Saturday, June 21, 2008

Open Parachute and Freefall in Jesus

I was reading some Google spots trying to figure out how to get this blog to the top and ended up thinking about parachutes. Before the parachute opens it's called "freefalling" and the feeling (I assume, because I have never done it) is exhileration at the highest level. Then of course you have to eventually open the parachute before landing.
But wouldn't it be cool not to have to open the parachute? And then you could just touch down light as a feather?
This is similar to the experience of leaving a church building behind (not the church because we are the church). It feels like jumping out of the plane and descending at a high rate of speed toward the ground. But eventually the parachute (Jesus) opens and lets us down to earth softly and we want to do it again...and again...and again. Like a child who is twirled around in his father's arms...do it again, Daddy.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Who Is God Really?

I listened to a podcast recently that expressed this thought-who is God really? Is he the big loving God who wants to show His children that He accepts them as they are or is He the Big Mean God who is ready to whack us whenever we make a mistake or misstep or really screw things up?

I vote for the loving God...why? because I tried that mean one for about 40 yrs. or so and it didn't get me anywhere except frustrated, confused, and alienated from everyone in my family. As I have gotten to know the loving, creative, and forgiving God, I finally have friends who want to talk to me, not to mention the fact that I now get along a lot better with my children and husband.

Because I always thought God ruled with an iron fist, that's the way I "ruled". No one could cross the line with me because they knew they would get hammered with some bible verse that I could use for whatever offense they committed. I studied the Hebrew and Greek words and I knew what they meant.

But not only were those words sending people flying from my presence but it was shoving me further and further from Jesus Himself.

Boy am I glad He is patient...and kind...and loving...and doesn't become upset...and doesn't think too highly of Himself...

I Cor. 13...isn't this a picture of Christ Himself?? Isn't this who He is?? So why am I trying to make Him into some tyrant who demands justice and holiness? Isn't holiness a part of being whole?

Just some questions running thru my head...