The One Step (part 2)

To finish thoughts on yesterday's post...

There are days when I just don't know how to abide in Jesus. I'm swimming in my circumstances, my feelings, my (fill in the blank). I'm a sinking Peter in that storm with waves so high I can't see my Savior's hand. Hard wind spray salty water in my face, my eyes sting and I can barely cry "Save me!" for all the water I'm drinking.  

Fixing my hope on Jesus is not always such an easy thing to do. 

Want to know the last time I felt lost, unable to find my way back to abiding? Sunday. Yep. Just this week. 

I knew that peace was so close, that drawing near to my Abba would bring him close, and that I only had to fix my eyes on Jesus... but how to do that??? 

Even in the struggle of finding my way back to my Prince, I knew that 

  practicing 

    the act of 

      turning my gaze, 

        fixing my hope on Jesus

          is the only way to improve. 

Whining, complaining, fearing, (etc) won't get me to the place of abiding. 

All I have to do is turn my eyes to draw near to Abba will. If I can't seem to move my eyes, I can ask Him to help me. He is faithful! I don't even have to do a triple twist ending in a somersault! Abba calls us to take the first step of giving our attention to Him. 

Abba, thank you for teaching me this simple step. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my feelings or a problem I'm trying to solve. I'm so glad that you're quick to tap me when I step off the path you have for me, and that all it takes for me to get back on track is to just look at you. I ask that you administer your amazing mercy and grace to those who are afraid to hope anymore. Encourage and strengthen them in Christ, that they would be able to hope and fully trust in you alone. Help us all to turn our eyes on Jesus. I am looking forward to seeing Jesus face to face. Until then, help us all to practice each day. There really is no condemnation! I love you so much. In Jesus' name.. 

The One Step

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.  

And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

If you've ever used a Brita pitcher, you know the filter needs replaced every 3 months. When you replace the filter, there are certain steps to follow:

1. Clean pitcher. 

2. Soak new filter 15 minutes.

3. Insert new filter in pitcher and fill. 

4. Enjoy. 

Wanna know what struck me when I read this verse?

As a child of God, being purified is simpler than using a Brita filter. Really. 

STEP ONE: FOCUS ON JESUS.  

See? 

Oh, sweet Abba God! Is it really this simple? Your love for me is crazy and I'm SO glad. In Jesus’ name…

Scripture from 1 John 3:1-3, NASB

1 John prayers (3:1-3)

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, 

that we would be called children of God; 

and such we are.

Abba, I’d really like to be so excited about your love that I’d wake up as eagerly as a child on Christmas morning.

For this reason the world does not know us, 

because it did not know Him. 

Thank you for reminding me that it’s ok that I feel unwelcome in this world. It’s good I feel that way, because I am a citizen of another place. The world’s residents are incapable of understanding. Give me compassion to the lost around me and opportunities to testify to your love for them.

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. 

We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, 

because we will see Him just as He is. 

How blessed I am! Abba, how amazing is your love for me! To have your promises – to see Jesus face to face AND to see Him fully AND to be like Him. Your kindness is beyond what I can imagine.

And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him 

purifies himself, just as He is pure.

Oh, Abba God, thank you that all I have to do to be purified (as your child) is to simply fix my hope on Jesus - that HE MAKES ME PURE. Thank you for continually teaching me that my righteousness, all that is good within me, eternal life – it’s all by faith and hope in Jesus. I’m so thankful that I can’t earn your love – and I don’t have to try, because you delight in me. That knowledge makes me want to please you more! Truly, perfect love does cast our fear. THANK YOU. HALLELUJAH! I’m forever yours, in Jesus’ name…

Scripture from 1 John 3:1-3, NASB