? By remembering these words, "I am continually with you; you hold my right hand." How do we remember this in the midst of the fall? Make a choice to 'walk' with Him daily--talk to him, read His Word. Make Him a part of all you do. Psalm 73:23-26 (ESV) I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel,and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

I'm Back!!!

So happy to access this blog again. I had some technical issues getting back here. Probably because my brain has zero ability to process anything technical. :/ I have had such a desire to blog for a while now. So, hopefully you'll hear from me soon!