Friday, November 4, 2011

SEEING GOD



Normally, I don't like to submit a blog that consists of someone else's article, but there are times when I read something that just hits me in the core of my soul. I don't feel I can hide this article in my own soul as I will burst. I have to share it with anyone who will take time to read it and let it sink in to their hearts. This article was written by Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors. All credit for this article goes to him and to our Lord Jesus Christ for giving Dr. Clinton the anointing to write it. God's grace and mercy are everlasting. - Bobbi

SEEING GOD by Dr. Tim Clinton, President of AACC
November 1 – November 7

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things…” Psalm 119:18

By the “createdness” of things, man knows there is a God…

Too often we fail to see God. We miss out on seeing the sacred that He has placed right in front of us.

Helen Keller, whose only ability to "see" was through touch once wrote:

“I, who cannot see, find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch. I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf.

I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough shaggy bark of a pine….

I feel the delightful, velvety texture of a flower, and discover its remarkable convolutions; and something of the miracle… is revealed to me.

At times my heart cries out with longing to see these things. If I can get so much pleasure from mere touch, how much more beauty must be revealed by sight.

Yet, those who have eyes apparently see little. The panorama of color and action which fills the world is taken for granted….

It is a great pity that, in the world of light, the gift of sight is used only as a mere convenience rather than as a means of adding fullness to life.”

The gift of sight – being able to “see” what’s around us – and I’ll add, more importantly, spiritually seeing Him!

On a flight home recently, as we began our final approach, I glanced out of the window. The late evening sun highlighted fall’s vivid colors all along the Blue Ridge Mountains. I closed my iPad, put away my notes, and took in the breathtaking canvas that only our Creator-God could paint.

Unfortunately, the press of life, and the pressure of deadlines have caused me to miss many “God-moments”.

Romans Chapter 1 contains a profound truth. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God hath shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” (19-20 ESV)

Approach life with a “Spirit of Expectation” — to see Him!!

God’s Invisible Attributes.

His Eternal Power.

His Divine Nature.

Clearly evident and visible in His Creation.

“The heavens declare the Glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1 ESV

Has the pace of life robbed you of enjoying His handiwork? Are the pressures of your daily grind stealing His eternal power from your soul? Has pain left you feeling that His divine nature could never fill your hurting heart?

If so, slow down. No – STOP! Whatever you are doing right now, just stop.

Get outside. Enjoy a “Festival of Fall” in your life. Play in the leaves with your kids. Pick some apples. Take a “Sunday” drive through the mountains. Enjoy His handiwork.

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God” — because He is!!

Allow the precious gift of sight to add fullness to your life.

It just might turn your life around.

By Dr. Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors