Category: From Our Fathers Heart

        "My children, you do not really understand the wonders of repentance. Most of you are afraid of humbling yourselves in front of each other to the point that you would rather keep an offense active than aggressively pursue reconciliation. It is the same way that you treat Me. You come to Me with your offenses only when I have broken your heart to the point that you can no longer stand it. Then you pour your remorse out for a moment and walk away until the next time you feel you must come. It is a vicious, unnecessary cycle. Too much wonderful fellowship is missed between times of cleansing.

        "True freedom is the wonder of living a life of repentance before each other and with Me. That kind of life is not weakness; it is true strength. It is absolute, open fellowship without any hindrances. As you come to Me instantly and often, I have ample opportunity to impart Myself to you, allow you to grow unfettered by sin; and see you remain in a humble position before Me.

        "You are allowed to continually benefit from a flow of My grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Because of the openness of this kind of interaction, My Word rings clearly in your spirit, My voice is unmistakable over the din of life; and My direction is clear, quieting all of the opposing opinions.

        "I love to see you in a constant state of forgiveness. I love to flow continuously with you through your life. I love unbroken fellowship. Keep a short account with Me concerning sin. Come to me freely and often. You will be amazed how your life changes. You will be astounded at the power I give you to overcome the world. You will find the prosperity of continuous forgiveness so rewarding that your life as it exists now will seem dull and dreary as you look back on it from a position of freedom."

Romans 8:1-2 AMP

1) Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.

2) For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death.

Hebrews 10:14b NIV

...because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

 

Have you ever seen someone who cherishes something he owns, such as a new car? I don't mean someone who simply enjoys the car and drives it; I mean someone who washes, polishes, and meticulously removes every hint of dust, dirt, or even water spot. Extending that thought even further, take someone who owns a show car.

If you've never attended a custom auto show, you should. Go there, however, with the thought that sin is like a speck of dirt. Gross sin is mud. Separation from God is a demolished car and repentance is the restoring agent. Now walk the aisles as a judge who gives out the trophies would, looking for the slightest flaw or hint of imperfection. To the untrained eye, every one of the displays looks perfect. To the judge, however, any shortcut taken in the building of the car stands out like a flashing light.

It is the same with the owners. Any owner who has a tendency to cut corners, or not seek perfection, will attempt to direct the attention of the judge with some sort of flashy make-believe, actually seeing him as an adversary who needs to be overcome.

The owner who knows everything is in order anticipates and welcomes the judge, knowing his car is the best that he can make it. Both judge and owner are there for the joy of being part of the best, rather than simply getting by. They participate together, both enjoying the wonder of the perfection available and working toward that end.

If the judge should find even the slightest flaw, causing the owner to lose the trophy for that show, you can bet that the flaw will be non-existent for the next show. Finding the flaw is simply one step closer to perfection as far as the owner is concerned. It is not an indictment, but an opportunity to be better and more confident next time.

So it is with our relationship with God. We can look at our loving Father as an angry, scrutinizing judge who wants to find imperfections in us so that He can punish us for not being perfect; or we can see our relationship as a union, building a work of perfection together, and enjoying each step of the way.

The first attitude leads to legalism, fear, and a haphazard relationship. The second is a picture of cooperation, mutual goals, and intimate communication, which leads to a wondrous fellowship, absent of any hint of fear. Each "speck" of dust found is enthusiastically removed and considered grounds for intimate communication in a relationship designed to attain the best "product" available - one that glorifies the Father, represents and pleases the Son, rejoices in the comfort of the Holy Spirit and points to their perfecting work. That is true freedom!

Wanting to live in cooperation with my loving Father,

Jim Corbett

        "Did you know that doubt is one of the biggest hindrances to Our fellowship? It's true! If, first of all, you doubt that I really am who I say I am, you will never embrace all that I have done for you. If, after you come to Me through My Son, Jesus, you carry any doubt that I have totally accepted you with an unqualified love, you will wallow in a partial, fumbling existence.

        "You will never experience the kind of wonder that I have planned for you. Instead of experiencing joy and contentment, you will only be able to muddle through your life, confused and marginally happy. That breaks My heart.

        "I would ask you to focus on this one request. Place your hand in Mine and spend whatever time it takes to settle in your heart once and for all that I love you; and that I am for you, never against you. I will always be against the sin in you, but don't confuse My dealing with that sin and My caring for you. Get rid of any doubt in your heart. Throw away all your doctrinal teachings if they don't line up with My Word. Eliminate all of your traditions and teachings of man. Press in to Me and require Me to open your eyes to the truth. Seek only truth, and I will show you that truth. I will show you My heart.

        "Once you have settled in your heart that I am real and that I love you, you will finally realize the wonderful life that I have for you. If you never settle these basic truths in your heart, how can you ever expect to get to know Me? How can you ever expect to have peace? Come to Me now; I am waiting to give you truth."

Hebrews 11:6 NIV

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

 

Let's see... While we were still sinners, God loved us. We continually fail Him, but He continually forgives us. We deserve nothing but hell, yet He sent His Son to die for us. Over and over we fail Him, but over and over He promises to forgive us. Seems too good to be true, doesn't it?

I believe that the plan of God is such astounding news, we are sometimes afraid to fully accept it. Maybe we unconsciously think that if we did, and then discovered the plan isn't really as good as the Word says it is, we'd be disappointed fools. Isn't that amazing? The God of everything has provided such wealth for us, and we set it aside as if it was too good to be true.

Let's say that a friend walked up to you and handed you a package, telling you not to open it until you got home. After rushing home, you opened the package and found a vast amount of money and a note which indicated that the money was a gift, no strings attached. You could spend it however you pleased. It went on to explain the heart of the giver and his motive for giving you the gift. After checking back with the friend and profusely thanking him, you understood that the gift was real, and it was given to you out of honest love.

What if, however, you never spent the money, thinking it was too good to be true; and you lived in fear that someday the friend might ask you to return it? How foolish would that be?

In a very small way, that is how foolish it is to doubt God in any way. Over and over, He has written in His Word about the strength of His character, His love for us, and His astounding desire to bless us. Over and over, we refuse to believe that He really loves us enough to supply us with all that He has made available.

Wanting to no longer offend my Lord,

Jim Corbett

        "Someone mentioned you to Me today. His life was changed because of something you said or did for someone you knew. He didn't know that person, but his friend knew the person that you touched deeply and shared that person's experience. You have no idea how much that pleases Me. Someone is changed, because you have decided to represent Jesus to those around you. I will take it from there.

        "Every gift you offer, no matter how insignificant it seems to you, is amplified through My Holy Spirit and broadcast as often and as loud as necessary, so that My life is brought to those who are hungry for it. You touch many by simply touching those I call you to reach. I am blessed by you affecting even one other person in the Name of Jesus. I love how you are starting to live. Thank you!"

II Cor. 5:20-21 AMP

20) So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

21) For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].

 

As I was writing this Father's Heart message, I began thinking about several people who have affected my life immensely. I began to remember that some of those whom I respected used to talk of people who had great impact on their lives. For the last several minutes, the thought has come to me that the people my friends used to talk about probably talked of people who gave spiritual wealth to them many years before.

You know, it really began with One very important life, who lived His life in front of twelve, who lived like Him before thousands, who lived that same life in front of countless numbers, who then showed it to my friends, who showed Jesus to me. My job is to represent the life of Jesus to as many as I can, who will then show it to others. You have the same lineage.

Thank You for those who have gone before us and given such wealth to their friends, Lord,

Jim Corbett

        "Are you preparing for what is ahead, or are you thinking that what you see around you are just natural happenings? Do not listen to those who explain away by natural means what is shaking your world. In their foolishness, they do not know truth. Your world is reeling and you, My children, had better take notice. Intense weather patterns are My weather patterns. Upheavals that are increasing in intensity are the fulfillment of My plan. Wars and rumors of wars are just as foretold and on schedule. When are you going to really take notice of what you are experiencing in your lifetime and act accordingly?

        "Stop being lulled to sleep by your ability to survive. Stop relying on those who say that they can help. Stop reasoning away what you are seeing with your eyes. These are My closing seasons and I am warning those who will listen. You have much to do for Me when the knowledgeable, the arrogant, and the powerful are cowering in fear.

        "Prepare your heart for a time when there are no answers and no places of safety. What you are seeing is just a prelude of things to come. My judgment is at the door of your world. Either become part of My answers when the foolish have none, or be set aside to become part of the angry, drooling masses when I explain My sovereignty even more clearly. Stop complaining about your training and begin learning. Time is short. It's time for you to wise up!"

Psalm 46:10 NIV

"Be still, and know that I am God..."

Proverbs 29:1 AMP

He who, being often reproved, hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed - and that without remedy.

Isaiah 48:3 NIV

"I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass."

Matthew 11:12 NIV

"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it."

 

When did "business as usual" become a biblical way of acting? When did the Lord ever tell us to become complacent? When was giving up because things are rough ever an example of the heart of Jesus?

You and I are God's children, bought with the very expensive blood of Jesus. We have been designed for His use and brought up for such a time as this. Our training is purposeful. Our direction is clear. Our hearts are being made ready. Praise our Lord God, Who is faithful to His Word!

What is Your desire, Lord?

Jim Corbett

        "When all the systems of men fail, I am there. When the places of safety disappear, I am your strong tower. I will always be there wherever and whenever you have need of any kind.

        "I ask you this! Why would you wait for all of your worldly resources to fail before you call upon Me? Why would you not build Our relationship now so that We can overcome and prosper when times are difficult, instead of simply solving immediate needs?

        "I am interested in a long-term relationship. Jesus has provided access to My inner chamber any time you come to Me in His Name. Why would you wait until you are in distress? You miss so much. You miss so much of what We can have together. Come now! Don't wait until your panic limits Our intimacy."

Psalm 3:1-6 AMP

1) Lord, How they are increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me.

2) Many are saying of me, there is no help for him in God. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!

3) But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.

4) With my voice I cry to the Lord and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause and calmly think of that]!

5) I lay down and slept, I awakened again, for the Lord sustains me.

6) I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 20:6-7 AMP

6) Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.

7) Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord our God.

 

For many years I thought of God as being off in the distance somewhere, too big and too busy to have time for someone like me. Only after the Lord showed me how much that kind of thinking offended Him was I able to understand what the cross was all about. Jesus died so that you and I could have access to our heavenly Father. He lives to interact with us on an intimate level. Yes, He is Lord! Yes, the Godhead is holy! In spite of that and because of that, Father God has provided an immeasurable privilege that is given to us once we have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus. He has given us the covenant right to come close to Him. Incredible!

Teach me who I am in You, Lord,

Jim Corbett