“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age….” Titus 2: 11-12 NIV
There has been a theme moving in my heart and mind for several days, and it’s time I allow it to flow from “theme” and “concept” into the reality of words.
Most of you reading this blog know that a few years ago the Lord Jesus began uncovering our New Creation Covenant through His Word to me in a way I had never seen. This has revolutionized my way of viewing His work and has revolutionized my whole concept of being in “relationship” with Him. So that is where all this begins and where it will end is in Him, through Him and because of Him. There is no end only more and more and more of Him.
My thoughts will take several blogs to relate, so I urge you to keep reading with me. We often talk about our “relationship” with Jesus. This is OK for beginning steps, but the word “relationship” as we use it, is not what our New Testament uses; our Lord uses the word “fellowship” or “koinonia” in the Greek. This word means “fellowship, joint participation, communion, partnership, sharing in, spiritual fellowship, fellowship in the Spirit.” I think you can readily see and sense the difference.
We have many types of relationship in our lives; some are close and others far away. It does not imply intimacy. Where “fellowship” in the New Testament defines intimacy in the Holy Spirit. When we became Christians, our Lord Jesus came to live inside us. This is very personal. No longer do we try to appease a God, who is angry, hard to please and very distant. He comes to live inside us and in our spirits. We became one Spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17 “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” NKJV) His love is how His nature is defined, and that is the response we give. It is mutual loving, intimate fellowship. We all know this, but somehow most of us then revert to trying to please a distant God.
Indeed, every definition of distance was removed when Jesus came to live in us. He shares our lives intimately and deeply. As we become very aware of this a number of things change.
Let me list a few. Instead of prayer to Him, we have a conversation between intimate friends. Instead of trying to get closer to God by prayer, fasting, reading the word, etc… our lives become a delighting in sharing in all He is on a daily moment by moment basis. Instead of trying to receive, we begin to release Him through His power in our lives and our world. Instead of always expecting to fail, we become delighted in watching Him work wonders through us as we honor His work in our total redemption. Instead of trying to be obedient, it becomes a participation in life with Him.
The focus is changed from law and trying, into grace’s empowerment to be. What an awesome Lord we have! He loves us and rejoices over us continually. Let us join Him in the joy and the laughter during our day. I don’t think we can imagine how much that will bless Him.
Mannaword 
Oh Iris there you have it! But you always did my lady….It’s wonderful, and beyond words, isn’t it? I’m totally amazed by Him, He’s so real! I see Him everywhere and in everything….
We can talk w Him, walk w Him, spend time w Him anytime we want. I used to be jealous of the Disciples bc they could touch Him, look into His eyes, ask Him questions , toast marshmellows over a fire w Him. Then I realized that we can too, and oh so much more!!! Thank you for bringing Him closer, always bringing Him closer…..