I started with repentance. I mean, when you realize you have fallen short of God's truth, the first practical step is repentance (check out 1 John 1:5-10 for further clarification). What is my sin? Doing my man-made best to keep God in the box. My puny little box of reality. You see not only am I guilty of coveting gods (consumerism, self righteous, shady entertainment, etc), but the larger sin is trying to keep the "I AM that I AM" in a box only to let him out or call upon him when life become uncomfortable. Imagine the foolishness of such a notion. Me (the created) trying to "maintain'  God (the creator) to fit my reality. The scope of my reality or relationship with God is that I wanted God to fix my life, my problems, my spouse, my boss,. my co-worker, my car, my finances, my prayer life, and above all, just skip the "suffering" part of and let's just fast forward to peace and tranquility.

Well, I had a rude awakening Sunday after church. The Holy Spirit brought this issue to the surface, and thus I repented. I need to allow God to be bigger than my preconceived reality. Allow God to become more than the answer to a few measly prayers  and a journey of comfort.. So I simply told God, he is God, I am not he and help me to realize the difference. Sunday after church I officially stepped out of foolish thinking I can "manage" God. I want Him to reveal his true presence in my life, church, and community. Pardon me as I step aside and allow God to be God. After all His track record of managing this world, much less our lives proves he has no equals. . 

What false images of God has you bound or confused. Isn't it time to let Him out of the box? I think He can do so much more outside? What are your thoughts on this?

Pastor Larry Dove