Heart Surgery

"Kath, it sure is sad that we can't remember what we've read in all these books."

Larry and I were commiserating with each other as we looked at the piles of books we'd read in preparation for writing our next book. Only knowing we had done lots of underlining gave us confidence that we would be able to refer back to the important material we would be using.

We both wished we could apply every day the amazing truths we've read over the decades of following Christ. It is discouraging to think that we can't remember everything we've ever taken in.

But then I said to Larry, "Maybe we can think of it this way. We can't remember what we had for dinner three years ago, but it nourished us at the time and became a part of us."

It's the same way with reading the Word of God or other worthwhile books--or the sermon we heard on Sunday. The Spirit of God applies it to our lives at that time and builds us up spiritually and mentally. We may not remember everything but it has become a part of us.

Now, certainly, we should take the time and effort to recall and re-concentrate on important truths. We also need to respond in obedience to what we hear and read. Those are the elements for truth to be powerful in our lives. But don't be discouraged if it seems you remember so little over a long period of time. The Spirit of God is faithful to apply it all for the edifying of our spirits. We may not even remember what work He did, but He has.

Hebrews 4:12 assures us,
"For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (NASB).

If we've cooperated with the Spirit as we responded to what we read and heard, the heart surgery has already occurred. We have been changed and as we continue to seek and grow, the results will be revealed.

Obedience Has Its Rewards & BOOK WINNER

WINNER of Unsqueezed by Margot Starbuck: (DRUM ROLL): Jeannette Wilcox! Congratulations, Jeannette.

And thank you, everyone, who participated. If you'd like to buy a copy of Unsqueezed, go to Buy Unsqueezed

Also, check out Margot's website.

And now, here's my blog post for today:

My mother, Vivian, had purchased tickets for herself, Karen (my sister) , and I to see “Phantom of the Opera” in Los Angeles. Bus transportation was included to remove the stress of driving. But Karen still planned to drive in separately so that she could head home right after the play. She had a three hour drive ahead of her and it would save her an hour's time. We'd already enjoyed a full weekend together so it seemed like the wise thing to do.

But then as we sat at breakfast, Karen announced, “The Lord told me to get the full experience and go along with you on the bus today."

Of course, my mom and I were so pleased. It would be the maximum fun to be together the whole time. Soon we were headed to the nearby park where we checked in and found our seats on the tour bus. It was indeed great to be together and Patricia, the city's tour guide, began to welcome us all as the bus transitioned onto the freeway.

Within a few minutes, Patricia had given us some facts about "Phantom of the Opera" and then she talked about the Pantages theater where we would see it.

My sister turned to me and with a surprised look said, "I thought we were going to the Dorothy Chandler Theatre. When I thought I was going to drive separately, I printed out directions to that theater, not the Pantages."

We grinned at each other. I spoke up, "I'm sure glad you obeyed the Lord, Karen. Isn't that great how the Lord protected you?"

If Karen hadn't obeyed the Lord, she would have taken a detour ten miles from the Pantages. She most likely could have reached us by cell phone and most likely wouldn't have missed the play but untold stress was alleviated by her paying attention to God's direction.

I truly believe obeying God is the most self-protective thing we can do. Believing He only wants our best and obeying Him as a result has wonderful rewards. I just wish I'd always remember that! I'm glad my sister did.

Book Give-Away of UnSqueezed: Margot Starbuck's new book

Great news: I will be giving away a free copy of Unsqueezed. Read more how you could win!

Just imagine for a moment what it would be like to be more concerned about reaching out in love to someone rather than wondering what they think of you. Just imagine for a moment what it would be like to not feel inadequate because you don't wear the latest styles. Just imagine for a moment what it would be like to not feel horrible about adding two pounds. That is the world Margot Starbuck invites us into in her book, Unsqueezed: Springing free from skinny jeans, nose jobs, highlights and stilettos (IVP).

Yet, I'll be honest. I put this book on my desk, intending to read it but kept avoiding it. I had recently bought skinny jeans, my hair sports highlights and I would love to wear stilettos if I weren't so tall. As for the nose job, I finally grew into my too-big-nose. I instinctively knew Unsqueezed would squeeze my complacency and comfort zone and I didn't want to be uncomfortable.

When I finally gathered the emotional energy to reading Margot Starbuck's book, I was indeed challenged but I laughed all the way! Margot is a funny writer. A very funny writer. I'm not one to get easily humored by the written word. But Margot is truly funny...even as she punches you in the guts with truth and conviction.

Lest I scare you away though, Margot communicates a loving tone with a passion for drawing us closer to God's loving heart. In fact, her book was spiritually deeper than I thought it would be. She calls us to a heart level of seeing how the things of this world do not satisfy and only finding our contentment in Christ will truly bring the satisfaction we desire. She does not hit you over the head; she beckons you to search whether thinking how to lose 30 pounds will make you more desirable. Or wearing the latest fashions will make you acceptable to others. She calls you to think about your heart, not just your body image.

And did I mention? You'll laugh with joy as you consider how much God loves and accepts you unconditionally—expressed by Margot as only Margot can. Margot's purpose is to motivate us to view our body, not as an object to be worshiped, but as an instrument of God's love to others. That's why she communicates reasonableness. She doesn't say, “You're wrong to want to lose 30 pounds.” She asks us to ask why it's so important to us and will it help us love others well?

And to help you get the point while you're smiling, she frequently includes a list of “Ten Best Things,” like: “Ten Lies Advertisers Want You to Believe,” “Stuff It Sort of Seems Like Bodies Were Made To Do,” and “Ten Ideas for Food Discipleship” amongst many other thought-provoking yet funny views of life.

One of the most endearing and encouraging themes of Unsqueezed is Margot's wonderful ability to poke fun at herself. There's no “looking down her nose” in this book. She exposes her own struggles and temptations of being “squeezed” by our culture, and her sometimes inadequate ability of resisting.

I am so glad I read Unsqueezed. I was affirmed to hold on to godly motivations I already had, challenged to repent of lies I've believed, and motivated to make changes that draw me closer to God's loving heart. And I laughed and smiled through it all.

Would you like to win a free copy of Unsqueezed? If you will make any comment on my blog, I will put your name in the hat and draw a name to receive Margot Starbuck's book. Please be sure to include your email address so that if your name is drawn, I can contact you for your mailing address. Last day to post a comment is Monday, Sept. 27^th. I'll draw the name Tuesday morning.

(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from IVP as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

Why Is Receiving Christ Embarrassing?

Our pastor gave a marvelous salvation message on Sunday and when he closed he encouraged any who didn't know Jesus to receive Him as Savior. Then he said, "I don't want to embarrass anyone, so be sure to talk with me after the service." The word "embarrass" really hit me. And it hit me because I've had the same attitude when I've given an opportunity to receive Christ.

But maybe for the first time it hit me so forcefully: "Why do we act as if making a commitment to Christ is embarrassing?" Now, I actually do know why because I felt embarrassed to raise my hand when I wanted to receive Christ so many decades ago. But why? What is it about making that decision that makes a person feel embarrassed? That's what I've been wondering.

For me, I didn't know if those around me would make fun of me. And somehow it felt like I would be put up for display in some way. People would gawk, or something similar. But why? Why do we get that impression?

I don't know that answer but I have been thinking about how we might make it not seem so "embarrassing." I thought about saying something like, "Just imagine for a moment that you're in a meeting and you don't know what everyone else knows: that you've won a One Million Dollar Prize and within minutes it will be announced. Everyone is going to go wild with joy and happiness for you. You might feel embarrassed by the attention but when it's announced and you stand up to receive your prize, you're going to be so glad your life has just changed for the good."

Now I know you're already ahead of me. I'm describing the gift--the prize--of knowing Christ that a person receives at salvation. And the people around them want to jump up and down to rejoice with that person. Make fun of them? Gawk at them? Are you kidding? They want to pound you on the back to congratulate you.

Could saying something like that when we present Christ in a group setting make it easier for someone to step out of the aisle and come forward? Or raise their hand while everyone's eyes are open? I don't know. I'd like to try it and see.

Why do you think people feel embarrassed to indicate their decision for Christ? Did you feel embarrassed? What do you think would make people more comfortable making a public stand?

How Do You Express Disappointment?

I'm very sensitive to frame words so that my negative feelings won't be communicated to the person who might have "inspired" that feeling. I'm careful to not give the impression that a person's actions "caused" my reaction, for I truly believe that my reactions are my own choice. Even if someone does something hurtful, for instance, I am responsible for how I react to it. I can resist believing that what was done meant I was somehow inadequate or worthless or at fault--or worthy of being treated that way. Another person's reaction is their own choice.

So, when I was reviewing Jesus' response to the disciples at the Garden of Gethsemane, I admit I had to pause. Matthew 26:40 tells us, "And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour?" (NASB).

Jesus was disappointed that His closest friends couldn't sacrifice their own comfort to support Him in prayer in His most difficult hour. He gently rebuked them with a question that clearly indicated His sadness at their lack of care.

I must admit that I would have handled it differently. I wouldn't have wanted to make them feel bad. After all, who am I to expect anything for myself? And especially the feeling and attitude of disappointment is a curious one to handle. If I'm disappointed, doesn't that mean I expected something and maybe my expectation was unrealistic? And shouldn't I only expect God to meet my needs? People can't and shouldn't be depended upon.

I just heard from a friend today who planned a trip after much prayer and consideration of all the facts. She started out with great expectations and 500 miles into the trip, her car stopped working. She is disappointed. She felt she had done everything she could to prepare and protect the success of the trip. She had her car inspected and her mechanic said everything was A-OK. But her car broke down and now after almost $3,000 worth of repairs, she's back on the road and two days delayed. She's disappointed. In God? In her mechanic? If God, what could He possibly have in mind wasting His money for which she's a steward?

I was proud of her for communicating that she was disappointed. I think disappointment often gets covered up with "Oh, well, praise the Lord. He's in charge." That's certainly a godly response but not if it buries the longings of our hearts.

For years as my daughter held to her belief that she would never want children, and since our son was single, I buried my disappointment. I so wanted to be able to love and impact a grandchild. But "Oh, well, praise the Lord. He's in charge." I wouldn't allow myself to fully feel my disappointment, thinking that it would be a lack of trust in God. My daughter knew of my desire yet I didn't make a big deal out of it. It certainly wasn't appropriate to lay a guilt trip on her if she really didn't believe God wanted her to have children.

But one day I really got in touch with my longing and my disappointment. In all honesty, I didn't belabor it but I didn't feel guilty for feeling those feelings. I could still trust in God's plan yet face what I'd love to have.

Then Christmas Eve arrived 4 years ago. My daughter and her husband had originally told us they wouldn't come for Christmas but at the last minute, they drove down. All the family was there and while in the midst of everyone sitting around talking, Darcy seized a quiet minute and said, "I have an announcement." The room got quiet and still. It was one of those moments where it's only 30 seconds long but it felt like an hour. Something inside me knew what she would say and yet my brain couldn't comprehend it and my heart was afraid to hope it was true. But she said the words, "I'm pregnant," that I'd wanted to hear for years. She looked immediately at me and expected and received my shocked joy. The room erupted as everyone rejoiced.

Now, our grandson, Raphael, is 3 years old and fulfills the delight I'd longed for. No longer disappointed, I'm very grateful. But I'm glad I allowed myself to feel the disappointment. (By the way, Raphael was his mom and dad's choice, and Darcy says that God changed her mind!)

Thinking back to Jesus' disappointment, I believe there are things for which we should express our disappointment. Not everything. Yet, we can always be in touch with our longings and desires and then turn them over to the Lord. The goal is not to live in denial, but to feel all that God desires for us so that we can look to Him as our highest "fulfiller."

Even THAT Is a Step of Faith and Trust

As I sat down to have my Quiet Time with the Lord, I knew I had made a great choice but I thought of all the work I could be doing at my desk. And I love working at my desk!

But I gathered my Bible to me, ready to read and ponder, and the thought came, "Having a time with the Lord is a step of faith and trust." Hmm. That was interesting. Something I don't think I'd thought before in that exact way. Faith and trust?

Well, I could see that it required my faith and trust in God in believing that He could be in charge of all that I needed to do. I was saying, "Lord, I trust that you are in charge of my day and my responsibilities and if you're calling me to have my time with you, then you know it all and will get what work done that you consider important in your timing."

That was a great thought. And it points out that so many things we do even regularly are a step of faith and trust. I remember someone saying that going to sleep is a step of faith and trust. Hmm. Interesting. But going to sleep really does take away our control. We have to say, "I'm releasing control and I'm not going to do anything else now. It has to be totally in God's hands. Good night."

We eat and we trust that God will use the nutrients in our body. We turn the key of the car and trust that it will start. We trust that God will cause the sun to rise in the morning. So much of life is really about faith and trust and we don't really think that much about it.

Can you think of something that you do and you've never thought of it before as a step of faith and trust? It might be interesting to thank God that He is coming through for you for even the most mundane, usual things, that we take for granted. And also recognize how that kind of faith and trust within us can be transferred to other things that are challenging and seem more difficult. After all, if we trust Him for the easy things, why is it really harder to trust Him for the "hard" things? Does He have a list of "easy" things and "hard" things? Is God only capable of caring about the "easy" things, or is it that we take for granted His care because He's so faithful?

Jeremiah 32:27 says, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" (NIV).

What do you think?

Ministering to Those Who've Had Abortions

A few months ago, I met Shadia Hrichi at a women's retreat and I was thrilled to hear of her powerful ministry to those who have had abortions. It's called Beautiful Voice Ministries (www.beautifulvoice.org). She has written a book titled Nameless No More: A Journey of Healing After Abortion.

As you can tell from the title, her book tells her own story of how God healed her after she'd had an abortion at the age of 15. Of course, the healing came many years later but she shows how it affected her for those many years. And then tells how God healed her.

Shadia describes her reaction after her abortion, "I spent the next several years mastering how to keep Anamika's memory hidden from the world--and from myself. Within my heart, I planted weeds of lies, guilt, and shame to choke out any life left in that little seed. Over time, the seed withered and hardened until eventually, its decay spread through my soul like cancer. By the time I reached adulthood, I had completely lost the ability to fully open my heart to anyone--even to myself." (pgs. 55-56). Note: "Anamika means "nameless."

Shadia quotes Jim Newhall, an abortionist, who said, "Not everybody is meant to be born. I believe, for a baby, life begins when his mother wants him."

No wonder those in the abortion industry have convinced themselves that what they do is right. How I thank God that every child is important and designed by Him, known and wanted!!!!! Shadia also quotes God: "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV).

Shadia's book is only 70 pages and is a fast read. I think that's useful because then even a teenager wouldn't feel overwhelmed with reading it. It's a powerful story of God's mercy and healing. I recommend it highly. It can be used to help those we meet who are burdened by the guilt of abortion. We can also read it for ourselves to gather more compassion for those who were deceived to think they had no choice.

My heart was gladdened by reading Nameless No More. Shadia's story and insights built my faith in our wonderful Savior who uses every struggle for good and His glory--even those in which we make unwise, even sinful choices. I'm confident your life will be impacted too and you'll know that there is nothing God doesn't want to use and that His loving forgiveness reaches every hidden corner of our lives.

You can order Shadia's book at www.beautifulvoice.org. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. She is an author, speaker, and the founder of Beautiful Voice Ministries. Shadia lives in San Jose, CA, and is available for speaking opportunities. Check out her blog at http://shadiahrichi.wordpress.com/.

My Article in Decision Magazine

Here's a link for reading my recent article published in Decision Magazine. It's entitled, "How to Survive in the Furnace of Adversity." I hope it will encourage you. It's about my 10-month journey in pain. But I trust you'll find that it can apply to any challenge you face.

http://www.billygraham.org/articlepage.asp?articleid=6265
Kathy's Decision Article

Ask! Don't Assume!

^{Do you know how often you are influenced by what you already believe--even if what you believe is false? I found an interesting encounter that the disciples had with their Master Jesus. In this case, the disciples were influenced by what their believed about their guilt! Here it is in Matthew 16:5-12:}

"And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. And Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, "He said that because we did not bring any bread." But Jesus, aware of this, said, "You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? "Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? "Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? "How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (NASB).

Did you notice how their guilt about not bringing along bread was like a filter to the way they perceived and interpreted Jesus' words? You and I do this all the time. Our perception about what others say and do goes through the filter of what we already believe. And in the disciples' case, they believed that they were guilty and had been found out!

I was chatting at a women's event with a gal whom I'll call "Shirley." She told me this story:
"When I was growing up, my parent's marriage seemed rock solid. I felt so secure because of that and anticipated that I would have the same kind of marriage. But after I'd been married a year or two, my mother suddenly left because my father was most likely having what we'd now call a mid-life crisis. My world fell apart. I concluded that you couldn't be sure about marriage after all. Even though my parents got back together, my secure feeling had dissipated. I started thinking for the first time, 'I wonder when my husband will fall out of love with me.' When my husband started seeming a little distant, I thought, 'OK, here it is. Everything is going to fall apart just like with my parents. I knew it was just a matter of time.'"

Shirley continued telling me how she began to get very upset with her husband and overreacted in an effort to try to hold things together. Thankfully, they were able to work it out fine because her husband explained that he hadn't fallen out of love with her, he was just intensely focused at work because of a critical project. What she feared wasn't happening. Yet, her overreactions could have caused him to withdraw from her if he had interpreted her actions as not respecting him. A crisis was averted.

But Shirley's story shows how pre-conceived ideas can flavor and influence our perceptions. Did you notice in the disciples' story how they concluded, "He said that because...." They assumed they knew. They talked among themselves but didn't ask Jesus. They assumed they could interpret what Jesus meant. They allowed their guilt to overwhelm their ability to ASK! They may have even been afraid that by asking what Jesus meant, He would only confirm their worst fear: that they are indeed guilty. So, it may have even felt safer to sit in their little pit of guilt. Only Jesus knowing what was really going on, opened the door for clarification.

Have you ever done something similar? I know I have. Maybe Larry seems a little gruff and I just know he's upset because dinner didn't taste very good. (By the way, it turns out he was just distracted by whatever he was concentrating on).

Maybe my friend doesn't respond to my email and because I was asking for a favor, I conclude she doesn't like me anymore and doesn't want to help. (By the way, she was out of town and couldn't check her email.)

Maybe I send out an article but never hear. I conclude they didn't like it and don't pursue it. (By the way, it turns out the article didn't reach them.)

The simple but risky solution is asking! It feels risky because we might hear what we fear. So we'd rather just ignore or overreact to defend ourselves or ????? What's your strategy that leaves out God?

Maybe the saddest thing about the disciples is why Jesus has to rebuke them. They were upset about not having brought their own bread when Jesus had created enough bread that fed first 5,000 and then 4,000. Hello! They needlessly felt guilty about something that is inconsequential. It was a non-issue. And I get defensive and create my own self-protective, sinful strategies when Jesus is capable of providing everything I need. Oh, the wicked webs we weave.

It was ultimately their little faith in Jesus' love for them that wove the strategies of protection around them. Let's put on our shield of faith to protect ourselves from believing false ideas. And for many situations, let's ask instead of assume!

Five Results of Longing for God

<sup>Two weeks ago, I began blogging about longing for God and shared the five ways Dr. Kellemen wrote about that answers the question, "What do we long for when we long for Father?" (Soul Physicians).

I've already written about how enjoying God is a part of longing for God. The other four Dr. Kellemen suggests are: 1. Entrusting ourselves to God; 2. Engage in His good purposes; 3. Emulate Him; 4. Exalt Him.

Those five things are results of longing for God. When we seek after God, when we long for fellowship and intimacy with God, we're going to enjoy Him because we are concentrating on His wonderful, beautiful, and attractive qualities.

When we seek and long for fellowship with our wonderful Heavenly Father, we will be more empowered to entrust ourselves to His loving care. The more we surrender ourselves to Him, knowing that He wants our good, the more we will long to be in contact with this marvelous God. Just think how He knows everything that is for our benefit. And by the way, what we call "bad" things can be for our benefit. If we don't believe that, we will be hesitant to entrust ourselves to Him and draw near to Him because we really don't think He's a good God. Instead, we can have the perspective of the Psalmist: "It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statues" (119:71 NASB).</sup>

The third result of longing for God is wanting to engage in His good purposes. Longing for God and drawing closer to Him will motivate us to fulfill His plans and to walk within His desires for us. Again, the Psalmist writes,
"Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it." (37:3-5).
The more we long for God, the more we delight in Him. The more we delight in Him, the more our desires are within the realm of His desires for us. We'll just naturally long for those things in alignment with His plans.

Fourthly, longing for God and drawing closer to Him, will empower us to emulate Him. We will <sup>represent Him to others through our godliness. Have you ever noticed that who you think about, you become more like? Even if it's someone you say that you "hate," and even though you may be determined not to be like them; you can begin to notice qualities in yourself that are like that person. It's because you have spent so much time thinking about them. Well, the same principle happens in a positive way. The more we long for God and think about Him, the more we naturally become like Him. And we reflect Him in the way we react and the choices we make.

Finally, longing for God will result in us exalting Him. He will get the glory because of how we enjoy our Father, entrust ourselves to Him, engage in His purposes, and emulate Him. He'll shine through us and He'll get the credit. He'll look good!

As I've continued in a month-long fast from sugar as a means of drawing closer to God, I have indeed longed for God more. I think of God more just in everyday kind of things. I turn to Him more often. I look forward to having specific time with Him, concentrating through Bible study and prayer.

Of course, with any spiritual exercise, things wane and then increase. At times, when I want something sweet, I haven't turned my attention to the Lord. But then I'll realize my focus has decreased, and I'll make a fresh commitment. At first, I'm tempted to get discouraged, but I remind myself I'm on a journey and stumbling is to be expected. It's okay. I'm learning. God is working. The "ing" means progress and growth.

I'm grateful for this time; but I'm sure looking forward to a hot fudge sundae!</sup>

God is Jumping Up And Down in Excitement Over YOU!!

Would it be meaningful for you to better long for God if you knew He was longing after you? Wouldn't it be easier to enjoy Him if you knew He was enjoying you?

Those were the questions I asked myself as I read this from Robert W. Kellemen's book, Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction:

"God enjoys you. Do you believe it? Does it make a difference in your life? 'God's friendship,' Luther reminds us, 'is a bigger comfort than that of the whole world' (Luther, Luther's Works, Vol. 49, p. 306). Father celebrates with us and over us. He likes us. Desires us. Wants to have fun with us. Delights in us.

"Larry Crabb tells the story of an encounter that he experienced with author Brennan Manning.

Several years earlier, Brennan had told me of his spiritual director's curious habit. Whenever he saw Brennan after an extended absence, he jumped up and down with delight.

I remember smiling. I pictured an elderly gentleman walking down a deserted beach toward an agreed upon meeting point and, spotting Brennan from a distance, hopping three or four times. The image amused me. It also drew me.

A year later, my wife Rachel and I tumbled out of a crowded elevator into a hotel lobby teeming with conference participants. Across the way, I caught a glimpse of Brennan's white hair and unmistakable smile. As I leaned toward Rachel to tell her I had just seen Brennan, he turned and saw us. Immediately, he jumped up and down. I was warmed to the bottom of my heart. (Crabb, Connecting, pg 71).

Dr. Kellemen continues, "Have you ever pictured Father greeting you like that? Do it now. Stop. Pause. Meditate. Envision. You're the forgiven prodigal, the accepted son, the celebrated child, the delighted-in-friend--of God. He sees you across the way. Wow! What a huge smile breaks forth across His face. Now what? He's jumping up and down. Gleeful. Dancing. Skipping. Delighted to see you." (pg. 371).

Yes, WOW! I want to run and jump into Father's arms! To think of Him jumping up and down with delight as I anticipate seeking Him out is wonderful. And isn't that what Zephaniah 3:17 is talking about?
"The LORD your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy" (NASB).

Enjoy God's delight in you and over you!

Long and Enjoy Him through God's Beauty

As I thought more about longing for God by enjoying Him, I thought of His beauty. How can we not enjoy a God who is beautiful, attractive, pure, glorious, and filled with qualities that should only create a longing for Him, rather than repel us?

I've often thought about how beauty is deteremined. I think of an actress who is called beautiful, and I observe a person whose face is symmetrical and in alignment. There is order. One eye is not bigger than the other, nor is one eye farther up her face than another.

And that helps me think about God's beauty. Because He is perfectly aligned in perfection, He has no spot or blemish. All His qualities (His love, gentleness, grace, mercy, justice, wrath, kindness), are all in proportion and complete. He is the ultimate of all good things. There is balance--and that explains that I used the word "wrath." I have no trouble declaring that one of God's qualities is wrath. He does get angry at sin and those things that mar His creation's "goodness." God said all He created was good but sin came about through our choice and spoiled it. It doesn't ruin Him, but it does His creation. And His wrath is in conjunction with His justice and mercy. Everything is in harmony.

But when we distrust God, we're believing lies about His beauty. We're actually saying He's not beautiful. We're saying that something is "off", "ugly", or "disjointed." His "right eye" is higher than His "left eye." We're distrusting His love or His grace or His kindness or His wrath. We're saying He's imperfect in His plan, responses, or His ways. When we feel afraid to long after Him by approaching Him, we're afraid He's really not beautiful. Nor does He have beautiful intentions for us.

That's basically what persuaded Eve to turn from her Father. Satan questioned God's good intentions for her, insinuating that God was withholding something from her. Something good, tasty, and attractive. She didn't believe what God said when He declared it dangerous for her. She wanted what she wanted and feared she was missing out.

Just today, I received a FaceBook post from my friend, Joan C. Webb, from her book The Intentional Woman (a NavPress book which I highly recommend). She wrote, "Years ago, after I asked God to fill my cup (remember that song?), it seemed instead that He ate my lunch. As I saw my dreams fade away, I worked harder to hold on but eventually lost my grip. I wondered where God was and why He let it happen.

"Reflecting back, I wonder if He could not fill my cup because I already had it full with my personal agenda about how I would serve and minister. I wanted to accomplish great things for God, but I had my own ideas (which by the way, were not bad, but actually good, noble and passionate.)

"Perhaps He was waiting for me to empty the unusable contents so He could pour in His plan. Maybe He's doing that again." (pg. 86-87)

Longing for God through His beauty means trusting His beautiful heart for His plans for us. It means longing to hear of Him and from Him. It means praising Him by concentrating and reviewing His wonderful qualities. It means allowing ourselves to believe His good intentions for us and not being afraid to approach Him with boldness.

Dear Child of God, long for Him, enjoy His beauty, appreciate His perfections, and trust His goodness.