Morning musings and random thoughts . . .

FATHER, thinking this morning about obedience, the law – morally and ritually – Old and New, one and the same, mysteries revealed – being “in Christ”.  What does obedience look like to You, how do You define it? Shadows and types of things to come. To do the will of Him who sent me. Obedience is not the “cause” of our salvation but the “result” of it and should flow from our new lives hidden in You before the foundations of this world.  Confess with your mouth and believe with your heart – and you shall be saved.  Trust and obey – these are so closely connected as to be the sides of the same coin.  I think the problem comes when we start trying to emphasize one over the other as necessary for, when both are the result of – Your grace freely given to those who call upon Your name.

Your Holy Spirit, set as a seal upon our hearts, indwelling us, abiding in us so that we can abide in You – to know and to be known by You, one by one, each individually and uniquely belonging to You – one of many, a part of the whole, Your body. What a marvelous mystery.

To the praise of God’s glory

FATHER, it’s not something You need, or even require or a way of manipulation . . . it’s simply because of the great and awesome things You have done and continue to do – it’s because of the great and awesome God that You are.  I don’t know that I will ever be able to grasp or fully understand the depth and breadth of Who You are, my brain just isn’t capable of such wonder.  I am reminded of my hearts desire – To make knowing and enjoying You the passionate pursuit of my life.  This is my hearts desire and I’m sorry and my heart is grieved when I lose sight of this, of You.  I just want more of You and less of me. 

I want Yours to be the voice I hear, the voice I listen to and obey.  Forgive me for listening to a critical spirit, which demands and expects more of others, that takes offense over things that are not really offendable or that judges in areas where love should be applied.  Rather than arguing help me to really listen and hear.  Where there is disagreement – show me how to choose ways of maintaining relationship, of building bridges rather than walls . . . to think more of others than of myself.  I want these things, FATHER and I know that the desire to see them in my life comes from You and that You will complete what You have begun in me. Thank You that I belong to You – always and forever more – I am Yours!