Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Incredible things, just incredible!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Luke 5, 24-26
Jesus said to the one who was paralyzed, "I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God. Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, "We have seen incredible things today."

For the second time in three weeks we've been in the front row of church when a huge kids' choir sang and danced and had a great time. And I'm counting my blessings. Here's a video Margaret made of the first choir, at Crossroads Christian Church in Evansville, IN. The second video (from Vineyard Fellowship in Urbana) is coming soon...just subscribe to her u-tube page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LYUEdQaAlo

The kids didn't just sing. Their faces expressed every emotion in the book. They didn't just pray, either. Some of them didn't seem to notice the praying, while others crinkled their eyes shut and squeezed their hands together. When they danced and made their hand movements it was clear that each one of those kids was dancing mostly to her own drummer. And I was quick to call that drummer the Holy Spirit.

"Astonishing!" I just haven't said that much lately. The adult Dave really doesn't do astonishment, not like he wants to. I need to kind of morph into a little child to be astonished. And to be struck with awe ... well, I need to be struck back into my little boy Davey: open-mouthed, eyes wide, face uplifted and trusting like a morning lily that invites the dew.

Now I really want to pay attention to that word "glorify." The relationship I have with God exists primarily for me to "glorify" God. He's the subject; I'm the object. I exist for his glory, not the other way around. God does not exist in order to bring my life into order, to protect me, to make me happy. Of course He wants to do all those things, I think. But it's me that exists for Him.

The Puritans broke down this glorying process into four parts: appreciation, adoration, affection and subjection. Most of the kids don't know those words. They would have a hard time saying them. But they have no trouble laughing and leaping and praising God. They don't need to "let go." They haven't yet held on. Their hands are open.

I feel myself idealizing. I know kids have their own peculiar selfishnesses. I asked Margaret this morning, "Maybe we should have some more kids?" and she looked at me like I was crazy.

I also know that, at age 60, I am striving to be little Davey more often rather than less. To throw my hands up in the air and fly to Jesus, who loves me, and love him back. With my hands and my head and my heart. Yippee!

How great is your love, Lord? It never fails. Your glory dwells with us, and because of you kindness and truth shall meet. Justice and peace shall make their holy kiss. There is no need for me to take the lead: when I follow in your footsteps, then I will find righteousness. You are generous without fault, and endless in your love. (Psalm 85)

Devotions Archive

Incredible things, just incredible!

Monday, December 7, 2009