Revelation

The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.                                                                                                                    Rom. 8.19

Christ is the Son of God.

I suggest “sons of God” may embrace all the children of God, both male and female.

Paul records that creation waits for the revelation of the sons of God in “eager expectation”. The Greek indicates a sense of watching, of intense anticipation. I don’t know about the rest of creation, but I see the human element as decidedly less that keen to see children of God revealed. The world may well be waiting for some change, yet I would chance to say that the world, or the majority of it, may be totally unaware that this is so.

Commentators suggest that the revelation of the sons of God will not come until the end. This may well be so for the full manifestation, but I believe each child of God is called to reveal what they can of their relationship with the Father in the here and now.

The unknowing – and seemingly uncaring – world desperately needs the love, forgiveness and reconciliation that only the Father can give. Do I do what I can to witness of the wonderful relationship God has drawn me into? I hope I do! But perhaps I can do more. Let me indicate my willingness to God, and invite Him to bring greater revelation to me, and through me.

Loving Father,

I am incredibly blessed by the relationship You have drawn me into. In all unselfishness I ask for more. Draw me, please, into deeper intimacy. Then use me if You will to share what I have. Lead me to those in need of You, and especially to those who will respond positively.

Allow me and lead me to be a true and loving witness to Jesus, in whose name I make these requests.        Amen.

My book “God Talk” is available through major Internet booksellers.

A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").

 

God’s holy shelter

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.    Psalm 91.1

These words draw quite an amazing picture for me. I see myself dwelling in God’s holy shelter. The first realisation I get is that of a true shelter. I am protected; I am safeguarded from all that is outside God. This does not mean that I will not be threatened. I might even experience some suffering. But, if I choose to dwell in His shelter, I will only be exposed to what He allows. And I will know, at all times, that He is with me. He is for me.

I also see clear connotations to dwelling in His shelter. This is abiding, and ongoing action. It can be a permanent state – for as long as I choose. Yes, I want to dwell in His shelter, and to abide in this place at all times.

As I do this I will find true rest. Does this mean that life will be free of trouble and difficulty? I don’t think so! But, if trouble strikes, or seeks to strike, me I am able to freely rest in Him.

I am comforted, again, by the knowledge that He is with me, and He is for me. Why would I want to make any other choice save that of dwelling in His shelter and resting in His shadow?

Loving Father,

I see You with arms outstretched, inviting me into Your shelter, to dwell there and to rest in Your protective and loving shadow.

I come, Lord. I give myself wholeheartedly into You care. I bring myself to a place of rest in You. You may restore and equip me in this place. You may choose to commission me. Or You may simply enjoy my company. Whatever, Dear Lord, I am Yours.

I set aside any agenda I might have other than to embrace Your agenda for me. For some time now I have wanted only Your will for my life. I give my whole being to You. I invite You to do what You will.

Hold me close, please. May I truly know what it is to dwell in Your shelter and rest in Your shadow. I ask these things in Jesus’ name.                  Amen.

My book “God Talk” is available through major Internet booksellers.

A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").

 

A shining face

Restore us, O God;
make your face shine upon us,
that we may be saved.                                                              Psalm 80.3

Salvation only comes from God. No individual can save themselves. We may certainly seek God but, even then, I believe the desire to do so emanates from Him.

Salvation is the greatest gift, and God is the giver. God also gives other gifts. He blesses His creation  in many ways.

As well as the clear reference to salvation, this verse is a reminder of the beautiful Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6.26:

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

The idea of God’s face shining upon me fills me with great peace and excitement at the same time.

God’s love shines forth, in salvation and blessing, as His countenance favours me. The psalmist cries out to his God. And he does so repeatedly, and with increasing intensity. In this present verse, he cries O, God; in verse 7 he cries out O God Almighty; finally, in verse 19 he cries O LORD God Almighty. The cries rise in strength and, as they do, I feel my expectation mount. I see my wonderful God “shining” upon me.

Mighty Saviour, Loving Lord,

I thank You for the salvation I have in You. You most clearly sought me out, and I am so grateful.

You also bless me without any deserving or merit on my part. There are times when I can almost physically see Your face shining upon me.

I respond in humble appreciation. You are Lord God Almighty. I am “just me”. You deign to seek me out and cultivate relationship with me. I thank You, wonderful Father. Draw me closer if You will. Take me deeper into You. I hunger and thirst for more. I rejoice in who I am in You. Shine upon me today, in Jesus’ name I ask.        Amen.