Harry A. was a man who loved Jesus and it showed. There was
nothing artificial or forced in his faith. He laughed heartily with others and
he spread the love of God. He was a retired missionary who had served in hard
places where Islam was the majority religion and Christians had to tred
lightly. One of the things I loved about him was his little notebook in which
he jotted down thoughts and impressions he felt were inspired by his
conversation with the Holy Spirit. He would occasionally reach for it and say
“let me tell you what the Lord and I have been discussing.” Then, he would
share some insight he had gleaned from reading Scripture or meditation. Lest
you think he was preachy or religious, let me quickly tell you that Harry was
neither. I cannot remember a visit with Harry that wasn’t challenging, or
inspiring, or comforting! He was an ambassador for his King.
Do you know how you become like another? There is just one
way – spend time with that person!
People start to ‘rub off’ on us when we sit at dinner with them in a Life
Group, when we learn their stories, when we live through stormy times and triumphs
with
them. Our associates will always influence
us – to lift us up or pull us down. Harry’s life revealed Who he spent time
with. He was like Jesus.
When others spend time with you is it obvious that you have spent time with Jesus? I have been reading and studying the stories of the Acts. When Peter and John were hauled before the ruling council of Jerusalem for a lengthy interrogation, that hostile group came to this conclusion: “these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) His love, wisdom, strength, and character had become theirs.
You probably know people who try too hard to be like Jesus. Their words often are just repeated phrases of things they have read or from sermons they have heard. Their efforts come off like a parody of the Christian life. You can’t fake love; not for long anyway. You can’t fake the life of the Spirit because the fruit of His Presence only ripens in us when we spend time in the Son.
When others spend time with you is it obvious that you have spent time with Jesus? I have been reading and studying the stories of the Acts. When Peter and John were hauled before the ruling council of Jerusalem for a lengthy interrogation, that hostile group came to this conclusion: “these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) His love, wisdom, strength, and character had become theirs.
You probably know people who try too hard to be like Jesus. Their words often are just repeated phrases of things they have read or from sermons they have heard. Their efforts come off like a parody of the Christian life. You can’t fake love; not for long anyway. You can’t fake the life of the Spirit because the fruit of His Presence only ripens in us when we spend time in the Son.
My prayer that others will see Jesus in me. Paul says this -
"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, and
wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom … so that we can be
mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the
Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory
even more." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NLT) How amazing that ordinary people – you and I –
can become mirrors that reflect the brightness of His majesty into our world.
Here’s a word from the Word. Let’s let Him shine today.
“All we are is
messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light
up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood
God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. If you only look at us,
you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in
the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from
confusing God’s incomparable power with us.”
The Message (2 Corinthians 4:5-7)
Spend some time with Him and let His love rub off on you.
_______________
You are good You are
good
When there's nothing
good in me
You are love You are
love
On display for all to
see
You are light You are
light
When the darkness
closes in
You are hope You are
hope
You have covered all
my sin
You are peace You are
peace
When my fear is
crippling
You are true You are
true
Even in my wandering
You are joy You are
joy
You're the reason that
I sing
You are life You are
life
In You death has lost
its sting
(Oh) I'm running to Your arms
I'm running to Your
arms
The riches of Your
love will always be enough
Nothing compares to
Your embrace
Light of the world
forever reign
You are more You are
more
Than my words will
ever say
You are Lord You are
Lord
All creation will
proclaim
You are here You are
here
In Your presence I'm
made whole
You are God You are
God
Of all else I'm
letting go
My heart will sing no
other Name
Jesus Jesus
Jason Ingram | Reuben Morgan
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