David Generation

I heard a lot about Mike Bickle's teaching on David last year from various people who had either been to the International House of Prayer in Kansas or had heard the tapes. I spotted his book in Wesley Owen the other day - "After God's Own Heart" and couldn't resist buying it (in my capcity as researcher and organiser of the church bookstall of course).

I have only read the first few chapters but i have found it very exciting so far. It does what every decent faith book should do and excite me about spending more time with God. I am torn between reading on to fully grasp his message and getting stuck into the practicalities of doing it.

One of the main things that I have been praying and thinking about over the past couple of years, and particularly since I got married, is what is it exactly that God has created me to be and to do? What are His specific plans for me? I know a lot of people struggle with the issue of "Call" and perhaps feel bereft of a vision. I don't think Bickle has said anything really new, but perhaps for the first time I really get that I cannot know myself fully until I know God more. Bickle talks about "beholding and becoming". "Be still and know that I am God" - NOT "Be still and know what I can do for you, what I can give you or what you can do for me". But rather pursuing God's heart and trying to understand and experience His emotions. We covered this in our series on falling in love with God. I see more clearly now how obeying Him and entering fully into His power will come easily and naturally if I really get to grips with who He is.

In HG over the last few months we have been looking at God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The metaphor of God as the Bridegroom is not one I have often mediatated upon. In that image it is easier for me to envisage His tenderness, affection, love and passion that He has for each one of us.