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The Jesus Challenge

By August 16, 20106 Comments

My friend Angie Wright gave her small group an assignment last week that is just too good not to pass on.   Angie asked each gal to take on what she calls “The Jesus Challenge”.  The challenge is to spend one entire day trying to think, talk, act and make decisions just as Jesus would.   Angie also asked the women to journal about their experience and be ready to share their experiences with the small group the following week.

Here’s some of their insights….

 

JESUS CHALLENGE JOURNALS:
 
Last night as I was going to bed, I couldn’t help but feel excited about taking the Jesus Challenge.  To spend the entire day being mindful of Jesus and attempting to truly embody who he is was an intriguing challenge.  This morning I started with the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and was determined to do the very best I can to live by the fruit of the spirit.  It was a beautiful day.  As I went through my day thinking about Jesus and praising God, I was able to bless those around me by my actions.  I was filled with love for my family and friends and I didn’t hesitate to express my love for them.  I was able to be patient with my children and discipline them when needed in a gentle manner, without allowing frustration or negative feelings to overpower me.  I prioritized my day, asking myself what would Jesus find most important about today and putting my efforts and energy there.  I made myself available to do whatever God commanded me to do today by being intentional about hearing His voice.  For me, it was a truly peaceful day.  God didn’t ask me to do anything radical today but only to live with love for those whom I came in contact with.  I was truly surprised at how easy it was to think about Jesus during the critical parts of my day when I made the commitment to do so this morning.  Now I wonder why I allow myself to get so distracted by life.  It seems clear that we are made to be mindful of God every moment and when we are committed to hearing Him, seeing Him, and knowing Him, our God makes it possible for us.  I’ve learned that I need to be more intentional in my pursuit.  

Wednesday morning began with a prayer answered to be inconvenienced, interrupted, rearranged and an opportunity to be made aware of God’s presence.  At 5:15 when I was supposed to be getting ready for my 5:30 a.m. bootcamp (which is much needed and I was much looking forward to attending) my child awoke with a dirty diaper and the inconsolable desire for mom’s comfort.

Thankfully, Angie’s challenge was the first thing on my mind and dark and early that morning I pondered how Jesus would respond in this situation.  No, He wouldn’t be attending bootcamp 🙂 but he would lovingly and patiently comfort a little one.  After all, when the disciples were shooshing away the little children that came to him He stopped them and welcomed them into His presence.  All of those pictures depicting Jesus with little children on His lap and at His feet came to mind.

God faithfully met me and when I was impatient, angry, frustrated or anxious, I was quick to repent, apologize to those in my sphere of influence and do what it took to make it right.  I also wore a smile more often than not.  That evening, after an exhausting day (with our home evidencing the tornado that had blown through!) instead of tending to the endless chores, I sat with my kids a little longer and appreciated their energy, their curiosity and fun (I remembered Jesus’ admonition to Martha and tried to be more like Mary).  I tried to engage more with my husband and visited with neighbors that passed by our home.  I remembered that Jesus loved people- that’s why He came to earth- For God so LOVED the world, that He sent His only Son… Jesus took time to be with people, to care for them, to heal them, to listen to them, to engage them, to love them and share truth with them.  I savored the people in my life a bit more than usual and amazingly, the chores (mostly) got done later.

WOW!  These are real like stories of real life women like you and me.  Their stories inspired me to take the challenge.  So tomorrow morning I’m making the choice to spend an entire day doing my life the way Jesus would do it.  I’ll admit, I’m a bit intimidated.  But I’m also excited to see how my day wil unfold.  Either way, I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

How about you?  Will you take the Jesus challenge, too?  What would your day look like if for 24 hours you lived your life through Jesus’s eyes?  Give it a try!
donnajones

donnajones

More than a Bible teacher, Donna is a self-described Bible explainer. A colorful storyteller who combines Biblical truth with real-life anecdotes, her messages not only help listeners understand God’s Word, but most important, grasp how to live it out in real life.

6 Comments

  • Jean E. says:
    August 17, 2010 at 12:52 am

    Donna, this is perfect! I was in the middle of writing study on “Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things” when I checked my RSS feeds and saw this. I can’t wait to present it! Thanks for passing it on.

  • Carry says:
    September 8, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    Thanks so much for writing this great information! Looking forward to seeintg more posts!

  • Leana Ahl says:
    September 14, 2010 at 1:16 am

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.

  • Rachel Hamme says:
    September 14, 2010 at 11:50 am

    Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such information.

  • Foster Stoeber says:
    September 24, 2010 at 2:12 am

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!