Everything in our lives is shaped by what our hearts are in thrall about. Did you know? Paul David Tripp says this: “we live one of two lives: either one’s heart lives in a fundamental, life-shaping awe of the horizontal, physical, created world (things that are on earth) or one’s heart lives in a foundational, vertical awe of GOD, HIS work, HIS grace, and HIS kingdom.”
On a scale of 1-10 where is your awe factor of GOD today? If we live vertically, we will see the Church not just as a place to attend, but as a major commitment to live our lives. Ministry will fill our lives and our schedules. Loving GOD and being in awe of HIM causes you to live and serve for HIM, alongside HIM, knowing HE is near you in small ways and big ways. You serve because then, you see tangible evidence of HIM. You see through HIS lens and HIS glory……and it leaves you in awe!
HEBREWS 12: 28 “THEREFORE, SINCE WE ARE RECEIVING A KINGDOM THAT CANNOT BE SHAKEN, LET US BE THANKFUL, AND SO WORSHIP GOD ACCEPTABLY WITH REVERENCE AND AWE…..”
HIS kingdom now and for all of eternity……cannot be shaken! No matter what we see in the world, or experience, HIS kingdom is unshakable. It is certain, secure and true. Isn’t that awesome in and of itself?
So back to the original question…..where is your awe factor of GOD right now? Are you thinking HE is a neglectful GOD because of all the bad things happening in the world or are you remembering what HE did for you as a sinner and in awe that HE turned your life completely in another direction?
We often have baptisms in our Church and as I listen to their testimonies I am in awe of what I hear. How GOD turned a seemingly hopeless life into a life for JESUS CHRIST. GOD opens eyes and hearts every single day. Sometimes we are a part of it and we see it with our own eyes and sometimes we hear through HIS word, how JESUS performed those miracles in HIS day. If your awe factor is low today, open up your Bible and read the red letter words. Then be prepared to be awed!
PSALM 33: 8 “LET ALL THE EARTH FEAR THE LORD; LET ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE WORLD STAND IN AWE OF HIM!”
We can stand in awe of HIM either on a beach or in a bedroom. We can see HIS hand in a sunrise or changing a sinner’s heart. If we have been touched by HIM then our awe of HIM should always be right below the surface……waiting and watching for HIS works, just because we know HE is always working, working for our good and for all who love HIM.
If your awe factor is low today……then pray and ask GOD to show you. Ask HIM to show you in the small everyday things. Be ok with that, because what HE shows us is not always earth-shattering. And then when you do see, and there are no words, just thank HIM and know that HE is near and will draw near with HIS awesomeness when you draw near to HIM.
I was awed this morning by a sunrise, barn animal noises and a real GOD story told to me by a friend. I know my heart and yours as well can hold this awe I am speaking of……because GOD placed it in man at the beginning……in the beginning there was awe!
PSALM 102: 25 “IN THE BEGINNING YOU LAID THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS.”
EZEKIEL 36: 26 “I WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART AND PUT A NEW SPIRIT IN YOU; I WILL REMOVE FROM YOU YOUR HEART OF STONE AND GIVE YOU A HEART OF FLESH.”
HEAVENSREEF 