January 6, 2002

THE MORE ABUNDANT LIFE

"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, NKJV).

Jesus said, "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments" (see Matthew 19:16-19; Mark 10:17-19, Luke 18:18, 19). Again He admonished, "If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,--- you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:15-18). The reason Christ's followers have the more abundant life is that Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, dwells with them.

Paul shares with us just a few of the Holy Spirit's blessings and benefits: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such [behavior as this] there is no law. Those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:22-24). Contrast the works of the flesh (see Galatians 5:19-21). Is there any wonder the life of the followers of Jesus is more abundant?

David constantly testified to his relationship with the Lord, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" (Psalms 23:1), "The Lord is the strength of my life" (Psalms 27:1), "For with You is the fountain of life" (Psalms 36:9), "Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice" (Psalms 63:7).

My Prayer Today: Lord, may I experience Your more abundant life today!