Speak directly to Jesus
John Pearring
I would like to begin with three prayerful requests to Jesus Christ, the living son of God, for our time together in the next hour. In all things, we should be invoking and inviting Jesus Christ to join us. So, in this talk today, let's speak directly to Jesus.
First, Jesus, designate this place as a sacred space. To God, all places are sacred, because God is everywhere. But, our required willingness that you be invited to be with us is part of your respect for us, Jesus. Be with us Jesus. We are honored that you think so well of us as to allow us the power to invite you in. We invite you, Jesus. Your faithful angels are welcome to sit with us, too. The saints that have a few moments, that know us, they are welcome too.
Second, unlike our limitations of speaking person to person with people that are in front of us — whether through the phone, email, or face to face — we recognize that you dwell within each of us in a manner so deep in our hearts that at no time are you absent from us. When we gather together like this, you speak to us, not as many gods, but as your amazing singular self. You speak to each of us in ways only we understand, and you do the same for all of us when we gather. That is more awesome than any of us can imagine, much less explain.
Third, let us listen to you now. Be verbal in your presence in whatever way you desire. I am listening for your words to me, your love of me, and your grace of interaction. Nudge me in the directions that will accomplish what you want. You can move the soil under our feet, the spaces where we sit, and the air that we breath. All of this place is yours to help us listen to you, Jesus.
I wrote three outlines for my talk today, Jesus, and didn’t fully realize how you wanted me to present these until Steve told each of us to present what our hearts want to tell our dear brothers here today. So, barring any shifting that the your Spirit makes, Jesus, I have three things to talk about.
Already, they are out of their original order, at your urging. 1, then 3, and then 2.
Topic 1: Is Jesus only for the crisis in our lives?
Our memories of the day, the week, the month and the year often get hijacked by the crisis events. These are the moments when mayhem, fright, anger, and remorse fill our brain and lurch our guts.
When we see life as a jump from one life-saving rock or tree to the other in order to get across a wild and chaotic stream, then each jump upon a boulder or tree limb defines our life experiences. We constantly call to Jesus, as the salvific God.
When we understand life as a walk across bridges, hiking through fields and valleys, and wandering in the forests and mountains, our life is a conversation with Jesus. The crisis moments are mere transitions, interruptions, and challenges that tighten our ready grip on Jesus’ hand.
Topic 3: A Jesus life is full of chats, rather than disciplines
A discipline is a practiced, almost regimented control of our behavior. Several self-help books, groups, degrees, job descriptions, faith formations, and healthy habits combine to bring order and sustenance to our daily life.
When we practice our disciplines to build muscle memory and mental sharpness we become more effective, balanced, regular, and awake. We are not really living with Jesus through discipline, unless we’re talking (both of us talking) with him. When we bring Jesus into all of our discussions, pondering, proposals, jokes, calculations, entertainment, activities, and engagements with people, we live with Jesus.
Topic 2: Meeting Jesus requires that we converse at all moments
Jesus often appears aloof, protected, and coordinated through intermediaries, because we can’t imagine he has time for us, or interest in our lives. The opposite is true.
It is us who are aloof, protected, and scheduled. We, then, reflect the image of our worst selves upon Jesus — busy, preoccupied, dismissive, and judgmental.
Jesus is the best of who we want to be — friendly, intimate, sincere, loyal, truthful, supportive, and loving.