You ever question why your life with Jesus has to be so hard?
Recall why God took the Children of Israel into the wilderness: "Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands (Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV)." Jesus in the Book of John 14:15 ESV also reminds us: "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
The posture of our hearts is crucial, saints. Afterall, He requires that we love Him among other things, with all our hearts... (Matthew 22:37; Luke 10:27). The circumstances that God has us go through tests how strong our hearts are to withstand the pressures of this life. How we react to unpleasant events as well as maybe quite often, unpleasant people determines so very much in His eyes. God spent so many years with Moses. Of all I've read in Scripture, the relationship God had with Moses isn't easily compared to any other. Yet Moses in what may be one of the most defining moments of his life, lost out due to how he represented the Holy Almighty God to His people. See the Book of Numbers chapter 20:1-13.
We must endure all. The posture of your heart had you not gone through all you have and will, would have placed you at a disadvantage to handle what Jesus plans to pass on to you.
John 20:21-23 NIV
²¹Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I Am sending you.” ²²And with that He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
God gave Jesus the authority to forgive people their sins, despite what the naysayers thought or had to say (Matthew 9:1-8). Jesus is now handing this responsibility down to us, to you. Forgiveness has had to be a major lesson for you because you will now have the authority to loose many from their numerous bondages—to free them. Forgiveness is a test you have had to pass, disciple, now so much more in the plans of God Almighty.
Challenge
1 Do the work of Him Who has called you. "We must work the works of Him Who sent Me, as long as it is day; night is coming when no man can work (John 9:4)."—Jesus
2 Love His people.
Matthew 22:36-40 NIV
³⁶“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
3 Feed His lambs. Care for His sheep.
John 21:15-17 NIV
¹⁵When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.” ¹⁶Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.” ¹⁷The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Feed My sheep."
4 Do it with God's heart.
Remember Moses (Numbers 20:1-13). Remember Balaam. (Numbers 22-24).
Do this job well because souls are counting on what God has placed inside of you—His precious Holy Spirit.
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