One day at a time

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” That’s a pretty big promise. Some translations say that we should “enjoy life” or have a “full” life that is “overflowing. Wow! Give me some of that!

If we know-know Jesus (have established a relationship with Him) we have eternal life. In other words when we pass away we will go to Heaven but right now God says we should be living a life that is full and good.

The abundance we are thinking together about is not found in material things but rather spiritual things. We might have a boat in the driveway or a pool off the patio or drive a Jeep Gladiator and there is nothing wrong with those things, but the spiritual things matter the most and they help us enjoy the new life we have in Christ.

In Matthew 7:24 we are told to build our house “on the rock.” We are to build our lives on the Word of God so when the storms of life hit us, we will be able to withstand the wind and the waves. So, how are we doing? Boats, swimming pools and Jeep Gladiators come and go - “grass withers, the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord remains forever (1st Peter 1:24-25, Isaiah 40:6, 8).” Again, how are we doing? What are we depending on?

Let me give you an example of spiritual blessings. In Galatians 5:22-23 we are told that the Holy Spirit will produce in us, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” These are things that will be as handy as a shirt pocket as we live our daily lives in this messed up and confused world. Does that make sense? The pool will be a nice thing to come home to but I will spend 8 to 12 hours a day with people that are hard to love so I will need the spiritual things the Lord is willing to give me if I will surrender to Him.

The abundant life Jesus promises includes help. 1st Peter 5:7 says when I am anxious (and who is not in 2022) I can, “cast my cares on the Lord because He cares for me.” The abundant life includes hope. When I cast my care on the Lord in faith, I am placing my confidence in someone who is able according to Ephesians 3:20, “to do far more than I can ask or imagine.” Will somebody say, “Amen!”

It’s not easy but every day I have to, as Colossians 3:2 puts it, “Set my mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” It’s hard but we make it much harder than God intends. In Matthew 6 Jesus reminds us that He is our provider. He is the one providing the paycheck that pays for the pool, the boat and the Gladiator therefore we don’t concern ourselves with even the basic needs of life: Shelter, clothing or food. Instead, we focus on moving the Kingdom of God forward, doing what God wants us to do, responding in every circumstance the way God wants us to respond. So have a great life, one day at a time!

He told me to tell you all of that.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28