Be Like Jesus It's More Than Trying To Be Good

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." —Matthew 16:24

 "Is Jesus Christ more and more dominating every interest of my life? If the central point, or the most powerful influence, of my life is the atonement of the Lord, then every aspect of my life will bear fruit for Him. Am I willing to give one minute out of every hour to concentrate on it? "If you abide in Me" Am I abiding? Am I taking the time to abide? What is the greatest source of power in my life? Is it my work, service, and sacrifice for others, or is it my striving to work for God? It is not on what we spend the greatest amount of time that molds us the most, but whatever exerts the most power over us." - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Now and again, I include a quote from one of Oswald Chambers devotions in, "My Utmost for His Highest". He didn't compile the devotions as devotions himself, his wife did from his lectures, sermons and writings, some time after his death.  His spiritual insights have encouraged many people including me. I just thought some of you would like to know.

God’s intent is that we be conformed into the image of Jesus. 

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” - Romans 8:29

What exactly does that mean … the image of His Son?  We tend to limit the meaning to Jesus as He walked on terra firma … the earth.  But it goes way beyond that?  In fact it extends beyond this mortal plane into the heavenlies.  

“Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”  - Romans 8:34

Just as Jesus is interceding with the Father for all of the saints … we too should be interceding for others with the Father. 

“Pray for one another ….. The prayers of a righteous man (person) are powerful and effective” - James 5:16

We should be about intercession. Jesus, as our example as our high priest.  

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” - Hebrews 4:14-16

A priest makes intercession on behalf of others and if we are to be like Jesus, we should be willing, even eager, to stand before the Father on their behalf.  Know someone who needs it? Sure you do! Today would be a good day to start.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone