"But this precious treasure-this light and power that now shine within us-is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
Lately God has been showing me just how inadequate I am but how adequate He is. He has been teaching me through his amazing Word that my dependence on Him is vital, so vital that i should run to the cross everyday. I have been studying the life of Jesus for sometime now and have been stuck on John the Baptist forever (John the Baptist played a important role for Jesus-He prepared the way for Him) The Lord has not allowed me to move on from this part of my study until today. He finally revealed to me why He has been replaying over and over the verse "Turn from your sins and turn to God" in my head. This whole time He has been saying, “Kristi turn to me, not to your own strength, dependence, or what you think should be done, turn to me, the God you run to everyday, that you desire to be with. Turn to me, look up and keep your eyes fixed on me. I love you, I created you out of my own image, and I want you to DEPEND on me every second.”
He has allowed the sin in my life lately to show me just how much I need to depend on Him and to run to His Word.
What has the Lord been teaching you? Do you know your true need for Jesus?
I think that part of the whole growing, and pruning process, is where growth truly begins. We have to understand our position, Jesus' position, and our need for Him.
We are going to be fought every step of the way by Satan, especially the more we are in the Word and cling to Jesus. Once we realize that "I" alone can not battle these mini wars alone, and "I" turn to Christ and cling to Him, then His mighty power and love comes in and the "I" becomes "WE" and together both doing our part can overcome Satan and his arrows that come at us, and even the ones we bring on ourselves.
Let's stop trying to depend on our own strength and understanding. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) Proverbs 3:5-"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." Let’s be willing to allow God to give us understanding which is far greater than our own will ever be.
Let's stop thinking that we can pick and choose when and where we want Jesus, and let Him be everywhere within us.
Let's stop distorting the Word of God, and start speaking in truth and honesty to one another.
"We reject all shameful and underhanded methods. We do not try to trick anyone, and we do not distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know that." 2 Corinthians 4:2
Let's not pick and choose what parts of the Bible we want to apply and what parts we leave out because it convicts us or because we might have to face reality that we are sinful and need our Savior.
Let's put to death our old bodies and let the new bodies rise up and be bodies of Christ's Word. (Romans 12:1-2)
Let's stop being so defensive, and be humble and go to the throne of God to have Him reveal our motives, and actions that are not pleasing to Him. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Let's put to death the lies, anger, jealousy, gossip, selfishness, affairs, and every sin that entangles us, let's put it to death and realize our need for Jesus. (Romans 6:6-14)
Let's take the focus off of ourselves and put it on the Lord. Let's stop thinking only of what is best for us, and start thinking how we can better the Kingdom of God
Most importantly let’s start realizing our every need for Jesus, who came and died for us, and start being Jesus, focused!
Let's finally depend fully on the very Word of God that is true, forever, victorious, faithful, loving, forgiving, and LIFE!!!
Jesus thank You for opening my heart to an area in my life that I was holding on to and that was not pleasing to You. Thank for You keeping me right where I have been so that I could understand my true need and dependence for You. Thank You that when we come to You and seek You we find You! Lord continue to show me my daily need for You, and continue to stand with me as I fight the daily battles and arrows of Satan. Fill us with Your Word and keep us in places until our eyes are open to see exactly what You want to show us. Lord we so want to grow more in the wisdom and truth of Your Word and become imitators of You. Amen
