Let Jesus Pull You Through

 

When I was about six years old, I remember going trick or treating while in a green M & M costume. I was able to walk pretty well in it for most of the evening, but towards the end, my feet started to feel heavy and uncomfortable. Pretty soon, I was too tired to walk anymore.

I loved that costume. 

I remember my mother pulled a red Radio Flyer wagon with us the entire night. In it was a blanket that kept me comfortable as I rode the rest of the way through that evening, giving my feet some much-needed rest.

I don't know why this has been on my heart, but I know times are overwhelming; the uncertainty of our surroundings has placed a sense of heaviness on the hearts of many.

Lean on Jesus and allow Him to pull you through and to give you rest.  

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

'Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV)

Jesus is the greatest comforter through the mightiest of storms; a wonderful friend built for adversity. He will pull you through it all...providing you with strength that you never knew you could have. 

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity"  (Proverbs 17:17 KJV)

Nothing is comparable to the faithfulness of Jesus.

Stick Like Glue (Part 2)

         The Lord placed a meaningful thought on my heart several weeks ago that quickly developed into Stick Like Glue. While the post briefly touched on current world affairs, it also shed some light on the desperate need for all of us to be "sticking like glue to Jesus." 

In continuing with my message this week, I feel it is critically important to explore a few reasons why someone may struggle to stick close to Him as they are traveling along on the journey of life. 

1) The Presence of Dirt, Dust, or Grime: The presence of dirt, dust, and grime on a surface makes it difficult for even the strongest of glues to stick. The same principle applies when discussing the dynamics of a relationship with Jesus. A strong partnership requires every surface of our hearts to be kept clean and pure; for our minds to be renewed daily. The joy of His presence will not seem as strong in our lives if we continue to entertain the smallest presence of dirt and grime found within this sinful world. 

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10) 

"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:12)

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2) 

2) Use of the Wrong Glue: Sole reliance on religion in place of having a personal relationship with Christ can be likened to using the wrong type of glue. Simply put, the practice of religion will not and cannot save you; it may affect your outward appearance, but it will never truly transform your heart. Church is where you go to learn and grow in your relationship with the Lord and to be in fellowship with other born-again believers; it's not a place meant for entertainment.  Don't fall for the cheap, counterfeit glue of religion; stick to the special super glue that is Jesus. 

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7) 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8) 

3) Incorrect Application of the Glue: Perhaps the most common problem one may have in struggling to stick to Jesus stems from how much of their life they are willing to surrender to the Lord. You must be saturated in the glue of His Word; it is crucial to apply it generously to every aspect of your life. An all-too-common misconception is that we only need a little bit of Jesus each day when in reality, we need Him A LOT! Communication is key in any successful relationship and with Jesus, it is no different. The same principle applies. It's not possible to be perfect on this Earth, but if we don't at least make an effort to pray as often as we should, or to have talks with Him as we should...if we don't read and study our Bibles as we should...then, in turn, our relationship with Him will never be what it should be. It is important to make time to talk to Him in the midst of busy moments, to pray for and be an encouragement to others, and to serve and love the Lord with our whole hearts. 

"Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name."

"I will praise thee; O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." (Psalm 86:11-12)

"But take diligent heed to do the commandments and the law, which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Joshua 22:5) 

No matter what life throws your way, always remember to stick like glue to Jesus.