Feb 7
The letter “R” reminds me of relationship, restoration, revitalization, renewal and real revival!
That stuff can happen. Who doesn’t want to experience that stuff firsthand? I say put on Christ.
There have already been four great awakenings here in America that spawned real revival, but there needs to be a fifth one. Let’s pray and obey.
“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” — Romans 13:14
I wear Adidas threads a lot of the time because I simply like clothing that is comfortable and moves when I move. How about you? More than that I’ve put on Christ — He’s the best there is!
The apostle Paul tells us to be clothed like that in the New Testament.. “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires” Romans 13:14 nlt
“Let us be Christ’s men from head to foot, and give no chances to the flesh to have its fling.” J. B. Phillips
What was Paul basically saying? Well, that putting on the Lord Jesus is like putting on clothes. I like that L word cuz it’s about His being my top Leader. When we put on the Lord Jesus Christ, we’re making Christ a vital part of our lives — we’ve chosen to walk in Him and follow.
When Jesus said to Matthew the tax collector, “Follow me” (Mrk 2:14 nlt), it meant, “Follow with me.” Check out the original language. Those words have to do with
1.) Close companionship,
2.) Intimate relationship, and
3.) Loyal friendship.
In other words, Beloved, let’s enter into a lasting covenant friendship no looking back. Let’s enter into a close relationship together, and let the One who knows best lead.
Sure, God wants our obedience, our faithful-loyalty, our honesty, our acceptable worship and He desires our close companionship.
In a nutshell Christ Jesus was saying to Matthew the tax-guy, “I don’t want you to merely be one of my disciples; or part-time, I really want you to be one of my friends.”
Does that say offer of love, that same considerate invitation also come to each one of us because of His great love? Absolutely.
There’s no need to put it off or keep Him waiting long for our response.
God is not harsh, austere, or angry at me or at you. It’s because of the cross at Calvary. He’s not mad at you — nothing could be further from the truth. He’s mad about you — God is loving and so compassionate. He is totally caring about you and your welfare. He wants to enter into a friendship with you.. with us all on His terms.. today even. He longs to bless, protect, use, provide for, and keep us.
Jesus told his disciples, “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me” (nlt). So what are you waiting for? Follow Jesus today and every day.. all throughout your life here until the end.
Where you go, He wants to be with you so put on Jesus.
Not based on Religion, but on Real Relationship!
It hurts God’s heart when we ditch him for the fleeting pleasures of sin. Remember when God wanted to be with Adam again. Do you recall when the Lord God was calling out to Adam asking him, “Where are you?”
Remember when it happened in the Garden of Eden after Adam blew it. He ate from that one tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It was wrong — yes, sin entered the world, so that’s why Adam was hiding.
The Lord came walking through the garden in the cool of the day looking for His loved one (yet knowing), “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9 nkjv.
God the Father knows everything about you, I and Adam. None of us can hide anything from Him.
In effect.. “Well, Adam, you ate of the forbidden fruit. How is all that workin’ for you? How did that go? Are you feelin’ happy with the way things have turned out?”
It ain’t about rules, rituals, and regulations; it’s about real freedom from the power of sin. It ain’t about religion; it’s about a close relationship with God the Father through Christ his Son.
Being a Christian is asking Christ to come and live inside of you. The Bible says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12 NKJV).
God loves you, He always has and He always will, but we each must dicide if we want God in our lives for eternity. God has a good plan for you and your life. There’s indeed hope for a good future. Many people don’t know there’s a ginormous difference between dead religion and real relationship with God through Christ.
Admit it and quit it.. whatever is pulling you down.
Come to Christ today. If you’ve done that before and have somehow taken a stride from your Master’s side, then come back to Him and be revived and refreshed.
