April 27, 2017
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What exactly does 'Living for Jesus' mean?
Each day sitting in quiet times with Jesus can make us feel protected and even strong. Yet, when we go out the door and head to work, school, family gatherings, or into the community we can sometimes feel the pressures of the world and we forget all about our time with our Lord. Our minds begin to spiral and we are faced with the concerns of the day. How will it end up? What am I going to do? Do you ever think you are the only one who feels like this?
Even Jesus, our Lord and King, Who is on His throne at the right hand of our Father had pain and suffered greatly. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He was to the brink of death in anguish over what he had to go through so we would have eternal life with Him. He prayed to our Heavenly Father for relief yet, said not my will but yours. So often our feelings of fear, inadequacy, and hopelessness get us off track. We forget a great and mighty King has our back and best interests. He has the plan,
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
the blueprints of our life. So, in the quiet of the day, pray to Him to live as He wills. Train your mind to let go of your fear and unsettledness and focus your eyes on the King. He smiles proudly at your faith. Remember, the faith the size of a mustard seed can do wonders in a world shattered and torn.
So what does it mean to live for Jesus? In 1 Peter 4, we learn that we must give up our life of sin. Things we do that separate us from Him such as giving into what our flesh prefers are what we must control in order to live a Christ-like life. So, to prepare ourselves to live this way, we need to turn from our sinful natures and we can start with the following from 1 Peter 4:7-9
- Be clear- minded and self- controlled so that you can pray. Prayer for strength, courage, and His will through you will allow you to see more clearly the path you must travel.
- Love each other deeply above anything else you do. This covers a multitude of sins when done with grace and intent regardless of how you feel.
- Offer hospitality without grumbling. This goes beyond entertaining in your home. We can be hospitable in any setting and can start with a simple smile, a warm hello, or asking someone how they are doing.
So, let us set out today and every day knowing we have the divine spirit of God in us to help us control our human nature. May we be clear headed and pray often for strength and direction. Let us please Jesus by demonstrating our faith, living each moment for Him.
With the Love of Jesus,
