So I'm reading this book, which I highly recommend-
Christlike: The Pursuit of Uncomplicated Obedience by Bill Hull
This book has conjured up many thoughts throughout my reading sessions and I want to share some of those thoughts.
Being with God
Revelation 3:20 (NLT)
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."
who are the people that you open up to the most? the people that you share your everything with, emotions, frustrations, shortcomings, joys, ideas, plans....
you share those things with your best friends. and what makes them your best friends? you don't feel judged. you don't feel as though they are trying to change you every time you are together. you don't feel like you have to impress them.
you don't feel uncomfortable.
yes, our God is the Judge, He is the Lord of lords, He is power and might, but He is also Mercy, Love, Forgiveness, and our Father.
I say time and time again that I desire to have intimate quiet time with Jesus. devotion that is unhindered by time or objectives. I don't want a check list. I don't want to do it because it is seen as a "must" within Christianity.
If we approach God as a checklist we will never feel comfortable. intimacy doesn't happen out of duty. we need to take a step back, clear our heads and see God for who He truly is. If we do that then we will be in a place of awe. A place of joy. A place that puts us within the defending walls of Jesus.
yes, Jesus has the power to change our hearts in order to change our lives, but that doesn't mean we can't be comfortable around Him. See He doesn't change out of duty. Jesus doesn't do it so that we will see Him as the boss ruler who has power over us. He changes us out of love. Our God is the architect of life. He has the plans. He knows what works best. He changes us for the better so that through us experiencing the most abundant life in Him, He will be glorified.
STOP.
we have to stop turning to God out of duty. Jesus promised that He would enter into our lives and that we would share a meal together, as friends.
How intimate is that!
here is the reality that i see:
if we can't feel comfortable in the arms of the Father, if we don't experience the most intimacy with Love Himself
then what do we find comfort in?
everything else is fleeting. people come and go, but our God is never fading or fleeting. all else fails in comparison.
so let's all live into the life of abundance that Jesus has already promised and given.
that life, the life of full breaths, complete love, joy that overcomes the enemy...
it comes through seeking and knowing the One who created and designed it all.
enjoy the Lord.
