Have you ever had an encounter with God? Was it scary? Was it nice? Was it simply a fleeting moment or did have a profound effect on your life? During this year, I will continue to direct our thoughts toward desiring an ENCOUNTER with Christ. I believe that Jesus was the perfect human, who lived without sin (without falling short of who God created him to be). I believe that as we pay attention to what Jesus was like, how Jesus lived, who Jesus interacted with, and how Jesus loved, we can learn how God wants us to live.
In our Gospel reading for this Sunday from Mark 1, Jesus is teaching in the temple and the people are surprised by his authority. In this passage, Jesus is confronted by a man with a demon and Jesus casts out the spirit. The people are surprised by Jesus’ power. The man’s life was completely changed. The people were shocked. They didn’t know what to do.
In my own life, I often don’t expect enough from God. God has the power to change lives and I try to solve problems myself. Scripture teaches us that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20), and I spend time worrying about trivial matters.
How does your relationship with God affect the way you live your life? The decisions you make? The way you think? Do you worship a God who is powerful and has authority to change your life? In what ways do you submit to God’s authority? In what ways has God demonstrated power in your life? Leave a comment. Tell a friend. Share your story. We will learn and grow to encounter Christ together.
Very truly,
Pastor Adam