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| My Wonderful Life |
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My Wonderful Life
A couple of ways that the dictionary defines the word wonderful is that which is fantastic, extraordinarily good, or great. When I speak of how my life is absolutely wonderful, I can't honestly say that it finds it's home in either one of those definitions. Yet, I say that my life is wonderful because I am, and may always be, full of wonder.
So what does that mean? Here's how the dictionary defines the word wonder:
have a wish or desire to know something; "He wondered who had built this beautiful church" the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising place in doubt or express doubtful speculation; "I wonder whether this was the right thing to do"; "she wondered whether it would snow tonight" something that causes feelings of wonder; "the wonders of modern science" be amazed at; "We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities" curiosity: a state in which you want to learn more about something
Now here in these definitions I can see some of myself. Particularly in the last definition. "curiosity: a state in which you want to learn more about something". God has placed within me this marvelous desire to know more about Him. It's fantastic!
The bible has much, much to say about knowledge; knowledge of God and His Son. In fact, Jesus himself said that knowing, or having knowledge of God and the One that He sent, is in and of itself, eternal life. Eternal life is knowing God.
There are so very many verses that prove this all important truth about knowing God. Knowing God is the answer to the worlds problems. It's that powerful. What the world needs is God's grace. And not only His grace, but the peace that comes along with it. I believe that both grace and peace are truly a free gift from God. They are both imparted into the spirit of every born-again believer. But that my friends is not where this knowing God issue is to end.
If we like the grace and the peace that comes from the born-again experience, then continuing to know God and His Son more and more, only magnifies, or amplifies if you will, those two ever crucial and ever so desirable gifts. 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 2 Peter 1:2
It is this wonderful experience of getting to know God that causes me to consider my life wonderful. Completely full of wonder and awe. It truly is marvelous.
And that brings me a new definition for which I present. The word marvel. Here are a few ways the dictionary defines it:
- wonder: be amazed at; "We marvelled at the child's linguistic abilities"
- express astonishment or surprise about something
- wonder: something that causes feelings of wonder; "the wonders of modern science"
To me those seem like rather worldly definitions. But I can relate to "something that causes feelings of wonder". Knowing God is marvelous. And the more we know, the more we want to know. He most definitely causes within us feelings of wonder.
The word marvel from the Greek is the word tamahh{taw-mah'}. It means:
- to be astounded
- be stunned
- be amazed
- be dumbfounded
Based upon those definitions, I can honestly say that I often marvel over the things of God. His amazing love is at times more than my peanut-sized brain can fathom. He is truly amazing.
I also find it quite interesting that I find in scripture only two occasions when Jesus himself marvelled over something. One time he marveled over the unsuspected faith of a Roman soldier:
We read: 8:5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 8:6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 8:9For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:5-10
Jesus was astounded, stunned, amazed, and dumbfounded by the level of understanding that this man had. Jesus literally marveled at his faith.
The second time I see that Jesus was marvelled comes from a not-so positive instance. Jesus had entered back into His own home town to teach but He could do no mighty work there because they knew Him. But they knew Him not according to who He was in the spirit, but only according to who He was in the flesh.
Let's read: 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this [man] these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Jesus was astounded, stunned, amazed, and dumbfounded by their level of unbelief.
So what does this tell me? This tells me that there are only two things that really cause Jesus to stand up and take notice. Great faith and great unbelief. I really don't think He even sees a middle ground. There is no gray area. Maybe that's why He told us that he would rather we either be hot, or cold, not lukewarm? 3:16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Friends, I title this blog, "My Wonderful Life" because knowing God, and getting to know Him more and more is what makes this life wonderful. When I think of His wonderful love and his amazing plan I am astounded, stunned, amazed, and dumbfounded. It really and truly is marvelous.
Therefore I wonder. I wonder How Jesus sees me. I certainly hope that He would see me as marvelous. Not marvelous because of my unbelief, yet marvelous because of my unwavering faith. Have you ever asked yourself that question? What do you think his viewpoint of you would be?
In love,
Michael
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| To add a comment to "My Wonderful Life" |
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| March 27, 2009 |
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| Sometimes He's asking me, "Where's your faith, girl?" And sometimes He's telling me, "Don't listen to them, must trust Me & My Word." Sometimes He's saying, "You got faith!" BTW, your brain is peanut sized? Really? lol |
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| March 27, 2009 |
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| This is truly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! " WONDERFUL" |
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| March 27, 2009 |
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Thanks Lara and Keith. And yes Lara, my brain is peanut-sized. But even if it was the size of a mustard seed, but mixed with faith, that would be all I ever need to overcome this world!
5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. |
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| March 27, 2009 |
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Michael,
One thing my Mom always says is "Isn't that WOONDEERFULL? It cracks us all up and this blog makes me think of her...She truly has shown me some wonders in life....forgiveness for one....that woman sets the pace like no one I have ever known when it comes to forgiveness...she also lives life in so much joy it is contagious...but anyway...I digress....
I love the parallels you make about Christ marveling at either our faith or unbelief...that was awesome....I will tell you this you keep me thinking and on my toes...I marvel at your written word and I wonder often how it is you come up with the stuff you do...I mean I know it is Christ in you but I think God truly marvels at the wonder of you....seriously.... |
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| March 27, 2009 |
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Awe Lori, you're making me blush!
Thanks so much for your compliments, You are such a faithful friend. I'll have to agree with you though, it's amazing to me the things God shows me sometimes. And that's not a prideful statement. It's actually quite humble. Without Him I can do nothing but praise God, I am never without him.
It's been a while since I wrote anything significant, I consider this blog to be a rekindling of what it is that I really love to do. Write.
I owe so much to you Lori. You encourage me and empower me with your affirmations and the Christ within you often compels me. Thanks.
And BTW, I am learning to love BibleWorks 8. What a powerful tool. I need to spend some more time discovering all that it provides but some of this very teaching was a result of utilizing that program. So again, I say thank you!
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| March 27, 2009 |
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I know you hate public exhortation, but sometimes you have to praise a friend...I hope you take it in the spirit it is meant and understand the heart it comes from...I think you do...
You know what Michael you owe me nothing...our friendship is not nor has it ever been conditional. I am so grateful we have met...You helped me to find the Christ in me once again, and my life because I know you is forever altered...you often lift me closer to Christ and words escape me during those times...
I would love to just spend a whole weekend playing with Bible works. It is such a vast program I have just touched the surface....I don't even understand all the toolbar functions yet....LOL..I thought you might like it as a tool...I love to see you writing again...it makes me just smile all over...That program encourages me to write as well...I'm writing just not publishing...but I will get there at some point... |
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| March 28, 2009 |
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Great Blog Michael,
Sometimes I think The Lord Marvels, and Wonders at how hard it is to get me to do something for Him, knowing how much He has invested into "my making".
Help me Holy Spirit to respond as a "good and faithful servant".
Tom |
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| March 28, 2009 |
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Thanks Tom,
I hear what you're saying and I can relate. God has spoken to me and He has given me a direction, but I have not yet put that plan into action. It's not that I am not going to do what he spoke, but yet I am trying to exercise some wisdom as to the specific timing. I know that seems a little vague and probably doesn't help much but the point I am trying to make is that it's important that we at least acknowledge His plan and then begin to start taking the steps or moving in that direction.
Billy Graham once said something to the following: He said that if he knew he only had six months to live, he'd spend 5 months studying the bible and then the last month preaching.
When the fullness of time has come Tom, I am sure you will know it. Keep pressing in and pressing on. His plan for you will indeed come to pass as long as you remain a living sacrifice!
If you have some time, I recommend listening to this series on How To Fulfill Your Destiny. it's good stuff!
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| March 28, 2009 |
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| lol Amen, Michael! |
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| March 30, 2009 |
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| Thank You Sir. |
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