They Had Been With Jesus
Friends, greetings in Jesus Name! Today I will be sharing with you what I title, “They Had Been With Jesus”. One significant difference that separates an ordinary Christian from an extraordinary Christian is being with Jesus. If I may ask: Have you been with him? Really, you cannot be with the Lord Jesus and remain the same. Yes, I am a witness. Over 28 years ago, he invaded my life and turned my whole world around when I gave my life to him. There is something remarkable about being with Jesus that being without him cannot offer. First, Jesus is your source of life. “For in him we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 27:28). Second, Jesus illuminates your life. “He is the light of the world, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1John 1:5). You cannot be with him and walk in darkness. Never!
Third, He is your source of strength. “For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like the eagles; they will run and not be weary; they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Jesus empowers you to do the supernatural naturally. Fourth, He is the way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). You cannot miss your way or be misdirected in life when you have been with him. Fifth, Jesus is your shield and protector. “He that dwells in the secret place of the Most-High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty God” (Psalm 91:1). Sixth, He is your provider. When you have been with Him, and remain in Him, you will have no fear for lack. “For He shall supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). Seventh, Jesus is your hope for eternal life. “For those who believe in him will not perish but shall have eternal life” (John 3:16; Romans 10:9). And so much more…Hallelujah!
Hear me, after the death of Jesus, great fear came upon the disciples. They didn’t know what to expect next. Their situation seems as though the whole world has crumbled upon their heads. At this point, Peter was at his lowest moment in life. A while ago he had denied Jesus three times, and was still battling with guilty conscience. Suddenly, Jesus arose from the dead, and sent a message to His disciples and to Peter that He will meet them in Galilee (Mark 16:7). He came as expected, and had fellowship with them. Then he promised them that He will send the comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be with them. Indeed, the Holy Spirit came, and fell mightily upon them with great power. When they came out from the upper room where they had been staying, they became another man. When Peter opened his mouth to declare the word of God, over 3000 people responded to the call of salvation (Acts 2:1-41). From there, they began to do great miracles, with signs and wonders following them. Now, when the high priest, rulers, elders, and the scribes in Jerusalem, “Saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that They Had Been With Jesus” (Acts 4:13).
Really, when the hand of God comes upon you as a result of your union and fellowship with him, you become a wonder and amazement to the world. This level of grace and influence only comes when you tarry with Jesus – being in His Presence – fellowship with him and learning at his feet. Meaning, you have to set aside time everyday to spend quality time in his word, pray, inquire from him, and follow his leading as he directs by the spirit. When this happens, you see yourself accomplishing so much with little effort. You see, there is a difference between a man who God is leading and a man who is leading himself. When you lead yourself without God’s backing, you quickly run out of battery. “For by strength shall no man prevail” (1 Samuel 2:9). By daily spending time with the Lord Jesus, and giving him your topmost priority, the angels of God go on duty on your behalf to make all crooked places straight before you. Remember, never become too busy to spend time in God’s presence. Just a few minutes of your intimate fellowship with God on a daily basis can turn your whole life around forever. It’s just the consistency that matters (Matthew 11:28-30). Therefore, as you go this week, make it a point of duty to be with Jesus. Hallelujah! Have a Blessed and Fantastic Week. With love, Elvis!