Do You Hunger for Jesus?

Do you hunger for Jesus Christ? Do you yearn to spend time alone with Him in prayer? Is He the most important person in your life?. . . Do you eagerly turn to His. . . Gospels to learn more of Him? Are you making the effort to die to anything and everything that would inhibit, diminish, or threaten your friendship?

To discern where you really are with the Lord, recall what has saddened you recently. Was it the realization that you don't love Jesus enough?. . . That you can't honestly say that the greatest thing that ever happened in your life is that Jesus came to you and you heard His voice? . . .

Or have you been saddened and depressed over a lack of human respect, criticism from an authority figure, financial problems, lack of friends, your bulging waistline?

On the other hand, what has gladdened you recently? Reflection on your election to the Christian community? . . . The afternoon you stole away with the Gospel as your only companion? The thrilling awareness that God loves you unconditionally just as you are and not as you should be?. . .

When our lives are governed not by a network of laws but by the fire of the Spirit that burns within, . . . when we respond to the call of Jesus, which is not, "Come to the ice cream party," but "Come to Me," then the limitless power of the Holy Spirit will be unleashed with astonishing force.

-From Lion and Lamb by Brennan Manning; part of The Inspirational Study Bible: New Century Version by Max Lucado

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