In Sunday morning’s newspaper was a question: “How do you imagine God?” It then tells us that how we see God tells us about our world views, whom we love, how we vote, our response to a crisis and more. It indicates how we see evil, morality, politics, war and more. My wife and I discussed how we see God. How would you describe God?
I see a God that allowed each of us to be created in His own image. Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Scripture tells me:
We are how God wanted us to look, we have the abilities He chose for us and He gave us a purpose for life. He is a God who called me out of darkness into light. His Word told me how to live in order to be what He created me to be.
He is a God that I base my values on. He has taken away many of my insecurities, fear and replaced them with confidence in Him. My self-worth comes from being a child of God. He made we secure and gave to me hope; not only for now but into the future.
He has taught me how to live with others. Matthew 6:14 – 15 – “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Over 30 years ago I loaned a Christian friend $15,000 for his business. I had an attorney friend draw up an agreement. To this day I have had no indication that I will ever be paid anything. He gave my daughter a poodle pup. Since—I have accepted the fact that the dog cost $15,000. I do not want God not forgiving my sins.
God taught me how to forgive, not try to get even or become angry. He freed me from guilt, hate and gave me a changed attitude. He knew exactly what I needed to live a stress-free life. Ephesians 4:30 – “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
We, like so many others, have had our ups and downs. There have been situations when we have struggled financially and times we have not had to worry. There have been times when we have had physical issues and not expected to live. All of it was part of God’s plan. Romans 5:3b – 4 – “we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” From all of it we have learned many of life’s precious lessons.
How do I imagine God? He is a God who loves us, cares about us and wants what is best for us. He is a God I want to live to please. Someday I will be with Him forever and then I will be able to describe Him better.
I recently received in an e-mail: There is an old story about a little girl drawing a picture. “What are you drawing?” her mother asked. The reply was, “I’m drawing a picture of God.” “You can’t do that”, the mother protested, “Nobody knows what God looks like.” “When I get through with this picture they will,” her daughter replied.
Don Boyd Blog 
Darlene
/ October 11, 2010Thank you for your post! In light of the way we see God, today, I was inspired by a coin that still reads- In God We Trust. I posted this on Facebook today just sharing my passionate side:
Our US Coins say- in “GOD” we trust. It does NOT say- In “A GOD” we trust. Very comforting to still see that knowing how much GOD has been pushed out of our country. Hang onto your “coins.” Who knows how long they will read- In “GOD” we trust.
RESPONSES:
Hunter- Our country was founded on the concept of freedom of religion
Maybe it SHOULD say in God(s) we trust? Food for thought
Darlene- Samuel Adams- founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence:
“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual – or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” — Samuel Adams. Food for Thought 🙂
Donald- @Hunter I like that pretty soon we will be just using CC and online pay so it won’t matter
Darlene- In the “Political Realm” that would make you both “politically correct” and that would make would I just said- “politically incorrect” indeed.
(End of post)
Its very clear that the world sees God very differently than I do. It is very clear that the world focuses on “Political Correctness” and as a Christian, no matter what my opinion is going to be… it will be… in the “Worlds” eyes– Politically Incorrect.
Thank you Don, for your posts and your encouraging words in a very tough world. Many blessings to you!
Doug
/ October 11, 2010I think that we all have had times that we have felt taken advantage of by other Christians or people in general. I have even had people feel that way towards me when I felt that I handled a situation 100% correct. I have loaned 1000’s of dollars to multiple people over the years that was never returned but God has taught me to pray and if I then feel led to do it; move forward with no conditions. It is God’s resouces and who knows what comes from it but to second guess only adds stress to our own lives. Just a few years ago, I put 110,000.00 in a business deal that was mishandled by a Christian couple we had grown close to and to this day they pray for us daily and have genuine remorse. What do you do… punish them?? NO! God has shown me such grace over the years that I see it as a lesson for all of us. We usually look at what is seen but the bible says to focus on the unseen ! My wife and I know that their prayers alone are greatly affecting our lives. Can you put a price on that??!!
True forgiveness is tough for some of us but it really sets us free if we extend it — Holding on to regrets, anger etc.. accomplishes just what Satan wants –
Should we hold each other accountable? you bet!! but be careful not to stand in front of a blessing that could come had we let true forgiveness fill our hearts!!
Blessings-