The Likeness of Jesus

My TheologyI class assigned a prayer project to pray about our vocation and Phil 3:17. He asked, "What have you learned from observing those who embody the likeness of Jesus?"

     Praying about my vocation always seems to reinforce what I believe God has called me to. Becoming a pastor as a job in ministry is not the call. God has called me to preach and proclaim the Gospel, disciple His people in His Word, love Him with all that I am, and share His love with others. Now it’s a matter of being faithful to His call, and being, conscious of His daily will for me.
      I reflected on people who embodied the likeness of Jesus and observed those that follow Christ. Their life is explosive in love. I sense an overwhelming joy in their life, and it is absolutely contagious. They can’t help but smile and laugh all the time. They are extremely encouraging, especially when I’m discouraged. They do not hesitate to pray, they go directly to our Abba, Father. These people can have their down times, but are usually very solid. They inspire me to grow closer into the likeness of Christ, and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit. They take convictions seriously and are always willing to share what they have learned from God. These people encounter God, nay have fellowship with God everyday and what seems like every hour. These people don’t just worship God, they fall flat on their faces in submission. You can easily tell who reigns as their King. You can see how thankful they are for life and how much they cherish each moment of every blessing. These people see what most of us miss. They know how to stop and receive from God. I also observe that the people who imitate Christ have a huge heart for the lost and will put whatever they are doing aside to serve others.
      From observing these passionate followers of Jesus, I too inspire to live a fruitful life. I learned to glorify and magnify Him even in the smallest of things. I learned how important it is to receive His love and grace. I see that they are satisfied in God and hunger Him more than anything. I learned to be desperate for Him, to long and desire His Spirit. I learned to take delight in fellowship with Him and others. I learned to rejoice and praise God in all circumstances. I learned how crucial purity is, and how important it is to follow God’s will. I learned that every moment we have the opportunity to experience the intimate love of the Father. I learned to wait on God and be attentive to the many forms of His Word. I learned to apply the truth of scripture and to write it on my heart. These people have the fragrance and aroma of Christ. Their lives are their testimony. I pray that my life would also reflect the likeness of Christ.

 “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.” –Phil. 3:17

 ¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. ¹⁶ To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? ¹⁷ Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.  ¹ Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? ² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. ³ You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” 2 Cor 2:14-3:3

"¹Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. ³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus" -Phil 2:1-5

Extra Notes
God's Word =
1) Creation (God's word enacted)
2) Voice (God's word spoken)
3) Jesus (God's word embodied)
4) Scripture (God's word written)

"Sin only looks appetizing to the the starving soul." -Dallas Willard 
If we have a feast for the main course that is full and satisfying, you won't crave desert.
Being satisfied in Christ protects our heart against sinful idols, and directs us to worship

Revelation

I believe that everyday we are in dire need of a fresh newness of God's love. A revelation, that God's love caused Him to die for us. A love so deep and rich, that he would sacrifice Himself on the cross. So that the lost might be redeemed. Sinners made righteous. Orphans adopted as His own children. A King laying down his life for you. His love will not only change your life, but save your life.

We have become numb, ignorant. We miss the out pouring of His love. We forget, we become distracted. We lose sight of His mind, His will, and His heart. Yet His grace is endless. We've all rejected God, and yet His holiness overcomes all our sins. He freely accepts unconditionally, calling us to trust Him and live out our faith. What have i been worshiping lately? God? or myself and idols? How have i used my time, resources and life? Where has my heart been? What have been my desires and motives?

I had dinner with some college church folks. It was refreshing to have fellowship and the chance to get to know people better. 1 John 4:7-21 talks about God's love for us, and how we are to love others. God reminded me that the 1st and 2nd greatest commandments, are really one. Christ responds by giving 2 because they can't really be separated. To love God, one must love thy neighbor. To truly love thy neighbor, one must really love God.

After dinner, my roommate and I were bored, so we went to the gym. Playin ball and lifting weights was also refreshing, because i'm so outta shape. I was super pooped after 3v3 and didnt wanna workout after, but after we were done it felt great to get something accomplished. Sometimes it's rejuvenating to push yourself in a good discipline... Now if i could only stop eating so much fast food! mmm french fries, oreo cookie shakes, bacon.. mm!

Anyways after the gym, came home showered, then ran off to dennys at midnight cuz we were super hungry. And my roommate brought some things up that i completely forgot about. Crazy extreme things we need to do before work or family stuff gets in the way. Life not lived to the fullest is meaningless. We wanted to take advantage of some opportunities. So we began throwing out ideas and created a to-do list. Yes it would take time to plan all of this out, but talkin this over allowed me to rekindle the adventure in life.

1)  3weeks -month retreat of solitude somewhere peaceful 

2)  Bike around America  (i was never sold on this one, lol)

3)  Bible Lands (Our school offers a trip to Turkey, Greece, Rome Israel)

4)  Become homeless for at least a month (i've been sold on this for a long time, but jus never found the right time or someone to be committed to it) We take so much for granted. Food, water, shelter, entertainment, technology, clothes, a blanket, shoes, air conditioner, cars, phones, etc. If you were homeless a quarter becomes valuable. We'd be able to direct our attention to God, because we would really have nothing else to rely on. We would become extremely thankful for what God has provided us with. I'm sure i would learn so much from being in extreme poverty. I jus hope i'd be able to survive. 

5)  Mission trip to  Guatemala, or somewhere else

6)  I go to Arizona to visit, he comes to Hawaii

7)  Snowboarding!