Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Who is God?

Who is God, image courtesy of essex1.com
From the end of the earth I call to Thee when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.1

Wanda, who writes The Watered Soul, is one of my blogger comrades. I enjoy reading her posts because she offers insights and perspectives which often elude me. She writes with a sensitivity and passion for both God and others (believers and non-believers alike). If you’re not familiar with her blog, I encourage you to visit and see for yourself. Recently she published a post titled Pebble or Rock in which she reflects on God as my rock. The emphasis being that one can have a view of God that appears smaller in comparison to a problem.

As I read this post, I began an assessment of my own view of God and my understanding of who God is. I began to see how easy it is to limit God in my mind as a problem, situation or circumstance increases in magnitude. I also began to see that limiting God in my life means I don’t have a true understanding of what it means to be God and who God is.

How could I profess the supremacy of God while limiting His capability?

My intellectual understanding is limited but the word God implies supremacy, above all things in knowledge, power, creation, capacity, and ability. I believe that God is omnipresent even though I can’t explain how to transcend geography. I believe that God is omniscient although I cannot rationally describe how to know what is not known. I believe that God is omnipotent in spite of the fact that I cannot measure the beginning and end of His power. So my limited view of God is compensated by defining His attributes in a way that is understandable and accepted by me as true.

When I speak about God, I am referring to the supreme Self-Existent One. He lives beyond any means of being sustained; He does not require life support. He is The Living Spirit who always existed beyond the scope of time; He is The One who established time. He is The All-Powerful Being who created all things known and unknown to me; He is the Creator of creators. He is unique, for there is none like Him. He knows all to the degree that I am incapable of knowing beyond what He has revealed to me. I am limited, He is limitless. His holiness, goodness, righteousness, and love are immeasurable.

He is God.

No matter how exhaustive or limited my understanding may be of God, I must first accept what it means to be God. This goes beyond any debate on the existence of God because even the agnostic, atheist and ignorant must accept the possibility of the existence of God in order to understand what it means to be God. I see that even in denying belief in God implies an awareness of what it means to be God.

I must understand what a god has to be, in order for Him to be known by me as God.

My mind says that God is preeminent in everything; in all things known and unknown.

Since I acknowledge that God is preeminent, I admit He is superior to me and everything that pertains to me. I cannot then rule over God because He has preeminence. Since I am inferior to God, so too are the things which pertain to me. There is nothing that supersedes or exceeds God.

Why then do I allow things within my life to have preeminence?

Am I exchanging the truth of who God is by substituting a lie?

I face circumstances which demand my attention, finances, health, marriage, and family are just a few of the issues which I face daily. I must look at these things from the place of submission. I must submit these things to God if I believe he has preeminence. God must rule over my finances, health, marriage, family and all other aspects of my life; I must give Him preeminence.

If I don’t, then these things become my god because in my mind they are greater.

I’m learning that faith and trust are so critically important because in surrendering these things to the preeminence of God, I acknowledge that I need Him to sustain me in every aspect of my life.

The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.2

God exists, image courtesy of godtalkstoyou.com

There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides Thee, Nor is there any rock like our God.3

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.4

For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God,5

As I contemplate my finances, I must not lose sight of my Rock, He rules my finances. When my health fails me, causing my body to feel sickness and pain, I must remember that God reigns supreme over my body; my sickness is not greater than God.

I may know a great deal or very little about God, but all I need to know is that He is God; which means, He is above everything.

The word impossible cannot restrict Him.

A dire situation cannot cast a shadow upon Him.

He is not limited by the word can’t.

He is supremely God and Godly supreme.

I put my life in His hands and trust Him with the outcome; there is nothing too great that He cannot change or that is beyond His reach. He has touched me before, I expect Him to touch me again. He is the author of miracles and the finisher of my faith. His word commands obedience but only the humble may hear His voice.

Who is God?, image courtesy of zazzle.com



Who is He?

He is God.


Father God,

I thank you for revealing Yourself to me. I acknowledge that You have always existed and that You are the triune God, known by me as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I ask You to forgive me for allowing the circumstances in my life to appear greater than You; nothing is greater than You! I thank You that You've given me prayer as a means to communicate to You all aspects of my life. I am bringing my thoughts into captivity, I submit myself wholly to You. There is nothing that can separate the bond You've established with me through Jesus Christ. I will remember this truth and repeat it. Thank You for Your love and grace that exceeds my understanding. Your name is always before me, I will not forget You. You are holy, faithful and true. Thank You for blessing me. You continually bless my life. Thank You Jesus for establishing a new covenant and for sealing that covenant with Your blood. Thank You Holy Spirit for indwelling me with life, teaching me, leading and guiding me in truth. You are the Rock of my salvation, the stone that the builders rejected. I will praise You forever. Amen.


Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 61:2, NASB
  2. Deuteronomy 32:4, NASB
  3. 1 Samuel 2:2, NASB
  4. Psalm 18:2, NASB
  5. Psalm 18:31, NASB
References:
  1. Pebble or Rock, from The Watered Soul, a blog written by Wanda, October 7, 2010
  2. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, By James B. Strong, S.T.D, LL.D., Riverside Book and Bible House, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126
  3. Unger's Bible Dictionary, By Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press, Chicago
  4. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6


34 comments:

lioneagle said...

Greetings MTJ -

Wow! This is a blockbuster piece.
Penetrative, soul-moving, heart- thumping...

I got high on this, my brother.

More names for God (KJV):

God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Father of mercies (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3)

God of gods (Deuteronomy 10:17)

man of war (Exodus 15:3)

King of old (Psalm 74:12)

King of saints (Revelation 15:3)

God of all flesh (Jeremiah 32:27)

God of the spirits of all flesh (Numbers 16:22)

Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25)

Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9)

God of forces (Daniel 11:38)

Strength of Israel (1 Samuel 15:29)

Lord God of the holy prophets (Revelation 22:6)

Ancient of days (Daniel 7:22)

From The Heart Online said...

"God must rule over my finances, health, marriage, family and all other aspects of my life; I must give Him preeminence.

If I don’t, then these things become my god because in my mind they are greater."

That's one powerful statement - idolatry exposed. What a challenge!

-Kim

Unknown said...

I just finished reading this post on Wanda's blog too and it also got me thinking! I realized when I worry or fret I am viewing God as a "pebble" and not a "rock".

In every situation I need to realize that God is in control and he has the power to do the impossible. I will be meditating on this line from your article all day, "He is not limited by the word can’t." AMEN!

Sharon said...

MTJ - Such a full and meaningful message. (With your permission, I'd like to copy this one for my "faith notebook" so I can refer to it often). You know, sometimes I try to focus so much on God's love, that I forget that He is also to be revered and awed. Yes, my God needs to be bigger.

I really liked your use of the word preeminence. He is the One who is BEFORE all - and ABOVE all - the only One who deserves the SUPREME position in my heart and in my life.

Who is He? HE IS GOD! (What a thrilling statement!) He is the everlasting "I AM."

I will be pondering over this message for a long time, my friend. Thank you for sharing...

GOD BLESS!

Peggy said...

Blessings MTJ...

Always a profound, deep, thought provoking post over here!

I had to look up the definition of preeminence, though I knew it vaguely as just Superior and certainly proclaimed God as being preeminent but it's essential to understand all that entails. Which you clearly go forth and share quite well and how HE IS GOD over everything, Lord above everything!

"I put my life in His hands and trust Him with the outcome; there is nothing too great that He cannot change or that is beyond His reach. He has touched me before, I expect Him to touch me again." ~ me, too!

Love your complete surrender in your prayer as always a heart laid before Him. HE IS A ROCK... not at all a pebble, but I'd better go read what Wanda wrote! Love the verse along side that beautiful Rock photo from Deuteronomy! Many of the other great verses are in songs! HE IS LIMITLESS! HE IS BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS! HE IS GOD!

Thank you for all your visits as I was having internet problems. But God is supreme over the internet also!

Peace,
Peggy

Carolyn said...

Hi MTJ,

Beautiful post! God taught me so much about Him being my Rock just a couple of years ago...my trust, my strength, my focus must put Him at the very, very top! It was a tough lesson but so worth the learning! Still a daily conscious effort to keep Him where He is supposed to be at the very height of my focus...regardless of what comes a long that naturally tends to make me fearful, or fight for my attention.

Blessings, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

Anonymous said...

Very inspiring and true. Thank you for sharing. He indeed is rock and nothing is impossible for those who believe in Him.

God bless you always. You and your blog are a blessing.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Such a great and thoughtful post, I agree He is God!
kim

Teresa said...

MTJ, you are an amazing writer! I praise God for His insights through you and your humbleness before His awesomeness!!!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

He is a rock...and has become my strength. His presence empowers me more than anything else can. And it amazes me He even wants to be concerned with me. MTJ - I love your words...how you put them together to speak truth. Thanks so much for this.

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

MTJ,
I see that our posts have almost the same underline reflection: Faith in God. As you cleverly mentioned, we should NOT limit God.

Thanks for stopping by, and your kind comment. I always enjoy reading your words.

Blessings.

Doris

Wanda said...

Found myself praising Him as I read this MTJ. So much to take away from this one. God does not require life support but rather He is the creator and support of our lives. Beautifully written. Your kinds word of support are much appreciated. God bless.

My Mad World said...

MTJ~
I love this post! I don't even know what to say. I just love to read your post and soak it all in. I know that God is in control of everything in our lives and I have got to stop letting them rule over me and let Him rule over me instead.
Thanks again for this wonderful post and for sharing your great prayer with us also! Praying along with you brother.
Have a blessed day and weekend!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the birthday video. So thoughtful of you! May God bless you more.. you have a good heart :-)

Karen said...

"Why then do I allow things within my life to have preeminence?"...why indeed? That is the $64,000 question...I suppose it is because we are human...and weak...and prone to fail...and TOTALLY dependent on our great and merciful Father...

Psalm 61:2 is one of my favorite scriptures...I have it posted on my monitor stand so I see all throughout the day...

Wonderful post, MTJ!

Anonymous said...

Amen! God is from everlasting to everlasting and He alone is the blessed controller and creator of ALL things in heaven and on earth! Blessed be His Name! Hallelujah!

Teresa said...

MTJ....I just received your message...whereabouts in Austin are you visiting? By the way...hi!

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Summit our problems to God! This had taken me a long time.Praise the Lord that I can now do this 100%.
Blessings,
Ginger

Merana Leigh said...

Shocker that your words reach right into our spirits. Thank you for your insight & sharing it with us for Him! I have missed you, my friend!! Hopefully I can read thru here more at some point soon. This one is POWERFUL & I plan to refer to it often. He is God...when I try to understand past that basic premise, I simply get a headache ;o}! I just have to trust Him with who He is and what He wants to do thru me, and it's just that simple. (Funny thing: my word verification is "inown"...I read that as "I am no longer in my own little world, but I am an integral part in His!"

Joan Hall said...

Another thought provoking post. I love what you said about God must have preeminence over every aspect of our lives. Too often, I focus upon the situation in an attempt to fix things with my own efforts. When I do that I lose sight of the awesome and great I AM. I never thought about allowing those things to become little gods, but its true that anything we place above God is an idol.

Thank you for another great post to ponder and reflect upon.

Anonymous said...

More of HIM, less of me.

Judy said...

Hey!

This post makes me want to jump up and shout halleluja to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Amen! We cannot put God in a box. He is the Almighty, the eternal God who's all knowing, in complete control and is holding up the heavens with his bare hands. Thank you for a great post and for visiting my blog today. I appreciate it.

Blessings,
Judy

Audrey said...

What an awesome Word. Thank you so much for sharing!!

Glory to God said...

MTJ -

What a great post. I find it interesting that in church last Sunday, my pastor talked about some of the same things that you're saying. The topic went on a different course, but in an amazing way, you both come back to the same conclusion...that we have a limited view of our God.

It's true, unfortunately. We do limit God and we sometimes think we have God all figured out. If that's the case, then God isn't really that big.

Part of the teaching in church last week dealt with accepting predestination and reconciling the fact that the Bible says that, "...God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden." It's difficult to understand how God has predetermined to use people whose hearts would turn from Him.

Many people have a problem understanding how God could allow anyone to be an object of His wrath; that not all of his creation would be saved. One very important point that my pastor made was "that it's not as amazing to try to understand that God would allow anyone to incur His wrath. It's more amazing that God would have mercy on any one of us and escape His wrath.

The fact that we all our sinners deserving of God's wrath should make us all fall to our faces in humility to realize that God would save any one of us. But that's God's love. Not only did he do the work of salvation through Jesus and calvary, but He even gives us the measure of faith to believe in His Son so that we can accept Him into our hearts and be saved.

Reading your post confirms even more the transcendent nature of God. How can any one of us claim to have any clue of the vastness of God. It's only by Jesus Christ Himself are we able to comprehend anything. As Ephesians 3: 14-19 point out, 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Great post MTJ, and great insights! Have a good weekend! God bless!

Renee said...

This is a wonderful post, MTJ....I wrote down the scriptures you used here as God has been speaking to me about being the ROCK in my life this week and this is another affirmation of it! Bless you for sharing this today....It has given me more food for thought.

Ruth said...

Thank you for this powerful post!

Teresa said...

I'm in Cedar Park...would love to meet with you and your wife...there is a chick-fil-a on 1431...in cedar park near 183 A...! God bless you all!!

Peggy said...

Blessings MTJ... Thank you once again for this awesome WHO IS GOD post and your many visits!

I saw Lioneagle gave you more Names of God and so I thought I'd give you a link of mine with an extensive list and an overload on info... and a bit on me, and a 31 day husband challenge, which could easily be switched to wife challenge (lol). I tend to go overboard as you'll notice.

100th post Anniversary


I'm approaching 1,000th post. Ya' should have seen my 500th celebration! No give aways like most...just lots of thoughts flow!

May God bless your week! EnJOY!
Peace,
Peggy

Unknown said...

Hi MTJ, beautful post. Big subject, great handling of it.

The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize that my brain is just too small to ever fully understand God. I simply stand in awe of Him and my mind reverts back to Isaiah 55:6-9, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are you ways my ways,' declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Thanks for all your insightful comments on my post.

Beverly

Carolyn said...

Hello MTJ...thank you so much for your posts and also for your comments of encouragement! You are an awesome encourager as I appreciate your comments on my posts, as well as, the comments I see as I am blog-hopping and see your comments around blogland!

May you have a wonderful, blessed day! :)

In Christ, Carolyn
~ Cottage Sunshine

Ian Curtis said...

Good morning, brother.
Love the insights on the post, and what an exhaustive topic you've chosen! When I read it I thought of a book I just finshed which you might enjoy, "There Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment," by Jeremiah Burroughs. It had some wonderful insights relative to your post. God's blessings! Ian.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

I really enjoyed this post. All along, while I was reading each paragraph, I was thinking what God told Moses... "I AM WHO I AM". That sort of sums it all up about our Almighty and Awesome God. Blessings, Lloyd

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Hi again,

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment and your prayers.

Blessings.

Doris

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

Hi again,

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment and your prayers.

Blessings.

Doris