Jesus Calling

“And He (Jesus) went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach…”-Mark 3:13, 14

“Come to Me (Jesus), all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”-Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.”-John 6:35, 37

David prayed, “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You.”-Psalm 16:11; Psalm 63:3

How often do we run to other things to try and satisfy the deep longings in our soul that can only be satisfied in fellowship with the Lord Jesus?! Often the Lord will allow heartache or some type of trial into our life to draw us into a deeper, closer walk with Him, as seen in the words of the following poem.

"I bare you on eagle's wings, and brought you unto myself" (Exod. 19:4).

Fearing to launch on "full surrender's" tide,
      I asked the Lord where would its waters glide
      My little bark, "To troubled seas I dread?"
      "Unto Myself," He said.

Weeping beside an open grave I stood,
      In bitterness of soul I cried to God:
      "Where leads this path of sorrow that I tread?"
      "Unto Myself," He said.

Striving for souls, I loved the work too well;
      Then disappointments came; I could not tell
      The reason, till He said, "I am thine all;
      Unto Myself I call."

Watching my heroes--those I loved the best--
      I saw them fail; they could not stand the test,
      Even by this the Lord, through tears not few,
      Unto Himself me drew.

Unto Himself! No earthly tongue can tell
      The bliss I find, since in His heart I dwell;
      The things that charmed me once seem all as naught;
      Unto Himself I'm brought.
      -selected

Upon recognizing the great love of our God, and His desire to lavish that love upon us as His children, may our hearts echo the words of the following Hymn writer.

HIMSELF
     by A. B. Simpson
Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.

Once 'twas painful trying, Now 'tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once 'twas ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once 'twas constant drifting, Now my anchor's cast.

Once 'twas busy planning, Now 'tis trustful prayer;
Once 'twas anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once 'twas what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once 'twas constant asking, Now 'tis ceaseless praise.

Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.

Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He's mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the veil.