“They do not belong to this world any more than I (Christ) do.” John 17:16 NLT I am always thrilled at the sight of migrating birds, by their beauty, unity in flight, and by the obvious fact that they instinctively know where their summer or winter home is. God has designed them so the directions are imprinted on their minds.
We humans also are born with a yearning to come home, a place where we are truly known for who we are, are loved and accepted and where we have a deep sense of belonging. Unfortunately, many of us never find that kind of home here on earth. But believers in Jesus are never homeless. God has designed us with a spiritual compass, that when activated, will lead us to our true home in him. That powerful, yet gentle, force is the Holy Spirit. He quickens our spirits, reveals Jesus to us who then reveals our heavenly Father. Once we know Jesus, we find our true home. God’s Word says that we belong to him. He knows us intimately, delights in us and has great mercy and compassion for us. He saved us, redeemed us and is in the process of restoring us. He offers us an eternal home with him, here on earth and in Heaven. He is always with us and will never abandon us. He recognizes our voice when we cry out for help or guidance. And our internal spiritual antenna is tuned to recognize his voice. (John 10) He never tires of filling us with his love, peace and joy. We are safe at home in Jesus. Have you found your home in Jesus? Know this, that whatever time it is, wherever you find yourself, his arms are always open. He always has time to talk and listen. He is delighted when you come to him with your joys and successes. More than that, he is the answer to all of your problems, hurts or sorrows. You can trust him. The familiar children’s song is true, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Little ones are drawn to Jesus, because something in them tells them that he is their home. Stop and listen, Jesus is calling you home. He wants to spend time with you today. Pray with me: Lord Jesus, I sense you are calling me home. Forgive me when I think I am too busy or not good enough to respond. Teach me what it means to have you as my safe haven, my friend, my lover. Show me what it means that you are where I belong, where I am known, loved and accepted. I need you today and always. In your glorious name, I pray. Amen. Dear friend, may you be blessed today and every day with knowing deep in your heart that you are truly home where you belong with and in Jesus. Amen. Mary Sumner July 22, 2019
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“Therefore, I am filled with joy at his (Christ’s) success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:29 b, 30 NLT From time to time God may call us to step out and lead. Whether we have done this many times before or this is our first time, here are a few thoughts we might consider.
Jesus Christ came, not only to save us, but to model a life-style filled with and led by the Holy Spirit. He came to serve and not to be served. In living and leading like Jesus we will be most effective in fulfilling our destinies and bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. (John 13:15) Jesus knew why he was on earth and the purpose of his leadership. He was secure in his identity and grounded in his motivation for ministry. In John 6:38 Jesus says, “For I have come down from Heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” Do you believe what God’s Word tells you about your new identity in Christ and understand what God is calling you to accomplish? As you assume leadership, ask the Lord to align your will with his, and to give you the ability to do it. (Phil.2:13) Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you and through you. In John 15:19,20 Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son does also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing.” You are God’s daughter. He loves you and wants to show you what he is doing so you can join him in it. Often, we can be drawn off course in our leadership by giving too much weight to the desires of those we serve, over the will of and relationship with the One who sent us to serve. The more our relationship with Jesus grows stronger and we are able to hear God better and recognize where he is moving, the more we will experience encouraging results in our ministry. Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest man born of a woman. John was also a strong leader. John the Baptist knew he was to prepare the way for Christ’s Kingdom to come to earth. He realized that to do that he had to magnify the Lord Jesus, cause people to recognize him as the Christ, and not worry so much about what others thought of him personally. We would do well to follow his example. In John 3 (above) he is quoted saying, “Therefore, I am filled with joy at his (Christ’s) success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” If we are to share in ministry with those who have gone before us, we would be wise to remember that we need not worry about how good we will look or how we will be received, but rather concentrate on making Jesus Christ look good and give him all the praise and glory. We succeed in leadership as we become invisible in order to allow Jesus to shine through us. Pray with me: Father God, thank you for giving me opportunities to partner with you in ministry. Forgive me when I make it all about me, how good I look, and allow fear to rob me of the joy. Please, multiply my faith, strengthen my relationship with you and equip me to accomplish all that you have created me to do. I love you, Lord Jesus. May your name be magnified through me. Amen. Dear friend, may God fill you with his peace and joy each time he calls you to step out to speak, serve and fight for him and his Kingdom. May you grow closer to Jesus and more confident in the Holy Spirit each time. Be expectant and claim the truth that you are valuable and dearly loved. Amen. Mary Sumner July 5, 2019 |
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