John 6:27, New Living Translation

“But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

In the Old Testament, Moses recognized that it was the presence of the Lord with the Israelites that set them apart from other people, from other nations. I think that is very appropriate for today. It's His presence that sets us apart. What do we do when we are in His presence? We should be worshiping Him, seeking to know Him, and talking with Him. We should, daily, be in His word. Because, as Peter said, " “…Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68, NIV) Jesus Himself said in John 6:27 (NLT), “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.”

Without having God in our lives, we won't make it, I won't make it. He has the words of eternal life. He tells us to ask, to seek, to knock and keep knocking and we will find answers. Where will we find these answers? The Bible. I want to encourage us to look to Jesus, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us, He was tempted in every way that we are or have been yet did not sin. He was the perfect sacrifice for our sins and is now seated at the right hand of God making intercession for us. He knows everything we go through here on earth and has an answer for it! We need to be encouraged to go to the Word! 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) says, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”

The word of God should change our behavior and our character, if we are submitted to Him. This is truth we gain from the previous scripture we just read from 2 Timothy. His words bring transformation into a beautiful way to our lives. How can it change us if we are not immersing ourselves in it? How can we know the truth that sets us free? How can we rest in God's promises, how can we develop our trust in God if we are not in the word? How can we be ready for heaven if we are not in the word? How can we fulfill the command to go out and make disciples if we don't know the Word, if we don't know God, if we don't allow Him to do a work in us, if we don't allow His presence to go with us?

Sometimes I wonder if we let what the world says matter more to us than what the word of God says. Jesus said, " Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” (John 12:25-26, NLT) This world is filled with two things...good and evil...God and Satan. We must choose who we are going to serve. If we choose Jesus, then we must die to self, pick up our cross daily and carry it. These may sound like harsh words, but in reality, they are words spoken in love. The life we have in Christ far surpasses anything on this earth. It is filled with beauty that the naked eye cannot comprehend, nor can the mind of humanity completely understand. This world is a challenge to live in. But Christ left us with these words, also from the book of John. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT) Jesus doesn't want you to be discouraged in this world. He overcame this world, and scripture tells us that “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV) So that means that Jesus overcame, and through Christ, we overcome!  

In this world, we do not walk alone. We walk with Christ. His Spirit made a dwelling place in our hearts. He is the very life breath we breathe. By His grace and His mercy, we walk with Him, set apart from the world, to make a difference in this world...this world that needs Jesus...this world that needs Jesus in you! You my brother and sister, were chosen by God for great honor! There are things He created you to do that nobody else can do but you! To me, this is beautiful! It is exciting! And it is an honor because we do this in service to Christ, the lover of our soul, who gave everything, so that we could gain eternity.

I am reminded of this scripture: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13, NLT) As Charlie Kirk was known to say, "Let’s make heaven crowded!"