#godjourney

[grush91]

Got a new journal today. . . Finished writing in my old one this morning. As I put it on my journal shelf I pulled one of my older ones out and began to read: “I really hope I get to live in NYC this summer. I don’t have any money so it’d have to work our for free” . “Didn’t get the job at Starbucks. I don’t understand I thought this was supposed to happen?” . ”Being back in VA is good, I don’t think I’m ready for the city yet, but one day I’ll live there” . “I don’t understand it God, I thought I was supposed to be living in New York by now” . “I really want to go to Ireland” . And a host of other prayers answered (and more yet to be answered). Things I hoped for, worries that consumed me, and a growing, maturing insecure young man. He’s still there, but he’s grown up a lot since. Experienced much. Still learning what grace means and how much God loves Him, even when it doesn’t make sense. . If you don’t journal, I highly recommend because in it you can see how far you’ve come and trust that there’s still better yet in the middle of the joys and heartache that life promises. .https://www.instagram.com/p/BvXskhZAfIL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=q76ga85g0msa

[richardmduncan-blog]

Part one... @lozbattersby #godjourney #100Percent Follow me @_RichardDuncan #Vegan #RichardDuncan #peace #positivity #motivation #grateful #wisdom #NikeRunning #healthy #universe #freedom #faith #energy #love #happy #podcast #instago #RunnerSCommunity #worldrunners #comedy #repost #love #VeganGrind #PersonalDevelopment

[chantelle]

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It means#godjourney #juststratford #bieber #realtalk #heartit (at Stevetelle)

[scottericmorgan]

So Close, Yet So Far

Due to the Cross, Jesus's focus in any relationship is acceptance first, and change (by and through the Holy Spirit) second. Unfortunately, we often approach it the other way around, feeling we need to change first in order to be accepted by Him.

"People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Sam 16:7). We seem so concerned with 'what' we do, while Jesus is concerned with 'why' we do it, whatever it is.

Jesus is after more than behaviour modification, He is concerned with the truth and the root of what we do. This kind of surgery requires a close trusting relationship.

Perhaps this is why we can adopt a performance-based approach to Christianity. Kind of like an employee/employer relationship. That way we can maintain a distance, be in control, and protect our pain.

Performance-based Christianity must grieve our triune God, as this approach leads us away from relationship with Him, the very source of our freedom.

Realising and accepting that we are forgiven and accepted in Christ NOW, allows us to commune with Him, receive His love, and heal from the rejected heart that performs for acceptance.

It is in the Vine that we find strength, peace, and a true desire to change; not to 'become' accepted, but because He says we are 'already' accepted, showing that he did indeed first love us (1 Jn 4:19).

God is constantly reaching out to us, all we need to do is extend our finger and say ‘I AM, here I am’.