Relationship First

God created Human kind, first and foremost, to be in relationship with Him forever. He desires to have a loving, intimate, personal, exclusive partnership with each of us that compares to no other. Reading the gospels and learning directly from Christ as he teaches his disciples is an undeniable source in understanding the depth and brevity of a God first relationship. Matthew 10:37 (NET Version)  Jesus says the following: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me..." 

We all have to ask the question, does Jesus rise to a level in our every day lives and hold the highest of plateaus in our hearts, even surpassing those precious ones we endear here on earth?  The Life Application Bible says this regarding Matthew 10:37: " Christ calls us to a higher mission than to find comfort and tranquility in this life. Love of family is a law of God, but even this love can be self serving and used as an excuse not to serve God or do his work." To be candid, I don't normally put much stock in biblical commentary because it's human interpretation and opinion. However, I read this for the first time as I was preparing this blog entry and it honestly confirmed exactly what I've felt the Holy Spirit has been trying to teach me for some time now.

Putting and loving Jesus first is something that most Christians are fond of saying but are we actually doing it? I know in my life this has been a struggle.  Life on this earth isn't easy there is so much that comes at us seemingly at warp speed, both good and bad. It is a lot easier to focus on those things we see, hear and experience first hand via our senses day in and day out. Before we know it, and without realizing it, Jesus is pushed aside relegated as an interested bystander.

The question today is as we look at are own lives is Jesus actually first above all others? In essence, are we willing to do all He asks of us, no matter the cost? It's what I ask myself daily and many days I fall short. For those of us who call ourselves Christians, may we strive to Live the Life Jesus has called us all to live.

Tradgedy to Triumph

On October 8th 2014 the date of my last draft for this blog at about 2pm I was stricken with a stroke in the brainstem. This effected my balance (not able to walk), swallow, eyesight (double vision and ability to read), stamina, coordination and left me with extreme dizziness. After months of rehabilitation I am able to walk and swallow. Additionally, my eyesight and stamina are improved enough to continue this blog. I give God the glory for all progress and I thank Him that what the enemy meant for the worse He will use for the better, much better!

I can't say that when I was in the hospital during the early days of the stroke that I didn't question  why me or contemplate doubts as to God's goodness, I did. However, what came increasingly more evident while laying there in the hospital bed was just exactly how short this life is. The Bible calls it a vapor. As I reached out and sought Him during those trying times, the desire to know Him more intimately and to continue this blog grew stronger and stronger. God granted me a second chance and seared my heart with desire to serve Him in fullness with undying allegiance to the completeness of His Word.

Since the stroke I am exceedingly more appreciative of of God's sovereign love coupled with a deeper longing for living the life He desires born again saints to live. I truly believe according to His Word, He is asking all of us who call ourselves believers in Christ to do our very best to live this earthly life JUST for Him!

Please join me on this journey as we explore the Word and sincerely seek to hear and see the Heart of God! I invite questions, comments, even criticism if tempered with positive engagement and goodwill.  My goal is to foster loving discussion focused on how we all can live a deeper more committed, unfiltered, impactful Christ first life.

NEXT BLOG ENTRY COMING SOON!

"And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me."
Matthew 10:38 (NET)