12 June 2019
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things on earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and praise.
Do you truly know the heart of your Abba Father? I often hear these words, especially at men’s retreats – "Retah, I understand very little of the spirit, I can't even hear God’s voice? My wife knows so much, she can pray, I just let her take the role. I rather focus on work!” This does not apply to men only, but many of us have this attitude.
I want to look into your eyes today and say to you – Knowing God, knowing the heart of your Abba has nothing to do with a list of do’s and don’ts. Or a list of things to understand or not to understand.
Knowing your Abba Father’s heart is all about an intimate, love relationship with Him. In this place of trust and dependence you have the guts to surrender all the heaviness which you have carried for years and finally look into His eyes for guidance and care. As you lock eyes with Him, a floodgate of Love is opened.
I hear the Lord saying, “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with My eyes as your guide. So, don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make Me tug you and pull you along. Just come with Me.”
Ps 32:8 TPT
The more I gaze into His eyes, the more I realize that He is watchful over me. God, the King of the universe is watchful over us! He says He will direct me with His eyes. In order for me to follow these directions I have to look Him in the eye – otherwise I will miss it. In His eyes you will see the mercy, the love and the compassion He has for you. You will feel the warmth of His presence and the unconditional love that flows out from Him. He will show you your heart and without condemnation you will willingly respond with repentance. His goodness leads us into repentance.
Are you unmindful or actually ignorant of the fact that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God’s will)? Rom 2:14b
My question to you today is – do you truly know the heart of your Abba Father? Do you fully understand that He wants to be your Father? He wants to be there for you, guide you, fill you with His Holy Spirit and redeem every area of your life. Do you know that He is a generous Father?
Luke 11:13 If you know to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him.
All of this is about a relationship with Abba Father, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. It means I walk with Him; I talk with Him. I tell Him everything and cast my cares upon Him – making sure that I gaze into His eyes. Why? Because, I have come to realize that this is the place from which my spirit will be filled with heaven’s resources. Here, through my covenant with Him, all that belongs to Christ suddenly becomes available to me.
When we spend time with our Father, He faithfully feeds us with His scrolls of life (Word) – just like any good father. In His presence, we are surrounded with the ‘Spirit of the Fear of the Lord’. The more diligent we are to eat from these scrolls; praying "Give us today our daily bread”– the stronger we become in our faith in Christ.
In His presence we are completely aware of His power alone. As we lean on Him with all our being, we start to move deeper and deeper into His heart. And here a wonderful miracle happens – our hearts become wrapped in love, acceptance and belonging.
Something happens deep within us – we start to change from glory to glory – and that my dear friend, has nothing to do with what I know and don't know. It has to do with my heart’s yearning and responding towards my Abba’s love for me.
In His presence is fullness of joy. In His presence is a powerful calmness and stillness. It is not difficult to hear His voice when all is still within you. Here you find rest. I am not talking about physical rest, but emotional rest and spiritual stability. Deep within us are a seat of rest. If Jesus is not sitting on that seat and you are operating and controlling your life from within – you will not be able to ever find peace.
Give over the control of your life, surrender everything to Him, today. Jesus is waiting for us to surrender our lives into His hands. If you are operating out of stress and fear, it is because you control your own life and you are not in His peace. When we make decisions and impulsive plans without Him, you will eat the fruit thereof.
Whether your decision ends up with good or bad results. Remember, when you make choices and decisions without Him – it will turn and become sour. He alone is the sustainer of life. Impulsive decisions are made in yourself, for yourself.
We all need to enter the gate of faith and practice looking up into His eyes and obey His voice and leading. This resting in Him is not a place of feet on the table and doing no work. No, it is a walk of life, walking on the narrow road that leads to life.
Prov 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.
We need to ask ourselves; which road are we on?
“Abba, we want to know You as our Abba Father! Thank you that I can come just as I am, without any knowledge. I come today and I surrender everything that I carry. My life is falling apart as I am trying to hold everything together. I choose to enter into Your rest. Please lead me and guide me. I want to experience Your love and mercy."
I see how you look into your wallet and try to pay for everything. I see you digging deep, to make your plans work. Today, you have the opportunity to put away your own efforts. Let’s start looking up in our Fathers eyes. He has it all planned!
I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you. Jer 29:11
Sit on His lap and ask Him to show you the way. Speak to Him. Give Him all your plans. Allow Him to guide you and give you rest.
I bless you my dear friend with the knowing – Your Abba Father loves you and cares for you!
Retah and family.