Sorry to be so inconsistent with this blog. If anyone is still reading it, here is an amazing thought about God's heart for each of us. The initial idea comes from the book The Sacred Romance which I highly recommend. In the Bible our relationship with God is described by using a variety of metaphors. Starting at the very bottom we are the clay and He is the potter. Then we are called sheep and He is the shepherd. That may sound good in Psalm 23 and John 10, but remember that sheep are not known to be the brightest lights on the block. Next we are called servants of the Master, which gets us in the house but does not give us the freedom to relax and take our shoes off. Many Christians never get beyond that point but the Lord has much more in store for us. We know that because He calls us His children and reveals Himself to be our Heavenly Father. This parent/child relationship with the creator of the universe is an amazing picture of love and care but the Lord was not even content with that. He takes it up a notch and actually calls us friends. That opens a level of communication that no child can know with their parents. But as good as that is - there is more. In God's Word He reveals His heart to be in the most intimate relationship of all. He actually calls us lovers. This "courtship began with the honeymoon in the Garden and culminated in the wedding feast of the Lamb." God says, "I will take delight in you as a bridegroom rejoices in His bride, so I will rejoice over you." Therefore we can say with Solomon, "I am my beloved and He is mine."
If those thoughts do not give you goose bumps and stir the depths of your heart, read that paragraph again and again until it does. The God of the universe calls us into relationship that is consumed with passion and joy and life at its absolute best. To make sure we did not miss His intention, He sent His Son to deliver the message personally. Every year at Christmas we celebrate the arrival of this message and yet so many, even in the church, miss it. We become so consumed with the little stories of life that we often miss the headline news that God offers us love and grace and intimacy that is designed to lift us beyond the insignificant stories of this world. Those stories of daily life loom so large and seek to drown us in their consuming details, but the truth is those stories are small if you can just see them in light of the incredible revelation of God's love and provision. Oh to have hearts that are connected to the intimate love of God.
My prayer for you in this Christmas season is that your heart would be open to the Lord like never before. That you would let your eyes look beyond the daily grind and gaze upon God's goodness and love for you. That is God's Christmas gift and it is personally addressed to you. May you open it with joy and excitement in this wonderful season of life.
Celebrating the Glory of God with You,
Dave Hampson
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3 comments:
Hello dear brother David and Kathy,
Was thinking about you all earlier today, wondering where you were and what you were doing, and how I might get in touch with you. Logged onto your blog sight. Thanks for your thoughts on our glorious God's desire to have an intimate relationship with us. Yes, this is the purpose of Christmas. Thanks for challenging us to settle for nothing less than that!
Let's keep in touch! I miss our fellowship in our Savior. You are a rare breed of believers (only by God's grace for His glory!)Believers who understand He calls us to love Him/others with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. I've always appreciated how your lives overflow with loving acts and also with deep searchings for the truth and wisdom of God.
So where are you for Christmas, and how long will you be in Dallas/ Fort Worth area? You haven't taken up residence in the lot at Texas stadium have you? I will pray fervently that God will deliver you from the "Cowboys" spirit, though after their typical December collapse you will probably cast them out yourself.
All joking aside, love and appreciate you both in Jesus Christ, hope to hear from you soon. Lee Carroll- izumilee2@aol.com
I'm overwhelmed at how much He loves and pursues us. Thanks for laying that out so well.
Hi Dave,
Awesome stuff! Thanks!
"If anyone is still reading it" - even if not, you need to know (and remember) how many people at Galloway have a special place in their heart for you and Kathy (and the girls)...and always will. I have been to your Blog from time to time to see what's up with "Pastor Dave" and the crew. Ruth was the one who initially sent me the link. I think you will always have people stopping by your blog!
The Christmas Cantata was awesome last night at the church! The choir looked and sounded like a mini Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir! The kids and choir put on a very beautiful program.
Hope all is well with you, Kathy and Tiffany. Merry Christmas to you all!
May God bless you all,
Joe Gayetty (the younger)
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