40 Day Journey - Day 37

April 17
Fast Convenience

John 15:7,8
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
   
        The question arises in my mind when reading Jesus words in this passage, how much of Christ teachings do you know? And, how many of Christ teachings do you live by? Jesus mentioned two things that are needed to be recognized as His follower: 1- remain in Him. 2- have His Words remain in us. The first one is a no brainer - I accept Him as the way, the truth, and the life. I call Him my Savior and Lord. Jesus is my redeemer and my door to the Heavenly Father's throne of grace. So I will remain in Him.
        Now, what about the second part? Okay, that one takes a little more thought. All the scriptures on eternal life, salvation, healing, and miracles for sure I enjoy and follow...but what about those teachings referred to as the beatitudes, or that one story of the Good Samaritan? How about his teachings on the last shall be first and the least the greatest, or a willingness to be a servant of all? What about the "go and sin no more," words - or the well known answer to how many times I should forgive..."7 times 70!"
        What about doing unto others as I would have them do unto me"? And then who can forget "love your enemies as yourself." Okay Lord I get it, if I am going to remain in you I need to have your words to remain in me - not just when they are convenient but all the time. The beauty of applying this truth in the sacred scripture is found in the rest of Christ teaching, "ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you."
        The last part of this tells us why we need to remain in Him and have His words remain in us AND why He wants to bless us, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Speak it, do it, live it- be a disciple of Christ in heart, soul and body. Live it and be blessed!
 
2 Corinthians 5:13-15
13If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Today fast convenience by following the teachings of Christ that make you uncomfortable – like loving your enemies or praying for those who despitefully use you, and do something you usually struggle with. Jesus went beyond what was convenient for himself and gave His all even in the most inconvenient time and way.