Making Progress

Earlier this week I came to a new realization: I’m not a very good earthly son. Here’s why. I call or visit my dad who happens to live 5 minutes from me for two reasons. (1) Because it is a holiday, birthday or anniversary. (2) I need to borrow something or give me some information. That’s it. If I showed just to be with him for the simple reason of just being with him; he would be confused.

I know that I must be confusing my Heavenly Father as well.

I approach my Heavenly Father at the proper times; Sunday morning, before meals, and before bed. I also show up to ask Him for things. I do thank Him and I praise Him by saying nice things about him. But I never show up just to show up and be with Him. Like when Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus.

It wasn’t a very pleasurable experience when I came to this reality, but I’m glad the Holy Spirit taught me about how I am poorly relating to people and more importantly to my God.

I’m changing, by the Spirit of Truth, I am changing.

Starting Over

I’m reading a book on prayer. The author quoted Jesus’ words, “If you abide in me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like and it will be granted.”

Does anyone believe this? I know it’s in the Bible and therefore it’s true and I know I’m suppose to believe it because Jesus wants me to. But from personal experience do you know this to be true?

Earlier Jesus said, “Those who abide in me and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

(So I ponder for awhile)

Jesus is in me and His words are in me. Are the “my words” Jesus spoke of words from the Bible, or does He mean fresh new words just for me? If they are fresh words from Him to me, then I would know what he wants of me, or for me, or to do or say through me. Then I could talk to him in prayer about His words and get on board with His ideas which would produce good things happening through me to others.

These good works or good fruit would then be all of His doings; I’m just following along; privileged to be apart and know that apart from Him I really can do nothing that has eternal value.

So I guess I need to spend time relating to my Father in prayer first, then and only then can I ask Him for the things that are rooted in what he communicated to me as I abide in him and his words.

I feel like I’m completely starting over in prayer....maybe it’s about time.

Suffering is good

A friend got scourged recently. First a bible teacher had his way, and then an elder and finally the biggest and strongest of them all, the pastor, he really let him have it. When he called me after his third beating; his wounds were still bleeding and the pain still fresh in his voice.

If you would have removed his shirt; there were no physical marks, but if you could see his soul, the scars are there. He now carries the spiritual marks for Jesus. In order to be free; he had to suffer.

He’s my new hero.

He is free from those who were trying to force him to follow the old way. Isaiah said, “He was whipped and we were healed.” What about when we are whipped today in his name? Does healing take place; does something good happen?

I believe it does. Paul, after recounting the times he was persecuted, said “Since I know it was all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weakness and with insults, hardships, persecution, and calamities. For when I an weak, then I am strong.”

My friend can now brag. He can brag about Jesus because he suffered for Jesus.