Face Time

Some major problems have been happening over the last couple weeks with my computer and this program. Forgive the format of this post and any possible spelling errors as I have next to zero tools available to me now. So sorry. However, I must persevere as I believe this message that the Lord has given me is more important than the look of the post. I think I've mentioned before that I prefer being in the true presence of another, face to face, to communicate. I'd much rather "have coffee" with a friend than chat on the phone or internet. I've never really been much of a phone person. Now, my family and friends may think differently as I do LOVE to talk... so once they get me on the phone let's just say it's usually not brief. My problem is picking it up to initiate the call. Maybe it's because when I was growing up everyone was long distance and cost my folks money. Therefore, phone use needed to be quick, or even better... "wait until you see them." Anyway, I feel the connection to be so much more rich, fulfilling and effective when we get together face to face. Our next verse of thanks brings out this point of being in the presence of God... living before Him. "Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you." Psalm 140:13 Psalm 140 is a psalm of David. It is a prayer for deliverance from the plots of immoral, unprincipled enemies. This prayer is very rich in physical lyrics such as: head, tongue, lips and ears. Thus it draws my thoughts to looking at someone's face and speaking with them and hearing them. Though David's verses were not of a friendly sort, but of danger and harm, he concludes with the above verse preceded by "I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy" in verse 12. Revealing David's trust in the sovereignty and power the Lord to deliver him from his enemies. Our worst enemies are sin, death, and the Devil. God has already made the way for our deliverance from these evils. He sent Jesus as our atonement from sin, to conquer death by miraculously rising from the dead and ascending into heaven to reign over heaven and earth at His Father's right hand, and defeating Satan's evil plot to win our souls for his nasty pursuits. It's a win, win when we seek God's face and put our faith and trust in him. As we further our relationship with Jesus by being in His presence through prayer and reading the Bible (God's true Word) we get a clearer picture of His true self. When we are called home to heaven we will see oh so clearly. I think of the Claritin commercial where they have the focus off as though you're looking through a film that blurs your vision. Then when you take their allergy medicine they claim that you'll see "Claritin clear." Similarly, here on earth we see but a poor reflection of ourselves, our God and the meaning of life's intricacies and relationships. When we enter the presence of God in the heavenlies we will see clearly and understand completely. Oh, what a joy that will be!! "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Corinthians 13:12 I found this devotional so meaningful as I prepared this message (In the voice of Jesus from Jesus Calling): Relax in My peaceful presence. Do not bring performance pressures into our sacred space of communion. When you are with someone you trust completely, you feel free to be yourself. This is one of the joys of true friendship. Though I am Lord of lords and King of kings, I also desire to be your intimate Friend. When you are tense or pretentious in our relationship, I feel hurt. I know the worst about you, but I also see the best in you. I long for you to trust Me enough to be fully yourself with Me. When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts I have planted in your soul. Relax, and enjoy our friendship. "They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Revelation 17:14 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:13-15 What a friend we have in Jesus. Spend some face time with Him and thank Him for the opportunity. You'll be glad you did. "And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b