What is a God intoxicated heart? One that is full of happiness, peace, and joy,
because of being close to God. It is a wonderful day indeed, when we stop working
for God, and begin working WITH God!!!! If we begin working with God we will become
dynamic “evangels” sharing the good news of God’s transforming love.
Fellow workers? Co-laborers? God and us working together? What a concept!
Rather than report to God, we work with God. Rather than check in with God and then
leave, we check in and then follow. We are always in the presence of God. We never
leave the church-spiritually. There is never a non-sacred moment! God’s presence
never diminishes. Our awareness of God’s presence may falter, but the reality of the
presence of God never changes!!!
Jesus’ relationship with God went far deeper than a daily appointment. Do you
suppose God desires the same for us? Absolutely! God doesn’t come and go, appear
and disappear. God is a permanent presence, always available. What incredibly good
news for us! We are NEVER away from God! God is NEVER away from us – not
even for a moment! God remains within us, continually present in our lives. We just
have to acknowledge this, and then we will begin to feel this presence. As we do this we
will begin to be the “evangel” because others see you and want what you have. Start
looking at people with a God-love gaze (a smile) and they will look back and act as
though they want to go with you.
Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face God. Before you
step out of bed, step into God’s presence. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on
God. Conclude the day as you began it—talking to God. If you fall asleep as you pray,
don’t worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your God?
As you commune with God more… your life will show others how wonderful it is
to have a God intoxicated heart and they will want one too! People will ask you why
you are so full of love and joy….and you as the “evangel” will share your love and joy
with them.
Let me remind you that God loves you just the way you are, but God refuses to
leave you that way. God wants you to be like Jesus. God desires the same
love and intimacy with you that he had with his son. When you strive for this
intimacy with God, you can’t help but share it.
Start one day at a time. Think of God three times at least the first day….even mark
on your calendar how often you were able to think of God each day. Soon it will become
natural. Try it …you might like it!
Prayer (by St. Theresa of Liseux): O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for
those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfill perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for
love of Thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be
united together in heaven for all Eternity.
Amen.
Vi Spencer is a retired DOC Minister living in the San Joaquin Valley,
filling pulpits occasionally