Give Me Jesus

Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, "One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property.

Mark 10:21-22

The rich man came to Jesus for an answer. He wanted to know how to gain eternal life. Jesus tested him by reminding him of the commandments, and the man replied that he had kept the commandments since boyhood. And then with love Jesus confronted the man with the real obstacle to his faith: his wealth. It was his idol; more valuable than God Himself. Anything that prohibits us from following Christ will keep us from eternal life. It could be money, or status, or a relationship. It could be fear of being mocked or criticized by others. Jesus said we would have to "count the cost" of being His disciple. That scares some people and they walk away. They don't understand that when they give up whatever stands before them and God, they gain so much more. A relationship with the Savior is far more precious than money, or fame. His friendship is more precious than friendship with all the people in the world. As the old song goes, "Take the world, but give me Jesus."

Make It Sweet

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."

2 Corinthians 2:14

There is a responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ. God desires for us to be His ambassadors, to spread the sweet aroma of His love and grace wherever we go. Each day we encounter people or situations that may annoy us. In those times we have a decision to make. Either we'll remember Who we belong to and choose to exhibit patience and kindness, leaving behind a sweet fragrance. Or we'll give in to the temptation of satisfying our own flesh and respond in frustration or even anger, leaving behind a foul odor. So, the question is, do you want spread a sweet aroma for Christ today? Or a nasty smell?

God's Tear Bottle

"You have taken account of my wandering,
 Put my tears in Your bottle, 

         Are they not in Your book?"
Psalm 56:8

God's tender mercies are ever present. He is aware of every step we take, guarding each one. When we are overcome with trials and seem to have lost our bearings, He has us in the palm of His hand. He has tracked our course and knows where we are headed. God has recorded our suffering in His book, and every tear we shed He holds in His bottle. The tears of the saints, held in God's tear bottle. What a precious thought.

Grieving God

"Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." Ephesians 4:30

The way we think and behave has an impact on the Lord. He is grieved when people cling to their sin, but especially those who are Christians -- those who have entered into a personal relationship with Him. If we hold God at arms length, it's much easier to live sinfully. But if we know Him intimately, then the truth that God is deeply saddened by our sin should grieve us, too. And that grief should cause us to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

A Life that Warms and Enlightens Others

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

Titus 2:11-14

It is by the grace of God that salvation has been brought to all people. Once we have received Jesus Christ, the gracious gift of God, we experience the joy of a relationship with Him. And though we still live in the world, we are called to live differently. To live a "godly" life -- a life full of God. This is not a burden, as the world would see it. For the Christian, it is a joy to follow the way of Jesus Christ, and every day with Him brings more delight.  "See what Christ died for, see what Christ lives for, see what we are to live for, that we should not only be a people purified, but purified unto Himself. We are not only to have good works, but we are to be zealous of them; we are to burn with zeal for them, for zeal is a kind of fire, it is to burn and blaze in us until we warm and enlighten others also." (Spurgeon) I want to live a life that warms and enlightens others, don't you?

He's Preparing A Place

"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."

John 14:2

Jesus comforted His disciples with the words of John 14:2; He would leave the earth, but would return for them. They understood the significance of His beautiful words. In the ancient Jewish marriage customs, after a couple was betrothed the man returned to his father's home to build an addition, in which he and his bride would reside. He promised his intended that he would return to marry her after the dwelling was completed. In the meantime, the bride would remain true to her groom, as she prepared for their wedding day. Jesus' promise is for us today, as well. He is preparing a place for all true believers to reside with Him forever in Heaven. Revelation 19:6-9 speaks of the marriage of "the Lamb" (Christ) to His "bride" (the Church). This day is coming. He will return for His bride and the marriage supper will take place. Knowing this should inspire us to remain pure for our Groom.

Prince of Peace

O LORD, You are my God;

         I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;

         For You have worked wonders,

         Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. 

Isaiah 25:1

In Isaiah's prophecy of the Second Advent of Christ, the remnant of Israel will finally receive and exalt Him. "For the time being the One whom they refused to acknowledge as king was taken up to glory and seated, in fulfillment of Psalm 110:1, at God’s right hand. During the long years of His personal absence from this earth, Israel has become the nation of the wandering foot, seeking rest and peace in vain because the Prince of Peace, who alone could give what their hearts yearned for, was to them a stranger. But in that coming day they will recognize and adore Him and so enter into fullness of joy." (Harry A. Ironside) 
What a glorious day that will be!