February 11, 2014

Holy Desire

Written by Boyd Bailey

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- February 11, 2014

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. Philippians 3:10

There are special people we would love to know better. Our spouse, our children, our parents, our siblings, our pastor and his wife, our friends and our co-workers, for a start. The deeper we know them and they know us, the richer our relationship. As our knowledge of one another grows, our trust and understanding grow. We appreciate and love noteworthy individuals with whom we have deep feelings and affection. A desire to go deep relationally pays rich rewards.

What does this desire to dive below the surface of relationships look like? We know the names of those they love and care about. We pray with and for their wants and needs. We understand their heart: what motivates and frustrates, what causes fear and what brings joy. We love them in and through their weaknesses. We admire and celebrate their strengths. Robust relationships require a desire to develop intimacy during the good and bad times. It is a life long process of loving well.

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?'” (John 14:9)

In the same way with holy desire, we pursue knowing Christ. Yet it takes more than time. It takes engagement and comprehension of our heavenly Father’s heart. The Holy Spirit draws our heart to His for us to listen and learn. The longing of every lover of the Lord is to know Him and to be known by Him. So, our passionate prayers rocket toward heaven like a space shuttle en route to orbit the earth. We crave Christ, because we are hungry and thirsty for His peaceful presence.

Therefore, seek to know Jesus in resurrection power and in the pain and suffering of the cross. Your are in training for reigning in eternity. Any headwinds of adversity are an opportunity to go deeper with the One who calms the seas. You know you know Jesus when you live like He died: in deep fellowship with His heavenly Father. He forgave others for their ignorant indiscretions and He cared for those closest to Him. Holy desire for Christ, lives with Christ and like Christ.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Prayer: Dear Lord, my heart longs to know You as Christ knew You, in deep abiding faith.

Related Readings: Psalm 20:6; 2 Corinthians 2:14, 4:6-14; Ephesians 1:9; 1 John 4:6-7

Post/Tweet today: Headwinds of adversity are an opportunity to go deeper with the One who calms the seas. #holydesire

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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com


Comments

  1. Ruth Hobrock says:

    The Scripture passage listed as II Peter 1:13 is nothing like my version (NIV). Could it be a misprint? Thank you.

  2. Rhonda White says:

    Good Morning,

    First and foremost, thank you for providing this daily devotion of wisdom each day. I have truly been blessed in my spiritual walk to know God more and more each day.

    As I was referencing the scripture at the end of today’s devotion, I noticed that the scripture is found 2 Peter 1:3 instead of 2 Peter 1:13.

    May God continue to enrich Wisdom Hunters with favor and blessings in all areas of the ministry.

    Because of the Love of Christ,

    Rhonda White

  3. Karen Campollo via Facebook says:

    Amen

  4. Sandi McBride via Facebook says:

    This is so encouraging and good to remember…
    Bless you today!

  5. Jim Speer says:

    Boyd…I love how the Lord orchestrates your postings with what He is doing in my life and circumstances….I ‘ll tell you … if I didn’t know better I would think you are reading my mail…
    The Holy Spirit ministers to me nearly everyday with just some of the One-Liners that pop up in your blog…”sentences sermons” really speak to me and I re-post them on my face-book page giving you the credit and then watching how they minister to those God has given me to reach. Thanks for your balanced truth from the Word that your blog nourishes me with. Keep up the good work. The Lord has put on my heart to start supporting your ministry. My wife and I are coming into agreement on the timing to start.
    In His Grip
    Jim S

  6. Howard G. Guetherman says:

    Brother Boyd and team:

    SORRY!!! MY MISTAKE:

    The correct Scripture reference is:

    2 Peter 1:3, not 1 Peter 1:13

    Your Brother in Christ:

    Howard G. Guetherman

  7. Gwynne says:

    Dear Howard,
    Thank you so much for your keen eye on catching this mistake. We appreciate you reaching out to us so this may be corrected.
    We are so thankful you are a fellow wisdom hunter and hope you will continue to be blessed by the devotionals.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne
    Wisdom Hunters

  8. Gwynne says:

    Dear Sandi~
    Thank you so much for your response to the devotional, “Holy Desire”. We always enjoy hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters! Blessings to you and yours.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne

  9. Gwynne says:

    Dear Rhonda~
    Thank you for reaching out to us about the devotional, “Holy Desire”. You are absolutely right~the correct scripture verse is 2 Peter 1:3. We apologize for the mistake and thank you for catching it!
    Thank you, too, for letting us know that you have been blessed by the daily devotionals. Our hope is that you will continue to be blessed and encouraged in your daily walk with Our Heavenly Father.
    We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter!
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne
    Wisdom Hunters

  10. Gwynne says:

    Dear Ruth~
    Thank you so much for contacting us regarding this scripture verse. We made a mistake and it should be 2 Peter 1:3. We appreciate your keen eye and apologize for any confusion.
    We hope that you will continue to be blessed with the daily devotionals.
    Blessings to you and yours.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne
    Wisdom Hunters

  11. Gwynne says:

    Dear Karen~
    I agree, AMEN! Thank you for contacting us with your comment. We always enjoy hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters!
    Blessings to you and yours.
    Believing and trusting~
    Gwynne


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