Qualified for Jesus

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son (Jesus), so that everyone (that’s you and me) who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 emphasis mine

Have you ever felt that you weren’t good enough for Jesus or maybe felt that you didn’t know the right words when you pray?   Maybe you look at others in church and you feel that they know more about the Bible than you and you feel totally lost or inadequate.

I don’t think you are alone in thinking that.

Isn’t it funny how we think there are rules about what qualifies or disqualifies someone for acceptance by Jesus?  The truth is that no one is good enough for Jesus but because Jesus himself paid the price on the cross, he made us all good enough.   When Jesus died, the curtain was torn in two; the things that separate us from the Holy of Holies have been rent apart for all eternity.  Not only that, God, in the form of the Holy Spirit came to live within the hearts of all believers everywhere.

The God who created the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the beach is now no further than a whisper or a thought away.    We don’t need to know special words or certain rituals to connect with Jesus.  We simply need to know Jesus and that and that alone is what qualifies us. 

What do you think?

How To Become the Disciple Who Jesus Loves.

I used to think John was Jesus’ favourite disciple, until I realised one day that the phrase ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ is only found in Johns own gospel.    In fact, John called himself ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’ or ‘the beloved disciple’ five times.  I’m positive Jesus loved all the disciples but it seemed only John really knew it in his heart because he proudly claimed it as his identity.  

Once you start to get an understanding of what Jesus actually did for you on the cross, it’s natural to want to do as much as you can to show your love for him.  However, I believe God wants us to boast of Jesus’ love for us, rather than our love for him. I’m fully certain he wants each of us to confidently claim “I am the disciple who Jesus loves” just like John. 

Why not try claiming this truth for yourself?  Each morning when you first get out of bed, say “I am the disciple Jesus loves”.  It might feel funny at first, but I’m confident, after just a few days of speaking out Gods love for you, it will sink into your spirit and you will begin to claim your true identity as the beloved disciple.  

If you decide to take up my challenge and start claiming Jesus’ unconditional and boundless love for yourself each day, let me know how you go.  

Harry the Asbestos Inspector

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  John 3:16,17

This week we had our church buildings inspected by a fellow named Harry, under instructions by the Newcastle Diocese.  Harry was looking for asbestos and other hazardous material, and in doing so, he spent a fair bit of time checking many places we normally don’t even bother to think about.  Harry has almost finished his work here in our parish and will soon write a report and tell us what needs fixing and if anything needs to be removed or replaced.  

This got me thinking.  We can be so used to the things around us that we don’t notice any flaws or deteriorations.   But it’s not just our physical surroundings that need the occasional inspection, we need to inspect our thought patterns from time to time and see if they line up with God’s truth.  

It’s easy to get obsessed with the idea that if we do better and try harder and obey all the “rules” we will get in good with God and he will like us a bit more than the times when we are not doing so well.  

There is nothing you can do today to make God love you more, and there’s nothing you can do to make Him love you any less… Beloved, it’s not enough that you know that God loves everyone. You need to know and believe that He loves you, and let that revelation burn in your heart, especially when you fail.  

God’s character is unchanging because he is unchanging.  We all have days where our emotions feel like they are on a roller coaster car but God thoughts towards us are always steady and always filled with love.

God loves you because his character is love.