Sharing by: Pam Crawford
Psalm 91:1
“He
that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall
abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
A LIVE
CONNECTION
We have all made some goals for 2013 and I am no different.
This year I am hopeful in my desire to go deeper into the contextual
understanding of the Word of God. I have some new things planned to accomplish
my goals and I am really excited to see how God meets me in the classroom. Before
I tackle the work, I believe it is critical that I “dwell” in the wisdom of my
teacher.
In my opinion there is nothing more valuable than being
connected to God through a personal relationship. What does this mean, personal
relationship? I believe it simply indicates that we know one another, we’re not
strangers. Although I have some pretty great human relationships; I can’t say
there is anyone on this earth that is there for me every moment of every day,
it’s just not possible.
Our Heavenly Father desires to also be in communication with
us outside of our Sunday morning services. He is also accessible Monday through
Friday 24/7. Although I love my Bible
reading and study time; nothing compares to the moments when I feel the
presence of God through intimate prayer. Prayer to me is relational
communication where I come before Him expecting to feel His presence. When I
say prayer I don’t mean just any prayer. I don’t mean the prayers I have
learned to recite. No, I mean a conversation where I come bare before God and
He responds by teaching, correcting, and yes at times, rebuking me (2 Timothy
3:16). Prayer is not just about asking God for something, it’s about allowing
God to enter whatever you lay before Him. Over the years I have been blessed to
recognize these God-moments by the goose bumps that rise up on my skin.
Although I have a clear responsibility in this relationship,
it’s not really going to be about what I say or do for God. Today was one of those
days where clarity hit me straight between the eyes. In the Gospel of Matthew chapter
7, Jesus is teaching about building on a solid foundation and He gives the disciples
a very clear warning that we should not overlook in verse 22-23. It is
evident in this passage that Jesus is more concerned with our actions over our
religious practices or what we have to say. Jesus desires that we do the right
thing not just say the right thing. Doing the right thing as it pertains to a
relationship with Christ would be to make Him a priority and to determine to
obey what He shows us along the way. This gal has much left to learn and I have
made many mistakes on the journey. However, I praise God that a personal relationship
with Him has resulted in a covering of grace, mercy and unconditional love. Being
in relationship with God offers us the opportunity to learn from the very best.
It also ensures that we receive the power that is necessary to correct that
which needs adjusting.
The good news is that the gift of “personal relationship” is
available to anyone who desires to receive it. Let’s start off this New Year
with some new building materials. Let’s work to make sure our Creator receives
back that of which He created in the condition that He created it (Genesis 1:25).
Be blessed.
Matthew 7:24-27
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like
a person who builds a house on a solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents
and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against the house, it won’t
collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and
ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains
and floods come and the winds beat against the house, it will fall with a
mighty crash.”
Today’s prayer:
Heavenly Father we thank you for this day. We thank you for the gift of
life. May today be a day of opportunity for each of us to draw near to you through
the teachings of Jesus Christ? When You came to this earth in the form of man,
You knew that the cross would be necessary to make a way of escape for our sin
nature. Help us to learn to live so closely connected to You that we no longer
desire to bring sadness to your heart. Teach us Your ways O’ Lord and lead us
in the way that brings us into your eternal presence. Let us not be deceived
into thinking there is any other way. You are the way, the truth and the life
and Your Word says clearly that no one can by-pass Your Son Jesus
(John 14:6). In Your Son’s precious name we offer this prayer. Amen.
Reflection Songs:
Hold Me by Jamie Grace
When I’m With You by Jamie Grace
