BLESSED NEEDINESS

      "Not as though I had already attained....but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" Phil 3:12.

      This has become my most favorite verse as of late.........I can relate to it. It reminds me of the journey I am on and that it is just that a journey.

      The Father develops us. We go through stages. We are shown our sin and need...self is exposed. Then the hunger begins. At first we are vexed; what are we to do to overcome this sin that resides in us full time?

      It is only later and because of the sin exposed, that we realize it is the pathway to Jesus Christ Himself. Before we can take on the likeness of Jesus Christ we must see ourselves. We must be brought to a place where we discover how little we are conformed to Him. It is only this need apprehended that brings the opportunity to grow into His image.

      On the other hand it does no good to only focus upon our failures. We become discouraged, not beholding the beauty of Christ, not apprehending His all sufficiency. Yet if we only see His excellent sufficiency we will not apprehend our defects and lack discernment as to our weakness. If we do not apprehend this we will not reach to appropriate that which He has so abundantly supplied. We must always be reaching.

      If we do not see all that must be put off, and that Christ must be put on, acknowledging that it is only by Grace that we receive His life and manifest Him; we become self satisfied and stagnant....we lose our invaluable need.

      This was inspired by my morning devotional. I will endeavor to write shorter blogs published more often for consumption and growth. But mostly for my growth into His image. May you my friends also be blessed with Him and grow to the stature of His life. Need shows the way.