I Like God

Don't get me wrong; I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength; but how many of us have said "I Like you God'. He's always surprising me with little things that I react to by saying "Cool". There have many times while reading my bible that all of a sudden I realize He's set me up. I thought I was studying one thing and then an AHA moment happens that only He could have arranged. I laugh and respond "I like that Lord!" It's in those moments I know I'm written on the palm of His hand; I'm the apple of His eye and we like one another. I know He loves me because He gave His son for me, but I know He likes me when the God of all creation has given me the gift of His time by abiding with me in a moment that causes me to Love Him all the more. So, I LIKE YOU GOD!

The Gift

Webster defines a gift as "something given to show friendship, affection, support, etc." When I think of the gift of the Holy Spirit I'm reminded what a gentleman he is. He gently comes into my life the personification of God's friendship, Jesus said "I call you friends." He woo's me by calling me the beloved showing me great affection with hesed, kind love, the manifestation of "God is love." Then when I am weak He is strong through the support He gives me because he promised to "never leave nor forsake me." Every good and perfect gift is from above; for what kind of father would He be to give a stone when the Spirit is needed. I must remember I'm not entitled to the Spirit as with an inheritance, but I'm privilaged to receive Him as a precious gift. Because it's a privialge I must make no demands that would grieve or quench him. So today I receive the beauty of God's Love wrapped in the person of the Holy Spirit so that I may be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in a fallen world. I love you Holy Spirit!

Free Will

Free will. Why is it so important? Theologians have debated its intent and meaning. I believe its that part of me that's created in His image. I wrestle consistently with manifesting the fruit of the Spirit or the desires of the flesh. At times I enter Gethsamane to pray, "Not my will but yours oh Lord." Then I stand at the foot of the cross to hear Him tell me "It is finished." I find peace knowing that as I exercise free will, and not just make a choice, I will hear His voice say "This is the way walk in it." Free will becomes freedom to Know him and make Him known. It's a mystery so simple yet hard to do. Because I must die to self, overcome my weaknesses, change my ways and transform into the image of Christ. Yet through the blood He has made all things possible. Today I choose whom I will serve, the Spirit not the flesh! Thank-you Lord for creating me in your image!

Communion

I love the word made flesh that dwells amongst us. We partake of that word through relationship with God and one another. That's why He said take eat this is my body, take drink this is my blood, do this in remembrance of Me. As we remember Him through the simple means of communion it establishes His word as flesh within us, thereby enabling us to abide in fellowship with others. We become one! Then when we become one there is an overflow that goes into all the world and makes disciples. What a wonder!!