April 7, 2014

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33 The Message

Jesus left you his peace .. the wholeness of mind that God is in control. That one gift will be assaulted throughout the day. Almost everything in and around your life will seek to undermine the “peace of Jesus” that he left you. That in itself would be a valuable gift .. but Jesus left you his joy. Not just any joy, but the joy he had continually with his Father. He left you a joy that radiates out of His indwelling life not because of your efforts or achievements. The real joy Jesus left you is his gift .. a free gift .. a cross-secured gift. And then He goes one step further: He gives his life completely for the mission of your life. And it’s not just any mission: truth-consecrated. There’s no pretense .. no hollow attempts .. and no trying to “do” something for Jesus. His life in you becomes your mission for living everyday. His life becomes everything that He has left you .. gives you. .. and will be in you. And this day awaits … it only takes a moment …

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. … In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. I’m consecrating myself for their sakes, so they’ll be truth-consecrated in their mission.” John 15:11, John 17:18-19 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Life-As-His-Own followers of Jesus (kchesterp1@gmail.com)