You mean...NOW??
Well...I mean...NEXT...because I don't recognize any of this and... I'm not sure I like what I'm seeing...
Jesus: I understand...but...don't worry...you'll get used to it...
Well...I just like to know where I'm going so I don't get lost...
Jesus: You mean like the other day when you took the wrong turn and wasted a half-hour trying to get back on track?
Ahh...yeah something like that...
Jesus: You ask a lot of questions...got to have it all figured out and be 'in control' don't you?
Well...yeah I like it that way...it helps me to feel more secure about things...
Jesus: Ok...some basics...remember when I said to my Disciples that one needs to receive the Kingdom as a little child?...well, that's what this is all about...
Ok...but I thought that was more a 'figure of speech'...I'm not a kid anymore and I've got some 'baggage' to unpack so...
Jesus: So...you think I don't know that? You're the same as everyone else when it comes to the Kingdom...you have to learn to let go of your 'old ways' and learn to live the 'Kingdom ways'...
Like what?
Jesus: Well...like what you keep your eyes on...for instance...in the Kingdom it doesn't matter if something is familiar or not because your FOCUS is on ME not your circumstances...those will always be changing but I never will...I'm the same yesterday...today...and forever...so...your Security is in Me...not your circumstances...that's .the FIRST lesson... it's all based on TRUST...like a Mom or Dad taking their child for a walk...the child's not worried...they know they're LOVED...so...all's well...
Well...OK...I know that you Love me...I'm not questioning that...but I just get 'triggered' sometimes by different things that bring up... stuff from the past that make me feel somewhat 'insecure' or like I have to 'prove' or 'protect' myself...it's like I can't help feeling that way...so I feel like I'm 'on my own' to 'figure it out' and 'get it done'...
Jesus: Yes, I know...all my Disciples have wounds to deal with and that is part of the Journey...part of why I focus so much upon GRACE and the POWER of My Spirit because right now no one can see things clearly and all must live by FAITH - not by sight...and that is why it is so important for you to be in Daily Contact with Me...it is all part of becoming a NEW CREATION...having the 'Old' pass away and the 'New' come into being...It comes about by the 'RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND'...
That's a lot to deal with...more than I can sort out right now...that's for sure...
Jesus: Right...but you don't have to... so...don't try...It'll just make you more 'introspective'...more 'gerbil wheel' spirituality than 'I AND THOU'...Again...Keep you eyes on Me...I LOVE you...I DO have a PLAN for your life...you CAN Trust Me...
Yeah...-I know what you mean about 'gerbil wheels'...been there done that...
Jesus: I know...that's why I'm saying all this...Look...I know it's not easy...it's all part of the CROSS...part of living in a fallen world with the consequences of a fallen nature and being in a Spiritual Battle with an Enemy who knows your weaknesses...but I have OVERCOME IT ALL...
Whew...OK...So, what now?
Jesus: Two more things and that'll be it for now...but...remember...that when I ask something of you...I am always giving you the GRACE to do it especially when it seems beyond your abilities / power to do...So FIRST..SURRENDER...Give yourself over to Me...that shows your TRUST...and then when the Enemy tempts you with whatever...useless thoughts...vain dreads...anxious imaginations...even appealing to your weakened flesh...just come into MY PRESENCE - just BE with Me - and give the temptation over to Me...I helps when you whisper My Name and bypass your mind by 'praying like the angels' while Uniting your heart with Mine....you are Giving everything over to Me...Remember...I will WALK with you...your are NOT ALONE...we'll deal with everything together..
.SECONDLY...BE THANKFUL...everyday...for everything...even for the difficult challenges because I especially use them in your life to help you Grow as My Disciple...there is nothing like GIVING THANKS to help you keep your FOCUS upon Me... It changes your outlook...Day by Day...One Day at a Time...So...Just like a 'little child'...We go hand In Hand...On our way....HOME...TOGETHER...
Ok...I'll really try to do those things everyday...Oh...and speaking of Hands...I noticed You still have your Wounds...do they hurt?...
Jesus: Not any more...
Well, you're supposed to have a New Body so then why do You still have your Wounds?
Jesus: Well... They're now just part of Who I AM...they show what's in My Heart for you...and...just like you... they'll always be with Me...Now...Let's continue our Journey...We've got a ways to go...
