January 11
Some Christians tell me that people will not serve God unless we terrify them with the possibility of hell. I disagree. I can think of five great reasons anyone would want to follow God that have nothing to do with fear. Let’s look at two of them today and three more tomorrow.
First, because God is the most engaging presence in the universe. He is full of life, laughter, joy, and wisdom more precious than wealth. Far and away he is the best friend I have. Oh, I don’t always understand what he’s up to, but I know in time he’ll show me what I need to know.
I’d rather talk over things with Father, Jesus, and the Spirit more than anyone else in my life, and I love the conversations I have with others. If you haven’t experienced him this way, I’m sure I got a bit of an eye roll there, but honestly the things he adds to my life fill it with wonder and wisdom.
Second, because this world makes no sense without him. All that is real is not visible. I see his glory in the Creation and his hand in the seeming coincidences of life—meeting a person at just the right moment or having an insight drop into my heart from a conversation, a sentence in a book, or a song lyric.
Even failures or the betrayal of others turns out to have meaning in the larger scheme of things that he understands so well. A seemingly silly choice in one moment will open opportunities down the road I would never have foreseen.
I sensed his calling to me at a very young age. Inside his reality, I find the courage and resources that hold me through life’s most painful seasons.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled
to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22
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This reflection is taken from Wayne Jacobsen’s new book, Live Loved Free Full. Since the delivery of the print edition was delayed due to COVID issues in production, we are posting daily here until it can reach those who pre-ordered it for the first of the year. You can get it on 3-book if you like at any of your e-book distributors. The Kindle edition is here. You can order your hardback copy from us.
Everyday the world seems to get more worrisome/scary with people feeling less and less cared about it loved Thrown about like sheep without a shepherd…..I really appreciate today’s post. I was watching The Shack (again), and I love the part where Max is in the boat, as it begins to sink, he starts to panic. At that moment Jesus tells him to look at him , reassuring him that he will be ok. Every time Max returns his attention to the sinking boat his fear takes over. Finally he gives his full attention to Jesus, trusting Jesus. That’s the way I feel so many times like Max in that sinking boat. It’s hard to see God but if I can keep my “eyes” focused even a tiny bit, it is so comforting, knowing I can let go of the fear/worry and that all is being taken care of…then I can breath. Although it’s always been a struggle for me to learn this. You’re books/podcasts/blog have been a wonderful go to source. I’m so grateful.
The most engaging presence in the universe? He’s beyond the universe: He made it. But in particular: He is love. And that is incredible. Thank you, my Creator-Savior-Friend.
And thank you Wayne, for identifying and sharing these truths.
He is beyond it, because he made it. But he is also inside of it. That’s the miracle.