IMITATION

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

1-3The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

"Be imitators without intimidation."

Imitators of whom you ask?

Jesus.

Daunting proposition huh?

You understand why my friend Pastor Josh said yesterday that such an imitation could be intimidating to pull off.

What does it take to do it?

Hours in front of the mirror getting know His movements and nuances? Recording His voice for inflection and tone?

No, Josh wasn’t encouraging that type of imitation.

Rather was pressing more toward...

...Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Ephesians 5:1(TLB)

Be mindful that Jesus allowed GOD to lead Him in all things. He "imitated".

Adversity?  Jesus went to GOD for wisdom and discernment.

Temptation? Jesus trusted what GOD and the Holy Spirit said and inspired to resist the very real opportunity to sin.

When encountered with illness, blight, hunger or oppression, Jesus exercised compassion and mercy, both traits channeled from His Father as well; compassion Jesus FREELY acknowledged, confirmed and implored.

Luke 6:36(LB)

 “Try to show as much compassion as your Father does.”

So the key for us is the same. It is to LEAN on GOD when imitating His Son.

Ephesians 4:16 (PHILLIPS)

…we are meant to hold firmly to the truth in love, and to grow up in every way into Christ…

…our willed imitation— must be an imitation of God incarnate: our model is the Jesus, not only of Calvary, but of the workshop, the roads, the crowds, the clamorous demands and surly oppositions, the lack of all peace and privacy, the interruptions.  - C.S. Lewis

Years ago the little WWJD (What Would Jesus Do) thing was the rage. Bracelets, bumper stickers, etc. were everywhere.  You remember that?

Today, let’s take Josh’s challenge and go one step further that just donning a bracelet.

As you scuttle through your day today in your workshop, along the road, as you face opposition, and encounter less than peaceful circumstances, DAJD.

Boldly…

Do As JESUS Did.

Imitation is the SINCEREST form of flattery after all. 

I love you all!

Have a great start to the week!

Freedom Church