Daily writing prompt

What fears have you overcome and how?

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When I let Jesus out of the bag and into the driver’s seat of my heart, my fears began to vanish. He began to fill me with love, power, and a sound mind. His presence transformed (and continues to transform) my relationships, my failings, and my mental health.

Let Jesus out of the bag! People like to keep Jesus in 4 bags: 1) the history bag, 2) the Heaven bag, 3) the church bag, and 4) the privacy bag.

Let Jesus out of the history bag. Continually experience His presence in the present.

Let Jesus out of the take-me-to-Heaven bag. Walk and talk with the living and present Jesus every day.

Let Jesus out of the church bag. Open your heart to Him and interact with Him everywhere you go.

Let Jesus out of the privacy bag. Live in His Light. What He speaks to your heart “shout it from the housetops.” Be His witness and demonstrate His presence all the time.

Christians who say God isn’t speaking to individuals today are displaying their own unbelief for all to see. They have Jesus in a bag. Open the bag and dare to believe God.

It’s tragic when Christian leaders speak out against encouraging Christ-followers to listen to and obey the inner leading of the Holy Spirit. They help keep Jesus in bags.

A couple of weeks ago I was in a meeting where a man who has struggled with addiction heard someone let Jesus out of the bag by giving a testimony about how God speaks directly to people. Yesterday, that man told me that ever since then he has been hearing God speak in his heart. He said he has had similar experiences before, but he thought it was just his own thoughts, but now he knows that it is really God. His face was aglow as he testified about the wonderful things Jesus is saying and doing in his life.

Here are some thoughts to help you let Jesus out of the bag:

Jesus didn’t say that people who are treated fairly are blessed. He said: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you for My sake.”

Jesus didn’t say that people who avoid persecution are blessed. He said: “Blessed are you who are persecuted.”

Jesus didn’t say that people who stir up anger and hostility are blessed. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Jesus didn’t say that people who like to watch entertainment containing vulgarity, violence, and various other forms of corruption are blessed. He said, “Blessed are the pure in heart.”

Jesus didn’t say that people who accuse and retaliate are blessed. He said, “Blessed are the merciful.”

Jesus didn’t say that strong-willed people are blessed. He said, “Blessed are the meek.”

Jesus didn’t say that those who party are blessed. He said, “Blessed are those who mourn.”

Jesus didn’t say that the proud are blessed. He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”

Let the Big Cat (Christ the Lion of the tribe of Judah) out of the bag. Let Jesus be the King of your jungle and turn your life into His garden of peace.