Shhhh ... The Secret Sauce

The phone rings-Let me get that; The text dings-Let me get that; The doorbell chimes-Let me get that; The timer buzzes-Let me get that (Part 2, Irresistible Intimacy)

The phone rings-Let me get that

The text dings-Let me get that

The doorbell chimes-Let me get that

The timer buzzes-Let me get that

Distractions dominate our lives, our thinking, and especially our attempts toward intimacy— intimacy with Jesus. The single most significant avenue toward building a relationship of intimacy with Jesus is spending consistent time alone in His presence. But needling intrusions will always arise. In our hyperactive, nonstop distracted culture we need to honestly consider the challenges.

The Intrusions

Internet

We live in a wireless world and easily become addicted to what this world has to offer. Yet, our souls are wired to need intimacy with Jesus.

Instant

In our appetite for instant, we have come to expect an Amazon Prime version of Intimacy with Jesus. Instant intimacy does not exist; intentionality toward intimacy does.

Idea

Intimacy with Jesus is all about Relationship. The erroneous idea exists that this pursuit is a fixed formula or a compact set of rules. No, no. Relationship rules over the rules. And intimacy is the byproduct of time and time and time again spent in the Presence of the One who knows us the best and loves us the biggest.

The Invitation

But hallelujah! The motivation mounts when we look more closely at His Divine Invitation.

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 KJV).

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11NASB).

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (I John 4:9).

Shhhh … The Secret Sauce

Though counterintuitive and countercultural, the secret is in the decision to be still, to silence the distractions, to debunk the intrusions—don the AirPods—and spend time alone with Jesus to learn to live—really, really live. After all, “In him, we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28a).

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

“I want you to be without care” (1 Corinthians 7:32 NKJV).

“The Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

Which intrusion is robbing you of developing an intimate relationship with Jesus?

How do you think an intimate relationship with Jesus could change the quality of your life?

Irresistible Intimacy

Like a starving soul desperate for a meal, I devoured the Word of God. Intimacy with Jesus is the all-time greatest game-changer the journey of life has to offer.

During the spiritually heady days of the 1970s, Jesus was a relevant topic of conversation on my university campus. And while I longed to introduce Him to my classmates, sorority sisters, and professors, I desperately longed to know Him in a deeply personal manner, to pursue a relationship characterized by closeness.

In the midst of that culturally tumultuous academic setting, morning after morning, sitting in the quietness of my dorm room, I opened a small volume of Psalms and Proverbs, turned to the assigned day, and began to read. With pen in hand, I underlined words, phrases that seemed to be written just for me. Like a starving soul desperate for a meal, I devoured the Word of God. This engaging time of fellowship with Jesus set the course for my day; what I did not realize—this endeavor was setting the trajectory for a lifetime.

Since then, God has taken me on a geographical journey I never dreamed possible, and He has walked with me on a spiritual journey I never dreamed would be so sweet. His Message for “out there” has continually daily brought His Message “right here.”

You might say, “Well, that might work for monks and nuns and pastors—or for those who breathe rarified air—but not for me.” Granted, an authentic friendship with God Almighty might feel like one more item on an already daunting to-do list. However, in a world that starves for authentic relationships, this offer is real. I promise.

Between that dorm room in 1970 and this desk in 2021, 51 years stand to prove that an intimate, close relationship with Jesus is, indeed, possible.

In today’s COVID-dominated, conflict-saturated existence, mega-busy dominates the agenda. 2021 humans lead:

Full lives

Crowded lives

Exhausted lives

Hassled lives and

Hurried lives

But does “maxed out” make our decisions for us? No. That privilege still belongs to you and me. In the smack-dab-middle of the whirlwind of our:

Full lives . . .

Crowded lives . . .

Exhausted lives . . .

Hassled lives . . .

Hurried lives . . .

Jesus extends an invitation to intimacy:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

An RSVP to this offer becomes the game-changer for all life.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

What do you think when you read Matthew 11: 28-30?

Does an authentic relationship with Jesus sound too good to be true?

What is one step you can take to discover His incredible offer for you?

10 Don’t Ever’s

Don’t Ever shove your dirty dishes in the oven to get them out of the way.

Don’t Ever . . .

Don’t Ever shove your dirty dishes into the oven to get them out of the way.

My mother popped in for a surprise visit and turned on the oven to heat the donuts she brought as a treat.

Don’t Ever ask a hurting person what God is teaching them.

In difficult circumstances, sometimes it is difficult to ascertain what God is teaching us.

In difficult circumstances, most often, it does not matter what God is teaching us; it only matters who God is.

In difficult circumstances, a shoulder, not a question is needed.

Don’t Ever buy the cheapest underwear.

If you need an explanation for this, no explanation will do.

Don’t Ever set a timer when you are having a conversation with your spouse.

The gift of presence is often the greatest warmth and encouragement you can bring to marital communication. Don’t chill it with the cold reminder of your busyness.

Don’t Ever be too rushed to stop at a child’s lemonade stand.

A child’s heart is in that project, and you have an opportunity to pour encouragement while that young one pours the beverage.

Don’t Ever compromise your commitment to tell the truth.

In speaking recently to a middle school chapel, I urged the students to do the right thing even when the right thing is the hard thing. Dodging or deluding the truth will lead one into deeper weeds, not into deeper character. Truth solves problems, heals relationships, and brings light into darkness—always.

Don’t Ever think that venting will achieve your desired outcome.

Venting makes one feel a momentary release; prayer makes one feel an ongoing peace. And, I have learned, it is usually either-or. Invest more time praying and less time venting.

Don’t Ever give away ALL the toddler toys.

Your small bin of outgrown toys can make a young mom and her toddler feel welcomed in your home.

Don’t Ever assume your compliment translates within other cultures.

When I admired the vibrant painting hanging on the wall of their apartment, the Eastern European couple removed the artwork and insisted that it become mine. I felt so sad.

Don’t Ever forget the three best prayers.

Thy will be done; Lord, help me; I believe, help my unbelief.

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

What are one or two of your Don’t Ever’s? Your comments will add flavor to the conversation.