"Abundant life is not only eternal, but it is overwhelmingly, exceedingly ample life."

A thought by Charles R. Swindoll, from his book, Jesus: 09 (Great Lives Series) (p. 76). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)

Now this is what Christ offers to us.

Charles says, "And while abundant life has profound implications beyond the grave, Jesus gave every indication that it also has practical relevance here and now. As I reflect on the kind of life He offers, I find four tangible qualities."

He goes on, "Soaring. Life . . . as God intended it enables us to live above the drag of fear, superstition, shame, pessimism, guilt, anxiety, worry, and all the negativity that keeps people from seizing each day as a gift from Him. The abundant life allows a person to start the day by saying, 'Lord, I’m Yours. Today is Yours. I give You all of my problems as I begin this new day. I know I’ll struggle and grope, and I may even stumble, but I know You are with me and You will use every experience of my life to increase my ability to receive more and more strength from You.'

"Ignoring. Life . . . as God intended it causes us to refuse to take our cues from those who operate their lives from a purely human perspective. It’s feeling secure in the truth while ignoring the majority opinion. It’s daring to stand for what is right without fear of ridicule or persecution. Those who receive abundant life have no need to please people because they thrive in the pleasure of God."

He continues, "Risking. Life . . . as God intended it dares us to attempt the impossible in the unwavering belief that all things are possible with Him. Because abundance is immaterial, not material, there’s very little fear of loss. And we can live outside the trap of worrying about losing 'stuff.'

"Releasing. Life . . . as God intended it loosens our grip on everything because security and contentment come from God. Money, possessions, status, and even relationships are but God’s means of blessing us as we, in turn, bless others. Because He owns it all, we have no need to clutch and cling."

He then says, "The abundant life has only one requirement: we must be willing to exchange our old life—our former way of living, choosing, thinking, and behaving—for a new life, a life crafted and directed by the Lord. The exchange begins with a decision, but runs its course over a lifetime. The abundant life is not something we claim; it’s something we receive. And we begin to receive it as we become citizens of the Messiah’s new kingdom. And that starting point is when we are 'born from above.' Do you understand? Have you accepted? Will you believe?"

So do you, have you, and will you? Yes, yes! #continuethought

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