In A Whole New World!

When I was in grade school I can remember loving a show called "Sea Hunt" (which ran from 1958 into the 1960s) where each week Mike Nelson (played by Lloyd Bridges) would have some kind of adventure scuba diving. He even fought off other divers swimming at him with knives. Whatever the situation, he always saved the day. Watching the program I would imagine what it would be like to scuba dive. I would even take imaginary dives deep underneath my bed for an adventure. There was a time I found an old round metal newspaper tube that I strapped on my back as a scuba tank. [Had I actually gotten into the water with that on my back, it would have filled with water, sinking me to the bottom like a rock.] As I grew older and learned to swim, I loved to do my swimming under the water.

I lived for a long time aware of scuba diving and the freedom it seemed to provide not having to surface for air, but I had not yet EXPERIENCED it. That is until high school. It was while I was in the tenth grade I actually took a scuba course and became a NAUI certified scuba diver. What a wonderful EXPERIENCE to swim freely underwater; like being in a whole different world.

In the Gospels, we don't have to read long before we see people who EXPERIENCED encounters with JESUS, coming away changed human beings. Their lives and life perspectives were made different; at least for those who allowed it to happen. Are we? Every time we look at JESUS' life and teachings do we come to know Him even more so as to come away a different person with a higher outlook on life?

To follow our own desires or the ideologies of the world is to be robbed of the EXPERIENCE life in JESUS can bring to us. That's why Jesus declared. . .
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I CAME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE AND HAVE IT ABUNDANTLY." ( John 10:10 ESV)

JESUS also declared to His disciples. . .
"Peace I leave with you; MY PEACE I GIVE TO YOU. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." ( John 14:27 ESV)

JESUS has a peace He can offer that is nothing like what the world interprets as peace. Paul referred to this peace we can have "in Christ" as a peace that "surpasses all understanding." ( Philippians 4:7 ESV) Are we EXERIENCING it in JESUS?

Many are aware of JESUS. They have heard about Him. They might even believe truths relative to His time on earth. However, it is when we really come to know and EXPERIENCE JESUS that we find ourselves living in a whole new world. Truly knowing JESUS in a genuine relational manner dynamically changes the whole outlook on life. The EXPERIENCE is one that brings peace even when there are challenges around us. It brings hope even when we do not know the outcome of many of life's situations. Rather than fear, we EXPERIENCE greater faith in knowing He is still on the throne and God is in control, even though the world still seems bent of stirring up chaos. May we EXPERIENCE more and more what JESUS came to provide as a taste of even greater life to come in our eternity with Him.

Have a great day LIVING IN THE SPHERE OF JESUS!
Carl

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