Connected
When I first met Jesus, I kept trying to understand His promises based on how people had treated me in the past. It took a long time for me to learn that Jesus is nothing like the people I knew - He was so much better. I can remember reading this verse from John chapter 15 and asking Jesus, "How do I live in You?" "What do I have to do?" It took me a long time to realize what means to live connected to Him.
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
John 15:5 Amplified
The first lesson I learned when I asked Jesus about this verse was that the work had already been done. Jesus met the requirements of the Law on my behalf so that I could live a full and abundant life with God. The second lesson was that God loves me very much.
Living with Jesus is not about allegiance or obligation. It does not depend on how well I behave or what choices I make. It is not affected by what church I go to, who I know, what my job title is, or where I live. Living with Jesus is all about understanding the connection He and I have and what that connection produces.
When we acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died on the cross to pay the debt of our sins, we open the door to a whole new way of life.
This new way of life brings us a never ending supply of nourishment that feeds our spirits and enables our bodies to do things we never dreamed were possible. Our connection to Jesus keeps us constantly in God's presence. It allows us to share every moment of our life with God which then makes room for Him to intervene on our behalf to make things right and work them out for our good (Rom. 8:28).
When we are connected to Christ, we are free to live open and expansive lives that are no longer bound by rituals or condemnation.
We can make mistakes without fear of retaliation. We can accomplish big dreams. We can encourage and bless others. We can laugh and love and play. Our lives once connected to Jesus Christ are limitless and eternal.
A life connected to Jesus is not motivated by rules and regulations. It is rooted and grounded in the purist love a person will ever know. The demand for perfection has been met for us in Christ so that we can experience the love of God just as we are.
A God first life is connected to His love through Jesus Christ.
Heidirn
I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.
John 15:5 Amplified
The first lesson I learned when I asked Jesus about this verse was that the work had already been done. Jesus met the requirements of the Law on my behalf so that I could live a full and abundant life with God. The second lesson was that God loves me very much.
Living with Jesus is not about allegiance or obligation. It does not depend on how well I behave or what choices I make. It is not affected by what church I go to, who I know, what my job title is, or where I live. Living with Jesus is all about understanding the connection He and I have and what that connection produces.
When we acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Son of God who died on the cross to pay the debt of our sins, we open the door to a whole new way of life.
This new way of life brings us a never ending supply of nourishment that feeds our spirits and enables our bodies to do things we never dreamed were possible. Our connection to Jesus keeps us constantly in God's presence. It allows us to share every moment of our life with God which then makes room for Him to intervene on our behalf to make things right and work them out for our good (Rom. 8:28).
When we are connected to Christ, we are free to live open and expansive lives that are no longer bound by rituals or condemnation.
We can make mistakes without fear of retaliation. We can accomplish big dreams. We can encourage and bless others. We can laugh and love and play. Our lives once connected to Jesus Christ are limitless and eternal.
A life connected to Jesus is not motivated by rules and regulations. It is rooted and grounded in the purist love a person will ever know. The demand for perfection has been met for us in Christ so that we can experience the love of God just as we are.
A God first life is connected to His love through Jesus Christ.
Heidirn
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