Jesus is Our Anchor

Scriptural Foundation:

Proverbs 18:24 New King James Version (NKJV)

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

John 15:13 New King James Version (NKJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Reflection:

I said it…I am not religious. The relationship that I have with the Creator of the universe cannot be summed up in a generic descriptor like religion. I have a relationship with God – my Heavenly Father; Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior; and the Holy Spirit my life counselor; cannot be contained in an adjective and just one word.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. – 1 Corinthians 2:9

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 – Romans 8:38-39 (AMPC)

The world views anyone that takes the time to go to church as religious. For them, it is just another pass time, like golf or jogging.  That is a broad and blind observation, but sadly how most people feel. A person once told me that she saw religion as “another form of therapy”. Gasp…I will leave that there…

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. – Matthew 13:13 (AMPC)

Religious rituals and traditions are man’s additions to God’s Word. To know someone is to spend time with them.  Religion is void of intimacy between a person and God.  Instead, it is perceived as means to breed hypercritical behavior.  The devil has deceived many people into thinking that the Bible is a rule book instead of a love story.  Tony Boraz once preached that the Bible stood for Jesus’ “basic instructions before leaving earth.’  To add or take away anything from the Word would contaminate it.

You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. – Deuteronomy 4:2 (AMPC)

I [personally solemnly] warn everyone who listens to the statements of the prophecy [the predictions and the consolations and admonitions pertaining to them] in this book: If anyone shall add anything to them, God will add and lay upon him the plagues (the afflictions and the calamities) that are recorded and described in this book. And if anyone cancels or takes away from the statements of the book of this prophecy [these predictions relating to Christ’s kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions or warnings pertaining to them], God will cancel and take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the city of holiness (purity and hallowedness), which are described and promised in this book.

 – Revelations 22:18-19(AMPC)

When Jesus came to earth, the hallmark of His ministry was relationships. His objective with his disciples were intimate and incremental changes to their souls through daily fellowship.  He didn’t want to totally get rid of what was there, but just to build up, in the Lord, their God given purpose.  A relationship with the Lord will prune off non-profitable behavior to allow for ones God given gifts to thrive.

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? – Hebrews 13:5-6 (AMPC)

Experiencing God requires that we go beyond our six senses; to our seventh and most important sense; spiritual enlightenment given to us by the Holy Spirit. Don’t be content with the label of religious.  Transform the minds of others through your personal relationship with Christ.  The fruit that you will bare will have these same people seeking you out to find out your secret.  Through your relationships with them, you will continue to live out God’s mission on this earth –

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Seeking Revelation:

Grab your notebook:

• When someone calls you religious are you insulted? Why or why not?
• It is all about souls, what people are you ministering through your actions? Look for opportunities to sow seeds (kind words and actions) and pray for their relationship of Christ’s love for them.