Dear Family,

Today is Sabbath, April 30, 2022, Day 7 of Week 2. It is our 14th Day of Count to Pentecost.

God has made His desire for a close, personal connection with us really obvious, especially at certain times. For example, just imagine how intimate a connection God had with Adam when He breathed the breath of life into him. And, He did that right after He had fashioned Adam’s body to look just like God Himself. This was certainly up close and person. Perhaps it was even mouth-to-mouth.

And, God made it very “up close and personal” when our Savior emptied Himself of divinity so He could share in the experiences of humans first hand. And, then to be tormented and die for us while we were still His enemies! Wow! That’s God making a very personal connection!

Yes, God has made His interactions with mankind very up close and personal at times. And, soon we will experience even more of that kind of interaction. If the Song of Songs gives us any indication at all, then we have to realize that God intends an up close and personal relationship with His chosen.

Consider a few thoughts that help focus us on the kind of relationship God desires with mankind: He knows the hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30). Jesus allowed John to lay upon His bosom, and it is clear He LOVED him (John 13:23). Jesus exuded loving concern for His mother even as He died on the tree (John 19:26-27). Jesus calls us the BELOVED, and refers to us as His BRETHREN (2 Thessalonians 2:13). He sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17). A major theme of discipleship is LOVING one another, and having tender bowels of mercy toward each other (Colossians 3:12). And, we come to know the Father by knowing the Son . . . they have the same nature and purposes. They both want the chosen to be up close and personal. They have designed a master plan whereby they can give us their divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Their plan is to COMFORT us, and to ABIDE with us forever (John 14:16). Our body is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19).

This is all part of a great “up close and personal” mystery God is revealing at His own pace. It is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). We are a privileged creation in progress.

Discover just how personal and close God wants to be with us. Enjoy God’s fellowshipping with us, especially on this Sabbath day (1 John 1:3).

Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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