Restored to Adore

Jesus knows you. He knows what you need and how to make you whole again. Before you experience transformation; He wants a heart of adoration.

“They made the bronze basin and its bronze stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting."

Exodus‬ ‭38‬:‭8‬, ‭29‬-‭30‬

When the people were setting up the temple, there was a place to wash before entering God's presence. It was tradition that each person would wash their hands and feet before entering God's presence.

This mindset of needing to be clean before coming to Christ is pervasive in society. We live in a performance culture. Do you ever think that what you do will influence how Jesus feels about you? Jesus came for those who are sick and fall short of perfection. He spoke of cleansing of our hearts prior to cleansing of our habits. How do you feel about yourself? Do you feel like you need to earn God's approval? The enemy of your life loves to make you feel bad and get you to run from God.

“But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you. You have taken from me friend and neighbor— darkness is my closest friend.” ‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭88‬:‭13‬, ‭18‬ ‭

David is in a tough place. He is hurting and has lost hope. To say darkness is his closest friend is to say he feels alone, is afraid, and needs help. What do you do when you are feeling down? How can the tough times draw you closer to Jesus?

“God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them...Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied. Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite."

Ecclesiastes‬ ‭6‬:‭2‬, ‭4‬, ‭7‬, ‭9‬, ‭12‬

There are fascinating physiological connections between our emotions and our senses. Think about the last time you were worried sick. How did it affect your appetite? Wisdom tells us to put the spiritual above the physical. Do you ever practice fasting?

Fasting can be so much more than just fasting food. We can fast the things that we desire and use that time to make sure our hearts our devoted to God. What good is it to get what we want physically if we are spiritual needs that have not been met?

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed."

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭22‬:‭3‬, ‭9‬, ‭13‬

Many people are unaware that the greatest oppressor we will face is Satan, the enemy of our lives. Jesus spoke regularly of the evil one and Paul wrote about the fight we fight being one not of flesh and blood.

Jesus came to rescue us from the oppressor. We have to start by being aware of the ways in which we are attacked and develop patterns to avoid the schemes of the devil. One of the easiest ways to avoid the enemy is by doing the next right thing. Choosing to live a life that is dedicated to doing what is just and right, knowing we will have times we fall short. Then when we fail, turning to God, not from Him. Have you experienced any feelings of anxiety, worry, or fear today? Are those from God?

‭“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore...“Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish...As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord...and jumped into the water. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬-‭7‬, ‭15‬-‭17

The context of the story makes this scene so much more powerful. Peter denied Jesus three times and it was said he wept. Imagine how he felt and how that betrayal would have eaten him up inside. Unlike the Old Testament, Peter does not wash his hands and feet before encountering God. He dives in and is immersed as he swims to his savior.

What does Jesus do when He encounters Peter? Does He scold him or ridicule him? Does He make Peter apologize for letting Him down? No! He blesses and restores him by renewing his kingdom identity through His love. It is no accident that Peter denies Jesus three times and then Jesus asks him three times if he loves him. Jesus wants to do the same thing to us. He will not ask what your plan is to make things right or how good of a Christian you are. Jesus does the washing. He does the cleaning. He simply asks do you love me and He will use your love of Him to restore you to the person God made you to be. Ask God to reveal any areas of your heart where you have the performance mindset? Surrender your heart and see what miracles He wants to do in and through you.