How Jesus changed my life? That’s the question. The real answer is how didn’t He? The Gospel in all its reality brings new life. Reborn. Made new. Dead to sin, alive in Christ. He didn’t just change my life, He transformed it. Let me just share some specific ways that has affected who I am.
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Love. The power of the word love. The Gospel is a love story at its simplest form. The explanation of the Gospel in one word can best be described with love. If you want to show others the power of God, show them love. If you want to show others the light of Jesus, show them love. If you want to bring others deeper into the family of God, show them love.
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I am a son of God. My identity. Who I am. What do you think when you think about yourself. Your job title? Your friends? Your significant other? Your anxiety problems? Your depression? Your addiction? I have learned that my identity is a son of God. Period. That I was born to be loved by the highest King. God loves you as a Father! He calls you His child, and that love for us covers all. Nothing can separate us!
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Zacchaeus. A small man within a crowd, unnoticeable. Climbs to the top of a tree and Jesus calls Him down to eat with Him. I realized Jesus did the same with me. I was amidst the crowd. Amidst the world. Didn’t seem like I had much to offer. A nobody. When I decided to climb that tree I found who Jesus called me, and I found my confidence in Him.
- The world never satisfies. Never. That Jesus Christ is the ONLY answer. Our identity in God is our identity to live in, and if we aren’t living in our identity, how can we ever be satisfied? We were made in God’s image. The brokenness that never brings satisfaction is because we are trying to find an image of us that isn’t us. Sin and brokenness are bad not because God wants to stop our enjoyment, but He wants to show us true joy. His intentions are always good, so our obedience is always for our good. It is understanding short-term gratification in this world never fulfills and is never enough. Only living in the image we were intended for will be enough.
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Walking in the Spirit. I have learned the importance of always walking in the Spirit. Growing in spiritual habits, and making sure my heart is in the right place to be open in the Spirit. That I am reflecting God, not myself.
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Humility. I have learned the importance of humility. That God calls us into great humility. Not the worldly humility that cowers. The humility that understands apart from God we can do nothing, and we need to surrender all to Him to be fully used for His kingdom. A leader, but from the power of Jesus alone.
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Selflessness. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. Following Jesus brings the reality of how short life is. Compared to eternity, how short a time we have. That present sufferings in this world don’t compare to God’s future glory. There is no worth in comparing them. They are incomparable. That I am on this earth to love. That God will continue to give greater capacity to do so as I pursue His fullness.
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The burden is light. You can cast all your burdens on God. With Him, all we do holds a light burden. He is our strength, and we don’t have to worry about if we measure up because Jesus measures up.
These are just a few of the biggest things I have learned that life with Jesus brings. I could explain so much more. I could tell you so much more. I am always open to talk, to walk alongside you. To help others find deeper how Jesus changes lives. To be encouraged by your faith. He changed mine… Radically. And He doesn’t stop. Please reach out with anything at all, I would truly love to talk!
Phone: 515-777-0411
Email: [email protected]
You are seen and loved not just by Jesus, but by me and this squad. Everything you mentioned in your blog, you have walked into so graciously. Can’t wait for these next 2 weeks with you
Samson you are wise beyond your years. Your blogs always bring comfort, encourage deep reflection and a desire for continued growth in my relationship with God. Continue sharing your faith and passion for the Lord. You are a great example and a wonderful teacher. – Debi