Dc Talk - Jesus Freak 25Sample

Day by Day

Paul speaks of our tendency to stray from a connection and closeness to Jesus when he implores us to walk in Jesus, “rooted and built up in him and established in the faith...” (Col. 2:7 ESV).

Can you remember the first time you came to Jesus? Can you remember when all the obstacles you once knew seemed to be demolished in an instant, and you came running? Do you remember all the shame and guilt melting away at that moment? Remember when you knew that you did not have the power or courage within you to surrender, but something made it entirely possible for you to submit yourself to the rescue provided in Christ? Remember when you trusted Jesus and came running, despite your unfaithfulness, your fears, your shame, or your guilt? Do you remember when you finally came to Jesus?

Think of that moment, feel that moment again, and then connect it with your desire to remain in Him today. There are still temptations and struggles attempting to keep you from the closeness that is for your ultimate good. You will still shift toward a focus on your sin, and your heart will break under the weight of your guilt and shame. All of the goodness of being near to God will be available; you will still try but fail to earn it. 

One afternoon, a student posted a picture to social media of a beautiful sky and the top of a tree line. The caption read, “I am taking a break to entangle my heart with His.” 

That’s it! That is what we want to do. This is what we want our faith and life to be.

When Christmas lights are tangled, movement of one strand often results in more tangling to the point where the mess becomes seemingly impossible to separate. I want to be so close to the heart of Jesus that I cannot be separated. The only way for that to happen is for there to be an ongoing entanglement. This is the mark of authentic followers of Jesus who have allowed the gospel of His ridiculous love to capture their hearts.