Tag: Christ

Don’t You Remember?

Posted on by FullLifeWord

“Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?” (Mark 8:18)

There have been many studies over the years that have researched our ability to retain what we learn. Most of these studies have shown that we only retain about five percent of the knowledge passed down to us through lectures, about ten percent when we read, and fifty percent when we discuss what it was we just heard. But the number improves exponentially when we practice and apply what we have learned in real life situations.

I don’t know if there is a spiritual equivalent, I sense that there might be, because at times I have found myself having to relearn a spiritual truth in my life, sometimes more than once.

Upon reflection, I suppose that I’m comforted to know that the scriptures recorded that the disciples, guys that hung around Jesus every day for several years, evidently had similar struggles.

On one of those occasions, Mark recorded that Jesus had recently demonstrated his capacity to feed thousands in two separate events in which the disciples were present; yet Jesus overheard an anxious conversation amongst the disciples while on one of their boat trips. They had discovered that they had only packed one loaf of bread amongst them for the entire journey. Oops…typical guys…everyone thought someone else took care of the trip logistics.

Hearing the conversation, Jesus reminded them that they had witnessed Him feed thousands…then He the asked them;

“…don’t you remember?”

In many ways, I’m at times like those disciples. I’m quick to get anxious, and at times quick to forget how God has provided for me in difficult times. I believe that part of my maturing will evidence itself when I start doing a better job at remembering the times when God has provided or comforted me instead of allowing myself to respond to a new situation with anxiety.

I can understand that non-believers would have good reason to respond to life’s pressures with anxiety, but those of us that follow Jesus, should respond by first remembering God’s gracious responses when we have faced pressures or circumstances in the past.

My failure to respond in faith reflects my lack of gratitude and trust in our Lord. Instead, I need to practice and apply my faith by trusting for God’s current provision and remembering His past provisions .

Peace Through Division

Posted on by FullLifeWord

“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34)

A sword divides that which it strikes. By its nature it is associated with conflict. We are called to honor God with all of our being, with all that we are. We do so not out of obligation, but from a continuous loving response to His love for us.

As His people, we are called to be holy. This is a reflection of God’s very nature. The Hebrew word for “holy” means that we are to be “set apart,” such that we may serve God in a manner that is consistent with His nature.

It is from the scriptures that we learn of God’s nature, we know this through God’s word which is made known to us through his Spirit which resides within each of us. (Ephesians 6:17) His word has been described as the “sword of the Spirit.”

We are on a journey in this life, however long or short it might be. In this time, God’s word is penetrating and powerful, it will judge our very thoughts, attitudes, and the true motivations of our hearts and minds. (Hebrews 4:12)

It’s only when we respond honestly; to the reality of what God’s word reveals in our hearts, that we grow, that our journey in this life becomes clear, that His peace reigns over any circumstance we may face.

Are you being truly honest with yourself in what God is revealing about you and your life’s choices, your priorities, or how you’re spending your time and resources? Dividing is painful, but more so when we cling to that which we should let go.

To be set apart is to divide ourselves from our old self and to cling to God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. For only then shall we experience a lasting peace that transcends all understanding.

Amazed

Posted on by FullLifeWord

“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,” (Matthew 7:28)

I remember as a child, seeing my Dad perform some simple “magic tricks” for my friends at a birthday party one year. They were “amazed,” and so was I! I didn’t know how he did those tricks…but they were amazing!

As a child, I looked upon such moments with wonder and curiosity. As I grew older, I continued to be amazed along life’s way by all kinds of things. But as a teen, my childlike wonderment of the world around me seemed to diminish somewhat, crowded out by the pressures of life that traded wonderment for skepticism. That all changed at the age of sixteen when I encountered Jesus. It was then that I chose to surrender my life to Him.

When Jesus taught in the public places, at synagogues, and in people’s homes, many were “amazed.” The word “amazed” appears no less than forty-five times in the New Testament. Forty of the Forty-five times this word is used, it was used by people who encountered Jesus.

When we truly encounter the living Christ, we cannot help but be in awe, to be amazed. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, our view of the world around us is suddenly capable of seeing life from God’s perspective. It’s as if we shifted from seeing our world in shades of grey, to having available to our senses, the complete spectrum of color and depth. Our wonderment about life returns, and once again, in the manner of a child, we find amazement in the life for which God created us.

As we nurture our relationship with our Creator, our newfound senses are kept fresh in life. We nurture our relationship through worship, prayer, and the diligent study of scripture. Each of these activities brings with them fresh encounters with Christ, and with each encounter, we are left with a sense of amazement, as we gaze upon the heart of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright 2015 FullLifeWord.com

I’m Not My Own

Posted on by FullLifeWord

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We are often willing to sacrifice a part of ourselves when our children need us, when our aging parents can no longer care for themselves, when a spouse or significant other is hurting, and needs our encouragement and support. In those times, we make the choice to humble ourselves, and serve those whom we love. Our actions are rooted from our heart, from the abundance of our love.

Jesus knows what true sacrificial love means. He expressed as much when he gave His life for me and for you. Yet he fulfilled his promise and took up His life three days later, and in so doing, brought victory over death for each of us.

There is no level of sacrifice I could personally make, that would allow me to repay Jesus for His sacrifice for me. In that way, I have come to realize that I am not my own. That He took my place, so that I would never worry about being separated from the One who is Light, from the One who has given me eternal life. For you see, he redeemed my life for a price, even before I knew Him.

I choose to live my life as one long grateful response for His sacrificial gift. In that way, I am not my own, but I am His. For I was brought for a price.

 

 

 

 

Copyright FullLifeWord 2015