Infinite

After reading Joe's FB note "thought #32 of 289,046 on june 26, 2009," I had my own swirl of thoughts and rambles.

Oh, and this isn't written "to" Joe, just inspired by him. And Joe, I hope nothing ever restrains you; let His love always compel you.

--

You were created in the image of God. I was created in the image of God.
And yet, what a phenomena, we are all unique.
It is because there is a part of God that is a part of you, and only you.
There is a part of Him that is only in me.
This is the multi-faceted, deeply intricate, wonderfully infinite, Holy Trinity.

And so, in your discovery of God, you will find yourself.
Because you were created in the image of God;
To see Him is to see who you should be.
But the mystery of the intricate, infinite God is this:
In your relationships with others, expect to encounter a unique attribute of God.

This is the multi-faceted, deeply intricate, wonderfully created, Body of Christ.
Which is why, to dismiss the need for community,
Or to dismiss your personal potential and thinking less of yourself,
Or to elevate yourself and/or others without elevating God
Only causes one to build an incomplete (or false!) image of Christ

We think we know each other. I think I know myself. I think I know God!
But He is not an idea to be contained in concepts and forms and -ologies
He is a Person - THREE Persons! - to know, to communicate with, to love.
And to love, and to be loved, is to experience God, because He IS love.
Yet, who can explain love? It is multi-faceted, deeply intricate, wonderfully infinite...

There is a facet of God that is in you, and only you, a facet of Him that is only in me.
And I learn more about God when I love you,
And slowly learn what it is to be made in the image of love, the image of God.
He is three Persons, but One God.
We are many parts, but one body.

This is to the glory of a multi-faceted, deeply intricate, wonderfully infinite, beautiful God.

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son...
-Romans 8.29

Love each other deeply, from the heart.
-I Peter 1.22

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him.
-I John 4.16

xo


Reading: New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Morton
Listening: Fresh Pair of Eyes, Brooke Waggoner

hungry

Been journaling more, and [obviously] blogging less. Unfortunately. Actually I have six drafts waiting to be published...

--

I can name four instances in the past week where people have blessed us with food in abundance - and by that, I mean things like 3 gallons of milk, two trays of eggs, two bags of rice, a LOT of fresh produce... And to think, it all started on Friday morning, when my dad proudly announced he had eaten the last bit of leftovers, making more space in the refrigerator.

Sometimes we are unaware of what emptiness prepares us for.
I couldn't help but think about a recurring theme I hear in my spirit this season - that of hunger.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
-Matthew 5.6

Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.
-Luke 14.13

The verse in Luke is the preface of the parable which Jesus tells, in which a banquet is prepared and the invited guests had numerous excuses not to attend. This was countered by inviting anyone and everyone, even those on the streets, "so that [his] house will be full" (v.23).

Interestingly enough, had this been a real story, I can see how people would use these excuses. Bought a new field (possessions). Trying out new oxen (work). Just got married (relationships). But the reality of it is exactly what defines the intensity of surrender, and yet reveals the quality and importance of the feast.

Sometimes we wonder why desire or yearning for more of God isn't strong in our spirit. Could we be going through a season? Perhaps. Or maybe we're just full of other stuff - so full of junk, or even, so full of things that in the natural seem necessary. But if the LORD is preparing a banquet, I want to be hungry for that meal. I won't be hungry if I'm so full.

God is preparing un-comprehensible greatness for us. And I have not attained it all, but I have faith that it will be worth the sacrifice. So if it means releasing the things that would make me a fool by the world's standards, I must do that.

I do not know what He is serving, but I will make myself hunger for it.

I want to be at the great feast. I want to be ready, empty, prepared. I want to be hungry, so that I can be filled with Him, and satisfied by Him.


xo


Reading: New Seeds of Contemplation, Thomas Merton
Listening: United Pursuit Band