now

 Monday, July 22, 2024 (4:46 a.m.)

Thank You God. Again and again I thank You God.

Thank You for rest. Sleep. Friends. Nourishment. Knowledge. Learning. Practicing. You! Yes. Especially You.

Father, thank You for the things You have to teach us. All that You want us to know. Thank You for keeping me present. Right here. Right now.

Thank You Lord for the various readings and findings we receive when we turn to and search for You. Your will. Your way.

Last night was Ben Campbell Johnson’s understanding of the apostle Paul’s description of love. Blessed God how I thank You for making me aware of the importance of these verses (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ) all those years ago.

“… Love stays in difficult relationships with kindness. Love does not play ‘one-up-man-ship,’ nor does it react to those who do. Love is not rude or grasping or overly sensitive, nor does love search for imperfections and faults in others. Love celebrates what is real, not what is perverse or incomplete. Love is the most enduring quality of human existence. It keeps us keeping on; it trusts in God in every situation and expects God to act in all circumstances. Nothing can destroy love.”

How cool are You Dearest God!? Absolutely perfect in every way! Thank You.

Getting to wake up considering the importance of the word “now” thank You for leading me to 2 Corinthians 6:2. Looking again to The Heart of Paul Volume 1, I am excited to learn and know and practice more.

Reading up and back to chapter 5, verse 16. Under the heading The transforming message of reconciliation Ben tells of Paul’s urging, “From this time on, let us look at others not with our limited human insight. Although we perceived Christ humanly, let us no longer look at Him that way.”

We don’t have to remain stuck in our old ways of thinking and doing because Jesus’ life and death and resurrection changed everything for us. IF/when we are willing to accept Him for all He is and has done for us, we, ourselves, are forever changed as well.

Thank You God for Your ability of working all things together for good when we love You (Romans 8:28). Use me exactly as You know is best. I long to serve You well. As Christ’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Jesus experienced “brokenness and emptiness so that our brokenness could be transformed into participation in the life of God” (21). The life YOU have planned for us!

Acting as God’s agents “Because then, we work together with God, we urge you not to receive God’s unconditional love uselessly. [Incidentally, God says, I have responded to you at the appropriate time; I have assisted you since the day you began to find wholeness.’ Be certain this is the time of response; today is the day for wholeness.]” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2).

Thank You, Father. This IS the day of salvation! And I get to be reminded of it just because of the word “now.” I love, need, trust and want You. Do all You must in making us whole. And wholly Yours. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(517 words ~ 6:02 a.m.)