"We have attempted to silence Jesus by speaking for Him rather than letting Him speak for Himself."

A thought by Erwin Raphael McManus (2003-09-04) from his book, Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul (Kindle Locations 3509-3510). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

I started this year to learn more about Jesus. I wanted to see how He responded to life’s situations, to see how He handled the difficulties of life, to see what He stood for and what He was against. I wanted to see what He said not what other people thought He said. So I am now on my 11^th time through the four Gospels found at the beginning of the New Testament. They are four books from four different writers who shared His life and His words. If you have a certain type of Bible His words are in red.

What is Jesus like to you? Did you get your thoughts from someone else’s views or from His words? So many times our view of things in life is through what other people say. People are very important in my view of life. I learn so much from other people. But people’s view must go through where they come from, their culture, their family, their education, their prejudices and that can taint what they think and say. If I really know them and where they come from that helps me in accepting their views.

Now that is why I went to the four Gospels. I wanted to understand where He was coming from, what He said and what those closest to Him said. I wanted to know His culture, His views, His reactions, His troubles, His words. I wanted to know Him personally and to know Him better. You see I am what is called a Christian or a Christ follower. Even at 65+ there is so much to know. Now from what I do know I really do love Him and I accept Him for who He says He is and I live for Him. He is my friend and He is my Lord. And I want to be like Him and to respond the way He responded and be what He wants me to be.

I don’t want to silence Him but I want to share Him. I want to share what He says and who He is and not just what I think. I don't want to speak for Him but to let Him speak for Himself.

What about you?

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