This Changes Everything

"Time in a person's presence changes everything. Relationship changes everything."-Francis Chan.

I get it. It's so easy to remember this or see evidence of this in our earthly relationships. Because, duh- those relationships have skin on.

But we get flustered and frustrated and confused as we attempt to walk out this goal or resolution of "improving our relationship with God."
We are paralyzed and perplexed as we hoard new devotionals and reading plans and sign up for all the studies and to do all the religious thingys...yet feel no closer- only fat with knowledge and depleted of time.

Do you see? Do you see that He doesn't want your academia, your works, your achievements your perfect routine, your perfect anything?

He just wants you.

Go ahead. Answer that question that just came up in your head: "But I don't ______. And I ______."

So what. What if there is a whole list of what you've done and shouldn't have. And  so what if there's a whole list of what you haven't done but should have.

He. Still. Wants. You.

Talking to Him through your day. Loving on Him as He loves on you in the middle of your mess.

Think of the person you love most, that you're closest to.

How did that happen? Because you read books about the person? Studied people who knew that person? Went to corporate gatherings that celebrated the  person?

I would dare say the answer is NO to each of these.

None of that makes sense when INTIMACY and connection is the specific and ultimate goal.
All of these can be healthy things in equipping you for an existing relationship-but they are not where it all begins and ends.

No wonder so many feel Jesus distant and irrelevant. It's because we try to have a relationship and know the heart of the One we have locked out of the room.

Can you imagine that familiar picture of Jesus standing at a door knocking?

Let's reframe that:

Often, we feel that's not for us, once we have gone from death to life- that the picture is irrelevant for our life.
But the unfortunate reality is that as soon as He ushered in our forgiveness, we ushered Him right back out the door.

In truth, this picture is an image of our hearts today, this moment.

Jesus stands at the door longing to connect with you, leaning in to call to you, gently saying,

"Will you put down that book, will you pause just a moment, will you walk away from that other love- that thing, that person that's sitting in my place- will you let me in? I have love and grace just for you. Just. For. You. Don't bother with that mess...I already see it...and I gave everything to meet you in the middle of it...just let me in."

This? Knowing THIS Jesus...it changes everything.

It's a relationship that will change all relationships.

A love that will change all other loves.

A Presence that will never leave you.

A Grace that will transform you.

Looking for change this new year? 
Let Him in.

And the rest? All is grace.
This changes everything.
“Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you." Revelation 3:20
"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne." Hebrews 12:2 NLT
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Jesus? This changes everything. #simpletruth #letHimin www.juliemcneely.blogspot.com