As I was gazing at a picture of Jesus on the front of a prayer book, it made me wonder what God looks like. How do you see God? Do you see him all the time or only when things are going good? Do you sometimes wonder where he is? I see God all the time. I see him in the joy of my day, I see him in the darkest times and the life storms that we all encounter… I don’t see God in the human form like the picture of JESUS but I do see him in all his greatness. I see the beauty all around us. In the bright red cardinal sitting on the tree branch, the sweet smell of the lilac bush in full bloom, Or I see the wonder of God in that precious smile on a baby’s face. I see God in times of tragedy, in the life storms we all have. I remember the story about the shooter in Hesston KS that pointed the gun at a women whom he had run off the road and the gun didn’t fire…that is God’s protection at work…I am sure she saw him in that moment.  A woman experiencing heart problems, the doctors telling her she needs bypass surgery, but the test show the heart has formed its own bypass, WOW…God was there.  There are hundreds of these stories. God is everywhere.  God is so amazing. He gives us small glimpses of him all day long but are we taking time to see him, to rejoice in his presence.

Today as I was sharing just a little bit about my life with one of our pastors. I keep thinking…wow God was there…and there…and there. Like when God connected my husband and I, some 45 years ago, and how GOD was there each step of the way through my husband’s lymphoma cancer 12 years ago. Then as I was telling him about my children and grandchildren, I again got a glimpse of GOD’s greatness…as I reflected on all the times my son in law and my son’s  deployment and yet GOD kept them safe and brought them home. Then there was the day that my grandson was born and they said he wouldn’t live but hours…now 10 years later …he is still making me smile and filling my life with love. I could go on for hours counting the glimpses of GOD I have seen. His beauty, his mercy, his grace and his love…all the things that make him a GOOD, GOOD FATHER.

So I ask you, do you see GOD all around you? As I think back there were lots of time in my life that I was to busy to notice the greatness of GOD…the awesome beauty…and the way he was there connecting me with just the right people in my life. As you are reading this, I hope that you are taking a moment to reflect on how GOD is there time and time again for you. You might not see his human form but I hope that you can see his greatness around you and in your life. .

As our awareness of GOD’s presence grows, our focus on him becomes stronger and stronger. Times are changing….there is darkness all over the world and OUR LIGHT IS GOD. So our ability to see GOD is so important, because each time we see him…a beam of light is overcoming the darkness. WE NEED LOTS OF LIGHT…. John 8:12 says. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

God is the Great I AM….he is not the Great I WAS. God says…I AM the creator of all things. I AM always with you. I AM your light in darkness…I AM….I AM….I AM…The list goes on and on in the bible of how GOD is the Great I AM.  I AM ALL YOU NEED. Is he saying that to you? Are you looking for him? Are you seeing his greatness?

” In the bible, the scriptures are filled with GOD’s presence both visible and invisible. So take a few minutes to really see GOD

Here are a few of my favorites.

Psalm 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.  

Malachi 1:11“For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Romans 8:38-39 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

This list of scriptures are endless….as is GOD.

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful that your presence is always with us, even in the times, that we might not see you. God, we pray for our ability to see you, to keep our focus on you, and to have you with us always. We know that you are the GREAT I AM and we place our trust and faith in you. We celebrate your greatness. We know that God is the I AM of creation, healing, truth, and of life. Father, let us give you praise and glory for all your assurances found in your word. We are so very blessed. As a child of GOD, may our love always be child like, without judgment and unconditional. Thank you for being our I AM…..In the precious name of JESUS         AMEN….