Seeing and Being

"Man becomes that which he gazes upon"

- George Harrison

I like that statement because it really is true. It's biblical -

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." - 2 Cor. 3:18 ESV

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"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is." - 1 John 3:2 ESV

That's the positive aspect of this truth - beholdingJesus, we become like him. It is also true in the negative aspect. Those who make idols and look to them become like them (Ps. 115:4-8)

But oh, to be always looking unto Jesus and reflecting his glory!

Now, what am I looking at?

We fight...

With thanksgiving we fight

In the soul's bitter night

And we battle dark forces with song.

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Lust gives way to loving

And fears fall to trusting

As gratitude proves itself strong.

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"And be thankful."

- Colossians 3:15

If it pleaseth Him...

Sovereign Lord, may this

My heart-song be:

If it pleaseth Thee

It pleaseth me.

"...that by testing you may discern what is the will of God,

what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Romans 12:2 ESV

To be Holy

Oh to be holy as Jesus is holy. To be pure as He is pure. How happy are the pure in heart - they shall see God!

Yet Jesus also said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" I have so little holiness, but I am poor. I have so little righteousness, but I hunger and thirst for righteousness - and Jesus said I shall be filled. I am not worthy of this divine gift - poverty and hunger - yes, a gift. An imagined wealth and fullness that end in desolation are all I deserve, and all I would have without grace. But he has given me to know my poverty, that I may come to Him who is altogether full of love and purity and holiness. Blessed grace of Jesus!

Holy, holy, holy is the everlasting God almighty - He is the one - He, HE is the one who began a good work in me and will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. I need not despair. This is the will of God - our sanctification - and the will of God shall be done. I need not despair. He who is holy, holy, holy shall make me holy someday, all because of Jesus. Jesus was delivered to death for my trespasses and raised for my justification. One day He will come and put all things under His control and all we His own shall be like Him - perfect in holiness.

My soul and spirit are weak today. But if weakness is what it takes to make me lean on Jesus, long for Jesus, then let me always be weak - that I may find Him strong.

"...he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."- 2 Cor. 12:9 ESV

Let all who love the Lord cry out for more holiness. "Oh come quickly Lord Jesus!"

Our soul waits for the Lord;he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him,because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,even as we hope in you.

- Psalm 33:20-22