Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Jesus, From Mom

Mom did some writing on Jesus in her journal.  I look forward to sharing her entry and learning more about our Savior.

Jesus' Name.

Philippians 2:1-11  Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?  Any comfort from His love?  Any fellowship together in the Spirit?  Are you hearts tender and compassionate?  Then make me truly happy be agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another,and working together with one mind and one purpose.  Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, He gave us His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminals death on a cross.  Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.   

Acts 3:6  But Peter said, "I don't have any silver or gold for you.  But I'll give you what I have.  In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!  

Faith's complete authority.  Jesus Chris of Nazareth.  Messiah. 

The True Vine.  

John 151:8  I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.  You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you.  Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.  For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.  Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from Me you can do nothing.  Anyone who does not remain in Me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers.  Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.  But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted.  When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples.  This brings great glory to my Father.  

Virtues of Jesus can be characterized as fruit which only the Holy Spirit can produce.  When the Holy Spirit fully controls the life of a believer, He produces all these graces, given by the gift of God. 

Galatians 5:22-23  But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  There is no law against these things!

The first three concern our attitude:  love, joy, peace toward God.  Second three deals with our social relationships:  patience, kindness, goodness.  The third three describes principles that guide a Christian's character:  faithfulness, gentleness, self-control

Have faith in Jesus.  Faith is a spoken expression that springs from the conviction of our hearts.  Faith is conviction, confidence, trust, assurance, reliance. 

Benefits in following Jesus.

Philippians 4:19-20  And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever!  Amen.  

He indwells us with the Holy Spirit:
Seals us as God's child.
Comforts us in our pain.
Teaches us to live right.
We become more like Jesus.
Transforms us from the inside out.
We are able to choose the right way to live and break bad habits.
We have direct access to God through Jesus, through prayer and worship

Matthew 16:24-27  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lost it.  But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul.  Is anything worth more than your soul?  For the Son of Man will come with His angels in the glory of His Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.  

Know for certain, that every true believer must take up his cross. 

Hebrews 12:1-3  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crown of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.  And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.  We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.  Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame.  Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne.  Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people, then you won't become weary and give up.  

Look to Jesus and model our lives after Him. 

Romans 8:26-29  And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for.  But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.  And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.   

I want to be like Jesus.  To know His forgiveness.  Commit acts of grace and mercy consistently.  Value all people.  Have a heart of full surrender to the will of our Father.  Live in such a way that others see Jesus in me.

Ephesians 5:1-2  Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.  He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.  

Be imitators of God.  Model our lives after Jesus.  Jesus is the perfect example of the love God requires.  My prayer:  The Word of Christ will dwell in me, in all wisdom.  And to cultivate an attitude of praise.

Walking with the Lord Jesus is a day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment life existence on this earth in order to live with Jesus in heaven. 

By faith, I believe.

From me.

Wow,  Lots of great stuff.  Lots to take in and settle in our hearts.  I believe I need to camp out and dwell on these Scriptures for at least a lifetime to fully grasp and live out the true fellowship of the vine.  We could stay here forever and not unearth all the treasures of that one Name, that one Man, Jesus.  But what a wonderful time we would have doing it!  There is a lot more to share, but I will do it in three parts so as not to be too overwhelming! 

Romans 8:30  And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him.  And having called them, He gave them right standing with Himself.  And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.  

We are called to this treasure hunt, this blessed life of knowing our beautiful Savior and amazing Creator.  Because of Him, we can fellowship with our Lord. 

Lord, there are no words, no amount of thanks could ever be enough.  I am at a loss.  My heart overflows with gratitude my fingers have no way to express.  But it's there Lord.  Jesus, help us to know You more, follow You more closely and imitate Your life so that others may see Your love for them and desire it.  Thank You.  A million times, thank You. 

Take one or more of these Scriptures and meditate on them.  Jot down thoughts, impressions.  Let the Spirit lead you deeper in knowledge and relationship with our God. 

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