Know God

    Panera Bread is one of the few places I’ve found where I can focus and get homework done.  Today, I sat sipping Hazelnut coffee while hammering through a book review for my Church History class.  In order to drown out the chatty folks around me, I found some ambient noise to wire into my ears (I can't focus while listening to music…anyone else find that to be true?).  Being the jungle-bred MK that I am, I listened to some poring rain.  Aahhhh…. though there were blue skies outside, I sunk into the memories of my homeland.

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    After nine months here in the US, I found that I’m itching to move again.  So far, I have not found much that really connects with me here in Texas.  I’ve dived into school, life, ministry and family as best as I’m able, but something hasn’t clicked yet.  I don’t feel home…yet, despite having rearranged the furniture every few months.  I say "yet", thinking it will happen eventually, but it begs the question, "What do I do to feel at home?"
    As a Christian I know the Scripture passages that say, I will never be “at home” while here on earth, but there are those God-encounters that remind us that we are His children, heirs of a great kingdom to come.  When I think of my “home” in the jungle, I think what moves my heart to longing is that I found God there.  The jungles of Ecuador is where I was gripped by grace and moved by the power of God to step away from my self into the life of purpose, life abundant, life that was truly life.  Though sanctification was occurring, what I remember best was seeking and seeing God work in me, despite my sin.  That, is why I can say, “those were good times”.

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Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
-Jonathan Edwards, Resolve #28

    This morning I was in Colossians 1:9-12 where the Lord reminded me that the knowledge of God is key to living in his power.  This means patiently enduring with joy and responding in thanksgiving, no matter where I find myself.  I pray that the Lord will encounter me here early and often, but I must abide in him, seek him, know Him.  A seminary eduction without this is just knowledge, but coupled with knowing Him, it becomes a powerful force against the listless ignorance of our time.  We are placed in certain locations and during certain times because God desires that we find him (Acts 17:26-27).  While we are here, (wherever that is for you), let us resolve to know God now.