Welcome: An Introduction

Sharing the insights I discover as I explore and experience the mystery that is our reality. Join me in my journey and share yours.




Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Tasting God's Glory

"Our Heavenly Father, revealing his majesty [in the gospel], lifts reverence for Scripture beyond the realm of controversy."
         ~ John Calvin



There's something beautiful that happens when one opens their heart to God's reality. Their heart like a budding flower opens and blossoms, embracing the light of the Spirit. The "light of the gospel" is not just seen, as if by our mortal eyes, but experienced fully be the senses of the soul. When this happens, all the theological questions one might be struggling with fades away in the background, and the only thing that remains is the pure awe one has in finding oneself witness to being in the presence of God's glory.

Nothing else matters but the glory of God!






Jonathan Edwards describes he who is "spiritually enlightened" as one that does not "merely rationally believe that God is glorious, but he has a sense of the gloriousness of God in his heart."








Edwards goes on to say:

"There is a twofold understanding or knowledge of good, that God has made the mind of man capable of. The first, that which is merely speculative or notional...The other is that which consists in the sense of the heart: as when there is a sense of the beauty, amiableness, or sweetness of a thing...Thus there is a difference between having an opinion that God is holy and gracious, and having a sense of the loveliness and beauty of that holiness and grace. There is a difference between having a rational judgement that honey is sweet, and having a sense of its sweetness...When the heart is sensible of the beauty and amiableness of a thing, it necessarily feels pleasure in the apprehension...which is a far different thing from having a rational opinion that it is excellent."



Has your soul broken open and allowed the light of the Spirit to flood the innermost sacred parts of your heart to behold the glory of God? To taste His glory?....


There was a time I let theological questions get in the way of experiencing God's glory. In fact, I let such questions create a boundary between experiencing God for I  started going about seeking His truth by means of man's knowledge and not God's Word. Man has much wisdom to offer eachother, but when it comes down to it, we are but a breath to God. True knowledge rests in God's Word and through the whispers of His Spirit that awakens us while reading His Word and opening it up to Him through meditation. 

What did I gain from seeking truth from man first and God second? Confusion, restlessness of spirit and an even thirstier soul that felt near to perishing. I learned, that God's glory is less to be understood by the mind but more to be experienced by the heart.

Let's be filled with the Holy Spirit today and savor God in all His glory, letting His light awaken the senses of our soul as we bring lift high our praises!



Heavenly Father,

We are beings created to bring You praise honor and glory. We pray that Your spirit awakens our hearts, letting them bloom so that the light of Your Spirit penetrates every corner of our souls. We seek knowledge of you, but even over knowledge, experience of you. We thirst to taste the glory of God and have its truth echo joyfully in the corridors of our hearts. Cleanse and purify our hearts, renew them as we come to You, laying down the essence of who we are, so that we can become more like who You are. Help us lose ourselves in Your love so that we may shine your light even brighter amidst the world's darkness, helping to vanquish it and bringing about a greater depth of love to those around us. 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and forever will be. 

In Jesus' precious name,
Amen. 

16 comments:

  1. I love reading Jonathan Edwards, what a man that was used by God! I agree Jess, a head knowledge of God is far different than a relational knowledge. When you can sense God in the areas of your life it empowers you to overcome and be strong. This is our God! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I too enjoy reading Jonathan Edwards from time to time. This post has a very nice message. Thanks for sharing.

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  3. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
    Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
    ~ Psalm 34:8
    What a world of difference between knowing about Him and knowing Him... like reading how the honey tastes and actually tasting it... or hearing someone describe these lovely flowers: how they look, how they smell...

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  4. Jessica, this was a very powerful message for me. Although, I don't read the Bible as often as I think I should, I do have a wonderful relationship with God and feel as though He is with me each moment of the day. I spend more time conversing with God(in my head) over situations I face throughout the day and how and what I can do to live my life more in His light. I believe in order to understand your faith, you have to be able to open your heart to God and let him into your heart. He will take things from there. He certainly has with me:)

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  5. JESSICA....thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my post...I don't know you but what appreciate of you is your sensitivity, your love for nature,Yanni's music...therefore if you were interested in my writings about Rome, please don't hesitate to have a look.

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  6. I may not read the Bible or the Gita or Torah or Koran or any other holy books. I know this when one opens the heart willingly, honestly and faithfully love in its purest form enters ...... Powerful post

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  7. Ed...Marc...always great meeting others who enjoy Jonathan Edwards as much as I do! Thanks for your comments :)
    ~blessings

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  8. Debra...a difference indeed...between knowing of something and experiencing it! We are so blessed to have a God who opens his arms to seekers and blessed them with rich experiences and tastes of his glory. Thank you for your comment :)
    ~blessings

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  9. Mary...what a beautiful life post you wrote :) Many know God as a theory but don't experience Him as a comforter, as a counselor, as a father and friend. You do! And that's beautiful and inspiring :)
    ~blessings

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  10. Maria...thank you for stopping by and for your kind comments...I enjoy your blog and look forward to learning more about Rome! :)
    ~blessings

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  11. Beautiful message Yoga :)...nothing can ever be acheived with a closed heart for nothing can enter...not love or experience of the divine.
    ~blessings :)

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  12. I just sit here and let your words embrace me. I always find a comfort here. Thank you xoxo

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  13. A sense of calmness prevails when I am here...I enjoy the calmness...let every word soak in..

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  14. Thank you SJ, I am blessed to know you find comfort here. ~love and blessings

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  15. Alpana... I always appreciate you stopping by. Thank you :) May you find peace now and always :)

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  16. I like the word taste--"gustare"... there's a sense of delight... of making God's Word a part of us..."savor"... we don't just read it... we eat the Word... so much so in the celebration of the Eucharist...

    this is so beautiful jessica... there are many elements to reflect on...:)

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