"Once we clearly acknowledge the soul, we can learn to hear it's cries. - Dallas Willard, Renovation Of The Heart."

It takes courage to pursue our dreams. It takes time and patience to unearth buried treasure. But I believe with all my heart that we must do both.

4.26.2010

Abiding Monday



"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breath and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:14-19)

This was Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, it's his prayer for all believers.

He prayed this for those who already believed - therefore Christ was already dwelling in their hearts, they were already filled with the fullness of God.

So why did he pray this for them?

This was part of yesterdays sermon.

Our pastor started out saying, "We should seek profound experiences of the love of God."

Okay, if you are a believer you know that we don't live our lives based on "experience" alone, or on our "feelings" alone, because they are not always the best source of wisdom.

But - if we don't ever experience the love of God, the presence of God, experience, not just knowing we are missing out on so much.

There is a difference in knowing and a knowing (experience)

"The engaged mind, illuminated by truth, awakens awareness; the engaged heart, affected by love, awakens passion. May I say once more - this essential energy of the soul is not an ecstatic trance, high emotion or a sanguine stance toward life: It is a fierce longing for God, an unyielding resolve to live in and out of our belovedness." Brennan Manning - Author Abba's Child

I loved this sermon, for it is what happened to me in 2007. There was a shift from just knowing to a knowing.

This is not to say I will live, or you will live with "experience" every day, every minute. But we are to seek - not the experience - but God. There will certainly be "dark nights" in our journey (see Psalm 88) but in those times we have faith that God is still with us.

This piece was found in the pocket of Hudson Taylor (missionary to China 19th century) when he passed away.

"Lord Jesus make Thyself to me
A living, bright reality;
More present to faith's vision keen
Than any outward object seen;
More near, more intimately nigh
Than even the sweetest earthly tie."


Blessings!

11 comments:

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

Learning to live loved by God, it's how I live my life now and it has made all the difference for I find him, even in the dark :-)

Mollye said...

Hi Mary are you doing alright? missing you is all...:) I just downloaded the Glo Bible and am eager to study Paul on it! XXHave a happy week, Mollye

S. Etole said...

I just read this scripture earlier this morning ... what a privilege to know Him in every way.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary,
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.... So true and so profound. For me, I think the experiences get me through the dark times. I have been experiencing God by His Holy Spirit more,recently. Not every day, but alot. I have this strong sense of His presence and am amazed at His Love for Me. He is literally transforming me by His Love. As I read your blog I feel kindred to you. You explain in words what I am feeling.

Blessings my friend,
Tammy

Just Be Real said...

Our pastor started out saying, "We should seek profound experiences of the love of God."

Mary the above would certainly get my attention. I am not there yet, but one day I will certainly embrace the love that God has for me when I do let His love in totally.

Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.

lori vliegen said...

here's to the journey.....the dark nights and the bright days. here's to seeking Him!!
xox, :))
p.s. LOVE your butterfly from yesterday's post....gorgeousness!!! :))

CountryDreaming said...

Even praying in simple words can be a profound experience, after all, it's God we're talking to, and hopefully taking the time to listen to. Thanks so much for this post! I also commented on your wonderful butterfly below.

Denise said...

Such a nice post.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I love this...thank you sooo much for sharing

Buffy said...

Beautiful post Mary,thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Isn't it wonderful when you come to that realization?? It's when so many things finally make sense too!!! love you sis.