I don't know about you, but as we head into spring and summer, I'm not too motivated to turn on the TV. As much as I love Chip and Joanne and wonder what it would be like to live in Waco, Texas, the daily news reports seem to take the air out of my tires with the state the world is in. And I'm not even going to talk about the upcoming political ads. Nope. Not going there for the sake of my blood pressure.
We've just celebrated Easter and sometimes I don't pause in the midst of the noise long enough to appreciate what occurred for our sake. Christ came to this earth to show us his great love and compassion. He came out of obedience to the Father to ultimately pay the price for our sins. He humbly went to the cross and after three days, he defied logic and rose again from the grave. He did this out of God's great love for us and for the new life he wants for us.
In John 10:10 Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal andkill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
With all that's going on around you, do you ever feel like your joy has been stolen? Jesus promised the full and abundant life for all who walk in faith and obedience. His promise of this life includes a multitude of provisions for you; spiritual, emotional, relational, physical and material. Here are three steps for you to take to experience life fully.
It all starts by getting to know God, who He is, what He's like and the benefits when we belong to Him. Your view of God influences the rest of your relationships. So get to know God, commit to reading the Bible every day, and hold the great promises and commands up to your life to see how you're living. Romans 10:17 says,"Faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ."
First, our view of God determines the quality and degree of our faith. A small view of God results in a small faith. If we view God for who he is—sovereign, holy, righteous, just and compassionate—then his honorable qualities begin to grow in our own lives. If we view God as loving and forgiving, realizing how he loves and forgives us, then we can extend this kind of incredible love to others.
Second, as you look at God and how he wants us to live as communicated in the Bible, examine your life to see if there is anything you need to confess. Hebrews 12:1 tells us, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd 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." So what's weighing you down? Confess it, remove it, and run the race abundantly.
Third, remember God is with you each and every day. When you asked Christ to come into your life as Lord and Savior, his Spirit entered into your life as well. Ephesians 5:18 tells us, "Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit." This means asking God daily to fill you with his presence and power throughout every moment. The good news is that when you feel weak and powerless to change, God is there for you along with his power to make it through those tough moments.
So grow in your love and knowledge of God, throw off those sins which are hindering, and live the abundant life which Christ has promised with his presence and power.
