More and Even More

     Does your life look like you are a follower of Jesus? Remember He offers the abundant, Spirit-filled life. He offers grace upon grace and we move from glory to glory reflecting His image in ever-increasing ways. The “more” and “even more” of Jesus is available 24/7 to those who love Him.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 1 Timothy 1:9

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

     The reflection of Jesus may show an inner peace, a deep joy in spite of circumstances, a patient heart or a generous soul. The people around you may need a dose of Jesus. Could it be you? Can you represent Him? The angriest, most critical, most arrogant people you know need Him the most. You may not think they deserve Jesus.

     Neither did we.

Dear Father,

You love us all right where we are. Change us into Your image with the help of Your Spirit. The abundant life is filled with the giving and receiving of God’s blessings. It’s how life works in the realm of the Holy Spirit. We don’t get it, but we want it.

In Jesus name

Amen

More and Even More

     Are you recognizing the potential to gain the “more” of Christ? How about the “much more” of His love and His gifts? Our gravity-bound, earth-dwelling selves know how to love. But the love of God is beyond the moon and the stars for us.

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”  Luke 11:13

     We give good gifts to our children and want the best for them. But “how much more” God gives to us! Did you notice what Jesus tell us to do? We are to “ask” for the Holy Spirit. This greatest of all gifts will be your teacher, your guide, your comforter, your intercessor. The very Spirit of God is within you. Sit with your heavenly father and ask for “more” of the Spirit and feel the power of the resurrected King.

Lord,

We ask for complete filling of Your Spirit, the same Spirit that dwells with You! You always have more to give and You tell us to ask. We pray to You this morning in Jesus name.

Ame

       

More and Even More

     Moses came as close as anyone in the Old Testament to the presence of God. God hid Moses in the crevice of a rock and placed His hand over the crevice as His glory moved past. The closeness of the glory of God shone on Moses and he had to wear a veil in order for the Israelites to look at him!

     As Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple ripped in two. This enormously heavy veil enclosed the spot where the presence of God resided. It was called the “holy of holies.”  And here we are, in the days of God’s grace, beyond the cross and the resurrection. See the “more” of Christ in today’s verses. Paul wrote these words, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, about 30 years after the resurrection.

Even to this day when Moses is read a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3-15-18

     These are some life-transforming verses. Let them sink in. We are being transformed into Christ’s image with ever-increasing glory! From glory to glory, the more and even more of a relationship with Christ. James (Jesus’ half-brother) says the Word of God is like a mirror and as we read and meditate and learn from it, we become like that image.

     Reflect God’s glory. Let Him take over and transform your life as only He can. The veil has been lifted! It’s His work, not ours. Become that jar of clay. He can mold you into His work of art.

Dear Lord,

These Words are miraculous and awe-inspiring. Only you could take sin-filled man and fill them with something beautiful; Your Spirit. Let it be said of us that we are Yours.

Amen

More and Even More

     We are fortunate to live in God’s grace. Grace is the good news of Jesus. In addition to Webster’s definitions of the ways we use the word, like “goodwill” and “beauty of form or movement,” there is the definition, “God’s love.” Yes, grace is God’s love poured out through His Son. We live in His grace day by day and as we continue to talk about the “more” of Jesus, there it is; His abundant grace.

For from His fullness we have received grace upon grace. John 1:16 ESV

     When you think you can’t be forgiven one more time. When that nasty habit rears its ugly head or you speak out in anger or use God’s name in vain, the Holy Spirit convicts us with a gentle voice and Jesus waits for us again to come back to Him. He reminds His child that it was finished on the cross. He never leaves us. He just keeps washing over us with His grace. And then more grace. Grace upon grace.

Jesus,

Thank you for Your never-ending grace. Your gospel is the gospel of grace. What a beautiful Word from You. May we never forget it.

Amen

More and Even More

     In our current Bible study we discovered the terms “more and more” and “even more” appear many times in Scripture God gives us free choice. The Scripture makes it clear. We choose life or death. We choose blessing or cursing. Which would you choose?

     Jesus offers us more. Are you satisfied? He will give you more. Are you empty? He will fill you to the full until it overflows. Do you have more than enough? He offers even more! The choices are stark. Evil may increase more and more. Corruption even more. Sin abounds.

     The contrast? There He is: Jesus. Each day this week we will focus on a verse; a verse with the “more” of Jesus. Remind yourself of the choices you have today. Fill up on life and blessing. He offers it in abundance.

     From the Amplified Bible, Jesus tells us:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) John 10:10 AMP

    Don’t let that pesky devil steal your joy, destroy your health and kill your soul. Ask Jesus to give you more of the abundant life in Him. He gives and gives to the full, til it overflows.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Your Son freely gave Himself to us when we didn’t deserve it, accepting the suffering we all deserve. Not only has He washed us clean from sin and promised heaven, He offers the abundant life on earth. How do we not choose Him?

In Jesus name,

     Our baby girl is 24 today. Our beautiful, out-going, intelligent and creative daughter was born into a family of introverts. Vying for the front row, posing front and center in all of her older sister’s birthday pictures and offering to do solo dances whenever possible over her years of dance, she continues to amaze us every day. She has brought new experiences into all of our lives and we are grateful.

Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

     Lauren has always known and loved Jesus and He continues to be front and center in her life. She and her fiancé are looking forward to joining a new church together and nothing could give us greater joy.  Paul mentions in his first letter to the Thessalonians that those we bring to Christ will be our crown and joy in heaven and I understand the truth of that statement. Here is a prayer for all of our children.

All your children will be taught by the Lord and great will be their peace. Isaiah 54:13

     We belong to Jesus and each of us has a personality, a spiritual gift or two, natural talents and a purpose. As Lauren follows her dreams of being a teacher, a wife and a mom, the greatest gift she will ever have, that all of us will have, is the privilege of sharing Jesus. And great will be their peace. Lauren you are our crown and joy.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for our family. Bless the families of those reading this blog today. Guide us into your ways and help us to train our children in the way they should go; straight to You.

Amen

The Good Shepherd Oversees Our Souls

     Sheep need a shepherd. They lose their way. They go astray. They cry out for a leader. Before Jesus, we wander aimlessly through life. What’s it all about? Is it a good job? A family? The new house? Retirement? The next meal? We can always find something to focus on. The next thing. If we can just get through this, then we can finally focus on…what?

     With all of our searching and waiting and planning there will always be a missing piece. THE missing piece that longs for a Shepherd. And those questions and meanderings and flawed plans suddenly come into focus.

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.  1 Peter 2:25

It was all about Him all along. Everything will culminate in His final appearance and the heavens and the earth will be renewed forever!

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.  Revelations 7;17

Dear Jesus,

You are the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. We wander as lost little lambs without You. Turn us to Your leading until you guide us home.

Amen