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Scripture for the day: John 10:9-10 I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Thought for the day: Listen to the words of Jesus: “I have come that you might have life, and that more abundantly.”
“He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.”
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
And more than once, Jesus said, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
Listen, we are heirs of God through adoption and joint heirs with Jesus. Whatever was promised to Him as far as living a life that is pleasing to God, is promised to us. Whatever power He was given through the Holy Spirit is for us as well. Peter said, “Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”
Now, what does all this (and so many other examples we could provide) say to you and me today? I think the witness of the words of Jesus renders us without excuse. We may honestly believe we’re too old to be of any further use. We may think we’re not properly equipped. We may protest, as Moses did, that we just can’t talk to people well. Whatever our excuse may be, each one comes down to this: “Do you believe that I (Jesus) am able to do this?”
Our goal is to please Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, not because we have to prove anything to Him but because of a profound sense of appreciation and love. And what does it take to accomplish such a monumental feat? We must believe that, as we surrender ourselves to Him, the good, the bad, and the ugly, He will accomplish His will in us. That belief must enable us to step out in faith as we live to please Him. Now, there are several conditions in our lives that displease God and it’s important that we know them in order to avoid them.
First, a life of unrest displeases God. Jesus again said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When we’re constantly agitated, always antsy, or tired, or on edge, then we can’t truly rest. To rest in the Lord means simply to place the cares and concerns of the day in His hands and then be about His business. When we’re constantly hopping from one thing to the next, church shopping because we can’t find even one that will answer all our questions, and forever worrying about what might come next, we simply cannot find the rest for our souls that Jesus has promised. Paul said, “In whatever state I am, I’ve learned to be content.”
Next, a life without peace displeases God. Again, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.” We know that He wasn’t promising a life free of conflict, struggle or challenges. He promised, “In this world you will have trouble.” No, when Jesus gave the disciples His gift of peace, He was providing for them a life free of inner conflict, of spiritual struggle.
There ought to be a sense of calm about a Christian that simply isn’t found anywhere else, among any other people. I know some are more emotionally charged than others and are likely to display those emotions, particularly in times of distress. But the follower of Christ should be able to sense a deep inner peace that truly does go beyond our understanding.
I’ve more to say on this but, for today --- go take on your world. - Bill