Watch this Army Dad surprise his young sons coming home from Iraq. Watch the video and see the reactions of the sons when they unexpectedly see their Father. (If it doesn’t bring a tear to your eyes, you’re the Tin Man who needs to see the Wizard.) I was struck watching this … that this is how we should be towards God our Feavenly Father.

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

At a Journey Group recently, we spoke of using the bible as it’s own commentary. Extrabiblical commentary (teaching other than the biblical text) is valuable. Every time a pastor or teacher says words other than Scripture, it is commentary. But Christ-followers must grow in the disciplines of biblical immersion.

You see, there was a global-impacting event that occurred in the 15th Century. The Gutenberg Press began a movement that brought books to the masses instead of the elite only. Before that time Christians memorized scripture, and used creeds to assist them in their knowledge of God. Unfortunately, Christians also leaned too heavily upon priests to “feed” them God’s word.

Part one is at http://sojournhuntsville.org/blogs/davidthew/2006/12/29/the_euphoria_of_god

We will start again with my definition for euphoria: “a response or experience of pleasure due to time spent with someone or something pleasurable.”

The Euphoria of Romantic Love

Can you think of some of your most memorable, good first dates? Energy, time and finances went into creating the right environment. You anticipated seeing her face-to-face. Even if you are a man’s man, you obsessed about how you looked. Will she think I’m a tool? The time comes. You pick her up in your I’ve-never-been-so-clean-who-are-you-trying-to-impress car. The date begins. You are interested in her. She is interested in you. It goes without a hitch. Magic!

Changing Tires for Jesus

I was thinking about David’s message this morning and the reference to 1 Cor 10:31: Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

One of the most humble, godly, spiritually-powerful men I ever met was Ed Drew, a U.S. Army chaplain in Italy 20 years ago. Ed shared with me how, before he came back on active duty as a chaplain, he was working as a tire changer at Sears. He was also restless and unfulfilled ….. until he came to the point where he told the Lord he was willing to change tires for Him for the rest of the his life, if that was what God wanted. Ed had come to the point in his life where he was literally (and joyfully) willing to change tires for Jesus for the rest of his life. Why? The principle articulated in 1 Cor 10:31 took hold in his life.

The euphoria of God. I woke up feeling it this morning. Let me start by saying that I do not always “feel” close to God. Some days I feel spiritually neutral or even apathetic. I am a work in progress. But let me go back to this morning.

I was in that in-between place. You know it. Your alarm clock has not buzzed yet. Your mind and body are coming on line. You are waking up.

I was aware of the presence of God. Danielle was lying next to me. Her presence was unmistakable. But, there was something else. I discerned the presence and blessing of God. I began to analyze it a bit. The word “euphoria” popped into my head. “Yes,” I thought. “I believe euphoria describes it. Let me go look it up.”