S - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God. … Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw his glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father. … No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known." (John 1:1, 14, 18 NET)
O - Jesus is the exact representation of the Father. He only does and says what the Father is doing and saying. If one's picture of the Father is not identical to Jesus then the picture is inaccurate. This Jesus "took up residence among us." Jesus came for more than a visit, even an extended one. He not only ‘tabernacled’ in human flesh (σκηνóω:to fix one’s tabernacle, have one’s tabernacle, abide (or live) in a tabernacle (or tent), tabernacle; to dwell), he calls all people to live in him and he will live in them. So permanent is this residence Jesus will pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, “I am not praying only on their behalf, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their testimony, that they will all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. I pray that they will be in us, so that the world will believe that you sent me. … I made known your name to them, and I will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them, and I may be in them.” (John 17:20, 21, 26 NET)
A - Jesus wants into me/my life. He wants into all of it and he wants in permanently. WANTS … this is amazing every day and in every way. He wants into my worst and not just my best; into my weaknesses and not just my strengths. The religion of Jesus' day taught people that heaven was barely tolerating them. Jesus comes to set the record straight. It is the same today. "Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20 NET)
P - Lord God Almighty who wants us,
I praise you for this day and everything that has transpired before it … everything. I am forgiving all who've sinned against me because you've forgiven me. I am throwing open the door of my life and welcoming you to come in and to see everything, not just every good thing. I'm asking you to do all you wish … and to transform my whole being to be like you … how I think, live, love, speak … thank you for not leaving me to myself, even by best intended self. Welcome to your residence in me.
Loving you back,
Steve
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