InArant

Matthew 23:37 How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her broad under her wings, and you would not!

He would – but they wouldn’t. The mystery of God’s will and man’s un-will. Our stubborn resistance to a loving Christ.

My heart, though naturally resistant has been changed. I now say with rejoice – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, therefore, I will see Jesus, and be gathered under his wings.

Under his wings – Yes, Jesus, that is where I am, and want to live, always. I rejoice in you, Lord Jesus. I love you! AMEN

Matthew 23:25 First clean the inside of the cup and the plate that the outside also may be clean.

I am naturally externally oriented, along with all earthly proud and selfish beings. As long as I appear to be doing well, looking acceptable to those others around me, I feel pretty good about myself and my performance.

Yuck! Lord-overcome that shallowness, that facade, that thin veneer, and probe deep within. Give me pure cleansing, true character, the real person of Christ deep within. Jesus live through me from the inside out! AMEN

Philippeans 1:27,28 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ…standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.

Suffering – Conflict – Struggle. All mentioned shortly after these words. But we are not to be frightened at this. Salvation is sure. Christ is my life. I can fearlessly press ahead. That’s the way Jesus lived, and that’s the way I want to live.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint (or) the people are discouraged but blessed is he who keeps the law.

A clear statement of the importance of hearing from God. My heart is inclined to wander or be discouraged if I don’t keep a live connection with the living God. This connection is continually made possible by the Holy Spirit that dwells within, and the wealth of promises and truth ever-flowing from the Word of God.

O! Blessed Holy Spirit, ever continue to give vision and understanding to my soul, that I not wander away, or be discouraged, but walk in Your way of blessing. AMEN

2 Timothy 2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

Don’t rush to the next thing, but “think over” meditate on it. There is more to understand here and the Lord will give it.

Am I a soldier of the cross?
Is there a crown for me to win?
Am I a laborer in the harvest fields?

Acts 4:12 “This Jesus is… the cornerstone. 12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name.

Everything rests on Jesus. He is the rock, the cornerstone, the foundation that the wise man builds upon. There is absolutely no other foundation that will last. All other ground is sinking sand.

Jesus. In you I live and move and have my being. And it is on you I put my hope, and build my life. You are my firm foundation. My body will fade and die, but my real life is hid with Christ in God.
My heart is full, and rejoices in you, Jesus. This eternal life you give, and your presence is a never ending, ever new treasure! AMEN

Galations 4:6 “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son…

A slave is under the rule of his owner. A son is family, and is the owner. Jesus has come, and through him I am now an adopted son, with all the family heritage and privileges. I can call my father “Abba” – “Daddy”- just like Jesus can.

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.

Who do I really belong to? In my natural thinking, myself. I am large and in charge! I am self aware, and self-conscious. The center of my own universe. To please myself is my goal.

But I no longer belong to myself. Bought by Jesus, I now am Jesus conscious. the goal is for that fallen self-centeredness to be transformed to a Jesus-centeredness.

11 Corinthians 6:1 & 7:1

6:1 We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

To be his people (6:16,17) means to be walking with Jesus (16), and cleansed from sin. Letting him completely transform me into the child of his that I am . This is how his grace is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 4:4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.

There is more insight about me from God than from myself. Blind spots and offenses that I’m unaware of are even before Him.

This challenges me to be humble. Seek Jesus simply, and walk in his light. Put others ahead of myself. Live in love.

To think you still love me in spite of knowing me completely, blesses my soul! I want to walk with you today.