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God is…..

                 One would think that the passengers of a British Airways flight that landed in Edinburgh, Scotland last week should have been happy.  Their flight left London on time.  The crew did their jobs well.  The airplane functioned properly.  It was completely uneventful except for one detail: They were supposed to be in Dusseldorf, Germany!  Somehow an incorrect flight plan was filed and so the crew flew the plane to the wrong place. 
                When you can get all the small details right, but miss a big one, you have a real problem!
                Churches can make a similar mistake when we focus on small details and lose sight of the big truths.  Therefore, in an effort to make sure that we are on the right flight path, let me underline three things that God says about himself.
                “God is Love” (1 John 4:7-21).  If we get this part wrong, we lose everything else.  Every thought that you have about God must go through the filter that says, “Whatever is happening, even if it does not look good now, is for my benefit”.  Never doubt that God wants the best for you and that, if you continue to walk with him, he can work everything out (Romans 8:28).
                “God is light” (1 John 1:1-7).  Light is revealing and joyful.  House hunters never say, “I want something really dark and dingy!”  Rather, everyone looks for homes that are bright and full of light.  Light is powerful and life bringing.  As we reflect God’s light, we become a light to others (Matthew 5:14) and that makes a difference in a dark world. 
                “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).  You may be tempted to overlook this quality or even remove it from the list.  However, this too is good news.  This tells us that, in the end, God will deal with the darkness and the wrong that has been done.  In other words, I do not have to even all the scores, or get revenge.  In fact, that is not even my job (Romans 12:19).  Good thing, too, because I would make a mess of it anyway.
                We a need a clear picture of God, so that our faith does not go off course.    
                And, if you are ever confused, look at Jesus.   After all, he said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the father!” (John 14:9).

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