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Gózate en Jesús... Joy in Jesus... #1

9/20/2016

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​“Y los discípulos estaban llenos de gozo y del Espíritu Santo.” (Hechos 13:52)

Después de 40 años en el ministerio, he aprendido una gran verdad. Como verás, he sido un poco lento para aprender.

¿Listo?

"No puedo hacer que tú quieras lo que necesitas."

Dirás que eso te suena presumido. ¿Cómo sabré yo qué necesitas tú? Pero mira: “y os daré pastores según mi corazón, que os apacienten con ciencia y con inteligencia.” (Jer 3:15) ¿Por qué no seré uno de ellos?

Me preguntan cada cosa en que mi respuesta es, "no estás hablando con la persona indicada." Si necesitas un técnico en computación, un plomero o un comentarista político, huye de mi presencia y consigue la Sección Amarilla. Pero, cuando la pregunta tiene que ver con cómo conocer a Dios o cómo disfrutar la vida, digo, "pasa a mi oficina y toma asiento."

Necesitas a Jesús. Todos lo necesitamos. Jesús no es una doctrina, una postura que asumir, un amuleto, un alguien a que se le repitan rezos prefabricados. Es el Autor de la vida. El es la vida.

En Su presencia hay gozo:

Tú me enseñas el camino de la vida; con tu presencia me llenas de alegría. ¡estando a tu lado seré siempre dichoso!  Salmo 16:11

Los que lo conocen hablan de gozo inefable:

Ustedes aman a Jesucristo sin haberlo visto, y creen en él aunque ahora no lo ven, y se alegran con gozo inefable y glorioso,… (1Pe 1:8)

¿Cómo es que no quieras conocerlo? ¿Qué es lo que no haya dicho correctamente para q uelo quieras tanto como yo? Antes, yo era más propenso a la frustración y el enojo por esto. Ahora, simplemente me siento aliviado.

Jesús dijo, "y la verdad los hará libres.” (Jn 8:32) Los pastores podemos vivir libres también. No contamos con látigos y policías montados a caballo para meterte "en Cristo." No somos responsables de cuánto amas a Jesús… o si lo quieres o no… o si decides obedecerlo. Somos faros en el camino, señalamientos de tránsito indicando por dónde debes ir.

No puedo hacer que quieras vivir para Jesús. Pero, tú no puedes hacer que deje de orar porque un día lo hagas.

Verdadero gozo te espera.

"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."  (Acts 13:52)

After 40 years in the ministry, I have learned a great truth. As you can see, I have been a slow learner.

Ready?

"I can't make you want what you need."

You might say that sounds presumptuous. How do I know what you need? But check this out: “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."  (Jer 3:15)  I might as well be one of those.

I get asked all kinds of stuff where my answer is, "you're talking to the wrong guy". If you need a computer technician, a plumber or a political commentator, you should flee from my presence and find the Yellow Pages. But when the question has to do with how to know God or how to enjoy life, my answer is, "step into my office and have a seat."

You need Jesus. We all do. Jesus is not a doctrine, a posture to be assumed, a good luck charm, or someone to recite canned prayers to. He is the author of life. He is life itself. 

In his presence is joy:

"You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalms 16:11


People who know him talk about unspeakable joy:

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, 
you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,”  (1 Peter 1:8)


How could you not want to know Him? What have I not said correctly to make you want Him as much as I do? I used to be prone to frustration and anger about this. Now I just feel relieved.

Jesus said, "the truth shall make you free.” (Jn 8:32) Pastors can live free too. We are not given horse whips and mounted police to force you into Christ. We are not responsible for how much you love Jesus… or if you love Him at all… or if you choose to obey him. We are beacons on the path, traffic signs indicating the way that you should go.

I can't make you live for Jesus. But neither can you make me stop praying that one day you will.

True joy awaits you.

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    Greg Smith

    Greg grew up in Menomonee Falls, WI. His ministry began in 1976: 5 years in Central America, 36 in Mexico. His passion is church planting and discipleship.
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    Greg enjoys being married to Carol Ahola-Smith. Both have been missionaries (Japan and Mexico); both watched their first spouses precede them in death.
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    Together, they have a heart for writing, mentoring and teaching.  They enjoy long walks and good coffee.

    CAROL'S BLOG
    LIVINGTHEJOY.NET

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