Monday, July 20, 2015

eternal life

today's readings: 2 Chron 1:1-3:17, Rom 6:1-23, Psalm 16:1-11, Prov 19:20-21

Both the NT reading and the Psalm point to the reality of eternal life today. When we think of eternal life, we usually think of life after death, or heaven, right? But both Paul and the Psalmist (probably David) point out that eternal life begins now. We start living forever when we start following Jesus. He fills us with His Spirit and makes us more like Him, every day. And we begin to experience what living with God, the source and summit of our faith, is like NOW, in this lifetime.

Do you feel like you're experiencing eternal life? If so, great! Sounds like you've got things going the right way, and are experiencing His life and light in your life. If not, the solution is actually simple. You might think you have to donate so much money, and go to church so many times per week, and help twelve people each day. And all of those things ARE part of what living the eternal life mean. But you don't start there.

You start with prayer. Ask God to help you begin to experience eternal life here and now, in this lifetime. He will put His joy, peace, and most important, LOVE in your heart, and giving your money to help people, and going to church, and seeing people in need will no longer be something you have to MAKE yourself do. It will flow naturally, out of a grateful heart. You will be experiencing eternal life in the here and now.

God, please help me live Your eternal life now.