For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face… faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:12-13
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Nature’s measured seasons come and go faithfully. Life’s seasons are reflected in nature. We endure winters that try our spirits and result in our dependence on Christ; in this dependence rests our spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Just as in nature the fruit producing plants and trees need winter. Each winter (trial) we endure strengthens our faith as we cast our care on Him; proving His love and faithfulness over and again. The best part of this is that we are crowded to Christ and He allows us to know Him more deeply. Invite this Truth to pierce your heart as you realize that in your need He reveals Himself to you. This is humbling.
"The great work of the Lord Jesus was wrought on the Cross to bring us to the Father; His death and His Blood, His ascension and sitting on the Throne; all mean one thing–our being brought nigh to dwell in the Father's presence. And with what object? That the Father may have us, to mature us, to work in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight. Let no one think that the entrance into the Holiest is the end; it is only the beginning. It brings us into the right position, in which the Father in His divine power can work out His will and purpose in us–conforming us to the image of His Son." -A.M. AMEN!
The more we rest in His Spirit the more we are brought into right position allowing Him to work His purposes in us; conforming us to the image of Christ. Only then do we truly reflect Jesus to a lost and dying world.
I have found His nearness creates a greater desire to be near Him. Time with Him satisfies my hunger but inexplicably creates a deeper longing and hunger to be near. I wake in the morning wondering ‘is this the day?’ Will I get to see Him today? I thought of A.W. Tozer’s words, ”We are called to an everlasting preoccupation with God.”
Worship calls me to seek Him with all my heart. The word ‘worship’ means to ‘feel in the heart.’ It is not a ritual nor a religious act, but my whole being in response to the living God, who loves beyond definition! Love enough to pay my sin-debt, by a sacrifice of His only Son Jesus for my salvation. Heaven is not only a place we access after death; but now. Eternal life is not someday, but now!
"The Lord Jesus stood where I was, and now I stand where He is, and that is the only place I have before my Father. We may fail and grieve the Holy Spirit, but that is where we are set." -J.N.D.
His church needs to move beyond being grateful they are not going to Hell and realize it is paramount as believers to live out of our heavenly position. For we are in Christ by faith, as we repent of our sins believing Christ died for us personally and we invite Him into our lives as LORD, instantly the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.
But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
Take notice of the hundreds of times in scripture it will say: “in Christ” or “in Him”. In Ephesians 1 you will find it about a dozen times. It is two of the richest words in scripture. Feel them warm your heart as you read and study His word and rest beloved.
Anyone who has ever traveled any distance with a child has probably heard this refrain: ‘Are we there yet?’ My question many mornings “Lord, am I there yet?’ Could this be the day I will see You face to face? Am I there yet? is it time? In my growth I will never reach the point of perfectly bearing His likeness. But one day, when my precious Lord returns to take me home, or I die and leave this body behind I will see Him face to face. I long for this day.
There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.
Am I there yet? No, but it may be in this next instant!! O what glory that will be!
Psalm 29:9
The voice of the LORD makes the deer to calve And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everything says, “Glory!”
Lamb of Glory, You who disguised yourself in human flesh and allowed evil men to crucify and abuse You, all to give us life! I bow in awe and tremble with wonder when I think of You and the power it took to speak the billions of galaxies into space! Thank You for being a God I cannot comprehend or manipulate or explain! If You were to manifest Yourself to me right now, I would literally sink to the floor in dread and fear. My physical body could not tolerate Your holiness and Presence. Thank You for providing me with a new body when I am finally home. I tremble when I think of seeing You face to face. I have never known the pure, up-close Love You are…. It melts my heart. I love You Abba, keeper of my heart.
“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.
“Even after my skin is destroyed,
Yet from my flesh I shall see God;
Whom I myself shall behold,
And whom my eyes will see and not another.
My heart faints within me! Job 19:25-27
Am I there yet?
az
