 "Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in Your presence." -- Ezra 9:15
This is the glory of the life Jesus gives. We ARE guilty. Not one of us can stand in His Presence. We do not deserve to be there. Yet, there we have been given the right to stand. All because of Jesus
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 The Traveler's sandaled feet kicked out dust clouds that lazily dropped just a few inches away like a ripple that impossibly paused before reaching shore. He stopped, not just to sweep the sweat from his forehead, and not because he was tired, but because he was tired. Tired of not really getting anywhere. Tired of being, let alone feeling, so alone. Tired of the Promise being out there -- so far out there. Tired of the road, tired of walking this stinking road, smelling its dust, and tasting its emptiness. How long had it been since the Prince had shown him the Path and assured him of the City, and in the city, The Promise? Sometimes, like now, he wondered if he had even really met the man. The Traveler was tempted to stay stopped, to sit in the dirt and... "And what?" he thought. His head bowed and the anguish of too much sun, not enough water, and too little sleep stung his eyes and caused him to grind his teeth. His hands became fists and his body shook. His initial fury spent, the Traveler willed himself to relax. He blew a long breath. Hoping for something, though he no longer expected to see it, he lifted his head.  "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." -- Rom. 12:2
Life with Jesus is a life of transformation and growth. In Christ, you are no longer of the world. "Conforming" to who you used to be makes as much sense as returning to bottle feedings, wearing onesies, and playing with the box your toys came in. Focus on who you ARE in Christ, retrain your mind and heart to know the Truth, and you will be transformed. |
Pastor Jim ReynoldsWalking with Jesus Archives
April 2019
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