The Weekly Word: Closer To Christ
The weekly verse
“For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered—heaven’s wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge.”
Colossians 2:3 (TPT)
the weekly question
Are you abiding?
Whether you realize it or not, the Lord has a very specific plan for your life. As born-again Believers in Jesus Christ, Ephesians 2:10 reveals that “God has already prepared good works for us to walk in”. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves stumbling in the dark instead of walking as Children of the Light of Christ. Despite our God-given calling—
We Often Stumble From A Lack Of Godly Connection.
As a brief illustration, consider the life of Samson. Before he was even born, God set Samson apart as a deliverer & judge for Israel. He was anointed with supernatural strength & called to live as a Nazarite, which meant there were a few things he would need to abstain (consecration) from in order to remain set apart & properly used by God.
The problem is, Samson made up his mind to do life “on his terms”, and his heart became clouded with compromise. One undisciplined step at a time, he drifted from his vows & lost vital connection to the Lord. Though Samson would end his life with a redemptive moment in the Lord, the sad truth is that he left a lot on the table in respect to his calling. Which begs the question—
Are We Abiding In What God’s Appointed For Us?
Unquestionably, there is a burden & price to pay when following Jesus. It would be immature & unwise to expect a pain-free experience when you’ve chosen to live a life of “taking up your daily cross”. However, journeying with Jesus leads to an ever-deepening & incomparable relationship with God. And as you grow closer to Him, the Holy Spirit brings you into a joy that is unlike any other & “the joy of the Lord becomes your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Don’t let the burden of consecration cause you to miss the blessing that comes when you allow God to conform you to the image of Christ. God wants to supernaturally empower you to fulfill your unique calling in His Kingdom & if you’ll stay connected to Him—
Jesus Will Sustain You In Ongoing Victory.
the weekly Consideration
Bearing fruit isn’t due to a lack of capability, it’s due to a lack of Christ. Yes, we should have faith in Jesus as our Savior, but we should also have faith in Him as our Sustainer. Bearing Kingdom fruit begins & ends in King Jesus’ presence.
“Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.”
John 15:4 (AMPC)
the weekly challenge
Pay the price
“A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
2 Timothy 2:20-22 (BSB)
As the verse from 2 Timothy shows, it’s our willingness to sacrifice, sell-out, and be “set apart” that elevates us to an honorable place before God. We’re reminded that, a relationship that never costs you anything, will also never be worth anything. True relational intimacy is the most special privilege we can experience in our relationship with God, but like any relationship, intimacy isn’t automatic.
Meaningful Connection Comes At A Cost.
You may find that, in order to experience greater intimacy with Jesus, you have to sacrifice some personal productivity. You may become aware of things in your life that need to be cleaned up or cut-out entirely. You may find that you’ve grown so accustomed to steering your own ship, that you’re limiting God’s power & provision. But by the Grace of God-
You’re Ready To Make A Different Decision.
You’re ready to simply say “yes” to whatever the Lord may be saying to you. You’re ready to stop sinking into a self-help frenzy & begin stepping into a Spirit-led friendship. You’re ready to find relationships with others that have substance & help steer you closer to Christ. You’re ready to pursue the Lord-
No Matter What The Price.
we pray this week’s edition of “the weekly word” richly blesses you & the lives of those around you!
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today’s Takeaways
we’re called to labor in love for jesus & one another.
Bearing Kingdom fruit comes from our connection with christ.
gaining greater intimacy with jesus is more than worth the price.