Maybe you don't know who Rainbow Man was. Pretty famous guy. Pretty weird guy. Pretty disturbed guy. I've used the last two descriptions in reference to my Dad, and I know my older daughter has thrown those couple words out when mentioning me as well. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my Dad and my older daughter loves me. And, neither my Dad or I are as weird and disturbed as Rainbow Man.
We all think we're so much better than at least some other people. We're all so wrong.
We take and we take and we take, but we give nothing back. We do what we want, when we want, and how we want. And, in exchange for our selfishness, we get this ...
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
I figure the least I can do is love Him, and I do, and I love how it makes me feel. He just never stops giving.
Happy Father's Day, God. I couldn't have done it without you.
I bet I could take God. I mean, if it came down to it, and we had to sort things out with a bit of fisticuffs, or things came to blows, and we had to settle it with a little wrastlin', I bet I could take Him.
It would be nice if we always agreed with everything God has in store for us. Of course, it seemingly would be nice if His plans for us would match our plans for us. However, we're so self-centered that we're unable to determine what's best for us, and, quite frankly, we're unable to realize it's not just about us. But, we just don't get it when we're in the moment, do we?
There have been plenty of times when God and I haven't seen eye to eye. My anger toward Him has risen to unhealthy levels, but even when I can't seem to forgive Him, He always forgives me. And, slowly but surely, I return to Him because He's always there waiting patiently for me. I simmer down, time passes, and I realize what He had in store for me and why it was best. Well, sometimes I do. And, I figure when I don't, there will come a day when I do.
God just doesn't make sense to us. Die to live (Matthew 10:39)? To be first is to be last (Mark 10:31)? Being a leader means you must be a servant of all (Mark 10:43)? We want what we want, and if God really loved us and answered our prayers, He'd give it to us, right? Sounds a lot like the way children speak to their parents.
I look ahead and don't always see it. I look behind me and it makes sense. So, I suppose if I'm honest, I actually have tried to throw down with God, and I've never won. And I never will.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again" (John 3:3).
I know when I was born. We all do. A birthday is just one of those things we commit to memory, and one of those things we celebrate (like it or not) year after year after year. It's a big deal. I remember when my children were born as well. A master of details I may not be; however, I most certainly remember how I felt watching my daughters come into the world. Absolutely amazing.
"Born again" is one of those phrases many people scoff at. It's easy to roll your eyes at something you either don't believe in or understand. I'll even acknowledge it's a bit humorous to think about, especially since we think of infants being born, but certainly not adults. Hey, I've been there. I'd venture to say most of us have.
There came a time when I realized that Jesus Christ is my Lord and my Savior. God's grace saved me. I would also say once I knew I was saved, I didn't feel born again. That journey continued for me until I understood through my actions that I was emotionally and even physically changed. It wasn't that I was somehow saved through my actions; rather, it was that I was simply and passionately pursuing Jesus with a willing heart.
I am born again. And, just as when I was born, I am maturing every single day.
