The Greatest Gift

In Colossians 2:3, Paul tells us, "God has hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ."

When I read that verse, I have this searching and researching urge and want come up in me at first, but in light of the life of Christ...the relationship that Jesus coming in human flesh makes possible, I remember that wisdom and knowledge and anything else needed for life and godliness is found is resting in this loving relationship that He offers to me. The greatest gift ever given and regiven and regifted and regifted. The gift that is regifted to every open heart that will allow Him room. And the gift never decreases with multiplication, instead the Kingdom of God increases exponentially with each heart filled. This is the economy of heaven...love and light. May I open my heart wide.

James 4:14,
Camelot

Rest

"God’s promise that we may enter his place of rest still stands. We are afraid that some of you think you won’t enter his place of rest." Hebrews 4:1

 I was having a conversation with a family member about the things of God. At the conclusion of our talk, we were talking about an ongoing, alive relationship with God. It became very simple. Any relationship that you have includes conversation, getting to know each other, thinking about each other, and giving to each other in some capacity.

It dawned on me that some people may go for days or weeks or more without thinking about God, reading His word, praying or giving anything of themselves to Him.  When asked who they put their faith in, I wonder who they mean when they say, "God."

There are also people who pray, read, and think about God, but they are so down on themselves that they are paralyzed to give of themselves because their past or circumstances or others tell them of a God that is not real...

God is good, He gives good to His children, if you will put your trust in Him, then you are His child.

The place of rest that exists is inside the life of faith in the Son of God, who came to save the world from sin.

What love the Father has lavished on us, that we, those who walk by faith, should be called the children of God, at rest in His presence. Live there cause that is what we are! (1 John, 2 Corinthians and Hebrews mixed)

James 4:14,
Camelot

Used to

One of the most devastating things to me in the Old and New Testaments are the stories of people who were followers of God, who served Him with all that they have and then for whatever the reason it became something they used to do. God is a very present God, who is jealous of His position and relationship in our lives. As dearly loved children, it is right to give God all thanks and all praise, to submit our lives to Him and offer ourselves for His service.

"I will remove those who have turned away from following the Lord
    and those who no longer seek the Lord or ask him for help.” Zephaniah 1:6 (GW)

"And I will destroy those who used to worship me
    but now no longer do.
They no longer ask for the Lord’s guidance
    or seek my blessings.” Zephaniah 1:6 (NLT)

One of many things that distinguishes relationship from religion is the "right now" aspect of it. Religion is a one time decision or ancestral heritage thing that can be forgotten about after you label yourself. Relationship is real time. Relationship is dynamic and alive. Relationship either exists or it does not. It is either waxing or waning, growing closer or growing apart.

He is still pursuing us by His mercy and grace. He is still welcoming us into a relationship through the blood of Jesus. For now, but a day will come when either our love and obedience or our rebellion and complacency will be our final decision.

"For God says,

'At just the right time, I heard you.
    On the day of salvation, I helped you.^'

Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation." 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT)

 "This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies." Zechariah 1:3 (NLT)

James 4:14,
Camelot