Jesus of Nazareth was perhaps the greatest man, most loving individual and powerful leader of all time. His personal sacrifice and resurrection has brought countless people back to life from monumental setbacks, not to mention hell, death and the grave. How can we model Jesus and implement His proven techniques in our own lives? Here are 12 secrets to unlock your hidden potential, revolutionize your life and get you moving in victory en route to fulfilling your dreams. Today we pick up where we left off from Part III and continue to discover the self-improvement patterns of Jesus. 11.Live a sacrificial life. We make a life not out of what we get, but rather from what we give. Your life's contribution should be such that at the end of your life you are not ashamed. It is more blessed to give than to receive. Jesus honored the heavenly Father with His life by continually saying, "Not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) Jesus went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." (Matthew 26:42) Whenever there was a wrestling between Jesus' flesh, soul and spirit; He always returned to His foundational heart's cry of yielding to the will of the Father. Beyond merely being obedient, Jesus was also most willing and deeply desired to please the Father above. Jesus continually sought to "do good" and deliver all those oppressed by the devil (Acts 10:38). "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." (1Peter 4:1-2) It doesn't take much forethought or effort to live for self. Living for God on the other hand can require all of your physical strength and mental resources to enable you to comply. Thankfully the Holy Spirit empowers whosoever will beyond their own natural strength. Sacrifice most often is accompanied with suffering. Humans by nature shun any form of personal suffering and typically gravitate toward pleasure. Pain is not something most of us seek out. Plus when painful situations arrive, we often try to wiggle our way out of the struggle. Not so with Jesus and His followers who stayed the course despite the consequences and underlying circumstances. The apostle Peter encourages us: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." (1Peter 4:12-14) 12.Bounce Back from Setbacks with Strength Jesus certainly came alive in His darkest hour. Though most thought God the Father had forsaken Jesus, in actuality it was in His toughest time that God shined on Jesus the most. Illuminating hearts worldwide with light, life, love and liberty Christ Jesus arose again and again within the hearts of men. When it seemed like all hope was lost at His crucifixion, Jesus shocked the world and rose from the grave victorious! "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) Feeling forsaken for moment, Christ arose triumphant three days later!!! "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (Hebrews 2:10) "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 8:11) As I often say: "Keep your head up because the sun always shines above the clouds!" Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God, the author and finisher of life, and the power of the resurrection is yours for the taking to lift, love and liberate you! |
Home
