Multifaceted

Daily Reading: 1 John 1-2

Scripture Focus: But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. (1 John 2.27-28)

Devotional Thought: As I have aged, something wonderful has happened between me and my daughters and sons-in-law. Instead of being just one-dimensional, my relationship with them is multifaceted. They are more than my children. They are my friends, helpers, and sometimes counselors.

The same is true as our relationship with God changes and grows. It is multifaceted. In him we have...

• Anointing. Anointing refers to having been set apart for God and his work. In the Old Testament - prophets, priests, and kings were anointed to enter their sacred service; tabernacles, tables, and altars were anointed to consecrate them for holy purposes. In the New Testament, the anointing is done not by a special blend of oil but by the Spirit of God Himself.

• Abiding. We also have a wonderful teacher - the indwelling Spirit. As the Spirit abides in us, and as we abide in Christ, we are taught more and more of the truth. We do not have to figure things out on our own, but with the Spirit abiding in us we are given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2.16).

• Appearing. There is more to come in our relationship with Christ. Now we see dimly, but the day is coming when we shall look upon his face! He is coming for us, to take us to be with him forever! In this world we have troubles, but we can take heart, he has overcome the world! "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

• Assurance. Christ says to us, "I've got this..." Our sins are forgiven, our future is set, and nothing can separate us from his love. We look forward to the Day of the Lord with confidence!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, abide in me! Help me to abide in you and live the dream- not my dream but God's dream for me. I love you, Lord! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalms 121:1-4)