The Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. He answered them, “People can’t observe the coming of the kingdom of God. They can’t say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ You see, the kingdom of God is within you.”
-- Luke 17:20-21 (GWT)
Lord, help me to remember that Your Kingdom is within me. I desire personal relationship with You, my King, over public usefulness to people. Three things I ask of You for my life:
(1) Intimacy -- to know ever-increasing oneness with You in prayer.
(2) Vulnerability -- to be a real believer, so that others will know You are my Life.
(3) Longevity -- to trust in You alone over the long haul.
Lord, I want my life to be my argument, yes the greatest convincer that You are good. In Jesus name. Amen.
Grateful
Showing posts with label intimacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intimacy. Show all posts
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Try to Imitate or Trust in Intimacy
We can try to imitate Jesus, however, He wants us to trust Him in such
intimacy that we become His sacred sanctuaries, yes the places where His holy
presence dwells.
Lord, prepare me to be Your sanctuary. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Lord, prepare me to be Your sanctuary. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Increased Intimacy with Immanuel is what I long for.
Grateful
Sunday, April 3, 2011
My Heart's Prayer As Easter Draws Near
Lord, during this season leading up to the celebration of Your Resurrection, You invite me to enter more totally into the mystery of Your suffering. I believe You are inviting me into a deeper desire that I might continue to know You with ever-increasing intimacy. As I journey on the way that You have charted for me, help me to embrace the burdens that I am to bear for my own good and more especially for Your glory. If I know my heart, I have died to the desire to choose my own way and to want what I want. The goal is not to be a hero but a servant like You, who Loves You. In Your marvelous and matchless Name I pray. Amen.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. -- Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Count it all joy.
Grateful
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. -- Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Count it all joy.
Grateful
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pentecost Gives Newness...
Some may ask, "What are the benefits of Pentecost?"
Well, here's just a short list of what I have come to realize that Pentecost gives:
(1) A newness of joy.
(2) A newness of love.
(3) A newness of mind.
(4) A newness of heart.
(5) A newness of strength.
(6) A newness of assurance.
(7) A newness of compassion.
(8) A newness of anointing to pray in the Holy Spirit.
(9) A newness of perspective from The Holy Word of God.
(10) A newness of intimacy in sweet communion with Holy God.
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. -- Romans 7:6 (NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses... -- Acts 1:8 (NIV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Well, here's just a short list of what I have come to realize that Pentecost gives:
(1) A newness of joy.
(2) A newness of love.
(3) A newness of mind.
(4) A newness of heart.
(5) A newness of strength.
(6) A newness of assurance.
(7) A newness of compassion.
(8) A newness of anointing to pray in the Holy Spirit.
(9) A newness of perspective from The Holy Word of God.
(10) A newness of intimacy in sweet communion with Holy God.
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. -- Romans 7:6 (NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses... -- Acts 1:8 (NIV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Devotion Dilemma
We have (during these too-busy days that we "live" in) what I call, a devotion dilemma. Yes, sadly, it seems that people these days have little or no time at all for praying. However, if we are to ever learn to pray, it will take time and plenty of it. If we are to ever know God in ever-increasing intimacy it will require seasons of prayer in His presence, not just seconds of prayer as we wrecklessly race into the future. Let us take time immediately for intimacy with Immanuel or time will take us ultimately from His presence for eternity.
Lord, teach us TO pray... -- Luke 11:1 (NIV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Lord, teach us TO pray... -- Luke 11:1 (NIV)
IF MY PEOPLE... WILL? I WILL! God's Promise in 2 Chron. 7:14.
Grateful
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Birth Comes Before Growth
A Basic Christian Commentary
A while back, I was talking on the phone with a dear friend of mine. The most basic idea of Christianity was the topic – being born again. So many people sadly seem to have the cart before the horse and the tail wagging the puppy when it comes to being a Christian. In other words there must be a spiritual birth before there can be spiritual growth. It seems that some people are trying to become fully devoted followers of Jesus without first coming to Jesus to be born again. In other words, we should never expect to grow in Christ until we first know Him as Christ! Unless we have been forgiven of our sins and are willing to forsake our lives of sin, trying to grow spiritually will only be an exercise in futility. If we have not yet been born again and are still dead in our sins, trying to grow in Christianity may only lead us to insanity.
In the New Testament Gospel account of Jesus Christ according to John the Beloved we find the most memorized verse in the Bible – John 3:16. But did you know that John 3:16 was first spoken by Jesus to a seeker who was trying to grow in godliness without first being born of God? It’s true. The seeker’s name? Nicodemus. Old not-so-saintly-Nick, was at the top of the religious ladder. He was indeed considered to be among the most intellectual guardians of Jewish law. His opinions could sway votes on the ruling council of Israel and his words were among the most quoted after each board meeting. Yet, Nick was not growing in godliness and he knew it. So in an attempt to get some answers and to avoid being noticed, Nicodemus set out in the deep shadows of his own shallow spirituality to find the Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, he met with Jesus at night.
In reply to Nick’s question, Jesus told him the most basic idea of Christianity: I tell you the truth, Jesus said, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. The highly educated Nicodemus was confused to say the least. I must be born again? How can this happen? Jesus went on to explain that in order to grow in true godliness, one must first be born again, not born physically again, but born again spiritually by believing and by embracing these words: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. It’s simple, but profound, my friends, unless we have been born twice – once physically and once spiritually – growing in God’s salvation will only lead to our frustration. Christ came so we could experience conversion from dying as sinners to living as saints. A sinner is one who belongs exclusively to sin. Death awaits. A saint is someone who exclusively belongs to God. Life arises.
So, do you belong exclusively to God? Has there been a conversion from spiritual death to spiritual life in your eternal soul? Have you been born again? If not, if you’re sincere, it’s as simple as praying a prayer like this: Father God, I admit that I’ve been wrong. You’ve been right. I accept Your Son, as my Savior. I do not want an intellectual religion. I want an intimate relationship with You. Help me to turn from sinning and to turn to shining. I believe that You gave Jesus so that I might know You, escape eternal death and have eternal life. I confess: Jesus is the only Way to Heaven. Thank you, for loving me too much! I want to know You and grow in You and in that order. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Perhaps you would choose to print this post and sign your name:
Signed: _________________________________________________.
And, I think Nicodemus finally did become an Old Saint Nick. Read John 19:38-42 and decide for yourself. After Jesus’ death, Nick came with Joey to get the body for burial. Seems he came out of his big hiding place to be born again as a little baby in Christ! :-)
A while back, I was talking on the phone with a dear friend of mine. The most basic idea of Christianity was the topic – being born again. So many people sadly seem to have the cart before the horse and the tail wagging the puppy when it comes to being a Christian. In other words there must be a spiritual birth before there can be spiritual growth. It seems that some people are trying to become fully devoted followers of Jesus without first coming to Jesus to be born again. In other words, we should never expect to grow in Christ until we first know Him as Christ! Unless we have been forgiven of our sins and are willing to forsake our lives of sin, trying to grow spiritually will only be an exercise in futility. If we have not yet been born again and are still dead in our sins, trying to grow in Christianity may only lead us to insanity.
In the New Testament Gospel account of Jesus Christ according to John the Beloved we find the most memorized verse in the Bible – John 3:16. But did you know that John 3:16 was first spoken by Jesus to a seeker who was trying to grow in godliness without first being born of God? It’s true. The seeker’s name? Nicodemus. Old not-so-saintly-Nick, was at the top of the religious ladder. He was indeed considered to be among the most intellectual guardians of Jewish law. His opinions could sway votes on the ruling council of Israel and his words were among the most quoted after each board meeting. Yet, Nick was not growing in godliness and he knew it. So in an attempt to get some answers and to avoid being noticed, Nicodemus set out in the deep shadows of his own shallow spirituality to find the Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes, he met with Jesus at night.
In reply to Nick’s question, Jesus told him the most basic idea of Christianity: I tell you the truth, Jesus said, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. The highly educated Nicodemus was confused to say the least. I must be born again? How can this happen? Jesus went on to explain that in order to grow in true godliness, one must first be born again, not born physically again, but born again spiritually by believing and by embracing these words: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. It’s simple, but profound, my friends, unless we have been born twice – once physically and once spiritually – growing in God’s salvation will only lead to our frustration. Christ came so we could experience conversion from dying as sinners to living as saints. A sinner is one who belongs exclusively to sin. Death awaits. A saint is someone who exclusively belongs to God. Life arises.
So, do you belong exclusively to God? Has there been a conversion from spiritual death to spiritual life in your eternal soul? Have you been born again? If not, if you’re sincere, it’s as simple as praying a prayer like this: Father God, I admit that I’ve been wrong. You’ve been right. I accept Your Son, as my Savior. I do not want an intellectual religion. I want an intimate relationship with You. Help me to turn from sinning and to turn to shining. I believe that You gave Jesus so that I might know You, escape eternal death and have eternal life. I confess: Jesus is the only Way to Heaven. Thank you, for loving me too much! I want to know You and grow in You and in that order. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Perhaps you would choose to print this post and sign your name:
Signed: _________________________________________________.
And, I think Nicodemus finally did become an Old Saint Nick. Read John 19:38-42 and decide for yourself. After Jesus’ death, Nick came with Joey to get the body for burial. Seems he came out of his big hiding place to be born again as a little baby in Christ! :-)
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Know God?
Let us not ignore knowing God and/or being known by God, because only God-intimacy can prevent God-ignorance (God ignoring us). Let us pay close attention to the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23:
(21) "Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. (22) On judgment day many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ (23) But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized." (New Living Translation)
If we don't know God intimately, do we really know God at all? No. We only know about God. To know God and to be known by God is the awe-filled pinnacle of soul satisfaction.
And, let's remember always that it is by love alone that we learn Who God is. Afterall, 1 John 1:8 says: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)
ALL JOY!
Grateful
P.S. Happy 29th Wedding Anniversary to my wife, Kim. I love you and I will love you always and forever, yes, beyond many years.
(21) "Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They may refer to me as ‘Lord,’ but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven. (22) On judgment day many will tell me, ‘Lord, Lord, we prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ (23) But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Go away; the things you did were unauthorized." (New Living Translation)
If we don't know God intimately, do we really know God at all? No. We only know about God. To know God and to be known by God is the awe-filled pinnacle of soul satisfaction.
And, let's remember always that it is by love alone that we learn Who God is. Afterall, 1 John 1:8 says: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. (NIV)
ALL JOY!
Grateful
P.S. Happy 29th Wedding Anniversary to my wife, Kim. I love you and I will love you always and forever, yes, beyond many years.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Our Definition of Success: To See God!
Jesus said in Matthew 5:8 -- Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God!
Also, Jesus prayed for our protection and His projection in us and through us. Listen as God the Son prayed a four-part declaration to God the Father concerning His fully, devoted friends (disciples):
1. ...they are Yours... (John 17:9b)
Do we belong exclusively to God? Do we belong to Him or to sin?
2. ...all I have is Yours... (John 17:10a)
Does all we have belong to God, too? Our hearts, our dreams?
3. ...and all You have is Mine... (John 17:10b)
Do we know we're joint-heirs with Jesus? Talk about success!
4. ...and glory has to come to Me through them... (John 17:10c)
Are we the glory of "Jesus in our time?" Do we manifest Him?
Let's Pray: Our Holy God, let our definition of success (as Your fully, devoted friends) be to see God and for others to see God in us and through us... Yes, our Holy God, we only exist so that You, Holy God the Father, might reveal the glory of Holy God the Son, in us and through us by the presence of God the Holy Spirit. Yes, You are God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit... ONE... in us and through us. We want to be "Jesus in our time." Amen, Amen, Amen!
The songwriter defined what our definition of success really is: "Holiness is what we long for. Holiness is what we need."
Hebrews 12:14 ends with these words: "...without holiness no one will see the Lord..." And this is true, "...without holiness no one will see the Lord in us, either."
Let us be an answer to the prayer of Jesus, Unity, lest we embrace the snare of the devil, division. Let us declare with our Holy God that we are "ONE IN THE SPIRIT... HIS!"
ALL JOY!
Grateful
Also, Jesus prayed for our protection and His projection in us and through us. Listen as God the Son prayed a four-part declaration to God the Father concerning His fully, devoted friends (disciples):
1. ...they are Yours... (John 17:9b)
Do we belong exclusively to God? Do we belong to Him or to sin?
2. ...all I have is Yours... (John 17:10a)
Does all we have belong to God, too? Our hearts, our dreams?
3. ...and all You have is Mine... (John 17:10b)
Do we know we're joint-heirs with Jesus? Talk about success!
4. ...and glory has to come to Me through them... (John 17:10c)
Are we the glory of "Jesus in our time?" Do we manifest Him?
Let's Pray: Our Holy God, let our definition of success (as Your fully, devoted friends) be to see God and for others to see God in us and through us... Yes, our Holy God, we only exist so that You, Holy God the Father, might reveal the glory of Holy God the Son, in us and through us by the presence of God the Holy Spirit. Yes, You are God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit... ONE... in us and through us. We want to be "Jesus in our time." Amen, Amen, Amen!
The songwriter defined what our definition of success really is: "Holiness is what we long for. Holiness is what we need."
Hebrews 12:14 ends with these words: "...without holiness no one will see the Lord..." And this is true, "...without holiness no one will see the Lord in us, either."
Let us be an answer to the prayer of Jesus, Unity, lest we embrace the snare of the devil, division. Let us declare with our Holy God that we are "ONE IN THE SPIRIT... HIS!"
ALL JOY!
Grateful
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