Weekly Update – 2nd November

Loving Jesus a little Longer.

Loving Jesus is an experience that is both uncomplicated and challenging. It is reminiscent of the first time you fell in love—those moments when your emotions were heightened, and even the simplest thoughts became entwined with the person you adored.

Do you recall the physical and emotional responses: perhaps your palms became clammy with anticipation, and the thought of that person was the first thing to greet you in the morning and the last at night. Even if you woke in the middle of the night, they lingered in your mind.

Do you recall writing letters to your beloved—a practice familiar to a particular generation—and treasured their replies, keeping them safe in a shoebox as cherished memories.

Above all, there was a simple wish to be with that person as often as possible, their company bringing you comfort and joy.

I wonder if like me you want to keep your relationship with Jesus like that. I wonder if you long to maintain your relationship with Jesus in that pure and heartfelt way—where He is the first thought on your mind every morning. Instead of reaching for your phone, turning on the radio, or switching on the television to discover what troubles the world, because in doing so, it distracts you from what troubles you.

Recently, I came across a couple of songs that I have been singing for years. However, last week, the lyrics resonated with me in a new and profound way, particularly as I reflected upon the question of why Yeshua Jesus Christ found it necessary to ‘teach’ the Jews how to pray—especially the Pharisees, as referenced in Luke 18.

As I pondered this, I arrived at one clear conclusion. The realisation struck me that there was an essential reason behind Jesus’ teaching: it was not simply about the act of praying itself, but about understanding the heart and purpose of prayer. The words of these familiar songs prompted me to consider the deeper significance of prayer and the need for guidance, even among those who were well-versed in religious practices.

 

Intimacy. God wants intimacy with us. So, before you add to your rhythm of life (if you have created one and have stuck to it) bear these words in mind.

“You, you don’t have to do a thing

Simply be with Me and let those things go

They can wait another minute

Wait, wait just this moment is too sweet

Please stay here with me

And love on Me a little longer.”

Take some time to imagine Jesus saying these words to you, each and every day.

These words come from, A Little Longer, by Jenn Johnson. Attached is the link if you would like to listen fully. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uUwIiBaStE&list=RD0uUwIiBaStE&start_radio=1

For something more quiet check out Matt Redman from the 1990’s 04 Intimacy Matt Redman

Rev Claude