At the beginning of the New Year, 2015, in the love and fear of the Lord, let us consider the words of the song – “Change my heart, O God, make it ever true….”

In Psalm 51, David, in deep repentance cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,” (verse 10.)

Our Heavenly Father, in loving chastisement, delivered the following to us: “You have wearied Me with your words and I require of you fewer words and more action!”

In Paul’s epistle to Philemon, verses 5-6, he says this, “Hearing of your love and faith….toward the Lord Jesus and all saints, that the communication of your faith become effectual….” Love requires a demonstration, words are not sufficient.
Consider the importance of the following:
1 Relationships
2 Communication
3 Fellowship
Indifference is a lack of love. Relationship means connection. It is a place where God puts us to bring us back into relationship with Himself. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” God communicated with us and sent His Son, Who demonstrated communication with His Father and changed the course of mankind. By the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ at Calvary, Jesus bridged the gulf between God and man, caused by sin, and restored relationship with whoever receives Jesus as their Saviour and Lord. In that restored relationship with God, He wants to communicate and fellowship with us, and us with one another.

Communication is vital to relationship. I have to make a choice how I communicate in my relationships to keep them healthy and alive.

LACK OF COMMUNICATION IS A BREEDING GROUND FOR UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT. My lack can cause another to stumble.

In communication something is imparted through words, deeds, gestures or pictures. If my heart is pure, the words I use in communication will edify another, but if My heart is out of order, my words will corrupt and destroy relationships. The result of good communication is fellowship one with another – a coming together of hearts and minds, sharing one another’s lives and interests, companionship in the Lord.

Relationships also require time. If I say I am too busy, maybe I need to look at my stewardship of my time. Am I too busy for God? What needs change in my life? Even a phone call can make a difference to someone.

Good relationships require honesty and transparency. 1 John 1:5-7
5 “….God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
6 If we say we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.”

Relationship, communication and fellowship is a two way street. I can only do my part in demonstration. God requires “living epistles.” Our Pattern Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, when walking this earth, was the greatest demonstration of a living epistle. The heart of God is relationships for this Church Age.

CHANGE….Someone once said, “To expect change and yet continue to do the same thing is insanity!” We all want progress but nobody wants to change!!

Lord, please teach me to communicate properly…to love others as you love, not just in word, but in deed and to share fellowship in trust with one another. May this year be one of deepened relationship with You and the Body of Christ. May my motives be pure, loving and acceptable in Your sight, as I take Your guiding hand to journey into the New Year.