One thing that has continued to dominate my thoughts is becoming completely identified with Christ, not partially but fully. Jesus prayed that we would become united with Him as He is united with the Father, to live in unity and intimate fellowship. United means that we are not merely rescued but redeemed, not merely saved but transformed. Transformation comes by unity, intimacy in the presence of our Father, not because we adhere to what the preacher prescribes or to the reading of a daily devotional. It comes by means of continual prayer and meditation on the Word which revives the soul (Psalm 19:8). I have been reading the life of George Muller lately and his life was a life of formed habits (meditation and prayer in Gods presence), “and not impulisve feelings and transient frames, that made him the man of God he was and to follow hard after God.”
I believe I am coming to the point in my life where I dont put any hope or trust in myself. I have been thinking lately about how I am asked to come as I am to God…that in order to come to him (or even minister) I do not need to be perfect or have it together but that I need to trust that He will keep my body, soul, and spirit blameless (1 Thess 5:23) and that is what I need to trust in. I think sometimes I think that if I will just be made perfect then I will be used and then I will be able to trust in God. I think I am beginning to see it doesnt work like that and that I come trusting He loves me the same and that I can trust that he is a faithful and just God and that He will transform me little by little. “When a man really gives up trying to make something out of himself – a saint, a converted sinner, or a churchman, a righteous or unrighteous man,…when in the fullness of tasks, questions, success or ill-hap, experiences and perplexities, a man throws himself into the arms of God…then he wakes with Christ in Gethsemane” (Bonhoeffer). This quote has been on the forefront of my thoughts. I want to come as I am and learn to depend and trust in His goodness, continually meditating on the word which brings life and being continually prayerful. I think that is where I am…dying…
I believe I am coming to the point in my life where I dont put any hope or trust in myself. I have been thinking lately about how I am asked to come as I am to God…that in order to come to him (or even minister) I do not need to be perfect or have it together but that I need to trust that He will keep my body, soul, and spirit blameless (1 Thess 5:23) and that is what I need to trust in. I think sometimes I think that if I will just be made perfect then I will be used and then I will be able to trust in God. I think I am beginning to see it doesnt work like that and that I come trusting He loves me the same and that I can trust that he is a faithful and just God and that He will transform me little by little. “When a man really gives up trying to make something out of himself – a saint, a converted sinner, or a churchman, a righteous or unrighteous man,…when in the fullness of tasks, questions, success or ill-hap, experiences and perplexities, a man throws himself into the arms of God…then he wakes with Christ in Gethsemane” (Bonhoeffer). This quote has been on the forefront of my thoughts. I want to come as I am and learn to depend and trust in His goodness, continually meditating on the word which brings life and being continually prayerful. I think that is where I am…dying…
Also, Nick and I are beginning to have an English class with a couple in Los Jardines who asked us if we would come and speak English with them and help them practice more.
Hi Jason,
Your thoughts are a great challenge to me to surrender to the Lord those areas of my life that I am holding on to. You are so right about staying in the Word and prayer. It transforms us. I appreciate you telling all. I know the Lord will use it for His glory.
Wow, what did you do with my “little boy”. It is so heartwarming to see such thoughts in the young man that I have helped God to raise. I have seen you grow so much through your words this last few months. Can’t wait to see the man the end of May. We love you and keep you in our prayers. (Nick also).
Love, mom and Jimmy