A Word of Encouragement

Today’s Word of Encouragement has been adapted from G. John White’s book ‘Sold Out for Jesus’. He unpacks the verse “Whoever claims to live in HIm must walk as Jesus did” from 1 John 2:6 (New International Version).

Isn’t it interesting that one of the biggest struggles we have as Christians, is with our God-given freedom and victory.

The enemy seems to take great delight in, and determines to try to confuse and frustrate us regarding these two innately God given values and privileges (freedom and victory). He even goes so far as trying to emulate them in other things so that it adds to our confusion.

We have freedom to spend our hard earnt money the way that we choose – and yet so often we end up in bondagae to it! We are given victory over embarrassing habits and sins, and yet we end up so often with a feeling of failure and despair because of the warped sense of worth that we attribute to the wrong things.

Why? I think some of it, is because we’ve gone away from what it truly means to “live our lives as Jesus did!” (New Living Translation)

I’m OK with the first bit – I claim to live in Him, but I stop there – go my own way and end up in frustration and defeat. Let’s rather “take on board” the whole! The key to the Christian Life is NOT “claiming to live in Him” but walking as Jesus did!

For Jesus, “the Anointed One, suffered for us and left us His example so that we could follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 (The Voice)

You see, we can claim the world – but if its unreal, or untrue it is just plain hypocrisy!

I agree with having faith and proclaiming that I am going to be reaching my city, town or community for Christ.

But how will it happen?

When I walk as Jesus did! When we, as Christians, walk as Jesus did! When the church truly steps outside its four walls and starts loving its neighbours as we love ourselves. Then we will see transformation really taking place and God’s kingdom coming to earth. We will see Christianity impacting our communities.

We need to live by faith – but walk as Jesus did – in simplicity – in reality – in intimate relationship with The Father, with the Son and with the Holy Spirit, and in relationship with those around me! For God has placed us just where He needs us!

The world wants to see TRUTH not a sham! It is crying out to SEE JESUS!

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The following song ‘To Be Like Jesus‘ was performed by Rebecca Howan and Joel Millington at the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa 2016 Congress. The simple chorus, written by General John Gowans for the musical, Spirit , continues to inspire followers of Jesus to try to emulate Him. We all have different personalities, yet we can allow our thoughts and actions to be influenced by what we know of Jesus Christ. We can surrender to Him and follow His leadings in our individual, twenty-first century, earthly lives.

I hope that you enjoy it and that it inspires you to step out in faith and make a difference in your setting.

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Sold Out for Jesus

This mornings introductory reading came from the book entitled “Sold Out for Jesus” written by G. John White and refers to the passage in 1 Timothy 2:1-7 (I used The Message version).

“Sold Out for Jesus” is a book of 366 perennial daily thought provoking nuggets on 12 vital themes of the Christian Life.

God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth

This is the fundamental desire of God.

‘God wants not only us but everyone saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth that we’ve learned…’ 1 Timothy 2:4 (MSG)

Some say “What is the meaning of life?” I say “this is it!” Everything else that happens on earth is secondary to this. This is the great ‘plan’ of God. This is the whole reason for Calvary, for Bethlehem, for Moriah, for putting the angel to guard the way to the Tree of Life. There is no “greater plan!” – there is no other “Grand Design” – this is it!! Plan A – there is no Plan B!!

Until we, like the Apostle Paul, grasp this truth we shall, forever, be “looking in the wrong place” and trying to achieve something which is at best only secondary to the real plan, purpose and heart’s desire of God.

Why is it God’s No. 1 plan? Because He loves His Son so much He planned to have millions upon millions more of “them”. He sees every new baby with the potential of being “like Jesus” – not only in heaven but on earth too. God looks at you and expects you to be like Jesus – someone He loves to talk with, walk with and be with. He sees phenomenal potential in you. Isn’t that terrific? Doesn’t that thrill your heart and soul?

Well, He sees your neighbours in exactly the same “light”, in just the same way. God wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. He will do all He can to make sure that happens – and that is one reason you are living next door to and opposite your neighbours. That’s why you have the job you have and mix with the people you mix with at work and at sport . You are part of that plan of God’s, that they should be saved.

We either run with the plan or thwart the Will of God.

What are you doing about it?

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