Part 4
Part 4
Christs union with you is so intimate that, in a sense, you are actually part of his body (Ephesians 5:29-30).
The Bible teaches that a man and woman can become so united that they become one flesh. But you can get even closer than this with God. You can become one spirit with God (1 Corinthians 6:16,17; Romans 6:5).
God is both physically and spiritually closer to us than any other person could ever get. Perhaps you have cuddled someone, desiring to get as physically close as possible and have found that although you are pressed tight against each other, as physically close as humanly possible, you want to be still closer. You would actually like to climb inside each other! But you are in God (Acts 17:28) and God is actually inside you (John 14:17,23; 1 Corinthians 6:19). So when you pray, you dont have to pray to a God who is way out in Heaven somewhere. He is closer than hands or feet.
Communication is never a problem with your Maker because he knows your thoughts (Psalm 139:1-4). You can discuss things mentally with God without the burden of always having to formulate proper sentences, explaining yourself and using spoken words.
The Lord understands what you have experienced, even if no-one else does. Often it is almost impossible for our friends to fully understand significant events which we experienced when they were absent. But, though you may only be beginning to acknowledge Gods presence, he has constantly been with you from the moment you were conceived (Psalm 139:7). He knows you so intimately and completely that he always perfectly understands you. Furthermore, Jesus has personally experienced pain, rejection, loneliness, bereavement, disappointment, being misunderstood, and so. (Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:15).
With God, you need never have an argument. Arguments arise when people differ and both parties think they are right. Such a situation need never occur with the Lord of the Universe. If you disagree with him, you can know immediately who is wrong you are! God is perfect in knowledge (Job 37:16).
At times, human friends may disappoint you, but your Lord will never let you down. He is fully dependable. He will never change. You cant improve upon perfection! Nor will he ever grow old. The intensity of his love and devotion to you will never wane. In fifty years time he will still feel the same thrill when you share your heart with him in prayer.
There are many times when human friends can merely sympathize with us. They are unable to change the situation or meet our needs. But God never finds himself in that predicament! The King of Kings is completely adequate for every situation, no matter how hopeless it may appear. In your relationship with God, you dont just have Someone who loves you more than is ever humanly possible, but Someone who is fully able to rescue you from each and every difficulty you could ever face. God doesnt merely want to please you and do you good, he knows exactly how to do it!
In your divine love affair you have absolute security. You need never fear that he may become sick or be killed or leave you. And instead of your own death being a great tragedy and robbing you of this beautiful relationship, all that death can do is to bring you even closer to God!
Another wonderful thing about God is that he is constantly with you and always freely available. You need never be alone again! Whether you are having a shower, traveling to work, playing squash or sleeping, hes always right beside you, smiling upon you, looking after you and eagerly waiting for you to start up a conversation with him.
Furthermore, you know that your relationship is doing you good. It is constantly making you a better person so that you are becoming of greater and greater value to this world. The greatest good you could possibly do for the whole of humanity is to be in the center of Gods will. The time you spend with God is never wasted. Youll never regret serving God and what you do under his direction has eternal value.
Knowledge John 15:15; 16:13-15
Riches Philippians 4:19
Glory John l7:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:14
Throne in Heaven Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 3:2l
Peace John 14:27
Kingdom James 2:5; Revelation 22:5; 2 Timothy 2:12
Joy John 15:11
Moral purity 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30
Miracle-working power John 14:12,13
Victory over Satan Romans 16:20 (1 Corinthians 15:25)
Spirit Romans 8:9
Mind 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5
Power over death 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Likeness 1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 John 3:2
Inheritance Romans 8:17
Life Galatians 2:20; 1 John 5:12
Ministry John 17:18 (John 8:12 cf Matthew 5:14)
Presence John 14:23; Ephesians 3:17
Relationship with God John 17:23,26; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 2:11
And much more besides!
Truly, in union with Christ, you have become rich in things ... (1 Corinthians 1:5)! Your potential is limitless (Philippians 4:l3). But you can still make the mistake the older brother made and fail to enjoy what is rightfully yours. You must receive Gods gifts.
You already understand the importance of actually receiving gifts from God. The beautiful gift of forgiveness was always available to you but it only became yours when you received it by faith. Similarly, there is now a huge range of gifts which God wants you to enjoy, but its up to you to accept each one of them by faith and start using them.
Once you have fully given yourself to your Lord, ask for one of his gifts (its probably best to concentrate on one at a time), receive it by faith, and then act as if you have it.
To receive, for example, Jesus joy (John 15:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16, etc.), ignore the way you feel and act joyful. As you continue in faith (ignoring those doubts which will come from time to time), you will gradually receive objective proof that your joy isnt artificial or psychological, but that it is indeed a supernatural gift from your Lover.
If someone gave you an expensive gift, it would be most ungrateful to leave it unwrapped and never use it. Well, God has given you many gifts at great personal cost. (It cost the death of his precious Son to make these wonderful things available to you.) So make sure that you accept, appreciate and use all his gifts. A friend may make the mistake of giving you something you have no use for, but your all-wise God would never do such a thing!
Additional resources on the above topic
It is commanded by God (Psalms 117:1; 150:6).
Jesus came to earth so that we might praise God (Romans 15:8-11).
It honors and glorifies your Lord (Psalm 50:23).
It is the proper way to enter Gods presence (Psalm 100:4).
It increases your faith (Romans 4:20).
It is a weapon that overcomes evil powers (Psalm 149:6-9; 2 Chronicles 20:21-22).
Its Gods anti-depressant (Isaiah 61:3).
It empowers you to become God-centered, instead of self-centered (Psalm 115:1).
Biblical ways of expressing your praise:
Speaking (Luke 1:64)
Singing (Psalm 108:1; Ephesians 5:19)
Shouting (Psalm 71:23; Revelation 5:12)
Musical instruments (Psalm 150:3)
Percussion instruments (Psalm 150:5)
Clapping (Psalm 47:1)
Dancing (Psalm 150:4; Acts 3:8)
Raising hands (Psalm 134:2; 1 Timothy 2:8)
God loves hearing you express your praise using your own words, but it is quite acceptable to use parts of Scripture which contain praise (eg. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 103; 111; 113; 138; 145; Revelation 4:8-11; 5:9-14; etc.). Whenever you find an expression of praise (perhaps a sentence or phrase) which is particularly meaningful to you, memorize it and it can then become part of your praise vocabulary.
Additional resources on the above topic
God created your emotions. Use them to bring glory to God. David got so excited about God that he literally danced and jumped for joy. His wife despised him for it, considering that he had brought shame upon himself. But the Lord vindicated David and brought shame upon this woman by causing her to be barren (2 Samuel 6:14-16, 20-23). I wonder how many people are spiritually barren because they dont get excited about the King of kings and even despise anyone who does.) See Ezra 3:11,13; Luke 6:23.
Not to be sold. © Copyright, Grantley Morris, 1980, 1999.
For much more by the same author, see www.net-burst.com
No part of these writings may be copied without citing this entire paragraph. No part may be sold.
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