Affirmation of God: God is everything.

Really? Do you think I have taken this God thing too far? Is He everything or not? It’s really cool but he is! However, it can be against our nature at times. In the last chapter of Romans 10 Isaiah was quoted as saying “All day long I have stretched out My hands To a disobedient and contrary people.” (NKJ) 

Why will some look at “God is everything” and dismiss it as overkill and with apathy? Are we a contrary people? Dictionary.com defines contrary as: 

1. opposite in nature or character; diametrically or mutually opposed: contrary to fact; contrary propositions.

2. opposite in direction or position: departures in contrary directions.

3. being the opposite one of two: I will make the contrary choice.

4. unfavorable or adverse.

5. perverse; stubbornly opposed or willful. 

The opposite of God seems dramatic. Disinterested maybe but opposite?? 

Today’s affirmation was harvested from Romans 11:36 where Paul says a mouthful about God. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

Of God, Through God, To God in ALL THINGS. All things could equal everything, right? Of God, through God and to God is everything! “God is everything”. To Him be the glory, Amen!! 

The opposite of God being in all things is Him being in nothing, right? That seems a bit harsh to me but really if He is not everything, what is He? Do you think it is possible as dictionary.com says above in the fifth definition that we are just a stubborn people and we are willfully opposed?  I am just thinking out loud. What do you think? 

Romans 11 was a thought provoking ride this morning. In verse 6 Paul says another mouthful: And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. (NKJ) 

Ok, if it’s really grace then it’s not the works that brings salvation. If it’s the works then it is not grace. It is still grace. Grace is grace. God gives grace, we do not earn it. God is everything here. When he refers to the Israelites in verse 27 he says “When I take away their sins.” When HE takes away their sins; seems to be all His doings. He is doing everything.

Romans 11:29 says: For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Permanent, everything. Once again we are reminded in verse 33:  Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Three days in a row now in three different studies I have been reminded that His ways are beyond our understanding. Way past our capabilities to find out. God, you are beating me over the head here. 

Am I trying to rely too much on what I understand? Will what I understand be contrary or the opposite of your will? God help us to have you be our everything. Forgive us for being contrary. Of You, through You and to You I want to be. To You be the Glory.  Do you think to have God be everything is expecting too much?? 

Tom Raines

Christian Affirmations 4 Life