God Issues Today: "Darts with God"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist!) and Mansfield, Texas.

Pat Quinn is now the governor of Illinois. Today's Wall Street Journal tells us that Rod Blagojevich was removed from office yesterday following a unanimous vote of the Illinois state senate. Mr. Blagojevich has also been barred from public office in the state.

Here's the good news: God won't do the same with us, no matter our crimes. In fact, he wants a more intimate relationship with us than we want with him. This week we've been learning to listen to our Father. Our first step is knowing that God loves us and wants to speak to us. Our second step is starting the day by spending time with him. This "quiet time," however, is not the end of our spiritual activity for the day, but only its beginning. We can "practice the presence of Christ," as Brother Lawrence (1605-91) put it. How?

First, seek God in his word, all day long. Whenever you come to a decision, opportunity, or problem today, consult the Scriptures. Find a promise or principle which applies to your situation, and obey it. The Westminster Confession of Faith asserts: "The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith and life is either expressly set down in Scripture or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture, unto which nothing at anytime is to be added whether by new revelations of the Spirit or traditions of man." Scripture is God's word to us today.

Second, seek your Father in worship. Pray to him, all day long. No one in the Bible prays by closing their eyes and folding their hands. You can talk to God just as you talk to anyone with whom you have a relationship. "Ejaculatory" prayer (from the Latin word for "dart") is the practice of speaking to God in short, quick phrases all through the day. Talk with him about everything that comes your way. Spend the day with him in the same way you would spend it with your spouse or best friend.

Third, seek God in his world. David told us that "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1). If you're up early enough to see the sunrise today, view it as the majestic painting of your Father against the tapestry of the sky and be grateful for his omnipotence in your life. I will follow my Friday routine of a long walk this morning after finishing this essay. As I pass leafless trees, dormant until spring, I will reflect on the power of God to bring life from apparent death. And I will remember that what he does with nature, he can do with anyone I know.

Francis Schaeffer reminded us that "he is there and he is not silent." What will your Father say to your soul today?