So, I have another confession. I’m an American Idol crazy. Even worse, I am unashamed about it. I mean…. I’ve watched every season, and I had the past 3 seasons still recorded just in case I wanted to watch it between May and January whenever I was having withdrawals. Well, that is until DEAR husband erased them recently. (Still steaming about that one; counseling is inevitable. Sigh….. ) Seriously, I love music of many genres and enjoy that aspect of the show. It also really isn’t about the “idol” themselves, but the idea of someone “randomly” getting that chance in a lifetime to fulfill their dream. It’s so cool to watch out of thousands and thousands of people, ONE is chosen. The chosen winner gets a recording contract and for the most part, becomes one of the most famous recording artists in the country. The stereotypical crazy, er fan, just loves their “idol” too. They prove this love by knowing all kinds of crazy details about the person-this object of their affection. Sometimes, it’s downright scary. Why Because this love is “one sided.’ How many “idols” know the details about their fans? While the fan knows everything about them, to the performer, they are just another face in the crowd.
To God, we are not just another face in the crowd. This relationship began on HIS part, and yet it is a two-sided relationship. We are not just a fan of God, and He doesn’t know the details about us. No, God delights in us and wants us to know Him intimately, too. Isn’t that cool? It astounds me!
One of the challenges God’s been giving the ladies in our class is to start recognizing the “dailyness” of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He, the Holy Spirit, is key to the intimacy of our relationship with God. Too often, we don’t even acknowledge Him, praying to God and then wondering why He never answered. All along, we miss His answer because we don’t understand the Person or work of the Holy Spirit inside us. He isn’t some “force” or power. He is a PERSON in us! Right there, available 24/7. Wow! Part of that last week for me was taking time to be still and hear Him. (http://glasshouseministrywives.blogspot.com/2009/02/waves-of-mercy.html). This week, it has been actually exercising His presence.
Exercise. That is such a word I dread. Even though, I know the benefits will be glorious and well worth the effort, it’s just always difficult to get into a pattern of doing something that you are not accustomed to doing. Because I’ve seen just enough glimpses of God doing a new work in me recently, that has been the spark for me to press on in this. I know it will be for my benefit and God’s glory. I can already see some changes. I’ve had different exercises each day that God has put before me. One day, I decided to cut out computer and television, and not allow any distractions to my mind. I found more of my time was focused on Him because there was no noise or others distracting. Another day was recognizing Him in my words. Not allowing any conversation to come out of my mouth without consulting Him first. Amazing how much our mouths want to open without ever thinking through our words! I’m not even talking about dealing with difficult people. I’m talking about every single word we say. Interesting. Another day is with my body and eating/physical exercise. Seeking His counsel and strength as I am sensitive to what I allow in this temple I share with Him and how I’m using it. And a few others are in store the rest of this week. You wanna know the coolest part? I thought one day of each of these would just be something to try, but after trying them, I find I enjoyed the time so much with Him, I’m making it more of a habit for me. THAT is the coolest part ever! Too often, when we recognize we need change, we decide we’re going to change and make changes on the outside without dealing with the inside. We’ve got the order all wrong. By concentrating on the Spirit inside us, it is natural for our outside to be transformed because our relationship is being nurtured.
Ministry wives, don’t forget that the most important thing you can do is nurture your relationship with God. Don’t set yourself up on a pedestal or allow anyone else to do such a thing. God will not share His glory and who wants it? Like I shared with a close friend just this week. The ground at the foot of the cross is level. We're all a mess in view of the cross. We were never called to be all things to all people, nor should we try. However, we can’t be anything to anybody if we’re trying to do things on the outside without dealing with the inside. As we strive to know God more, we can rest that He intimately knows us and loves us unlike any other idol out there. The fruit of an intimate relationship with God will be the greatest ministry any of us can provide to others, because in that intimacy, God will show us things we never saw, people we never dreamed of reaching, and HOW to reach them.
I’m still following American Idol by the way. I’m thankful for the freedom in Christ to do it. Danny Gokey rocks! I can say that cause he’s a worship leader. Ha! I’m also thinking I could end up an Adam Lambert fan. The guys definitely have the better talent this year than the girls. I’ll definitely be writing more about this as the season goes on. Rest assured, that this nor anything else is coming even close to the greatest Idol in my life right now, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7
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