God Is Not an Ogre

God Is Not an Ogre

Let this be an encouragement to you.

God is not an ogre.  He is not a tyrant, or fiend, an evil troll or a giant who simply wants to devour you.

God is not looking for ways to keep you from Him.  He is not throwing up roadblocks to keep you from Himself. 

He IS the inviting God, the gentle God, the kind and merciful God.

Someone has noted that God invites us over 365 times in the scriptures to come to Him.  It’s not a trap.  It’s not a ploy to get us near so He can zap us.

He dearly wants friendship, companionship with us.  He wants an intimacy that is real, deep, sincere, and closer than close.

Will you trust Him enough to draw near? 

The scriptures encourage this: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)

Internet Church Blog Site

Hope Encouragement Inspiration

While God Is Changing Me

While God Is Changing Me

While God is changing me, I still enjoy His grace and mercy.  Yesterday, I had some thoughts that weren’t exactly holy.  I harbored an attitude, I thought ill of a person, and I skipped morning devotions.  I even missed church on Sunday.

And God still showers me with His grace.  Imagine that. 

This I know … God loves me for who He is, not for who I am.  I’ll never be good enough, holy enough, righteous enough, consistent enough, and beautiful enough.  But God, in His mercy and grace, still reaches down, or out, or … and says, “That one.  The senior man with little hair who is trying to do some good.  Him I love.  He has my eye.” 

And so, I keep trying … and sometimes fall short. 

I keep plugging away … and sometimes miss the hole I’m supposed to plug.  I keep using my small skills.

And God keeps changing me, growing me, speaking to me, inspiring me, hovering near, and loving me, for He sees something worthy in me.

And in you.  Put yourself in this picture, for it is true of you as well.

Be encouraged today.

Internet Church Blog Site

P Michael Biggs

Hope Encouragement Inspiration

If God Could Speak Thru You

If God Could Speak Thru You

If God could speak thru you, what would He say to the next person you meet?  What would He say to your spouse or sibling?

On love, He would probably say:

“Forever, now, I have been trying to get your attention and tell you just how much I love you.”  I think He would use terms such these:

   *undying love

   *everlasting love

   *furious love

   *abundant love

   *unconditional love

   *all-sufficient love

   *a love that never ends

And His great love sonnet – For God so loved the world …

And on grace, He would probably say this:

~My grace is sufficient for you in any situation in which you find yourself.

~I will NEVER leave you, nor forsake you.

~I will be with you until the ends of the earth.

And on trust, He would probably say:

"Trust in me with all your heart, your soul, your strength, your might.  Lean not on your own understanding.  In everything you do, and by whatever means you do it, acknowledge Me (God), and I will make your paths straight."

Now, are there three people you know who would love to hear these love expressions from God?

Then send this to them, right now.  Pass it along and let God do the rest.

Internet Church Blog Site

P Michael Biggs

Hope Encouragement Inspiration