The Holy war is over

I've been pressing into personal worship for a few years. Often I'll head into the Big Room, grab my guitar and worship. Just me, no one looking, no one listening except One. It's been interesting. 

Sometimes I'm afraid to open my eyes, other times new songs bubble up, and sometimes nothing, just the discipline of leaning in. Many times my prayers, crying out, my heart exposed is given in song. Sometimes I just play softly saying nothing. 

When my notes and songs seemed to bounce off the floor... same notes, same songs, and my playing is so limited... I've continued to venture in, to seek His presence.

One phrase I've found myself repeatedly saying, "Jesus we need you as you really are. Jesus, be who you really are to us in this place. Walk among us." Interesting phrase, Jesus be who you really are to us in this place. Walk among us.

He is salvation.
He rescues and saves.
He is redemption.
He is healing.
He is provision.
He is forgiving.
He is protection.
He is wisdom.
He is comfort.
He is power.  
He is mercy.
He is grace.
He is the one who holds all things together.
He is who He is, and so much more.
He is Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

He has eyes of fire, yet there is kindness.
His voice sounds like many waters, yet He often speaks most powerfully in a whisper.
His Spirit is like a flowing river, yet often touches our lives like the early morning dew, or a soft spring rain.
When He walks among us He sees, hears and knows all things.
He is Holy... yet, He invites us into His presence.

One thing I do know, I want Him to be who He really is in my life, in my family and in my church. He is the One who gives us access to the Father's love, presence and power.

This is amazing love! A love that gave the very best. A love that willingly sacrificed His life for others. We are now sons and daughters.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life." Jesus. (John 6:47)

At the moment we believe, we receive everlasting life. The life we now live is an everlasting life that deepens as we experience the love and the knowledge of the Father through the Son, experienced by the agency of the Holy Spirit. (I know run on sentence but couldn't say it in another way.)

"This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)

 

R.C. Sproul expresses the thought this way:

"The moment Jesus died, the instant the just one died for the unjust, the veil in the temple was torn. The presence of God became accessible to us. We now have access to His grace (*which brings peace) but even more we have access to Him. (*His presence) 

Now we can feel welcome in the very presence of a Holy God."

The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul

*my note

This is the good news Jesus brings... we have access.

My friend Stephen Bell states, "The really good news is that the Father... now has access to us!" This truth is most amazing.

His sacrifice for our sins brings peace. It's settled. The Father, through Jesus can now joyfully draw near to us. Justice has been satisfied. Redemption is realized. Our sin has been removed. We can now boldly come. His resurrection to life, ensured our confident access into the presence of our loving Father and secured His access to us. This is good news!

To fear and yet to be unafraid is an interesting experience.

R. C. Sproul sums it up:

"But when we come, we must remember two things: (1) who He is; and (2) who we are.

 For the Christian the holy war is over; the peace has been established. 

Access to the Father is ours. But we still must tremble before our God. He is still holy."

The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul

A few months back, I heard a whisper as I worshiped, "If this was the only thing you did, would it be enough?" I knew the question was a probing question searching deep into my heart. I paused... I want you to be enough. I don't know. I'm so driven, I strive so much. 

Months passed. I continue to go, worship... wait. 

I was in B-ham at a leaders meeting. The worship leader began to lead... the words, You are more than enough, popped on the screen. In an instant I was a puddle, I wept, no sobbed, was undone, heart exposed.

At that moment, I knew I wanted to be a worshiper the Father seeks. Jesus makes it possible.