CLOSER TO JESUS

 Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed 

to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn
among many brethren. — Romans 8:29

CLOSER TO JESUS

Long, long before this world knew my name,

My Father God in Heaven already chose my frame;

He fitted me and worked out how I'd come to know His Son,

And watched me as I learned to walk in the Finished work He'd done.

Everyday a little closer, everyday a little bit more,
My Father God in Heaven brought His purpose to the fore;
Like a potter He would mold me, as a shepherd He would lead,

And guide me with His Spirit to a pasture-land of Truth that set me free.

Nearer Lord I feel You, in this holy faith I see Your face, 
My Father God in Heaven bring me Home to be with You today;

Jesus, You're my Master, You're my Brother, my Redeemer and my Lord,
You are the only worthy reason for living and only living cause worth dying for.

Long, long after this old world falls apart,
My Father UP in Heaven will be creating new joys in my heart;
Life on earth will end my friend so put away your senseless reasons,
Take your step of faith into a new and living way and come closer to Jesus.
______________

J. E. POLLOCK
OCTOBER 2009

Is That Jesus?
ODB: Listen Now |  Download
READ: Romans 8:26-29

As I walked into church one Sunday morning, a little boy looked at me and said to his mother, "Mom, is that Jesus?" Needless to say, I was curious to hear her response. "No," she said, "that's our pastor."

I knew she would say no, of course, but I still wished she could have added something like, "No, that's our pastor, but he reminds us a lot of Jesus."

Being like Jesus is the purpose of life for those of us who are called to follow Him. In fact, as John Stott notes, it is the all-consuming goal of our past, our present, and our future. Romans 8:29 tells us that in the past we were "predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." In the present, we "are being transformed into the same image" (the likeness of Christ), as we grow from "glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). And, in the future, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2).

Being like Jesus is not about keeping the rules, going to church, and tithing. It's about knowing His forgiveness, and committing acts of grace and mercy on a consistent basis. It's about living a life that values all people. And it's about having a heart of full surrender to the will of our Father.

Be like Jesus. You were saved for it!  — Joe Stowell

Be like Jesus—this my song—
In the home and in the throng;
Be like Jesus all day long!
I would be like Jesus. —Rowe

Live in such a way that others see Jesus in you.

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