How to Partner with God: Our Part and His Part

One of the most amazing characteristics about God and His love is that He desires to be partners with us.  In 1 John 1:3, John declares what he has seen and heard, "that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son."  A simple definition of fellowship is two fellows in one ship.  Can you imagine that the Father and Jesus are in the same boat as you? You are never alone but are partners with God in whatever you do or wherever you go.  

Romans 8:17 reminds us that we are "joint heirs" with Christ and everything He deserves for willingly laying down His life is also ours.  Hebrews 2:11 likewise points out that "He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one."  Since we have this awesome partnership, what is our part or responsibility and what does He do.

Perhaps Jesus answers this question in a simple way when He taught us how to pray. " Our Father, hallowed be Thy Name..." It is our part to hallow His name.  Webster defines to hallow as "to regard as holy, to venerate, to declare as sacred.  When we do our part which is to hallow or declare who He is in the names He has revealed, God who always was and always will be "I Am," will naturally do His part.  Amos asks "How can two walk together unless they agree?"

Notice these examples of our part by agreeing with His revealed nature in His names, and His part by replying and being that to us.  

We say Jehovah Tsidkenu, You are my righteousness        He replies, I Am

We say Jehovah M'kiddish, You are my sanctifier               He replies, I Am

We say Jehovah Shalom, You are my peace and well-being     He replies, I Am

We declare, You are my strength        He replies I Am

We say Jehovah Rapha, You are my healer      He replies, I Am

In troubles, we declare You are my deliverer     He replies I Am

We say Jehovah Rohi, the Lord is my shepherd     He replies I Am

We see patterns all through Scripture that when man does his part, we allow the I Am God to be that for us. When Israel was challenged in the wilderness by Amalek, Joshua led the army as Moses lifted his hands to God in praise.  When Moses' arms were up, Joshua and Israel prevailed, when Moses lowered his arms, Amalek prevailed.  At the Red Sea when Moses lifted up the rod of God, the great I Am parted the waters for Israel to cross on dry land.  

We have the same principle of our part and His part in overcoming the enemy.  God tells us to put on the armor of God and stand in the authority of Jesus, then the I Am God will fight for us, keeping His promises (given in 1 Peter 5:10) that He will perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.  Jesus gives us "all power and authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy and nothing shall by any means hurt us."  Finally, this is confirmed in Revelation 12:11, we overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb (His part) and the word of our testimony (our part).   

Why does Isaiah 30:18 say God waits to be gracious to us and show us mercy?  Many are called but few are chosen.  He waits for us to respond to His invitation, to open the door.  God rewards those who diligently seek Him by being a doer of the Word.  Seek Him.  Pray, fast, give in secret. What you sow you will reap.  He waits for you to humble yourself so He can and will lift you up.                       

Choose this day to do your part to partner with God, because, as 2 Chronicles 16:9 declares, God is searching for the one whose heart is right so He can do His part which is to show His strength and might in our behalf.  The greatness of our partnership with the I Am God is shown in Ephesians which declares that His goal is to be all in all.  

    

School is Out!

 Yes, classes may be out for the kids, but the real school for all of us is never out.  The Holy Spirit continues to faithfully teach us and show us all things.  His priority, of course, is to reveal Jesus and His Word so that we know Him.  Jesus points out in John 17 that eternal life is knowing God and His Son whom He has sent, which may be why the early church catechism declares the purpose of life is to know and serve Him.  In the days ahead this will be even more vital as Daniel 11:32 points out, that in the end-times, "those who know their God will be strong and do great exploits."  

In Psalm 16, the truth of inheriting a relationship with and knowing God is stated in verse 5, "O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup" followed by David's understanding and description of this special gift, "Yes, I have a good inheritance."  This revelation that God has given us Himself as our portion reminds us of the Levites, who were not given any land in Israel.  Instead, Joshua 18 states, "The Lord is their inheritance."  As Jesus has made us priests and kings, knowing Him is our true inheritance. 

Men on the earth strive for riches, fame, and selfish gain, but everyone knows that heaven and earth will pass away and no man will be able to keep what he has acquired.  Jim Elliot's powerful saying states this truth well, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.  Jesus also warned that treasures on the earth were subject to moth and rust and thieves, so our goal must be to rather "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."  The greatest treasure is a strong relationship with your creator and the maker of the universe, with the One who willing gave His all for you, so you can enjoy the amazing fellowship with the Father and Jesus that has been purchased for us. 

Psalm 16 summarizes the fruit of this lasting, ultimate relationship.  "Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices, my flesh also will rest in hope." and finally, "In your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." 

School is not out, but God does have various seasons.  One may be in a time of classes, a time of rest, a time of transition, however, the Holy Spirit is committed to be the master teacher, and all He needs is a willing, teachable student.  Your time in school with the Holy Spirit to learn the ways of the Lord and to come to know Him is now.  Hear Him.