Pastor Mike Dwyer / Executive Pastor and Director of Men’s Ministry
As you can imagine, overseeing and preparing for funerals can be something that causes us to focus on eternity. After having the great privilege of speaking at a recent funeral, I found my heart pondering the idea of seeking God.
The Lord brought back to mind that time when I was but a seeker, or as I like to say a pre-Christian. For as long as I can remember I would stand outside on a starry night pouring out my heart. I had yet to know the person of God; yet He waited patiently for me, drawing me to Him.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11 the Bible tells us that God has set eternity in the hearts of men … He desires that we all should “find” Him and enjoy the abundant life. I know that within each of us there is a yearning, a hunger. St. Augustine said we are destined to keep searching until we finally realize that only God can fill the hole within us. That we can truly find rest from our seeking only in Him.
The Good News is that God, like a grandpa playing hide and go seek with his grandchildren, is not a very good hider. He longs to be found. He even helps along the way. There is a wonderful theological term called prevenient grace. It is literally “the grace that goes before.” It is God’s gift to mankind. He provides not only that spark but also a map (The Bible), a trailblazer (Jesus Christ) and a guide (Holy Spirit).
In Proverbs God has stated that, “those who seek me find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)
In Hebrews we are reminded that “God rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
And let us not forget that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that, “he who seeks finds.” (Matthew 7:8)
The holidays are upon us and soon we will be celebrating Christmas with loved ones and strangers alike. One Christmas message I always enjoy is the hope that “Wise men still seek Him.” May you know many blessings and be a blessing as well.
The Lord brought back to mind that time when I was but a seeker, or as I like to say a pre-Christian. For as long as I can remember I would stand outside on a starry night pouring out my heart. I had yet to know the person of God; yet He waited patiently for me, drawing me to Him.
In Ecclesiastes 3:11 the Bible tells us that God has set eternity in the hearts of men … He desires that we all should “find” Him and enjoy the abundant life. I know that within each of us there is a yearning, a hunger. St. Augustine said we are destined to keep searching until we finally realize that only God can fill the hole within us. That we can truly find rest from our seeking only in Him.
The Good News is that God, like a grandpa playing hide and go seek with his grandchildren, is not a very good hider. He longs to be found. He even helps along the way. There is a wonderful theological term called prevenient grace. It is literally “the grace that goes before.” It is God’s gift to mankind. He provides not only that spark but also a map (The Bible), a trailblazer (Jesus Christ) and a guide (Holy Spirit).
In Proverbs God has stated that, “those who seek me find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)
In Hebrews we are reminded that “God rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
And let us not forget that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds us that, “he who seeks finds.” (Matthew 7:8)
The holidays are upon us and soon we will be celebrating Christmas with loved ones and strangers alike. One Christmas message I always enjoy is the hope that “Wise men still seek Him.” May you know many blessings and be a blessing as well.