The Sunday before Easter, Renee Moody shared some of her experiences and thoughts on Intimacy with Jesus. It impacted quite a few of us.
To ensure no one missed out on what God gave to share with us, Renee has put in writing her encouragement to all of us as we truly seek to not just follow the teachings of Jesus, but come to know him personally!
See you Sunday as we gather to encourage each other,
Dan
P.S. Does anyone else feel like they haven't seen each other for ages!? It only takes a couple of weeks to miss each other. If you can't make this Sunday's gathering reach out to someone this week to ensure you're not doing life alone!
To live with the understanding that we are fully known by God (Psalm 139:1-3) yet fully loved by Him is an awesome thing. Even the Psalmist said, “It is too great for me to understand.” (Ps 139:6).
When Jesus tells us that He loves us with the same love as the Father loves Him, he then tells us to “abide in His love.” John 15:9. Abide, often translated remain, means to dwell and continue in. Abiding in Jesus' love means we are to live in and from that love. It is to be the home we live in and from.
To truly abide in Jesus' love we are invited into a relationship of intimacy where we rest in the fullness of His love, grace and mercy whilst, knowing that we are accepted by God through Jesus' sacrifice of Himself on the cross of calvary.
Thinking of intimacy as Into-Me-See opens a more realistic (and maybe more challenging) understanding of what it is like to live openly and honestly with Jesus. It is a relationship where He has full access to our inner terrain, those below the surface spaces that hide beneath influences like false ego, hurt and shame.
Thinking of intimacy as In-2-Me-See opens the concept further as we realise intimacy with Jesus is two-way. He knows us and invites us to truly know Him, His ways and heartbeat. It is a relational home where we dwell in the love and grace of God. We learn to BE with Jesus, in loving union with him. (John 15:4).
Intimacy with Jesus is not something to be fearful of as it is anchored in the love of God, His love for me and my love for Him. 1 John 4:18 encourages us that “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…”
In our busy and pressured culture, choosing to live in a counter-cultural way to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus is challenging, but wonderfully fulfilling. Intimacy with Jesus is where our joy is full, despite situations and circumstances.
Living counter-culturally invites us to step onto a pathway of Quietness and Stillness to BE with Jesus. (Ps 46:10; Ps 37:7). Perhaps it is a good time to ask myself what things might stand in the way of me walking this pathway?
- Renee
Coming Up
April
Sun 07 Apr 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 14 Apr 4pm Worship Gathering: 209 Burgum Rd, North Maleny
Sun 21 Apr 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 28 Apr 4pm Moffat Gathering - Baptisms anyone?
May
Sun 05 May 4pm Moffat Gathering (no worship event due to long weekend)
Sun 12 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 19 May 4pm Moffat Gathering - get baptised!
Sun 26 May 4pm Moffat Gathering
June
Sun 02 June 4pm Worship Gathering TBC
Sun 09 June 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 16 June 4pm Moffat Gathering - Jersey's baptism! Join her?
Sun 23 June 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 30 June 4pm Moffat Gathering
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus.
Our Rhythms
Get to Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you intentionally open up your life to?
Gather and get involved: who can you connect, listen, share or pray with this weekend?
Our Giving
We are slowly being led to needs for our giving kitty! Please take time to ask God if there is someone in need around you whom God wants you/us to help!
Last month's giving: $11,412
Last month's expenses: $5,730
Balance: $47,496
Giving Kitty Oct-Mar: $5,000
Giving out Oct-Mar: $1,280
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
If you would like to support what we are doing and our giving to those in need, you can get started with giving to Open Road to meet needs as a church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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