Greetings in the name that is controversial, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a delightful November morning and we give thanks to God! I trust that you had a grand weekend and Monday…and are excited about all that is coming your way this week – a mixed bag of events and experiences, I am sure. God has, I believe, an opportunity for you to receive a specific blessing from His hand. So, today I will be praying for you, asking Father to reveal himself to you in a way that you can understand and respond to.
Today I am carrying a song in my mind…so what’s new, you ask…and it is related to conversations and observations over the last few days. Somehow our world has changed over the last few days and our sense of security and well-being has been challenged. I would suggest to you that our faith in the God we understand has been challenged. The song goes like this: “In the stars His handiwork I see- On the wind He speaks in majesty – Though He ruleth over land and sea – What is that to me – chorus: ‘Til by faith I met Him face to face – Then I felt the wonder of His grace – Then I knew that He was more – Than just a God who didn’t care – Who lived a way up there…” Ralph Carmichael.
I have a belief, forgive me if I am wrong, that there are many believers in God…a remote, distant God…who doesn’t care and isn’t involved in daily living with all of its inconsistencies and challenges. As I pondered that this morning, an old friend came along in a devotional and said: “God will never become real to me until I come face to face with Him in Jesus Christ. Then I will know and boldly proclaim – ‘In all the world, my God, there is none but Thee, there is none but Thee.'” Oswald Chambers.
Listen to these words: Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know the Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?…” John 14:6-9 NIV. What a startling comment! and one that we easily by-pass.
The key to understanding God and believing deeply in God, comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. I wonder how many of our worries, concerns, doubts, questions, and non-peaceful moments…could be dealt with by a ‘face-to-face moment with Jesus Christ…the visible expression of God. Maybe it is time that we as believers need to ask ourselves, and others: where does Jesus fit into your everyday life? Why not open up the Gospels and have a little “face-book” time with Jesus…especially as we prepare to celebrate the coming of Emmanuel…God with us in Jesus Christ!
Something to ponder…be blessed!