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Do I Know Jesus More?

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For many years now, I’ve kept some form of an online blog as a place to let my journals overflow into the hands of my friends and family (and the occasional stranger). It’s been a strange experience to see the places those once-private thoughts have landed, but I believe that the Lord gives each of us stories of grace, redemption, hope, and imperfection that are longing to be told to display His glory. Since being back in Thailand over the past few months, I’ve found that my blog has stayed silent while I’ve hashed out my thoughts through my social media accounts. Despite many of my posts turning into mini-blogs, I’ve felt the stories crying out to be told fully, and so this week I’d like to invite you into the uncut versions of my social media feed, in hopes that the words of the Lord find you and lift up your weary or discouraged hearts.

 

Do I Know Jesus More?

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.

Psalm 119:2 (ESV)

ThursdayThe church I’ve been attending since being back in Thailand is a beautiful mix of nationalities, races, languages, and cultures, all thrown together in a movie theater. It has been a blessing to have such a glimpse into what the kingdom of God truly looks like every Sunday morning as I gaze around the room and see people who are from every part of the globe gathered in the name of Jesus. I’m still learning names and stories of missionaries and refugees alike, but no matter the reason we find ourselves in Bangkok, Jesus remains our most common thread. Our spirits recognize one another instantly as family.

One Sunday, the pastor reflected on a simple question: Do I know Jesus more today than I did yesterday? It hit me as something so profound, to realize that every night I should go to bed knowing Jesus more than I did the night before. I am in constant communion with him, or at least, I have the access and opportunity to be, which should lead to me knowing Him deeper and deeper. I should constantly be learning more about Him and His love, grace, and justice. Every day I should know more of His heart and see more clearly with His eyes. I should walk deeper and stronger and more confidently in His paths, because when you are with someone constantly, you should be seriously getting to know them, right?

So the question sits with me every night. I lay in my bed and hope it never leaves me. Do I know Jesus more today than I did yesterday? Do I know His love deeper? Do I know His heart more intimately? Is His voice more familiar and His presence nearer? Do I recognize Him more easily, and do I speak to Him more freely?

Chelsey

Five Years of Truth: 2009 The Love of God

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I committed my life to Jesus five and one half years ago. Each year He has given me new and wonderful things to learn, to feel, and to do.

Join me in reminiscing.

 

2009 The Love of God

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

2 Corinthians 13:14

MondayThis is the year I discovered the presence of the Holy Spirit working in my life. God spoke to me through a friend who asked me to go to church. Normally, I would pass it off but this time I sensed that I should go.

What I experienced that Sunday was the awesome love of God reaching out to me as if I were the only person in the room. Every song sung, every word spoken reached into the deepest place in my heart. It was as though the whole worship service was put together with me in mind.

The Lord spoke to me that day. He said, “It is time.” I said, “I am ready.” My life was changed in a moment.

That year I began a journey of discovery. I discovered the undeniable truth of Jesus as the Son of God and our Savior. Not because they said so in church but because He unveiled my eyes and opened my heart so that I could know Him and have a real and true relationship with Him.

I discovered others who knew Him as well, and I began to know them and learn from them. I began to read the Bible. The words stood out and became alive. It was the most amazing thing. A new world had been opened to me. A world seen through the eyes of God.

If God is seeking you out, and He does, open your heart to Him. Accept Jesus, the Son of God, as your Savior. He will fill your heart with new desires. He will show you the world as you have never seen it before, and you will be amazed!

I love that about God!

j