We believe evil is ever present. The apostle Peter warned us,
“Be Self Controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
But do our actions reveal a genuine belief in the omnipresent character of God?
Such a believe would indicate God is present and active in the most unattractive people. Even in that angry boss, obnoxious coworker, misinformed politician, overlooked begger, rebellious teenager, or wayward prostitute? Oh, we’ll all readily agree Satan is prowling there, but isn’t God already there too; teaching, loving, and binding wounds?
As Christians we use language that suggests we believe otherwise. For example, we say we’re going to “take” God to China. Our pastors challenge congregations to join the small group ministry to find “intimacy with God”. Our church sign boasts, “Find God Here!”
Although marked with good intentions, these exclusive words communicate that God abides only in our country, our church, or in our small corner.
At a past retreat, author Len Sweet first challenged me with this omnipresent question. I was humbled by how small I had made God, and still seem to. Placed in His little box, I’m beginning to realize how condescending and purposeless I can appear to those around me. This “God in a box” suggests there are no more signs and wonders to discover, no great battles to fight, and no real reason to sacrifice.
Could this be why we search for things “Authentic”, but cling to safe “Tradition?” Authentic purpose, like the previous generations “Vintage” battles for economic, democratic, and spiritual survival. Instead we function more like caged zoo animals. We’re safe, but empty as we pace … back and forth … back and forth … only a shadow of what God intended us to be.
Last week a late-twenties mother commented:
I think this generation wants to be called to something difficult…something greater than themselves. I sense that as I watch the Olympics and see these men and women doing things that are almost super-human, it makes me want to do something that is significant.
It’s not the eight medals alone that makes Michael Phelps almost super-human. It’s that he overcame a single-parent home, consistent humiliation for an awkward appearance, and childhood ADHD to do it.
And, if we can believe God is omnipresent in the worst of us, we can believe he’s omnipresent in all of us! And that belief will challenge us to treat others with humility, legitimacy, and a hope that God is about to do something almost super-human in each of us.
Is this our key disconnect with the next generation who long to overcome their own obstacles and accomplish something “significant and almost super-human”?
Yep, sometimes during such deep conversation, nothing can really speak better than a good country song:
I SAW GOD TODAY - thanks george strait for your blog contribution
I just walked down the street to the coffee shop
had to take a break
I’d been by her side for eighteen hours straight
I saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
pushing up through the concrete
like it was planted right there for me to see
the flashin’ lights, the honkin’ horns
all seemed to fade away
in the shadow of that hospital at 5:08
I saw God today
Chorus:
I’ve been to church
I’ve read the book
I know He’s here, but I don’t look
near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I’d just slow down to stop and stare
opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today
I saw a couple walking by they were holding hands
Man, she had that glow
yeah I couldn’t help but notice she was starting to show
it stood there for a minute takin’ the sky
lost in that sunset
a splash of amber melted in the shades of red
Chorus
I got my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She’s sleeping like a rock
My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks
She’s got my nose, she’s got her mama’s eyes
My brand new baby girl
She’s a miracle
I saw God today
I saw a baby praying mantis yesterday and for some reason it was more impressive than an adult since it was so intricate. It was so tiny and had a brown body to match the stick it was on and green legs to fade into his leafy perch. As I was watching it, it jumped probably three times it’s body width to catch a meal…it was WILD. It kept moving in an odd shaky motion…I think like a leaf blowing, back and forth…and I lost sight of him couldn’t find it again it was so camo…I realized I had stopped breathing while I was watching it.
That little bug…testified a creator today and I have the conviction that all over the globe, people see God in ways that He sees fit. I just think there is no lack of evidence that God is here-it’s whether we can absorb the information with a humble heart, right?
I’m not saying it’s as simple as seeing a bug on a twig…but God meets us where we’re at with what we need to see Him and know him. I think the verse “I stand at the door and Knock” means that God is very intentional in his calling of hearts to Him no matter where on the globe and whether a missionary has set up camp near by or not.
Hey Dad,
Thanks for your comment!
I really enjoyed your list of how to fail in business… life… etc…
I also enjoy this post. We are actually working thru these at church right now… God Omnipresent, Omniscience, etc… I appreciate your honesty in your bit of a different take in omnipresence.
Beth Moore recently stated in a conference that her daughters are not as concerned with how much she knows vs. her desire to grow & keep it real. I very much agree as a child & parent.
Love,
J
Ann,
Thanks for your special story. Those bugs are so remarkable.
It’s also remarkable that as a mother of three you still have the curiosity and wonder you had as a 5 year old. What a great memory! You made me smile and my day rich.
As a parent, maybe the biggest affirmation of God is the experience of watching your kids grow in Him. As remarkable as that mantis was Ann, you’re far more so.
Love you much…your doing a great job!
Dad
Jens,
It’s so good to have you back to share. I’m always enriched by your blog thoughts and insights here.
l used your Beth Moore quote in my post today without giving you credit. I hope that’s OK. I was trying to keep it succinct. But, what a great thought and challenge to be a life long learner. And, to be real, honest, and vulnerable as well.
Your perseverance in Gainseville is an example to us. Thanks for trusting in Him!
Dad
Michael,
I really liked the “I saw God Today” lyrics. Artists seem to feel at such a different level than the rest of us. Sometimes I think we are so far from where God intended us to be in our day to day thoughts. But, Paul seemed to struggle with that too so I guess we’re in good company!
Ed
Great thought provoking blog & comments!
I’m interested in more clarity on “God in everyone.” I really appreciated our visit on the omnipresence of God and remember walking out of the Thai restaurant looking at a couple walking down the street and considering the presence of God in a new way. But I’m wrestling with “And, if we can believe God is omnipresent in the worst of us, we can believe he’s omnipresent in all of us!”
Scripture teaches that God (in the person of the Holy Spirit) dwells in each believer who abides in Christ, John 14 & 15, also
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Or, do you mean that we see evidence of the existence of Creator God in people when observing them, His handiwork?
Thomas
My favorite defense of God’s Omniprescence is when a pastor asks me “Do we close the cafe and make people come into the sanctuary?” Of course, God only exists inside of a sanctuary during ‘church hours’ (insert loads-o-sarcasm here).
Turns out, as a church bartender, I’ve seen God change peoples lives in cafes, hallways, bathrooms, parking lots, concerts, and once, I think God even showed up at a _ _ _ _bucks (Ed knows I don’t like to cuss). Not to drink of course, He would never lower his heavenly standards, but He has been known to change lives there.
Michael
If your in a pool of water, the water is present but you would have to open your mouth to receive it before the water is in you, or dwell in you.
That’s how I see God. You have to recieve Him for Him to dwell in you.
Isn’t this the essence of the rebirth? Recieving Him into our lives as our Lord and Savior.
I would encourage the young and old who long to overcome their own obstacles and accomplish something great, to check out a book by Alex and Brett Harris. “Do Hard Things”
Their website is http://www.therebelution.com
They are a great example of young peolpe making a difference for the Kingdom of God.
Thomas,
Thanks for your thoughts, and question regarding how God’s work may be evidenced in the unsaved. It appears God’s work is evident far beyond the awe and wonder of the remarkably complex nature of His creation. Although as Ann commented, His creation speaks quite loudly to God’s existence.
Research shows that close to 100% of people in their late teens and twenties sense and believe there is a God. That in itself is quite provoking. How is it that they sense that? It wouldn’t seem reasonable to believe that provocation is of satan. It must be of God making himself known…that still small voice, we speak of, active in the hearts of men.
In his book “Mere Christianity”, CS Lewis commented that the fact moral values are consistent around the globe suggests there must be a God defining ultimate truth. For example, nowhere is it respected to kill, commit adultly, or lie. God’s still small voice seems to speak truth into the hearts of men long before they come to Him. If not, why would people sense His presence, have a consistent set of boundaries, or come to Him at all.
Of course Paul spoke often that we are saved by and through God’s grace. It is through His help, His gift, we know Him and come to Him…
II Corinthians 6 shares:
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” 2 I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
Eph 2
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship,
We also sing in that old him…
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling… come home….ye who are weary come home.
He’s reaching into the hearts of men long before they reach back. For example, before their conversion it was evident the spirit was working in the hearts of my kids far beyond my ability as a parent to influence them. My hope was simply to free the Spirit to do it’s work…not attempt to do it myself. It’s a work far beyond a father’s ability or power.
Of course, scripture makes it clear we must profess a faith in him and repent for our sin. Then the Holy Spirit enters our heart empowering us to be more than conquerors.
Michael,
Great thoughts regarding God’s work where ever we are.
Tyrone,
Thanks for the comments as well. Do we agree God is at work before and after we come to faith in Him? A different kind of work before and after, of course. But a work none the less.
Ed,
Yes we do agree that God is at work before and after we come to faith in Him. God did all the work for us and then gives us the choice to have faith in Him or not. We are like the prodigal son, when we make the right choice and come back home to our Father, He welcomes us with open arms. The Father also gives us the same things as the prodigals son’s father did. The robe (righteousness), the ring (authority), and the sandals (ownership). All by Grace and Love.
Religion hates that type of grace. Religious people would much rather work for it, just like the older brother and the pharisees.
Let us remember this is a free gift. All we have to do is receive the gift.