CLOSE CALL!!!
A life that's close to Jesus...
We have a "close call" in Jesus. He desires us to be close, intimate, pouring out our hearts, needs, hurts, troubles to Him. He said: "Pour out your hearts..." (Ps. 62), that He would be CLOSE to the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit (Ps. 34). He cares when we are hurting. And scripture says that God wants us to bless Him at ALL TIMES (Ps. 34).
I think what BLESSES Him the most is BEING CLOSE WITH US. Oh, how OFTEN, scripture says, He has "longed to gather His children together as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings." And friend, that is CLOSE! Matt. 23:37 Why do we wait and linger afar off when He bids us draw NEAR? Lk. 5:8
James tells us to draw NEAR. James 4:8 WHY? Because the Father LONGS to be close to us. And Song of Songs (Solomon) lets us know that we BELONG to Jesus and His desire (longing, want and wish) is for US. FOR US!!! What great news! S.S. 7:10
Today, get a whole new revelation of prayer and a life of worship. It is not a work you do or a dry religious exercise which well meaning souls go through. It is a CHANCE TO BE CLOSE! It is an encounter with God! It is a way (and time) to come and be intimate. God is that real. What a privilege to carry everything (including your heart) NEAR to God in prayer. What an invitation! How great a fellowship. (What discourages Jesus the most is mouths that speak spiritual words but empty of a heart that's snuggling close to Him. See this and realize His love! Mk. 7:6
Scripture again and again says: "Come to Me..." (Matt. 11:28-30), "Come AWAY WITH ME..." S.S. JESUS (in Mk. 6) urged His disciples to come away with Him by themselves. The Bible speaks of a secret place, a place of being close, a shelter in His presence and a shadow underneath His wings. (You've got to get close to be in the shadow of someone.) CLOSE!!!
I took a moment today to look up and ponder Psalm 19:14. A HEART that's full of a pleasing meditation to the Father. What is this?
I have sensed so much in recent years that the Lord wants me (really, each of His children) to learn the art of being still (worshipping, praying, whatever, resting in His Presence) and knowing that He is God (knowing Who he is, drinking in His Presence). Ps. 46:10 I have honestly found the ONLY healthy way that I can cope with life (especially problems, discouragements, daily stresses, troubles, vexing personalities and the like) is to find grace, retreat and love (CLOSENESS) in the Presence of the Father.
1 Jn. 3:1 assures us of the Father's great love. Hebrews speaks of the throne of grace we are meant DAILY to come to. The old-time Psalmist sets the record a little more straight: "I need Thee EVERY HOUR." What a fellowship! What a joy divine! Leaning on the everlasting arms.
1 Jn. 1 tells us that our fellowship (sweet communing friendship, close, intimate friendly talks and oneness) is with the Father and with His son Jesus Christ). Well, it's real. And His Word is true. And THIS (He) is our deepest need. What do you think? (It's so much MORE than traditional church approaches and rituals and programs. It's closeness to God. Real heart to heart.)
(This meditation all stemmed beginning out of Psalm 19:14.)
Keep the faith, my friend and remember today His love for you. I sure appreciate notes and letters once in a while from those I correspond with. If you have a moment today (and this message touches a soft or needy spot in your heart) drop me a line and let me know.
Remember: You are welcome, invited and bid to come into His Presence. What a FRIEND we have in Jesus. Your home is there, like John at the communion table, leaning and pressing close to the bosom of Jesus, His beloved and deephearted friend. Like the intimacy between Jonathan and David. You are called to a life of true worship. Walk it out and find the place that's close. Don't shortchange yourself. Go all the way with God. That's intimacy, richness, closeness, life. Hallelujah!
Let earthly cares go and in His dwelling, underneath His wings, find your life, your strength renewed.
Are you weary today? Take a moment to pray. Not to work, but to rest. Not to cater to a burden of works, but to caress the feet of Jesus, not to labor but to love. Oh what a different way is this life of true worship. Know God. He's waiting to be found. He calls you to come. He loves you.
The Bible has all the answers. The Spirit sends the call. The Spirit and the Bridegroom (Jesus) say "COME." And let him who hears be YOU. Come home, come home. You who are weary come home. Softly and tenderly, with a heart full of love, Jesus is calling, you who are weary, come home! His heart is your home. His home is your heart. Come home.
In rest, with humility, press hard after His kingdom. Let it be said of you: "My soul follows hard after Thee." Pursue God and let the worship of the Father draw you close and tap your soul into the Grace that is sufficient for all. His Name is Jesus.
Amen and HALLELUJAH!
In Christ Jesus,
Jeff Lahr
JeffLahrIN@surf-ici.com