Nothing But Jesus!
“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,
unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness”
Colossians 1:11
Patience (endurance) and a longsuffering with joy are only possible by His power and might. Men and women may have measures of this by nature, but the real enduring grace of such a disposition is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Timidity, shyness, and a lack of confidence are not fruits of the Spirit. The Humility of Christ is bold. His boldness is garmented in the wonder of character, unlike any human trait. The lowliness of Jesus is without compromise and its expression has a grandeur beyond words. His passion in cleansing the temple was fearful and filled with the authority of the Father to such an extent that men wondered what was the source of it. His gentleness had an unshakable omnipotent power, His grace with the lost of humanity unfathomable.
Truly all our righteousness is as filthy rags. Our traits, our very selves are lost beyond all hope if it not for the Life of Him within. There is no true grace apart from Him. There are no human counterfeits capable of truly revealing His matchless beauty. The need for the infusion of His substance and life is as essential as the air we breathe.
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…”
Jeremiah 9:23-24
If anyone is to glory, let it be because the grace of God has come. Let it be because His Life is becoming ours. Let there be no human substitutions, excuses, teachings, or concepts which leave us part Him and part us. Let us with full assurance of faith turn to the ONE in whom is the very pulse of true life. The New Covenant presents to us this singular truth:
“He that hath the Son hath life;
and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life…”
1 John 5:12
To be free from the contagion of self, we must live in Him. It is His Life in us that puts to death our own selfish, self-seeking, self-perpetuating lies. Through the power of obedience, we find His Spirit working in concert with our redeemed will.
“…if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body,
ye shall live”
Romans 8:13
No teaching, sermon, or austere religious methods can bring a soul into the life of Christ. It simply requires a life of obedience and submission to He who lives within. To experience His forgiveness…forgive. To obtain mercy…be merciful. To see God… allow Him to purify your heart. His Way is simple yet “few there be that are finding it”.
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that (are) find (ing: Greek participle) it”
Matthew 7:14
Brian Troxel
I remember giving my all to Christ as an extreme shy kid and being given a boldness to answer and converse with classmates who never talked to me much less ask questions about God. One to three kids for a week were asking questions. The questions tapered off (sort of) but the boldness has remained for another 50 years
It is evident in your sharing. I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
BT
It is evident in your sharing. I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
BT
I remember giving my all to Christ as an extreme shy kid and being given a boldness to answer and converse with classmates who never talked to me much less ask questions about God. One to three kids for a week were asking questions. The questions tapered off (sort of) but the boldness has remained for another 50 years