TRUE SUCCESS by Terry Benson

“They realized that they had been with Jesus.”  Hebrews 3:8 (NKJV)

What we've experienced in ANEW over the past few weeks is just a taste of what God plans to do for us, in us, and through us at North Hills in the coming months and years. And I pray that more than ever before we would realize that a life with God is a life worth living, and when that life is shared with other believers and poured out in ministry, an eternal difference will be made in our world.

“Love God, Love Each Other, Serve the World” is just a way of remembering the life God has called us to. And learning the “rest-and-serve rhythm” of the Sabbath Way is how we can implement that life. So at the end of your earthly life, what would you like to be known for? What do you think would be the greatest compliment someone could give you or your highest measure of success?

For Peter and John the answer was so much different after the experience of the Cross than before. Before the cross they were looking for the "shock and awe" of ministry - feeding 10,000 people, casting out demons, chasing the bad church leaders out of the church, being on the inside track of the Revolution. It was mostly about what was in it for them. But after the cross the greatest measure of their success was totally centered in Jesus. It was seen during one of their trials when they were being threatened by the religious leaders. Here's what Acts 4 says:  "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus."  Acts 4:13 (NKJV)

Isn't that the best that could ever be said of any of us – when people realize we've been with Jesus? Now that would be the evidence that we really have begun to live our lives ANEW!

T.B.

Think about it:   Living my life immersed in God’s grace, directed by God’s Spirit and partnering in ministry with Jesus is the highest calling to which I could ever aspire.