OUR FATHER GOD WANTS A RESTORED RELATIONSHIP WITH US...

God wants a restored relationship with us (and, unwittingly our heart yearns for Him).

Jesus said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Here is the evidence of our Father God’s heart:

God’s desire for a relationship with us is evidenced by His action: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (- Gospel of John 3:16)

God’s desire for a relationship with us is evidenced by God the Son, Jesus, (“the Word”) coming to us and living with us on earth: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." – Gospel of John 1:14

But we have a sin problem, which has prevented us from enjoying this desired relationship:  "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (- Romans 3:23) And… “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,  or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; ²  but your iniquities have made a separation  between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you  so that he does not hear.” (- Isaiah 59: 1, 2)

God’s desire for a relationship with us is evidenced by His work to solve our sin problem: He has completely solved our sin problem by bearing our sins in His body on the cross - He died in our place:  "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24).   (See also Isaiah 52:13 – Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.)

God’s desire for a relationship with us is shown by His willingness to forgive: Because He has paid for our sins, If we agree with God that we have sinned and confess our sins, He will forgive: “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;” (Isaiah 1:18).  ” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Jesus told us that we must be born again… of the Spirit:  Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." …   "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (Gospel of John 3: 3, 6-8)

So, receive Him and become His child!...  "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (Gospel of John 1:12,13)   If we receive and believe Him, we will follow Him in His way, not our own.

Here is Jesus’ request: “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). Repent   means to turn around, accepting Jesus as our King and Lord - wanting to live his way, not ours.

So it is that the Apostle Paul went about: “testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

In Matthew 7:22–23 Jesus, speaking about the day of judgment said: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’” That’s Judas — and many, many other people in history. And then Jesus will declare to them, “I never knew you (that is, as one who belongs to me); depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” What a vivid lesson to learn that right doctrine (“Lord, Lord, we know who you are; we’ve got our doctrine right, Lord, Lord”) and religious activity and miracle-working (“We’ve cast out demons; we’ve healed people”) prove nothing about saving faith and being born again.   That’s the lesson of Judas.

Abraham believed and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6) – Abraham believing, depended on God.   It is our believing dependence on God’s provision through Jesus Christ that saves us.

Jesus says:  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (- Revelation 3:20) Jesus is knocking at our hearts.  Oh that our hearts would be open to Him - as He is life itself!

Heed the compassionate call of the Lord: “ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!   Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price...Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:1,6).   Listen to the call of the LORD and seek Him now as your Savior and King.   He is close...

Here is how you may care to begin calling on Him: “Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, and that He died on the cross to save me from my sin by paying the penalty for my sin. I believe that He rose again to life, and that He invites me to live forever with Him in heaven as part of your family. Because of what Jesus has done, I ask You to forgive me of my sin and give me eternal life. I am depending on Jesus as my Savior because He paid the penalty for and bore my sins. I invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord. I turn from my former way of life and repent - Help me to live in a way that pleases and honors You. Amen.”

As suggested above, call out to the Lord now….use your own words if you like – with the same intent and meaning… but do so…. Alone in your room…out loud, as you would talk with a friend… come to Jesus, repenting of and forsaking your sins, sincerely trusting in Jesus as your Savior, and commit to follow Him as your Lord….  The Lord will hear and see you!   For... "He who planted the ear, does He not hear?   He who formed the eye, does He not see?" (Psalm 94:9).

I hope that you will hear the word of God today and believe, trusting in Jesus as your Savior!   Jesus has told us: “ Truly; truly; I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24).

Jesus also said: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (- Gospel of John 10:10) You may experience this abundant life by abiding in Him and in His Word.  As Jesus said, "...If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32) and as described in the Gospel of John 14-17; Galatians 5 and elsewhere.   Abundant life is yours in Jesus!

            It is important that you tell your family and friends of your repentance and decision to follow Jesus as your Savior and Lord.    Please select “Contact” if you have any questions, prayer requests or comments - I would love to hear from you!
- Jim B.