Reflections on Relationship

 How am I conformed to the likeness of His death so that I can be conformed to the likeness of His resurrection? How do I experience "the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord?" How do I experience on a daily basis--from today until the Eternal day--"the power of His resurrection"? How do I become blessed with the privilege of "participating in His sufferings"? I "worship in the Spirit of God"--everyday, every moment of each day I live the truth in word and deed. I "glory in Christ Jesus." All that I am, all that I do, makes His presence known to everyone around me. I "put no confidence in the flesh." I rest in the truth that without Him I can do neither of those things, not even a little bit, for without Him I can do nothing. In me dwells "no good thing." In Him, who lives in me, I can do all things. In His strength alone "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"

. . . "who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity."
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The love of God for His children is unconditional. The lovingkindness of God for His children never changes. He always loves you with all of His heart. And will do so forever--including today. And tomorrow. And . . . "He delights in unchanging love."
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What are God's requirements for a deepening relationship with Him?

To do--to preserve--justice. "Do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the alien, the orphan, or the widow;"
To love kindness--loyalty. "For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."
To walk humbly--circumspectly--with your God. "I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit."

Relationship with Him seem hollow? What are you doing? What do you love? How are you walking?
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I spend too much time looking around agonizingly for people who are willing to follow Him faithfully and daily. Maybe I should start the day looking in the mirror and telling that guy that he should be the one to follow God faithfully this day--and every day. God has not given me the ability to change one person's life--except my own. And that can only happen by being totally submissive to the Spirit who lives within me. 
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 In order to follow Him, I must be willing--if He asks--to give up all the comforts of life. He will never ask me to give up Him--the God of All Comfort. "For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ."