Monthly Archives: December 2012

Cell phones, traffic, crowded rooms. People everywhere but why do I feel so alone?  Loneliness is epidemic in our society.  Our technology seems to increase the problem. People can connect through a device without ever having to see a real human being.

In our frazzled busy lives God calls us to relationship.  He wants us to be with Him.  But why would the sovereign God desire to us be present with Him?

God lives in community.

I do not know how it works but God lives in community with Himself. There I said it.  He exists as three separate persons who talk to each other and are there for each other.  It is not multiple personality disorder, God just exists in a state that is more than we can understand.  But the cool thing is that relationships are so important to Him because He lives in community.  So He wants to be there for us.  He is no big clock maker in the sky.  He is intimately involved in our affairs. 

God loves you.

OK so that might sound trite until you gather the full meaning of the phrase.  The Creator of the Universe choose to love you even though you were in bondage to selfishness and turned your back on Him.  He loved you so much He paid the price of His own death for you.  God died for you. Not only did He die for you but he allowed the intimate communion between the Father and Son to be broken.  That is why Jesus said on the cross, “My God , why have you forsaken me?” Jesus experienced separation from God the Father.  Ouch.  I love my wife dearly and love to be with her. But after 20 years of marriage would I willingly die for you and risk separation from her? Sorry but probably not.  That is why his act is so endearing. My God gave His all for me.  I want to be with Him because He loves me so much.

Living present with God means experiencing that joy of being with Him first hand.  It is not from a book, building or somebody else.  It is real, authentic and true experience with the God of the universe.

God in You.

OK so here we go off the deep end so stay with me.  When you become a Christian then God lives inside of you. The Holy Spirit comes and resides in your being.  It is not somewhere between you lungs and stomach.  It is a spiritual indwelling.  No you are not possessed. You are more empowered. It is like plugging in to supernatural strength that is personal and cares. The Holy Spirit is a counselor, guide, powerhouse, authority and communication link.

We need to honor God by inviting Him into everything we do. He is already present with us. We need to be present with Him.

It was paradise. Really. Beautiful trees, fruit on the ground and a running stream with waterfalls. For our 20th anniversary my wife and I celebrated by hiking the Iao Needle in Maui.  We walked with each other, sharing adventures born out of decades of being together.  She is my best friend and life partner.

In ancient times there was another couple who walked in Paradise. Everything was pristine, rivers running, fruit trees everywhere.  And they had intimate fellowship with one another… and with God.  In the story of Genesis Adam and Eve walked with God in the Garden of Eden. And that relationship is available today.  Actually it is expected and even desired by God for us. 

So what does it mean to walk with God?

It is coupling an ordinary experience with an extraordinary entity. God Most High chooses to be with you. It is kind of like dancing with the stars (the celestial fireball stars). But it is more of an intimate and powerful affair. Here is how it works.

Be with God

God desires to be in relationship with us today. It is more than just conversation.  It is presence.  When I sit with my wife looking at a glorious sunset words cannot contain the moment. It is a shared story.  

Being there is so vital in any relationship. We need to create stories with God.  Taking time to dwell on God and allowing God into our whole lives. Realizing that God is with us in all that we do and wherever we are. Ask God to surprise you to show you His wonder. 

Listen to God

He is calling to us and speaking. But rarely we listen.   Chris Brown, one of the lead pastors at the church I attend gives this example.  There is music playing everywhere that we cannot hear. Multitudes of songs are captured in the air. We just need to be tuned into the right frequency to hear it. That is the way God speaks. I find in my life that I am better able to focus on his voice when I am in the wilderness taking a hike or going hunting.  I sense God speaking to me and I am in conversation with Him.

When do you hear God’s voice? Reading His Word, being with other believers or just getting away are all ways to listen to Him.  It is yours to discover how best to communicate with God.

Partner with God

Walking with God is the realization that God is working with us.  He sends us out as His ambassadors to share His love and story. He shows us how to better love those around us and bring them into a shared story with Him. He loves our creativity and diligence.  And He has a vested interest in our success. Jesus said to go and make disciples and that He would be with us always.  The Holy Spirit is inside of those who accept Him and gives guidance and counsel.  We choose to work with Him and rely on His supernatural strength in our everyday circumstances.

Are you living life without His power? That is your choice.  He is giving you the chance for abundant life now and an incredible eternity hereafter. You can choose this life today. It will cost you all you have and be worth it.  So take a step. And walk with God.