How real is Jesus to you?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

How real is Jesus to you? Is He as real to you as the people you talk to each day? Or is He just a ‘concept’ you throw your prayers at? When you first get up in the morning is He who you are excited to meet and join in conversation? Do you encounter Him throughout your day? Does He invade your spaces? Does He gently nudge you, reminding you He is with you? Do you recognize Him in all sorts of places and in other people? Or is He just an intellectual religious concept you deal with on Sunday mornings sitting in a building? There is a BIG difference between a religion and a relationship. Good relationships take time and effort. In relationship you must ‘meet’ together somehow. Do you WANT to meet with Him? Has that meeting become the most precious part of your day… everyday? What part of your day do you find the most valuable to you? Why?

After sixty years I can honestly say my meetings with Him ARE the very best part of my days. I SO long to meet with Him every chance I get! Prayer has become like breathing. He IS my life! He has become my EVERYTHING! It has become so natural to sing praises to Him. My heart rehearses all the reasons I have to be grateful. My best memories are the ones He has given me. The best dreams and visions are from Him. My best ideas have come from Him. My best earthly relationships are from Him. My wife and children are from Him. I can’t point to anything good I have that didn’t come from Him. He IS the reason I am alive today!

Oh… how I long for the day I can actually throw my arms around Him and just weep with joy! But until that day… I will continue to meet with Him every morning. Sitting and pondering, praying, listening, writing and reading scripture, walking and talking with Him, praising Him. I really look forward to greeting Him EVERY morning! I haven’t found a better use of my time first thing in the morning. He is WORTH every minute of my day!

Satisfy us in the morning with Your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
    to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
to declare Your steadfast love in the morning,
    and Your faithfulness by night, Psalm 92:1-2

Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:16-17

Oh… Heavenly Father – I worship YOU! Jesus – my heart yearns to be near YOU! Holy Spirit lift me to Jesus. Holy Spirit lift me into the very essence and Presence of Jesus!