Have you noticed some dating couples are content with a casual relationship? They spend more time with their individual friends and separate interests than with each other? Then other couples desire to be around each other frequently, pursuing similar interests and common friends. Someday, they will fully commit to each and marry. Other individuals know after the first or second date that this is the person they will spend the rest of their life devoted to; the relationship is full of passion and devotion. The woman anticipates the day her beloved asks “will you be mine?”
Do you see these types or relationships playout in the spiritual realm? Some accept Jesus Christ as savior, have their “fire insurance” so to speak; they are safe from hell but only spend time with Jesus once a week; they are content with a casual relationship, not wanting to fully give up all their old ways. Then others upon accepting Jesus pursues a deeper relationship, you begin to see lifestyle changes as they grow in faith, they enjoy being with Jesus and other believers; yet the ways of world still has some draw. While other individuals leave no doubt when they say yes to Jesus; having heard Him ask “will you be mine?” they are completely sold out, head over heels in love, fully committed with radical life changes. They strip off all the old garments abandoning their former lifestyle in pursuit of the One who loves them the most and set them free.
I marvel at married couples move in sync with each other like a well-oiled machine, gracefully flowing together in a beautiful dance of life. They sense what each other is feeling or thinking without a word spoken; always being attentive to each other, wanting good for them. I marvel even more when I see individuals flow in sync with the Lord, dancing the dance of life together. They carry the beautiful presence of Jesus; the fragrance of heaven is on them. They are tuned into what the Lord is doing and strive to do likewise. They seem to embody the oneness Jesus speaks of in John 17:21.
When you take inventory of your spiritual life, where do you fall? Casual, sold out, or somewhere in between? Do you hear Jesus asking “will you be mine?” Jesus the Groom is already committed to us; the question is where are we in our commitment to him. He doesn’t want, and I might add He doesn’t deserve, a casual relationship with us. He desires a bride who will be committed to Him, forsaking all other pursuers.
Have you? Will you? Say yes… whole heartedly?
I had a dream last night in which I was telling a neighbors daughter, who was helping her mom clear the abandoned garden, that I liked dead veggies. After a while of laboring she asked if I really liked dead veggies, she was thinking it would reduce her work if able to give me the seemingly worthless vegetables.
Your life does matter, you have value you don’t even realize, there is much in you waiting to be revealed. You are a gift to those who know you and the ripple effect touches others you will never know. Live life to the fullest, not in excesses, but in the abundance that comes from a life lived connected to Me.
Come closer, sit awhile and talk with Me. Do not be afraid of what I might say, even when I need to bring correction it’s from My heart of love for you, and your own best interest. It may be hard to let some things go but you have to release them in order to take hold of the better things I have for you. I always desire good for you, which is why what the enemy meant for harm – I turn it around for good in the end. You can trust Me, come – sit closer, let’s talk awhile.
What are you contemplating, what things are on your mind? Bring them to Me, let us reason together, I will share My thoughts with you, reveal some things you are unaware of so you can make the best informed decisions. I will share My plans and desires for you but ultimately the decision is yours with the free will to choose; choose wisely, I desire the best for you, the path of blessings not curses, I desire for you to prosper even as your soul prospers. I love you, my child; as a good Father I watch over you, with open arms I welcome you into where I am. Come, come let us sit together for a while and talk heart to heart.
My word is a lamp unto your feet, don’t leave it behind as you run your race in life – lest you stumble or lose your way. Think upon Me continually and pray without ceasing, let your spirit be always open to hear the sound of My voice, ready to receive My instruction, guidance, and My love – for love is the game changer in life; receive My love and freely give it away, leave your world, your realm of influence, a better place than when you discovered it. Tend the lamp that it doesn’t grow dim or go out, so that you do not stumble in the dark or lose your way; as you tend it let it grow brighter and the way become more clear.
Do you really want to hear from Me? There is a cost to such intimacy, an openness – openness brings vulnerability, some consider vulnerability to be a weakness; the world teaches that weakness is an undesirable character flaw. In My value system, in your weakness My strength can be seen, your vulnerability allows me to come in, your openness lets Me use you as I desire, in the place of intimacy you hear the sound of My voice and know Me – it changes who you are. Do you really want to hear Me?
You wanting more; a higher level in Me? You do know there is a cost right? No it’s not financially – it’s sacrificially, what are you willing to give up in your pursuit? Mind wasting time; perhaps some pleasurable pursuits? Maybe living a simpler life – not needing to keep up with the Joneses? Are you willing to take the time to sit at My feet getting to know Me; being teachable, humble, listening and following? As you seek My kingdom and righteousness first, then the more will come.
I know that I am loved though I may not always act like it. I am betrothed to my best friend, the King of kings. I am dearly loved by my Father, I lack for nothing, He provides for me well with all good things, yet I don’t always show appreciation. I am in a privileged group but sometimes cast my eyes elsewhere and desire what my Father says is not good for me; those things others, who are my Father’s adversaries, seem to enjoy. As I take my eyes off Papa I wonder why they are not good, they look appealing. As I scoot closer to the fence to get a better glimpse my foot slips, I cross the line.
Beyond the Silver Coin 