He Loves You More

 

     Jesus 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, as He offers us more love. 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

     Jesus saw you before the beginning of time. He loves you. The reflection of Jesus offers us an inner peace, a deep joy in spite of circumstances, a patient heart and a generous soul. The people around us may need a dose of Jesus.  Could it be you? Can you represent Him? The angriest, most critical, most arrogant, addicted, culturally different people you know need Him more than most. You may not think they deserve Jesus.

     Neither did we.

Dear Father,

You love us, each one of us, 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

Much 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 beyond earthly measure.

“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 instructs us to do? That’s it. 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.

Amen

Ever-Increasing Glory

 

     Moses came as close as any man 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, though hidden, 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. (Mark 15) This veil is believed to have been 30 feet long and 30 feet wide and as thick as a man’s hand. This enormously heavy veil enclosed the inner sanctum where the presence of God resided. It was called the “holy of holies.”  Only the high priest could enter the sanctuary on the holiest of days.

     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. In the book of James (Jesus’ half-brother) we see the word of God compared to a mirror. As we read and meditate and learn from it, we are transformed more and more into the image of Chrst.

     Reflect God’s glory. Let Him take over and transform your life as only He can. The veil has been lifted forever. It’s His work, not ours. Become that jar of clay.  As He molds you into His work of art, remember His temple, that inner sanctum where He resides, now resides within us. Hallelujah!

Dear Lord,

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

Amen

The Fullness of Grace

 

     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 we think we can’t be forgiven one more time, when that nasty habit rears its ugly head, when we 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 children 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 gift from You. May we never forget it. It is Your gift. The gift of everlasting life. The gift we didn’t deserve and You give it with grace.

Amen

 

The Abundant Life

 

     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, until it overflows.

Dear Father in Heaven,

Your Son freely gave Himself for 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,

Amen

 

When We Are Content

 

     What brings us contentment? What needs have to be met? Do our situations and people around us need to live up to our expectations? How about interruptions? Do they cause a disturbance in your mood? Do you react to the actions of everyone and everything around you as if they need to accommodate you? During this time of great division, of having lived through a pandemic, of civil unrest, it would seem nearly impossible to remain content.

     Can we use the Holy Spirit’s help to stay content throughout the day? It’s not easy. Stress finds us out of sorts and anxious. A disagreement over the simplest of things hits us right in the stomach.  Doing too much depletes us. A sleepless night or two leaves us grouchy and sensitive.

     As the Bible says over and over again, “But God…” He always comes through for us and peace and contentment are promised by God. Turn to Him in thought and prayer when you feel the seeds of discontent about to plant themselves within your heart.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  1 Timothy 6:6

      The Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, beaten, lived in poverty, arrested and put in jail. Here is his answer from within the prison walls.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again. Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.

     Is it any wonder the jailers in charge of him accepted Christ? When we stay joy-filled and peaceful (with the help of God) it becomes contagious. Rely on Jesus. He can help. We’ll never get it just right, but He can transform us, day by day.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it means to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

Dear Father,

Contentment is hard to find in these crazy days, but with You all things are possible. Give us peace and contentment within our hearts and souls, no matter the circumstances. We can and will rejoice in You always.

In Jesus name,

Amen

When We Are Joyful

 

     There are seasons of sadness, seasons of the unknown, and, thankfully, seasons of great joy. Holding a new-born baby, experiencing deep love, finding a cure, or experiencing a miracle. I pray your life will have many joy-filled moments.

 Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5b

     As believers, we are to live with each other through it all, just as Jesus lives through it all with us.

Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.  Romans 12:15

     I pray that each of you will have times of great joy over this next year. And when you do I rejoice with you. May joy come to you in the morning and cause you to dance!

You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.  Psalm 30:11

Jesus,

Thank you for the moments of joy that fill our hearts. Bless us with those moments this year and remind us to stop, cherish and hold them close when they come to us.

Amen